Marvel's What If....? Season 2 (Disney+) review: Keeping it fun but too 'safe'

If you’re a fervent fan of the Marvel Cinematic Universe, it’s hard not to notice when a show like Marvel Studios' “What If…?" misses the mark. The series, with its core concept of exploring alternate timelines, should be a goldmine of creative storytelling. Yet, its execution leaves much to be desired. The decision to steer this potentially wild and imaginative journey towards a more serialized format is not only surprising but also significantly diminishes the appeal of the concept. Regrettably, Season 2 does not course-correct but rather doubles down on these issues, making the viewing experience range from monotonous to downright infuriating at times.

Admittedly, What If…? Season 2 does bring to the table some episode premises that are a notch above the first season. One such example is the "What If… Peter Quill Attacked Earth’s Mightiest Heroes?" episode, where it presents an interesting twist by introducing a version of the Avengers from 1988. It's a creative breath of fresh air in a series that often feels constrained by its own reluctance to deviate too far from the familiar. Yet, such moments of creativity are few and far between in the new season. This conservatism in storytelling is particularly disheartening when you consider the boundless possibilities of a multiverse. A comparison with Sony’s excellent Spider-Man: Across The Spider-Verse illustrates this point perfectly. That film embraces the wild and imaginative potential of the multiverse, showcasing universes that are radically different and creative. In contrast, What If…? often seems content to merely scratch the surface of its vast potential, offering up familiar characters in slightly altered scenarios, but rarely anything truly groundbreaking.

The animation style of What If…? is another area where the show could have set itself apart. The series attempts to emulate the aesthetics of the live-action Marvel films, which, in my opinion, is a missed opportunity. With animation, I think there always a chance to push boundaries, to experiment with styles and visuals in ways that live-action cannot. Yet, the series opts for a safe, uniform style that lacks the artistic innovation seen in other animated features like the Spider-Verse movies. This conservative approach to animation is starkly different from what's seen in Star Wars: Visions too, where Disney+ allows different animation studios to bring their unique artistic vision to each episode, resulting in a tapestry of styles that keeps the viewer engaged. In my opinion, What If…? could have taken a similar route, offering a platform for diverse artistic expressions within the Marvel Cinematic Universe. Instead, it settles for a uniformity that fails to capture the imagination.

Furthermore, the series' insistence on serialization is a puzzling choice. Anthologies, by their nature, are suited to standalone stories that don't rely on each other to form a cohesive narrative. This format allows for a variety of stories and styles, unbound by the need to connect to a larger plot. However, What If…? seems not only determined to link its episodes together, but also Season 1, culminating in a season finale that brings various characters from previous episodes and past season into a singular narrative. This approach not only undermines the standalone nature of each episode but also feels like a forced attempt to create a sense of continuity where it's unnecessary.

That said, What If…? Season 2 is still worth watching for any Marvel fan worth their salt and, personally, the series still have its fun moments. But as movie-goers are starting to get bored with the MCU films and TV shows, What If…? felt like a continuation of the first season's missed opportunities. Marvel Studios, with the entire multiverse at their disposal, seems hesitant to step outside their comfort zone. The series, which could have been a showcase of wild, imaginative storytelling, instead comes across as a tepid reimagining of familiar narratives. There are occasional glimpses of what could have been, but they're too sparse to salvage the show. As it stands, the series feels like a lukewarm addition to an otherwise vibrant and dynamic franchise.

What If...? Season 2 (and Season 1) are available for streaming on Disney+ now.

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