What If…? Review: A Must-Watch for Any Marvel Fans
Warning: This review may contain spoilers for the first three episodes of Marvel Studio’s What If..?
Skipping this latest addition to the Marvel Cinematic Universe is out of the question.
The first three episodes of What If…? don’t just reimagine moments from fan-favorite films. They breathe new life into the stories we love, bringing marginalized characters to the forefront and fan-fiction to fruition with a simple, brilliant tweak.
There will no doubt be hesitation to check out this animated project from Marvel.
Despite lacking the live-action draws of the films it stands canonically beside, What If…? might just be the franchise’s greatest small-screen achievement.
Marvel has reached new heights with Phase 4, but even the most ambitious spin-offs can feel like setup for films. What If…? may explore the future of the multiverse, but its devotion to the past is especially promising.
This series is made entirely for super-fans.
Its animated world is a minefield of nostalgic easter eggs and iconic dialogue, wrapped in the kind of dynamic comic-book storytelling that replicates the giddiness of watching Iron Man for the first time.
With little to squander with this limitless format, the premise gets to dream big and then some. Each episode is framed within a unique genre that elevates the shorter story arcs.
The biggest asset What If…? has to work with is its extensive arsenal of voice actors, employing everyone from Clark Greg to Chris Hemsworth to bring this concept to life authentically.
By capturing the essence of the live-action characters and inviting original actors to return, Marvel doesn’t spit out a half-baked version of the world we know. It creates a bolder and bigger version of the MCU, one capable of powerful storytelling.
Captain Carter (Season 1 Episode 1)
Captain Carter is a shot-for-shot remake of The First Avenger. It may not be too groundbreaking as it follows pre-established Captain America’s lore closely, but that’s where criticism stops because this episode is fan service on steroids.
What If..? Season 1 Episode 1 orchestrates an emotional Team Cap reunion brimming with cameos from the likes of Dominic Cooper’s Howard Stark and Stanley Tucci’s German accent. Not a stone is left unturned as Peggy Carter and the Howling Commandos reunite in action-packed Nazi-butt kicking style.
The heart of the film’s original dynamics is on full display as Steve, Peggy, and Bucky fight side by side. Their bond is as chaotic as ever and a sure-bet for tears to be shed.
Peggy and Steve’s relationship tugs at the heartstrings in agonizingly familiar ways as their near-kisses and unfulfilled dance lessons open old wounds.
Bucky and Howard’s devotion to our leads will strike a few cords too. Bucky may have murdered Stark in an alternate timeline but here, these dorks are having a grand time stealing Jeeps together.
Missed connections are reimagined and Peggy finally gets justice for Agent Carter thanks to an episode that rightfully explores the struggles of a female soldier, and showcases how cool our girl looks wielding that shield.
Guardians of Wakanda (Season 1 Episode 2)
What If…? Season 1 (Photo Courtesy of MarvelStudios / Disney+)
T’Challa becoming legendary space-outlaw Star-Lord is an obscure concept out of the gate. Yet, in true Guardians of the Galaxy fashion, that desire to be unconventional is what propels this concept to greatness.
What If..? Season 1 Episode 2 is a series stand-out and a clear indication of the potential this show is capable of tapping into. T’Challa’s isn’t boxed into the Guardians’ world, he elevates their story in ways that speak uniquely to him.
This episode plays fast and loose with the idea that one small decision can turn a universe on its head.
This no doubt leads to galactic shenanigans as the Ravager Clan takes on the bizarrely fit Collector with the help of Nebula and Thanos. There are double crossings, talking ducks, and a killer Wakanda-approved soundtrack.
Karen Gillan and Josh Brolin’s post-Endgame return is core-shaking but their dynamic and a running genocide joke keep things refreshingly light and humorous — two things you’d never think you’d see in the presence of the Mad Titan and his vengeful daughter.
On top of presenting us with an episode that is an absolute blast to watch, T’Challa’s world is overflowing with potential. To the point, it becomes difficult to leave this universe behind.
Much like Captain Carter, this Black Panther-inspired space odyssey succeeds because it has heart. The story gets the importance of Yondu’s relationship with Star-Lord and the emotional goodbye that lingers beyond this world.
Most importantly, it understands what Chadwick Boseman’s work meant to us and allows his essence to be felt in every scene. This timeline is built on the concept that a man as pure-hearted as T’Challa can change an entire universe for the better.
It’s one hell of a goodbye for our king, with a homecoming that will have even the strongest of us sobbing.
And I’m not saying Marvel agrees with our harsher Peter Quill takes, but What If…? does explore the idea that the galaxy can be a kinder, safer, and generally less problematic place without Peter mucking around in it. Read into that however you may…
The Avenger’s Initiative (Season 1 Episode 3)
What If…? Season 1 Episode 3 is its own promising entity. This Avengers re-telling clings to a procedural Law and Order formatting, complete with title cards and a murder investigation. It’s ballsy in ways the other two aren’t, pushing the envelope in unexpected and exceptionally cruel ways.
This sinister thriller masquerades as an upbeat Avengers movie, but the action has real stakes and even higher emotional payoff when things go wrong for the good guys.
Thankfully, it’s not all bleak. Natasha’s skill set allows her investigative work to shine, and Fury is as badass as ever. Most importantly, we have Coulson!
Yes, What If..? has gifted us Steggy, a blonde Nebula, and potentially one antagonist played by a Russell. Now our lovable Captain America-obsessed agent returns to ensure we only know victory in this show’s capable hands.
The finer moments are driven by the Avenger’s Initiative and the idea that bringing together Earth’s mightiest heroes has always been just that — an idea. Heroes can come in many forms and devoting the episode to that sentiment is clever.
As the twist-heavy installment, you’re going to want to keep away from spoilers to fully appreciate this one’s madness.
What Now?
If these first three episodes are any indication, we’re not prepared for what game-changing storytelling lies ahead.
Marvel’s animated series is a much-needed change of pace for the aging superhero franchise. What If…? is navigating this shiny new multiverse with the giddiness of a kid exploring a massive sandbox.
If this recent assault of content has you questioning the desire for more Marvel content, this animated series could be the answer to your troubles.
The fun factor alone is enough reason to give this untraditional superhero series a chance.
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What are you most excited to see from this season of What If…? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
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New episodes of What If…? will air Wednesdays on Disney+.
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Alicia Gilstorf
Alicia is a Rotten Tomatoes Certified Critic and a Critics Choice Association member. She credits her passion for TV to workplace sitcoms, paranormal dramedies, and coming-of-age stories. In her free time, Alicia loves to curl up with a good book and lose herself in a cozy game. Keep a lookout for her coverage of Ghosts. You can also find her work on Eulalie Magazine and Cool Girl Critiques. Follow Alicia on social media: @aliciagilstorf