Review WHAT IF? Season 3, A Unique, Fresh, and Risky Marvel Experiment

Kapanlagi.com - The Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) is a robust and strong narrative. In the history of cinema, it can be said that the superhero films from the MCU have successfully woven continuity between one film and another. So, if viewers want to watch the latest MCU film, they can be sure they need to sample the previous films.

The MCU films produced by Marvel Studios always include "seeds" of stories within their films so that eventually these "seeds" will sprout and grow into new narrative threads in separate feature films. A simple example is when viewers watch the scene in INFINITY WAR, where Thor and Loki are attacked by Thanos's ship; of course, viewers need to watch THOR: RAGNAROK first to clearly understand why Thor and Loki are in outer space and encounter Thanos's ship. This interconnectedness is the strength of MCU films.

However, through the WHAT IF? series, Marvel seems to be indifferent to the connections they have built since the film IRON MAN (2008) and is playing with various characters and story possibilities they have as ammunition.

(Warning: The following text contains spoilers for viewers who have not watched WHAT IF Season 2 and 3).

1. Marvel Studios Free Zone

Marvel Studios

Through the previous two seasons, Marvel has explored the Marvel Zombies arc, turning iconic Marvel superheroes into zombies (Season 1 Episode 5). When the WHAT IF? series was officially announced, this particular arc had already been widely suggested by fans to be included in the series.

Not only does Marvel present iconic arcs from the comics, but it also plays with alternative narratives within the MCU multiverse. For instance, there is an episode where Avengers members are killed one by one, and it turns out the killer is one of their own (Season 1 Episode 3).

Through WHAT IF?, Marvel also allows itself to spotlight characters whose depth can still be further explored. Take, for example, in season 2 episode 1, it is told that Nebula becomes part of Nova Corp and becomes the protagonist of the story.



Then in Episode 7, it is told how Hela, who was exiled by her father, Odin, turns into a different figure. Here, viewers can enjoy how Hela, the Goddess of Death, becomes a good character instead.

2. Unique and Fresh Experiment

Freedom is increasingly felt in this Season 3. Not only does the narrative present a change in the roles of the characters, but this time Marvel combines several popular story concepts into the Marvel universe.

In the very first episode, viewers will see what it would be like for Marvel superheroes to operate giant robots to fight giant monsters reminiscent of Kaiju. A concept popularized by Godzilla that has been adapted into Hollywood live-action and has also inspired blockbuster films like PACIFIC RIM.


As if that’s not enough, in episode 2, viewers are treated to Broadway-style Bollywood choreography featuring Agatha Harkness and Kingo ETERNAL. Although the episode ends with the fight scenes that fanboys have been waiting for, the dance scenes of the two have already captured attention from the start.

In other episodes, viewers will be presented with different story settings ranging from interplanetary chase adventures with Howard The Duck and Darcy to a tough cowboy western world with Shang Chi and Kate Bishop.

WHAT IF? Season 3 also provides a teaser about new characters. Just like the hero Kahhori in season 2. This time WHAT IF? giving a little hint about the character The Hood. Regardless, it will later be related to the character The Hood played by Anthony Ramos in the IRON HEART series (airing 2025).

3. A Festive Finale

Still using the same formula as Seasons 1 and 2, WHAT IF? continues to present an ensemble of Marvel superhero characters in its season finale. Surely, you can't wait to see Storm wielding Mjolnir, right?

However, in this Season 3, there isn't a villain that leaves a deep impression like Ultron Vision did in Season 1.

4. Fresh Yet Risky

Season 3, which boldly steps away from the constraints of the MCU narrative, deserves appreciation, as it offers a fresh perspective for MCU fans or viewers in general.

However, this also brings risks when audience expectations are too high with clues or leaks about upcoming MCU films that have not yet been released. When WHAT IF? Season 3 does not provide those leaks, it may leave viewers unsatisfied.

Overall, WHAT IF? Season 3 is a refreshing watch for fanboys and viewers alike, while waiting for CAPTAIN AMERICA BRAVE NEW WORLD and THE THUNDERBOLTS to premiere in 2025.

(kpl/dka)