“What If…?” season two had a significant task ahead to recapture the excitement, especially given a sense of superhero fatigue and somewhat uninspired initial episode descriptions. Starting season two, expectations were tempered compared to the first season. However, this season pleasantly surprised with its overall enjoyability and creative storytelling.
One of the strongest aspects of season two is its sheer fun factor. Comic book adaptations are at their best when they embrace the inherent absurdity of their source material. “What If…?” season two strikes this balance perfectly, delivering genuinely engaging plots and character development alongside its wacky premises, making for a truly enjoyable viewing experience. This season also cleverly utilized previously underutilized characters. The 80s Avengers episode, for instance, was a delightful ensemble of mentor figures from various MCU movies. Furthermore, the return of the Red Room and Melina Vostokoff as antagonists, and the nuanced character arc given to Hela alongside Wenwu, added depth and intrigue to the narrative.
Personal highlights abound throughout the season. The 1602 Avengers episode, featuring Loki reciting Shakespeare and Steve Rogers reimagined as a Robin Hood-esque figure with Bucky and Scott Lang, was a standout for its sheer inventiveness. Hela’s control over zombies, including a particularly chilling zombie Wanda, offered a darker, horror-infused twist. Perhaps most exciting for MCU continuity enthusiasts was the explicit acknowledgment of the “Loki” series within the broader MCU, culminating in a stunning final shot that directly connects to those events.
A particularly noteworthy episode introduced Kahhori, an entirely original superhero created for “What If…?”. While the reliance on the Tesseract for her powers’ origin feels somewhat repetitive, Kahhori’s origin story is undeniably among the most compelling in the MCU. Within a concise thirty-minute timeframe, the episode masterfully builds a rich world, develops compelling characters, and delivers impactful action, all while boasting some of the season’s most visually stunning moments. One particular plot point, while potentially predictable, was elevated by its visual execution to a truly jaw-dropping level. Although Kahhori’s prominence in the finale felt somewhat diminished, she remains a captivating character with significant potential for future appearances in comics and movies.
The season finale is arguably the most complex aspect of season two. On one hand, it’s undeniably entertaining to watch. After all, comic books are inherently about larger-than-life action and spectacle. However, the finale also highlights “What If’s” ongoing identity struggle. Throughout the season, individual episodes encourage investment in characters like Captain Carter, urging viewers to empathize with her time-displaced tragedy, mirroring Steve Rogers’ original narrative. Similarly, the show encourages viewers to take Kahhori seriously as a new and significant character, fostering a desire to see more of her. Yet, in the finale, both characters, along with others, are somewhat reduced to action figures in a grand, albeit slightly narratively thin, battle. The tonal shift is palpable, almost evoking the feeling of children simply smashing action figures together and narrating the coolest fight they can imagine.
While the final battle’s entertainment value is undeniable, the inconsistency in character portrayal and overall tone is a noticeable drawback. Furthermore, the somewhat reductive use of Strange Supreme, a character who underwent significant development in season one, as a straightforward villain feels like a disservice to his established arc, all in service of creating a visually impressive antagonist. Despite these criticisms, “What If” season two stands out as a positive highlight in a somewhat uneven year for comic book adaptations. It delivers engaging visuals, consistently solid writing, and genuinely fun episode premises. However, to truly solidify its place as one of the MCU’s most inventive and captivating projects, “What If” needs to resolve its apparent identity crisis. It currently vacillates between being an alternate reality anthology series and a serialized multiverse narrative. While it has successfully delivered entertaining stories in both styles, committing to a more defined direction will be crucial for its continued success and creative evolution.
“What If” seasons one and two are currently available for streaming on Disney+.
