Review of What If Season 3: Marvel’s Missed Opportunity with This Series

Over the past three years, Marvel’s animated anthology, What If…?, has captivated audiences with its creative, whimsical, and at times, outright silly storytelling. As we approach the conclusion of this chapter with the release of Season 3, viewers can look forward to an episode drop coinciding with the Christmas season, expanding the MCU universe one last time (excluding the anticipated Marvel Zombies spin-off slated for 2025).

Despite its imaginative premise, What If…? has often grappled with the opportunity to delve deeper into the consequential “Sliding Doors”moments of the Marvel Multiverse. Originally, the series aimed to answer intriguing questions about pivotal moments in the Marvel timeline and what might have unfolded differently. However, Marvel Studios has frequently diverged from this core concept.

Impressive Quality but Repetitive Narratives

Season 3 maintains the high technical standards set by its predecessors, with captivating animation that allows for fantastical scenes beyond the confines of live-action. Whether it’s Celestials clashing or mecha-Avengers battling monstrous Hulks, the animated format lends itself well to creative storytelling. And when it comes to dynamic, smaller-scale sequences, What If…? excels in delivering engaging choreography that rivals the high-octane action of the MCU.

Voice acting in Season 3 showcases a broad range of talent, although Marvel’s choice to avoid dedicated voice actors has sparked debate. The skill required to adapt from live-action to voice work isn’t universally present among all actors, which is evident in performances. While established MCU actors such as David Harbour and Seth Green deliver notable voice performances, others appear less energized in their animated roles. The varying levels of experience among the cast can impact the overall storytelling, especially when replacements come in for roles that cannot be reprised.

Silliness in the Stories

Three seasons in, it’s undeniable that the recurring lack of depth is frustrating. While production quality remains high and there are standout moments throughout, one can’t help but feel a sense of disappointment regarding the missed opportunities to explore pivotal MCU moments and their multiversal variations. Fans yearned for narratives that could have explored the aftermath of Thanos’s snap or modified decisions of key heroes, but instead, they’re treated to storylines like “What if Howard the Duck married Darcy?”These are not the compelling scenarios fans expected.

Though the lighter tone and whimsical nature might appeal to some, it detaches the series from its potential narrative depth. The series was likely intended to be a lighter take within the Marvel universe, offering a reprieve from the more intricate live-action storylines. Yet, after Season 2 established a more cohesive narrative, the return to a disjointed format may elicit frustration from viewers seeking continuity and deeper lore.

Course Correction in Season 3

The decision to focus heavily on Captain Carter during Season 2 limited the show’s imaginative scope. Thankfully, Season 3 steps back from this singular narrative approach and introduces various episodes that weave heartfelt themes about love and friendship, albeit with varying success. Some might find the tone overly saccharine, while others could appreciate the shift toward more lighthearted content.

Notably, familiar characters such as Captain Carter and the Guardians of the Multiverse return, but their roles are more spread out compared to previous seasons. Season 3, typically a time for riskier storytelling, leans into more eccentric narratives, culminating in outlandish scenarios like Howard the Duck and Darcy racing across the cosmos in a quest to save their offspring from villainous intentions.

This season exemplifies the true essence of What If…? as it embraces a brand of whimsical absurdity. However, when genuinely intriguing plots arise, they are often subdued by outlandish humor. While it’s valid to appreciate the bizarre creativity, there remains a pervasive sense of untapped storytelling potential.

So, is What If…? Season 3 worth watching? Absolutely. It showcases impressive production values and a commitment to enjoyable storytelling, featuring familiar characters and surprising appearances. Although some storylines feel rushed and a bit disconnected, fans who have enjoyed the series thus far are likely to find delight in the new adventures.

Catch new episodes of What If…? Season 3 daily from December 22 to 29 on Disney+

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