Photo Credit: Marvel Studios
Beware of potential spoilers for “What If..? Season Two.”
Before the end of 2023, Marvel Studios dropped a Christmas surprise: news that the second season of “What If…?” would release on Dec. 22. Unlike previous Marvel series, this was the first to have an episode released every single day.
Let’s take a look at the nine episodes from worst to best.
9. What If… Captain Carter Fought the Hydra Stomper?
This episode felt extremely rushed, as if it was a mix between “Captain America: The Winter Soldier” and “Black Widow.” Additionally, I didn’t necessarily enjoy how Steve Rogers was brought back just for him to sacrifice himself.
However, the true significance of this episode is that it is the first of the series to include a character introduced after “Avengers: Endgame.” Melina Vostokoff, Natasha’s mother, makes an appearance as the episode’s villain. Rachel Weisz reprised the role.
8. What If… Strange Supreme Intervened?
This episode has fans divided and many are criticizing “What If…?” for now being a show centered on Peggy Carter. However, I enjoyed this episode for its originality. It further proves that Doctor Strange and his multiversal variants are the villains of the Multiverse Saga.
Additionally, this episode might be a glimpse of what “Avengers: Secret Wars” has to offer: Multiversal variants of the same characters fighting each other endlessly.
7. What If… Hela Found the Ten Rings?
Though this episode wasn’t my favorite, it was outstanding. Cate Blanchett’s Hela is one of my favorite characters in the entire MCU, and this take on the character was really unique. That said, I had two issues with this episode.
My first issue was the cast. Sir Anthony Hopkins and Tony Leung did not return as Odin the Allfather and Xu Wenwu, which made the episode feel like it lacked familiarity.
My second issue is that the episode essentially recapped the plot of “Thor” but if he encountered the Ten Rings. The story of a banished warrior finding love on Earth and then redeeming themself is a commonality of film and television these days.
6. What If… Happy Hogan Saved Christmas?
I found this episode to be pure fun to watch. I was one of many people that didn’t expect Sam Rockwell to reprise the role of Justin Hammer. Seeing Happy Hogan becoming a Hulk and fighting the hulkbuster was something I didn’t know I needed to see.
As well, it was nice seeing the six original avengers back together. A sad little detail that this episode revealed is that Tony Stark failed to cure Bruce Banner from being the Hulk, even in the Sacred Timeline.
5. What If… The Avengers Assembled in 1602?
Although this episode severely strayed away from its source material, this was an amazing watch. I love that it’s based on the time of “Avengers: Infinity War” and uses plot elements from the film, such as its characters.
Seeing Steve Rogers as a robin-hood figure, Red Skull as a hunchback, and Loki as Shakespeare was just awesome. However, this episode is set inside the same universe as the Happy Hogan Christmas episode, just years later.
There was a sad note to the episode, however. Steve Rogers and Peggy Carter finally spent time together and talked about their home worlds. Unfortunately, it came to an end after it was revealed that it was Steve’s fault that his world was dying.
4. What If… Nebula Joined the Nova Corps?
In my opinion, Marvel made a fantastic decision making this the first episode of the season.
There was tons of action and an enjoyable story with an unexpected twist. While it reminds me of “Cyberpunk: 2077,” I still think this episode brings about an awesome scenario.
When I first saw the name Jude Law during the intro, I shouted in happiness. I had no idea he would return as Yon-Rogg. I figured he would turn on Nebula, but I didn’t expect that Nova Prime and Ronan the Accuser orchestrated everything.
However, knowing how Nebula thinks based on other movies, I am not shocked that she managed to figure everything out without others realizing.
3. What If… Kahhori Reshaped the World?
This has to be the most original scenario that Marvel has given us, and I absolutely loved how it was set up. It was shocking to see Odin’s demise at the hands of Surtur.
I loved the character Kahhori, mainly due to her actions. She has a strong spirit, and other members of her people follow it. I am honestly hoping we get a live-action variation of her in future Marvel content.
2. What If… Iron Man Crashed Into the Grandmaster?
Ever since Tony Stark’s death in “Avengers: Endgame,” we haven’t had a story led by him. Tony’s witty remarks and pop-culture references made a much-needed return. Although voice actor Mick Wingert voiced Tony, I still felt the energy that Robert Downey Jr. gave off as the character.
Although this story seemed a lot like something from “Mad Max,” it was great to see Stark make familiar allies and escape Sakaar. Within that process, I do find it ironically funny that Valkyrie becomes king of Sakaar. As well, seeing Tony and Gamora melting Thanos was not the way I thought they’d take him down.
1. What If… Peter Quill Attacked Earth’s Mightiest Heroes?
To me, this is the greatest episode of “What If…?” that has ever been released. Although the episode moves fast, the pacing is perfect, especially when the heroes realize that Quill needs to be stopped immediately.
The lineup of characters for this episode is incredible, and to my surprise, almost every single actor came back to reprise their roles. We even got to see Bill Foster suited up as Goliath, which we had previously not seen even in the Sacred Timeline.
It was great to see Thor in a role that wasn’t comedic. He had lost everything in this universe as well, but he matured instead of becoming extremely depressed.
I enjoyed seeing the Avengers versus Ego so much that I would not mind if they continued the story or even made it into live action.
Overall, this season of “What If…?” had many much-needed improvements. The stories were much easier to watch, and the cast performed phenomenally. It felt as if emotion was actually real.
“What If…?” is currently streaming on Disney+.
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