All episodes of What If’s first season are now streaming on Disney Plus. It received positive reviews from critics, fans and streamers. Due to COVID-19, a tenth episode was pushed back leaving only nine episodes completely finished. An upcoming second season will pick up the pieces. As you may know, Disney Plus Day announced a batch of future content including “Moon Knight,” “She-Hulk,” “Ms. Marvel,” and many others set in the “Marvel Cinematic Universe” or MCU for short. This Christmas, the highly anticipated “Spider-Man: No Way Home” is getting close for a worldwide release.
This review doesn’t contain no SPOILERS. I’m giving many of you fellow Marvel fans a chance to see What If’s first season.
Positive & Negative Qualities
Positive: Jeffery Wright did an excellent for his voiceover performance as The Watcher. By the way, he’ll portray Commissioner Gordon in Robert Pattinson’s “Batman.”
Returning Cast Members from previous installments reprise their roles and they all did an excellent job for their respective voiceover performances.
Animation is presented in cel-shaded format bringing elements to life such as character models based on the performer’s appearance, fluid movement, lighting, environmental locations etc.
Various writers mapped out all nine episodes. Originally, a tenth episode was supposed to finish Season 1, because of COVID-19, it was never completed only nine were done. Thankfully, Season 2 will pick up where Season 1 left off. As long as The Cast & Crew are healthy, we can resume back.
Action Sequences are breathtaking to witness all the epic battles.
Based on the anthology comic book series of the same name, What If showcases an episode’s significant change altering a well known character’s destiny. Think of it as “The Twilight Zone” with Marvel superheroes.
Some of the episodes have a different tone. For example, the fourth episode is darker than the actual “Doctor Strange” movie.
Even though most of the episodes are serious, humor is appropriate without going overboard.
My favorite episode is the third one.
End Credits features concept art.
Negative: I couldn’t find any issues. I’m giving The Cast & Crew an Extra Point for making a flawless season as possible.
Episode 1 – What If… Captain Carter We’re The First Avenger?
Victory: After plans go awry, Peggy Carter takes the super Soldier serum instead of Steve Rogers.
Despite not taking the serum, Steve actually aids Peggy wiping out Red Skull’s schemes.
After her show got cancelled, Peggy finally has legit moments showcasing her combat skills.
Defeat: No flaws found.
Episode 2 – What If… T’Challa Became A Star-Lord
Beautiful: T’Challa is captured by Yondu. He grows up as a charismatic space bandit.
Due to T’Challa’s involvement, the plot from Guardians Of The Galaxy never came into fruition.
The Ending possibly sets up a possible story.
Familiar faces make prominent appearances.
This episode is dedicated to Chadwick Boseman. May he Rest In Peace. “WAKANDA FOREVER!”
Ugly: Nothing terrible happened.
Episode 3 – What If… The World Lost Its Earth Mightest Heroes?
Add: A mysterious assassin wipes out The Avengers. Indicating the show just got somber.
A Plot Twist reveals who’s killing our beloved heroes.
Nick Fury, Phil Coulson & Loki factor in.
Phil has some funny moments.
Somebody said, “What’s in the box?” A possible reference to “Seven?”
One character said, “You took everything from me.” A line from “Avengers: Endgame” and a meme.
There’s an awesome fight scene near the end.
Subtract: No cons spotted.
Episode 4 – What If… Doctor Strange Lost His Heart Instead Of His Hands
Lifted: An alternate take on Doctor Strange’s origin story. He mourns the loss of a loved one. He attempts to erase the tragedy using forbidden magic.
Seeing Rachel McAdams in another time traveling themed story is becoming a habit since “The Time Traveler’s Wife” & “About Time.”
Like the previous episode, this one has a somber tone.
An epic battle ensues between two opponents.
Cursed: No boo boos found.
Episode 5 – What If… Zombies?!
Alive: A zombie apocalypse instantly spreads infecting most of our beloved heroes.
5th episode takes cues from “Marvel Zombies.” An animated spin-off series is in development.
Similar to the last two episodes, Zombies has a somber vibe.
Fun Fact: This ain’t Danai Gurira’s first rodeo as a zombie hunter. Does “The Walking Dead” ring any bells?
Somebody said Baba Yaga or Boogie Man in Russian. A reference to “John Wick.” Keanu Reeves will reprise his role in “John Wick: Chapter 4.” Don’t forget Neo in “The Matrix Resurrections.”
A head in a jar pays homage to “Futurama.”
Flatline: Nothing terrible happened.
Episode 6 – What If… Killmonger Rescued Tony Stark?
Gold: In this episode, Killmonger saves Tony Stark from the explosion that pierced his heart. Because of the former’s actions, the latter never protected lives.
“Gundam” is heavily referenced. A live action film adaptation will stream soon on Netflix.
Killmonger goes on a personal vendetta.
Bronze: No flaws.
Episode 7 – What If… Thor Were An Only Child?
More: Thanks to Odin not adopting Loki, Thor is an immature party animal crashing Las Vegas with his posse” like “The Hangover.”
Jeff Spicoli from “Fast Times At Ridgemont High” is referenced. Paul Thomas Anderson casted Sean Penn in his upcoming movie “Licorice Pizza.”
“Top Gun” is brought up. Tom Cruise’s overdue anticipated sequel will be released on May 27th, 2022. Don’t forget his other upcoming “Mission Impossible 7” is slated to come out in September 30th, 2022.
Seventh episode is much lighter.
Familiar faces make cameo appearances as party guests.
Thor fights an equally matched opponent.
Less: Nothing stupid occurred.
Episode 8 – What If… Ultron Won?
Right: An alternate resolution of Age Of Ultron with Vision’s body is taken control by Ultron succeeding his apocalyptic world.
Eighth episode with Ultron victorious reminds me of Skynet (from The Terminator series) nearly taking over humanity.
Ultron fights an opponent near his power level.
Eighth episode ends on a cliffhanger. Thus, tensions escalate.
Wrong: Not a single issues found.
Episode 9 – What If… The Watcher Broke His Oath?
Honor: Picking up where the last episode left off, The Watcher is forced to break his code by gathering various alternate versions of well known figures.
The Stakes are more intense than all episodes combined.
Stay tune for a Mid-Credits Scene.
Dishonor: No dumb moment occurred.
The Final Verdict: A, FOR APEX!
What If’s first season is an instant hit. Without a doubt, my second favorite show of 2021. “Squid Game” is my number one pick of the aforementioned year. If you haven’t got a chance to see What If’s first season, I strongly recommend it. I cannot wait for Marvel’s batch of content next year. I’m excited for Moon Knight’s debut in the MCU. Ridley Scott can suck it! No joke, he hates superhero movies.
Nickthemoviecritic.com 