After Loki Season 2, What If…? continues to be a Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) series with a second season now release. This unique animated production by Marvel Studios Animation, created by A.C. Bradley and still under the direction of Bryan Andrews, features nine episodes, each with an average duration of 35 minutes. Released on Disney+ daily since December 22nd, the second season showcases the talents of numerous original actors, including Chris Hemsworth, Benedict Cumberbatch, Hayley Atwell, Cate Blanchett, Samuel L. Jackson, Karen Gillan, Paul Rudd, Tessa Thompson, Tom Hiddleston, Josh Brolin, and, of course, Jeffrey Wright as The Watcher.
Similar to the first season, all episode titles begin with “What If…,” describing alternative stories set in different universes from the familiar MCU plot developed in dozens of films. While the first season concluded with an exciting climax featuring surprising relationships in each episode, the second season has a less dominant thread connecting episodes. Only four episodes continue the story from the first season, potentially posing a challenge for those who haven’t watched it. Nevertheless, the remaining five episodes serve as fan service, featuring original Avengers characters.
Episodes like “Peter Quills Attacked Earth’s Mightiest Heroes?,” “Happy Hogan Saved Christmas?,” and “Iron Man Crashed into the Grandmaster?” stand out as perfect fan service. These episodes fulfill fans’ longing for characters like Black Widow, Iron Man, Thor, and Bruce Banner, offering humor and tributes to the MCU’s stories and iconic films. The episode “What If… Nebula Joined the Nova Corps?” adopts a “film noir” style.
The episode “Peter Quills Attacked Earth’s Mightiest Heroes?” mirrors “The Avengers” with a different time setting. “Happy Hogan Saved Christmas?” pays entertaining tribute to the legendary action thriller “Die Hard,” making it a perfect episode released just before Christmas Eve. Notably, “Iron Man Crashed into the Grandmaster?” is the most entertaining, featuring intense, brutal car racing reminiscent of “Mad Max.”
Story continuity with the previous season is maintained through Peggy Carter and Strange Supreme. While the first season’s plot had a touching and satisfying ending, the second season introduces character changes that feel somewhat forced and out of line. Despite some arguments, the plot still seems a bit forced, considering the significant sacrifices and suffering experienced by the characters in the first season.
However, the climactic battle in the closing episode surpasses the first season’s final episode. The introduction of a new supercharacter, Kahhori, an Indian girl, adds a fresh and original perspective to the story. Her presence in the exposition episode “What If… Kakhori Reshaped The World?” is considered the best of all the episodes in the second season.
Like its predecessor, What If…? Season 2 serves as a perfect exploration for true MCU fans, offering tributes and humor. Marvel Studios and Disney, despite the commercial successes of several subsequent films, faced concerns after the flop of The Marvels. The abundance of characters in cinema releases and streaming series has created a convoluted situation. From Iron Man to Endgame, Marvel and Disney have reaped multiple profits. The What If…? series suggests a path forward – Marvel should play around with its vast array of characters, take risks, and continue exploring fresh stories with creative filmmakers. What’s next for the MCU?
