Time, space, and alternate realities collide once again in What If…? Season 3, the animated series from Marvel Studios now streaming on Disney+. This season, the show continues its tradition of exploring alternate universes, presenting fans with unexpected scenarios and thrilling adventures across the multiverse. But as the series wraps up, questions remain about its overall direction, execution, and the future of Marvel’s animated projects.
In this review, we dive into everything you need to know about What If…? Season 3, including its standout episodes, creative missteps, and whether the series delivers on its potential. From star-studded voice acting to puzzling story choices, let’s unpack this final chapter of Marvel’s ambitious animated anthology.
Marvel’s What If…? Season 3 Overview
Season 3 delivers eight episodes, offering a mix of genres and tones ranging from Westerns and mech battles to musicals and heart-wrenching sacrifices. The series remains visually striking, with refined animation styles and bold artistic decisions that push the boundaries of Marvel’s animated storytelling.
However, the season is a mixed bag. While the second half shines with emotional depth and gripping narratives, the first half stumbles with questionable character choices, overused tropes, and inconsistent writing.
Highlights of What If…? Season 3
Outstanding Episodes and Performances
Several episodes stand out this season:
- “1872” – A Western-inspired tale that blends Marvel heroes with classic frontier themes.
- Riri Williams’ Episode – A fresh perspective that deepens her character while teasing future Marvel connections.
- Two-Part Finale – Featuring Peggy Carter’s heroic leadership, these episodes deliver epic action and emotional stakes.
The voice acting elevates these stories, with returning MCU stars and new additions like America Ferrera and Natasha Lyonne bringing energy and authenticity to their roles. As one fan put it, “The cast delivered 95% of the time, and their chemistry is undeniable.”
Refined Animation and Visual Gags
The animation style, while initially polarizing, has reached new heights. The season introduces fun genre-specific visual gags, such as a Western-inspired title sequence and old-school cinematic vibes. The finale showcases breathtaking sequences, leaving viewers marveling at the production quality.
Missteps and Missed Opportunities
Underwhelming Episodes
The first four episodes fail to match the depth of previous seasons. Over-reliance on clichés like the “power of friendship” undermines their potential. Episodes such as the Red Guardian/Winter Soldier story and the Mech Avengers plot leave viewers puzzled, as they veer away from compelling premises.
One baffling storyline involves Darcy and Howard the Duck having a child—a plot point many fans found bizarre and unnecessary.
Lack of Key Explanations
One glaring issue is the unexplored origin of The Exiles. Introduced in the finale, this team of multiversal heroes, led by Peggy Carter, lacks a backstory, leaving viewers disconnected from their sacrifices. Many fans agree that an Exiles-focused episode would have been more impactful than some of the earlier filler episodes.
Marvel’s Multiverse: A Missed Opportunity?
As Marvel’s first major animated series, What If…? set out to explore the infinite possibilities of the multiverse. Yet, with only 27 episodes across three seasons, fans feel the potential was not fully realized. “The multiverse offers limitless storytelling opportunities,” one fan remarked, “but this series feels like a glimpse, not an exploration.”
What Lies Ahead for Marvel Animation?
While the future of What If…? remains uncertain, its legacy is undeniable. The showrunner has hinted at a potential return, but given Disney’s shifting priorities, fans are left wondering whether this is the last we’ll see of Marvel’s animated experiments.
For now, you can stream all three seasons of What If…? on Disney+. Whether you’re a fan of Marvel’s alternate realities or curious about where the MCU might go next, this season offers plenty to discuss—even if it doesn’t always hit the mark.
What’s Your Take on the Multiverse?
What If…? invites viewers to imagine endless possibilities, but do you think it fulfilled its potential? What alternate storylines would you like to see in the future? Share your thoughts and join the conversation—because in the multiverse, anything is possible!
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