Crisis finally reaches the Avengers' doorstep when an unexplained explosion in Avengers Mansion causes the leak of a toxic red gas that spreads into the streets. At the same time, Senator Dell Rusk blames this convenient outbreak on the Avengers, and immediately makes his move, sending not only his troops but the Falcon, Doc Samson and the Winter Soldier to bring them in. At least Hawkeye confirms our heroes' suspicion — that Dell Rusk was behind it all — but as the infection has already spread to our heroes, there's not much left they can do...
Tropes:
- Bait-and-Switch: Turns out "Code Red" wasn't referring to Red Hulk's involvement, but Red Skull.
- Bittersweet Ending: The day is saved, the brainwashed Falcon and Samson get treatment, and the team gets a much needed PR boost, but Captain America is left with a lot of questions about the Winter Soldier and doesn't know what to make of them.
- Brainwashed and Crazy: The Falcon and Doc Samson. As for Winter Soldier...
- Dramatic Unmask: Cap goes for Dell Rusk's face, ripping it off and revealing Red Skull.
- False Flag Operation: Hawkeye discovers that the toxic gas attack on the mansion and most of the city is this to discredit the Avengers. He managed to subdue Falcon before he could clear the devices that triggered it out.
- Hope Spot: They really drag out the flight of Tony's vaccine dart on its way to Cap before Winter Soldier catches it.
- Irony: Tasking the Winter Soldier with finishing off Cap is described as "the ultimate irony."
- Nice Job Fixing It, Villain: Red Skull could've simply and easily killed Cap himself, but dragging it out in front of the Winter Soldier and trying to force him to do it instead led to a swift reversal of fortune.
- The Reveal: The real reason Dell Rusk has been out to shut down the Avengers? He's Red Skull!
- Spotting the Thread: Cap figures out who's responsible when he realizes that all the infected victims are starting to resemble the Red Skull.
