Contains spoilers for this episode and earlier MCU stories.
John Walker makes his public debut as Captain America, speaking about his military record and the responsibility of replacing Steve Rogers. Bucky is furious that Sam gave up the shield and follows him to Germany to investigate the Flag Smashers. Their pursuit of trucks carrying stolen vaccines puts them face to face with Karli Morgenthau. Bucky initially mistakes her for a hostage, until she throws him out of the vehicle.
Karli and the other Flag Smashers have enough strength to overwhelm Sam and Bucky, even after Walker and Lemar Hoskins arrive to help. Walker offers to work together, but Sam and Bucky reject his invitation. Bucky then takes Sam to Baltimore to meet Isaiah Bradley, a Black super soldier he fought during the Korean War. Isaiah describes being imprisoned and subjected to experiments by the government he served, and orders them out.
Outside Isaiah's home, police treat Sam as a threat before recognising him, then arrest Bucky over a missed therapy appointment. Walker helps secure his release, and Dr. Raynor brings Sam into a session with Bucky. Bucky admits that doubting Steve's judgment of Sam also makes him doubt Steve's faith in him. The shield remains a sore point between them, but finding the serum takes priority. They decide their next lead must be the imprisoned Helmut Zemo.