What if an animated series from Marvel Studios, celebrated for its limitless possibilities, came to an unexpected conclusion? Here, we present a comprehensive ranking of every episode from Season 3 of *What If…?* on Disney+.
Overall, while the series exhibited significant improvement over its less favorable first season, I found Season 3 to be less captivating than the previous season, which aired last Christmas. This concluding season served as a backdoor origin tale for Uatu, the Watcher, who has been the narrative thread throughout the series. Unfortunately, this pivotal storyline felt somewhat rushed. Nevertheless, the season showcased a variety of entertaining episodes infused with imaginative moments, introducing numerous new characters into the alternate universe framework. The creative mash-ups of various MCU properties were particularly noteworthy in this season.
As the series concludes, I can’t help but feel a sense of longing for *What If…?* I recognize the growing weariness surrounding multiverse narratives—an awareness highlighted by characters like Deadpool and Wolverine. Yet, I believe this platform is ideally suited for exploring multiversal themes. Hence, my disappointment lies not in how the show ends, but in the fact that it is ending at all.
8. “What If… What If?”
While “What If… What If?” isn’t a dreadful conclusion for the series, I must say it ranked as my least favorite episode of this season. Apart from The Watcher’s memorable declaration, “I am Uatu,” the episode left me feeling somewhat underwhelmed. I generally favor episodes that stand alone in their storytelling. Although Strange Supreme’s surprisingly crucial role in saving the day was unexpected, I was less enthused by the reminder of his presence. Furthermore, while the emotional tone was commendable, Peggy Carter’s demise in this episode—her third on-screen death—is disheartening. I had grown fond of this version of Captain Carter throughout the series, and I was disappointed to see the final season overlook her connections with Natasha Romanoff or Steve Rogers.
7. “What If… the Watcher Disappeared?”
As previously mentioned, I’m not the biggest fan of episodes that intertwine various alternate realities. Yet, even I cannot deny the appeal of “The Exiles,” the elite squad of heroes featured here. Watching Storm wield Mjolnir alongside Captain Carter was undeniably thrilling. Additionally, Natasha Lyonne’s casting as Bydie was spot on, and it was delightful to see Nebula make a return.
6. What If… the Hulk Fought the Mech Avengers?
The season kicked off with an episode filled with visually striking moments, though it didn’t quite measure up to the excitement that followed later installments. The Pacific Rim-inspired battle—featuring Hulk’s kaiju-like army against mechs wielded by the Avengers—was visually stimulating. However, keeping track of the various characters sometimes proved challenging. Kudos for Oscar Isaac’s brief return as Moon Knight, and the clever reimagining of the meet-cute moment from *Winter Soldier* with Sam Wilson and Bruce Banner. However, the framing device involving a young girl watching 1980s-style Avengers cartoons didn’t make a return, which was a missed opportunity.
5. What If… the Red Guardian Stopped the Winter Soldier?
On the bright side, witnessing the Winter Soldier receive a reprieve was refreshing, as was giving Bucky Barnes a moment to breathe in this episode. The brief reminder of Bill Foster was appreciated, especially knowing his surrogate daughter Ghost is set to appear in the upcoming *Thunderbolts*. However, I found Red Guardian’s repetitive Soviet Union jokes somewhat tiresome, especially considering the year’s political climate. If this trend continues into *Thunderbolts*, I’m not optimistic about its reception.
4. “What If… Howard the Duck Got Hitched?”
The romantic connection between Darcy Lewis and Howard the Duck didn’t initially strike a chord with me; I anticipated more fitting storylines for Darcy. However, the sheer absurdity of this episode eventually won me over. The introduction of Byrdie, a character with an intriguing destiny that ignited an intergalactic conflict even before she was born, exemplifies the chaotic creativity I believe *What If…?* should embrace—bold, self-contained, and delightfully unpredictable tales.
3. What If… the Emergence Destroyed the Earth?
Seeing Riri Williams take center stage as a superhero was a delightful prelude to her upcoming *Ironheart* series. This episode embraced a dystopian science fiction atmosphere, blending heroes like Wong, Okoye, Valkyrie, and Shang-Chi’s aunt Ying Nan with villains such as Mysterio, White Vision, and Sharon Carter. Alejandro Saab’s portrayal of Jake Gyllenhaal in this episode was particularly impressive. The conflict was simple yet engaging, allowing viewers to enjoy the raw ingenuity of superheroes problem-solving in real-time. The poignant conclusion tugged at the heartstrings, compelling even the Watcher to take action.
2. What If… 1872?
The 17th-century Marvel hero episode from Season 2 left a significant impression on me, making this 19th-century cowboy adventure all the more charming. It’s a joy to see this series explore different genres, allowing beloved characters to inhabit diverse worlds. The brief nod to Iron Fist was a delightful surprise. Additionally, the dynamic duo of Kate Bishop and Shang-Chi in their Old West escapade was a highlight of the episode, especially with Kate’s subtle transition toward assuming the “Hawkeye” title.
The inclusion of the villain “Hood” caught me off guard, as I wasn’t well-acquainted with this character’s backstory within Marvel’s universe. Nevertheless, I find such encounters enjoyable, offering a blend of the familiar and the new. Ultimately, it was revealed that the Hood was, in fact, Xialing—a character I greatly admired in *Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings*. This episode gave me confidence that Marvel’s Phase Four and Phase Five heroes won’t be overshadowed in future Avengers storylines.
1. What If… Agatha Went To Hollywood?
This episode stands as a testament to creativity within the series. The concept of Agatha Harkness opting for Hollywood stardom over unrestrained Celestial power is both implausible and fascinating. Her character is undoubtedly a villain, yet her theatricality and dramatic flair make this transition believable to a degree. The glamorous storyline tied up loose ends while delivering an engaging experience, leaving viewers wanting more.
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