What makes “What If…?” so exciting is that it explores exciting possibilities of classic Marvel Cinematic Universe stories using animation. With the release of season 2, there are more surprises for loyal fans eager to see what would happen if things went differently.
While it seems like the MCU fanbase was waning, animated series like “What If…?” allow us to see what’s possible in alternate universes. Of course, that means tapping into the multiverse. The concept of different universes existing is as perplexing as it is exhausting to understand. Yet, it opens the door to other stories of what could have happened. As such, the rules are different. So are the character dynamics. All of that leads to some refreshing changes to familiar stories. And rather than follow up with the same old formula of hypothetical plots, season 2 puts a twist on all of that by adding a few riffs on cult classics and fan-favorite blockbusters that would see characters like Nebula as a reformed but jaded member of the Nova Corps in a riff on Blade Runner and Happy Hogan saving Christmas from Justin Hammer in an episode that is a nod to Die Hard.
With these hypotheticals, the MCU’s Earth-616 or Earth-19999, as some argue, is given new life. Also new is the release model for each episode. And just in time for Christmas, as episodes are dropped daily exclusively on Disney+ for the next nine days.
Having seen all the episodes, they are pretty straightforward, thanks in no small part to the titles provided. And there is no sense in spoiling what each episode has as that would ruin the surprises. However, while some of these episodes are standalone, others are tied to some of the past episodes. Take, for instance, Peggy Carter, who returns for more than just a few episodes. One sees the return of Captain Carter. In it, she is finally reunited with her beloved Steve Rogers, who is trapped in the Hydra Stomper. Fans will immediately see how the episode blends scenes and plots from “Captain America: The Winter Soldier” and “Black Widow” into it.
In “What If… Peter Quill Attacked Earth’s Mightiest Heroes?” we see what would happen if Yondu had delivered Peter Quill to Ego (Kurt Russell) as originally planned. With Quill serving as a villainous vessel bent on destroying Earth with one of Ego’s seedlings, various Avengers are assembled to defend Earth. I won’t spoil who the members are because it is radically different from the ones we know now from the films, previous animated TV series, and comics. Still, it was exciting to see how head writer A. C. Bradley and director Bryan Andrews put something together that paid homage to the Avengers team-up and the Guardians of the Galaxy’s love of music.
Though it is exciting to see some of our favorite characters return for new hypotheticals, “What If…?” is at its best when it embraces its originality. Take, for instance, episode 6’s Episode 6, “What If… Kahhori Reshaped the World?.” Not only does this episode introduce Kahhori as a new character created for this series, but it is also told almost entirely through the Mohawk language. And we get to see the interconnectedness of these various universes through the eyes of the all-powerful Watcher (Jeffrey Wright). The eponymous being claims to be merely an observer who cannot interfere with the events of the universes he is watching. Of course, we all know that is not true in season 1. While he is a little bit more playful this time, The Watcher is forced to break his rule again by assembling other heroes from other universes together to defeat another villain who is a threat to the entire multiverse.
Part of the novelty of seeing these heroes from different universes crossing over was that it was never possible in the first place per the laws of the Watcher. The inevitable interconnectivity of season 1 was so much fun because there was so much at stake. Now, the characters have a bigger role to play than being the heroes of their respective episodes. Of course, the theatrical films of the MCU can be considered episodic and somewhat standalone, part of an interconnected story arc – the Phases and Sagas. And while it is fun to see these crossovers, it’s a formula that loses its charm because we’ve already seen it happen. It would have been a lot of fun if the series had just embraced cutting loose and not being forced to adhere to being part of the interconnectivity.
For what it’s worth, the episodes on their own are delightful to watch. The animation is rich and colorful, like watching a comic book come to life, allowing the characters to move in a way that a live-action movie could not. The stunning imagery helps the characters pop off the screen and take us to other parts of the world the live-action counterparts haven’t explored.
8/10
