‘What If…?’ Limited Runtime Restricts the Series’ Full Potential

Reflecting on the Final Season of What If…?

As we approach the conclusion of the third and final season of What If…?, there’s a sense of nostalgia tinged with sadness. This series has traversed into the territory of storytelling that some might consider unnecessary, yet it has offered the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) a unique opportunity to explore and enrich its expansive narrative landscape. For this exploration, the audience can express a sense of gratitude.

A Journey Through Alternate Realities

Initially conceived as an anthology series, What If…? has evolved into a primarily interconnected multiverse saga. Some episodes seamlessly weave into the overarching narrative of the Watcher, while others, such as “What If… Happy Hogan Saved Christmas?”, are more whimsical distractions. Nonetheless, a commonality prevails: each episode maintains a brisk run time of approximately 30 minutes.

Character Development vs. Action-Packed Stories

The show’s compact time frame has inevitably shifted its focus onto action sequences, often at the expense of character development. While it’s reasonable that What If…? explores alternate scenarios, one can’t help but wish for a deeper exploration of individual character arcs. The most captivating aspects frequently lie within the alternative heroes and their dynamic interactions, particularly when they find themselves partnered with unlikely companions outside of the familiar MCU narrative.

Diverse Avengers Line-ups

The various iterations of the Avengers introduced throughout this series have been nothing short of spectacular. In season 3’s premiere episode, “What If… The Hulk Fought the Mech Avengers?”, for instance, viewers witness a compelling lineup that includes Sam Wilson, Bruce Banner, and an eclectic mix of characters like Bucky Barnes, Monica Rambeau, and Moon Knight. Such diversity is refreshing, especially given that many of these heroes often remain sidelined due to plot constraints or real-world scheduling conflicts. What If…? provides a tantalizing opportunity for these characters to engage and forge new alliances.

The Need for Greater Depth

However, the restrictive 30-minute runtime continues to inhibit deeper exploration of these characters’ motivations and emotional landscapes. Unlike well-established heroes from the MCU, these variants leave much to be desired in terms of character insight. For example, while there was potential to explore the camaraderie between Bruce and Sam, the series allocated only fleeting scenes, ultimately failing to convey any substantial depth.

Universal Shorts—A Wider Trend

This issue of constrained storytelling is not unique to What If…?. Several Marvel series, as well as productions in the Star Wars franchise and other Disney+ Originals like Percy Jackson, face similar challenges. A mere additional 10 minutes could significantly enhance character exploration and plot development. Despite budget constraints, the limitation to half an hour often leads to critical narrative cuts, preventing these shows from achieving their full potential. With more time, they could delve into both their imaginative premises and the profound emotional journeys of beloved characters.

Exploring the True Essence of the Multiverse

The essence of the Multiverse extends beyond mere plot twists and cameo appearances; it should fundamentally address the core impact of these alternate realities on our favorite characters. This vital aspect has frequently been overlooked in both What If…? and the broader Multiverse Saga.

“The Multiverse is more than plot twists and cameos; it should be about how those plot twists affect our favorite characters to their core.”

To explore such nuanced narratives would elevate the storytelling in What If…? and align it more closely with the expectations of a captivated audience.

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