By Katlynn Rossignol
“What If…?” is one of Marvel’s animated shows that explores alternate versions of the Marvel Cinematic Universe and its characters. With a prompt so broad, the show has shared three seasons of unique scenarios. However, the last act of season three had me asking, “What happened?”
Before delving into the many negatives, I’d like to appreciate the animation and art put into “What If…?.” The show’s animation and end-credit concept art are memorable and detailed. The 3D models are stylized, but recognizable as their live-action actors, connecting the series firmly to the MCU. The alternate designs of MCU characters within their respective universes fit each story and are memorable. Although not as endearing as a 2D approach, the flat cell shading on the models allowed for an art style reminiscent of the comic book source material.
Unfortunately, that’s where my praises end.
Episodes of “What If…?” season three failed to consider the grand scale differences in universes that can be enacted with only a small change. While season one delved into the lives of zombie apocalypse survivors, evil Dr. Strange and the deaths of the original Avengers team, season three ignores the franchise’s core cast to highlight the newer phase four characters.
This lineup includes the Eternals, Agatha Harkness, IronHeart and Howard (and Darcy) the Duck. Not only are the characters bizarre choices, but their worlds are either continuations from “What If…?” seasons one and two, or are unrecognizable from the main timeline.
The individual plots felt cramped within their episode runtime, not allowing for complete action sequences or character introductions per universe. At the same time, the season finale spanned two episodes of battle with the Watcher’s superiors.
Of all the powerful or relevant cosmic beings the writers could have chosen for the show’s finale, they decided on Captain Carter, Kahhori (a Native American original character from season two), Storm with the power of Thor (unexplained with no introduction) and the inexplicably superpowered child of Howard and Darcy the Duck, Byrdie.
These characters held no emotional stakes for the viewer and merely delivered a spectacle of glowing punches for the final episodes.
To understand the theme of “What If…?” a bit of exposition is needed.
The Watcher is part of a group of superpowered beings monitoring the multiverse from the fifth dimension. When he is given the power to do this, he is told that Watchers should make no judgments about the worlds he sees and that he will discover the purpose of the work for himself. What was important, was that he leave his identity behind, not interfere and simply watch.
Almost like how Marvel wants you to just watch every piece of content they put out, no matter how disappointing the final product is.
The show’s last few episodes encourage the Watcher, and the audience by proxy, that they are capable of making change in the world around them and are worthy of having a name. Nobody is worthless or incapable of changing for the better. While not a poor message, its delivery was nonsensical because of the poor world-building and lack of reason from the antagonists. It’s never explained why the Watchers only watch, except that it’s the natural order. If every life in this multiverse mattered, why didn’t the writers include more than one character from season three in the finale?
Ultimately, I think “What If…?” would have been a stronger series with no connected story tying the seasons together. This would have allowed each episode to be interesting in its own context and given the series an evergreen shelf-life.
By choosing to focus on obscure characters in unrecognizable worldbuilding, the show effectively loses any of the nostalgia bait power the first two seasons thrived in. With no nostalgia to fuel an enjoyable watch, the episodes are left to stand on their writing tact alone. Season three brought the series’ weakest lineup of episodes yet, and failed to leave a positive lasting impression.
I’m honestly disappointed with “What If…?”’s failure, as I enjoy seeing alternate versions of the Marvel characters. But if future seasons were to continue in the style of season three, I think it’s best to leave the show as it is.
“What If…?” is available streaming on Disney +
Katlynn Rossignol is a junior Strategic Communications Major and A&E assistant editor for Cedars. She loves arts and crafts, spending time with friends and watching superhero movies.
Images courtesy of Marvel Entertainment
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