What… If? Season 3 Review: A Multiverse of Missed Opportunities

For all its potential, especially with Disney’s acquisition of 20th Century Fox, What… If? Season 3 felt like it took a step back from its previous seasons. However, to say that it isn’t worth the watch is a clear mistake one could make.

In the past, What… If?‘s has explored some very interesting concepts that were fun. For example, on Season 1 Episode 4 “What If… Doctor Strange Lost His Heart Instead of His Hands?”, it gave us one of the more complex versions of Doctor Strange we’ve seen. On Season 2 Episode 6, “What If… Kahhori Reshaped the World?”, it created an original character that hadn’t existed in Marvel Comics.

Of course, there were also episodes that were lifted from the comics, like Season 1 Episode 5 “What If… Zombies?!”. However, even in its anthological format, What… If?‘s need to establish a cohesive narrative felt like it restrained its potential.

Now, with What… If? Season 3 concluding Marvel Studios’ first animated show, its run definitely proves that it could have been better as an anthology. Yet, there are still some bright spots that make Season 3 enjoyable!

The most fun episode has to go to Season 3 Episode 6 “What If… 1872?”. Not only does it improve upon the time period-shtick from Season 2 Episode 8 “What If… the Avengers Assembled in 1602?”, but it also has a clearer focus on character rather than spectacle.

On this episode, Kate Bishop and Shang-Chi join forces to investigate the Hood’s kidnapping of Xu Xialing, Shang-Chi’s sister. Together, they face many perils, including the likes of Sonny Burch, dark spiritual powers, and more. Plus, Kwai Jun-Fan, one character who takes the mantle of the Iron Fist in the comics, also joins in!

This episode’s pacing is very concise by having Shang-Chi’s familial past fully influencing the narrative. His family’s immigration and role in this time is very impactful with Xu Xialing’s disappearance. Furthermore, Kate Bishop’s sidekick-ism happily adds that needed wit and charm that actually creates this fun dynamic.

While the Watcher cuts in here and there, his presence never feels too forced as his exposition merely provides context. In fact, most of “What If… 1872?” actually balances events between Shang-Chi and Kate Bishop quite well.

They both have good personal and physical issues to face that correlate to the main story. Walton Goggins channels his Ghoul from Fallout in Sonny Burch and Kwai Jun-Fan happily serves as a mirror of Shang-Chi’s upbringing.

All of this rounds out in a twist that was unexpected in a great way with a confrontation that was very intense. Episodes like these in What… If? Season 3 really prove to be the show’s stronger elements.

However, the most intriguing episode of What… If? Season 3 has to go to Season 3 Episode 5, “What If… the Emergence Destroyed the Earth?”. Here, with the birth of Tiamut destroying the Earth and Mysterio taking over everything, a small band of survivors recruits Riri Williams to liberate them.

Though less focused on character, Season 3 Episode 5’s overall narrative finally utilizes a more compelling concept through a character that’s yet to be seen. Sure, the Watcher has more involvement here, but there’s a certain thrill of the high stakes that makes it interesting.

Riri Williams, whose only appearance so far has been in Black Panther: Wakanda Forever, is essentially channeling her inner Tony Stark with her own charisma. As a result, it makes her a character one should follow despite the straightforwardness of its hero’s journey.

Another episode of What… If? Season 3 that was also fun was Season 3 Episode 2 “What If… Agatha Went to Hollywood?”. Of course, Agatha Harkness’ wit and humor from Agatha All Along would fit perfectly for her own episode in this series.

Plus, her chemistry with Kingo and the eccentric Howard Stark lends itself for some pretty hilarious moments. The whole “tango dance battles” we get involving Harkness, as both mortal and Celestial, are whole stellar experiences to watch on their own.

However, there are some episodes in What… If? Season 3 that felt like they would’ve been better with different concepts.

For example, on Season 3 Episode 4 “What If… Howard the Duck Got Hitched?”, Howard the Duck and Darcy Lewis get married and have a baby that’s supposed to “change the world”. Here, it’s a huge cat-and-mouse chase as the couple have to protect their egg from the likes of Thanos, Zeus, and so many more.

While, on paper, it’s a very funny concept that embraces What… If?‘s more absurd side, this spot could’ve been reserved for a different concept. Most of Season 3 Episode 4 is just centered around the action and duck jokes, which makes it feel like a filler episode.

Sure, it gave us Byrdie, who does appear in the final episodes of What… If? Season 3, with her angsty, yet funny, bits. Yet, the character who should’ve received an episode was staring us right in the face: Storm.

The concept of her, an elemental mutant part of the X-Men, getting the powers of Thor would’ve been a great origin story. With mutants, X-Men and Fantastic Four getting more involved this Phase, it would have made sense to give her an episode of her own.

The final moments of the series finale, Season 3 Episode 8 “What If… What If?”, also just proves more could’ve been done this season. From Maestro with Doctor Strange powers to the X-Men’s Jubilee becoming the Silver Surfer, there were so many intriguing ideas here that would’ve been great to explore!

Due to its need to focus on its overarching narrative to prepare for Avengers: Secret Wars, What… If? Season 3 had to limit itself. As a result, it makes this season, as well as the entire series, lose out on that potential to go big.

Yet, What… If? Season 3’s best elements really break through and make it a good binge watch. Though it has more room to go further beyond with its concepts, What… If? was confident enough to embrace its absurdity, comedy, and action. In the end, it’ll leave you wanting more for good.

Stray Thoughts:

• Out of all the episodes, What… If? Season 3 Episode 3 “What If… the Red Guardian Stopped the Winter Soldier?” was the weakest. Sure, it’s a buddy-cop adventure with Alexei and Bucky, but it didn’t have that personal compulsion to keep me hooked.
• The Executioner, the Eminence, and the Incarnate were decent overarching antagonists. However, I wish they appeared early on to make them a more viable threat.
• The use of Infinity Ultron on the final episodes of Season 3 felt like it was trying to replicate that moment between the two Visions from WandaVision Season 1 Episode 9 “The Series Finale”. Was it a bit cliché? Maybe.
• The action and animation overall was a small, yet needed upgrade from the previous seasons. I did love the final battle in Season 3 Episode 8, which was much better than Season 2’s!

What did you think of What… If? Season 3? Share your thoughts in the comments below!

Critic Rating:

User Rating:

 

What… If Season 3 is now streaming on Disney+.

Follow us on X and on Instagram!

Want more from Tell-Tale TV? Subscribe to our newsletter here!