“What If…?” makes its mark as the fourth installment in the Marvel Cinematic Universe’s mini-series lineup.
Marvel’s “What If” kicks off with a tremendous start, maintaining the studio’s consistent success streak. The series explores the transformative impact of individual choices on creating new heroes across different universes. The first episode unfolds the heroics of Peggy Carter, aka Captain Carter, teasing the potential differences these events could make in the future. Anticipation builds for substantial characterizations of The Watcher. Following the successes of Wanda Vision, Falcon And Winter Soldier, and Loki, “What If” emerges as a must-watch animated series, exclusively available on Disney+ Hotstar.
EP 1: The Guardians of the Multiverse unite in a final showdown against the formidable villain Ultron. Peggy and Black Widow team up, Thor brings the comedy, and Doctor Strange wields his powers impressively. A thrilling conclusion to the interconnected episodes.
EP 2: Doctor Strange navigating two timelines in one universe—a marvelous concept that might find replication in Spider-Man: No Way Home. The Watcher finally reveals his face.
EP 3: A hilarious episode depicting a carefree Thor, acting like a teenager with no responsibilities, and the dynamic with Loki is a laugh riot.
EP 4: What If Peggy Carter assumes the responsibilities of Steve Rogers? A heroic episode introducing a new hero.
EP 5: What if The Avengers were zombies? A fun watch, although it might be considered the weakest episode in the series.
EP 6: A Killmonger-centric episode with Tony Stark and T’Challa playing secondary roles—an average installment.
EP 7: Exploring a scenario where The Avengers are no more, with cinematic vibes in an animated episode—a rare and commendable feat by Marvel. The Watcher’s swag shines through.
EP 8: Ultron gaining all powers and control over Vision, posing a threat even to Thanos. Black Widow and Hawkeye’s heroics save the day.
EP 9: T’Challa as Star-Lord, Nebula aligning with Thanos, The Collector as a villain, and a humorous Howard cameo make for a perfect episode.
“Hawkeye” joins the Marvel Cinematic Universe as the fifth installment in the mini-series lineup.
Marvel delivers another impressive series with “Hawkeye” after the successful run of “What If.” The show focuses on exploring the character of Kate Bishop, a favorite from the comics, portrayed brilliantly by Hailee Steinfeld. The context is set with Kate’s inspiration by ‘Hawkeye’ during the events of Avengers Part 1, and the storyline continues after the aftermath of Avengers End Game. The unlikely partnership of Barton and Bishop unfolds in unforeseen circumstances, providing viewers with a glimpse into their journey throughout the series.
The initial two episodes are engaging, primarily centered around ‘Kate Bishop.’ While the series holds promise, the expectation is that future episodes will delve deeper into the characterization of ‘Clint Barton.’ The presence of King pin and Yelena adds intrigue to the narrative and contributes to the overall appeal of the “Hawkeye” TV show.
Despite the promising start, some viewers may find it to be the weakest series in the Marvel Cinematic Universe. The initial episodes maintain quality, but there is a perceived dip in the middle period, which is redeemed by the impactful appearances of Kingpin and Yelena towards the end. The series faces criticism for not fully justifying its title, as there is a notable focus on Kate Bishop, leaving less room for exploring ‘Hawkeye.’
In the ranking of Marvel series so far:
Loki > WandaVision > Falcon And TheWinterSoldier > What If > Hawkeye
