Season 3 Finale: ‘What If…?’ Delivers Joy and Cool Factor Superheroes Deserve
One of the coolest things about superheroes is how many incredible adventures you can embark on with them. Despite the sometimes overwhelming use of multiverse theory in superhero entertainment these days, delving into alternate versions of our beloved heroes and villains can lead to some truly imaginative and exciting stories that don’t impact the main storyline. This is why many comic book enthusiasts, myself included, often prefer the one-shots and mini-series over the longer, more complex mainline titles.
Arguably, one of the best instances of the multiverse concept in major superhero content from Marvel or DC is the Disney+ show What If…?. As it enters its third and final season, this animated series has its ups and downs but remains dedicated to delivering fun and wild superhero storytelling.
What If…? has always felt like a high-budget version of a kid playing with action figures, creating wild scenarios and letting imagination run free. After two seasons of exploring major concepts like the infamous “Marvel Zombies” saga or a universe-threatening Ultron, one might wonder where the show can possibly go next.
The answer? Even bigger.
The new season kicks off with a bang, featuring the Avengers facing off against massive Hulk monsters in giant mech suits, reminiscent of Power Rangers or kaiju-themed anime. It’s ridiculous and entertaining in all the right ways.
At its peak, the third season continues to push boundaries and offer innovative ideas. Standout episodes include ones that transport characters to different time periods. For example, in “What If… Agatha Went to Hollywood?”, Agatha Harkness (Kathryn Hahn) and Kingo (Kumail Nanjiani) become Hollywood and Bollywood actors in an era of glitz and glamour, blending magic with movie-making to prevent a celestial entity from emerging.
In another episode, Shang Chi (Simu Liu) roams the Wild West in 1872 alongside Kate Bishop’s Hawkeye (Hailee Steinfeld), on the hunt for a mysterious figure known as The Hood. Set against a backdrop of anti-Chinese sentiment, the duo unravels a gripping tale of family and justice.
My personal favorite episode, “What If…Howard the Duck Got Hitched?”, explores the aftermath of a cosmic party thrown by Thor, leading to a chaotic yet hilarious adventure for Howard (Seth Green) and Darcy Lewis (Kat Dennings). This journey pits them against various Marvel baddies, blending humor, history, and Marvel lore in a delightful mix.
On the flip side, not all episodes hit the mark. “What If…The Red Guardian Stopped the Winter Soldier” feels bland and uninspired, lacking the freshness and depth of other episodes. Similarly, “What If…Emergence Destroyed the Earth?” falls flat, failing to captivate with its lackluster storytelling and unlikable character dynamics.
Despite these missteps, season 3 wraps up with a compelling arc involving The Watcher and a team of heroines fighting cosmic threats. While it may feel repetitive to once again rely on Captain Peggy Carter, the diverse crew of characters injects new life into the storyline.
In a season filled with highs and lows, What If…? continues to deliver wild and imaginative tales, proving that the multiverse concept can be both thrilling and entertaining when done right.
