Warning: This article contains spoilers for What If…? Season 3.
Exploring the Final Season of What If…?
What If…? has recently wrapped up its third and final season, delivering a total of eight captivating episodes that explore the vast and diverse multiverse of the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU). Premiering in 2021, at a time when the Multiverse Saga was just beginning, this animated series reimagines beloved characters in daring new contexts. This creative freedom allows for storytelling beyond the confines of the established Sacred Timeline.
Throughout its three-season journey, Uatu, the Watcher, has chronicled bizarre and extraordinary events across different dimensions. As the narrative unfolds in Season 3, Uatu’s observations come to a climax, featuring each character’s familiar adventures, particularly that of Captain Peggy Carter, culminating in a farewell filled with excitement and intrigue.
Episode 1 – “What If… The Hulk Fought The Mech Avengers?”
This premiere episode, while engaging, proved to be the weakest in the season. It follows Sam Wilson as the new Captain America, joining forces with an eclectic mix of heroes, including Moon Knight, Shang-Chi, Nakia, and the Red Guardian. This unlikely ensemble embarks on a journey against a colossal Hulk manifested in a bizarre Power Rangers-style showdown.
Iconic lines like Bruce Banner’s “On your left” and Sam Wilson’s “Avengers Assemble” serve as nostalgic nods to Avengers: Endgame, yet ultimately, the episode lacks the emotional impact found in the series’ stronger entries. While it sets a decent tone for Season 3, the storytelling becomes notably more engaging beyond this episode.
Episode 4 – “What If… Howard The Duck Got Hutched?”
Episode 4 delivers a burst of entertainment, featuring Howard the Duck’s whimsical marriage to Darcy, alongside an encounter with Jeff Goldblum’s Grandmaster on a comical cruise. The number of cameos is impressive, showcasing characters like Dormammu, Thanos, and Loki, adding depth to this joyful romp.
The episode’s storyline, revolving around Howard and Darcy attempting to protect a baby egg, culminates in an exciting action sequence. However, it feels somewhat like a standalone adventure rather than a significant part of the overarching narrative, making it less impactful within the season’s context.
Episode 2 – “What If… Agatha Went To Hollywood?”
This episode stands out as a lively sequel to The Eternals, reinstating characters who have been absent from the MCU. It introduces Agatha Harkness as a film star with designs on acquiring the powers of the Celestials, all while partnering with Eternal Kingo for a project.
The zany premise is perfectly complemented by Kingo and Agatha’s dynamic, punctuated by a lively dance-off that blends humor and action, further strengthened with appearances from Howard Stark. This episode refreshes the narrative landscape and weaves in connections to the wider MCU.
Episode 6 – “What If… 1872?”
Offering one of the most ambitious narratives of the season, Episode 6 transports characters back to a Wild West setting in 1872. Here, Shang-Chi emerges as the hero alongside Kate Bishop as they confront local outlaws, notably tracking down the criminal mastermind known as the Hood.
The synergy between Shang-Chi and Kate is engaging, with a compelling twist that also hints at Iron Fist’s potential within the MCU narrative. This episode successfully balances intrigue and action, cementing its position as a standout in the season.
Episode 3 – “What If… The Red Guardian Stopped The Winter Soldier?”
This episode explores a pivotal moment in MCU history, reimagining the fateful encounter between Bucky Barnes and Tony Stark’s parents—prevented by the intervention of the Red Guardian. The engaging fight choreography combined with humor between Bucky and Alexei enhances the comic undertones of a dark narrative backdrop, making it one of the most memorable episodes of the season.
Episode 5 – “What If… The Emergence Destroyed The Earth?”
This episode dives deep into the aftermath of the Emergence event from The Eternals, showcasing the battle for survival in a world left to fend off powerful foes like White Vision and Mysterio. Riri Williams steps forward as a beacon of resilience against overwhelming odds, showcasing her intelligence and innovative prowess.
The episode skillfully integrates elements from the broader MCU while offering rich character development that further immerses viewers in its dystopian narrative. Despite some underutilization of supporting characters, it stands out as a significant highlight of the series.
Episode 7 – “What If… The Watcher Disappeared?”
The penultimate episode ascends the stakes significantly by assembling a diverse team of characters, including Captain Carter, Birdy the Duck, Kahhori, and a Thor variant of Storm. Their collaborative effort against Infinity Ultron acts as a nostalgic callback, connecting various narrative threads from both previous seasons and enriching character arcs.
This episode exemplifies the creative potential of What If…?, combining original characters with familiar faces to craft a compelling narrative of adventure and intrigue while spotlighting the artistry of animation in realizing epic tales.
Episode 8 – “What If… What If?”
In a closely contested final, the series finale stands out due to its focus on a core ensemble rather than a horde of characters. Captain Carter emerges as the anchor of the narrative, linking with the Watcher as they face extraordinary challenges together. The climax features an intense battle against superior Watchers, boasting stunning animation and graphic storytelling.
The finale not only feels rewarding but also presents a hopeful outlook for potential character returns in future MCU installments, such as Avengers: Secret Wars. It cements Episode 8 as a fitting and memorable close to What If…? Season 3.
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