A Fresh Take on Marvel’s Multiverse
Season 3 of What If…? continues Marvel Studios’ bold experiment with the multiverse, offering fans an animated anthology of alternate realities. In this week’s podcast episode, we delved into the creative highs and lows of the latest season, analyzing how it builds upon its predecessors while carving out unique territory for itself. Unlike the first two seasons, which sometimes felt constrained by their reliance on movie plot points, Season 3 truly embraces the unpredictability of its premise.
Highlights of the Season
One standout episode involved a “What If?” scenario in which Tony Stark develops mecha robots for the Avengers to pilot in their battle against a new, kaiju-sized Hulk. This imaginative premise, which we discussed at length, showcases how the writers continue to experiment with character dynamics in fresh and sometimes poignant ways. Another highlight was the return of Jeffrey Wright as The Watcher, whose voice acting once again serves as the perfect anchor for this sprawling series.
Visual and Narrative Growth
The animation in Season 3 reaches new heights, with bold visual choices that enhance the storytelling. One episode, which centered on a dystopian reality overrun by Mysterio’s forces, featured some of the most dynamic action sequences yet. We noted how the animation style’s evolution helps bring these alternate realities to life in a way that feels more immersive than ever before. Narratively, the writers take greater risks, with darker themes and morally complex storylines that push the boundaries of what a Marvel series can explore.
Room for Improvement
While Season 3 takes bold creative swings, not all episodes land equally. We discussed how some scenarios felt overly reliant on humor, undermining the dramatic tension that made certain episodes from previous seasons memorable. Additionally, the series still struggles at times with pacing, as some stories feel rushed in the limited runtime. Despite these critiques, the season overall offers more hits than misses, leaving us excited for what might come next.
Why It’s Worth Watching
In our episode, we emphasized that What If…? Season 3 is a must-watch for Marvel fans who crave variety and creativity. The show’s ability to explore unexpected “what if” scenarios breathes new life into beloved characters, providing fresh perspectives on the Marvel Universe. Whether you’re a fan of action, drama, or humor, there’s something in this season for everyone.
Listen to the full episode here: What If...? Season 3 Review.
