When the first season of “What If…?” appeared on streaming platforms, Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) aficionados were taken on a journey of marvel and imagination. Although these tales didn’t significantly contribute to the expansive MCU plotlines, they blazed a trail into untrodden territory, exploring divergent realities that placed cherished characters in wholly unexpected circumstances. This innovative concept crafted a meta-multiverse of sorts. Therefore, even when season two doesn’t soar above its precursor in progression, its foundational premise ensures it still clinches a victory for the MCU.
Maintaining its essence, “What If…?” invites audiences again to venture through familiar narratives but with unexpected character twists. Voiced by Jeffrey Wright, The Watcher’s resonating timbre accompanies viewers as they traverse these realities, offering a fresh layer to the stories etched into the hearts of fans through the blockbuster films. What’s notable across the anthology’s offerings is that despite the seemingly arbitrary character scenarios, there’s an underlying order, a strategic serendipity that’s become synonymous with the MCU’s storytelling prowess. Season 2 delivers unconventional, even audacious, scenarios – such as a Renaissance era reimagining in the penultimate episode where icons like Tony Stark and Steve Rogers are transposed into a world of 1602, stretching their established abilities in new, invigorating directions.
Season 2’s coherence emerges as a key strength, where individual episodes amalgamate, resembling a microcosm of the MCU climaxing into an ensemble akin to an Avengers installment. Callbacks to the first season are sprinkled throughout, although with less pronounced impact due to the hiatus between seasons. Nevertheless, who could resist another round of Marvel’s zombie characters? The finale’s approach – an uninhibited spectacle foregoing established franchise logic – echoes the same over-the-top bravado seen in recent entries like “Secret Invasion,” displaying a gleeful departure from narrative conventions.
The vocal performances remain a highlight of the series, calling back many of the revered actors – Chris Hemsworth, Mark Ruffalo, Jeremy Renner, Samuel L Jackson, and Elizabeth Olsen, to name a few. Though the absence of Robert Downey Jr. and Scarlett Johansson is palpable, with their characters recurrently featured, the capable voice performers admirably fill the void left by these titans. However, the animation style that once captivated audiences in season one no longer wows, and certain episodes fall short of the high bar set by the series.
Yet, one episode stands tall amidst the uneven terrain: the sixth episode, “What If… Kahhori Reshaped the World?” is noteworthy due to Kahhori, a Mohawk woman who utilizes the Space stone’s power to shield her people from conquistadors. Introducing a novel MCU character, this episode lauds Indigenous culture and history, touching upon dark epochs with a modern lens, reminiscent of the commendable “Prey” film, yet with its unique spin engaging with the unknown in pursuit of justice.
While season two of “What If…?” may not reach the consistent heights of its inaugural campaign, its continued expansion of the MCU’s mythos and the delightful insanity that epitomizes the series is evident. At a juncture where superhero weariness is often voiced, and the standard allure of Marvel’s offerings struggles to sustain its previous luster, “What If…?” sits as a refreshing divergence and a much-needed affirmative mark for the franchise.
Marvel enthusiasts and curious streamers alike can dive into the unraveling and recreation of iconic narratives as “What If…?” Season 2 streams on Disney+Hotstar, inviting viewers to embrace the exhilarating complexity of the superhero multiverse in all its animated glory.
