In the captivating series, The Falcon and the Winter Soldier, we are introduced to Bucky Barnes through a poignant flashback, reliving his days as a brainwashed Hydra assassin.
The show portrays Bucky waking up from a distressing nightmare, finding himself on the floor of his sparsely furnished apartment with the television and hall lights on. This haunting tableau vividly illustrates the enduring impact of PTSD resulting from decades of relentless combat. It also draws a direct connection to moments from Captain America: The Winter Soldier, where Steve Rogers discovers that his old friend Bucky, presumed dead since the 1940s, is alive but far from well.
The Disney+ series reveals a haunted Bucky struggling to come to terms with his involuntary past as The Winter Soldier and attempting to find his way forward. Driven by a desire to make amends, he takes on corrupt individuals he once assisted and seeks redemption for those he wronged. During his therapy sessions (a condition of his pardon), Bucky candidly discusses his post-traumatic stress and the profound sense of isolation he feels in his Brooklyn life. However, despite the quiet and apparent freedom, he finds himself adrift, unsure of how to navigate this new reality. He explains to his therapist, "I didn't have a moment to deal with anything, you know? I had a little... calm in Wakanda. And other than that, I just went from one fight to another for 90 years."
The reason behind Bucky choosing to sleep on the floor of his apartment is possibly best explained by a conversation between Steve Rogers and Sam Wilson in Captain America: The Winter Soldier. Sam, who served in the military like Steve, remarks on the challenge of adjusting to home life after being frozen in time, and Steve admits it takes some getting used to. Sam shares his experience of sleeping on the ground with rocks as pillows during his time away. This conversation fosters a genuine connection between Sam and Steve, laying the foundation for their enduring friendship and partnership. It also serves as a reference point for Bucky's decision to avoid using a mattress and instead opt for the floor, reflecting the real experiences and struggles soldiers can face. Bucky's ongoing attachment to his WWII dog tags serves as a constant reminder of his identity and the difficulty of leaving the traumas of war behind.
Many combat veterans have spoken about the challenges of sleeping after returning from tours, with sleeping on the floor being a common occurrence. Organizations like the American Sleep Apnea Association and the U.S. Army have highlighted the sleep issues faced by soldiers after deployment, making it the top military disorder. For some, white noise or background sound becomes necessary for sleep, as silence can be jarring and trigger unwanted memories. This could explain why Bucky keeps the TV on in his living room.
Additionally, there's a sentimental aspect to Bucky's choice of sleeping arrangement. He appears to use a cushion from his armchair as a pillow, evoking memories of his past with Steve in Captain America: The Winter Soldier. In a touching flashback, a young Bucky comforts Steve after the loss of his mother, inviting him to stay over and sleep on the floor with couch cushions, just like they did as kids. Bucky's warm childhood memories of camaraderie and safety seem to find solace in this act, creating a subtle connection to his lifelong friend, Steve Rogers.
