What If... Strange Supreme Intervened?

Seriously, this episode should have been a LOT longer. Possibly even left for another season in order to showcase some of the background characters we see in this one. That being said, though, I really hope they're done with the over-reliance on an overpowered Captain Carter. Don't get me wrong, she's an interesting character, I just think they're relying on her too heavily. I mean, Strange Supreme is an interesting character, too, and it would have been nice to see them use him a bit more previously...maybe even have episodes kinda shared a bit more evenly between the two?

Anyway, as the review title says, the episode has an amazing concept, it just would have benefited a LOT (like the previous two episodes, funnily enough) from being longer. Or maybe even do an Infinity War/Endgame with it and split it into two? I don't know, I'm not a professional writer or anything, I just think they could have done it at least a little bit better. Done the characters a bit more justice...

Summary: Amazing concept, but too rushed.

This is a unique show as it has the opportunity to tell these stories and have them largely separate from each other. It doesn't need to tie into the events of the larger MCU, nor does it necessarily need an overarching story to stay interesting. However, it does feel like they've been trying to have these small things that keep the show entangled and ultimately lead to a point where there is a narrative happening. And it did that again with its stories this season. However, while this finale is entertaining, the big event that they wanted it to be can't help but be disappointing.

In this episode, we see Captain Carter and Kahhori team up in order to stop a big threat to the multiverse. It does sound very familiar to what happened in the first season, with the big exception that this is not nearly on the same scale. It's much smaller and it feels much smaller. The writing for this episode, while handy and capable, is not anything to actually admire as it feels like your standard basic team-up story. The big twist of the episode that involves a very familiar character never really felt earned and after the events of the first season, it felt like they were trying to force a connection to the material into what they were doing, and it definitely could have worked a lot better. With that said, Kahhori is still a very interesting new addition to the universe and it would be nice if we were to see that character again in future projects, maybe even in the next season of this show. The animation is beautiful, but the action sequences this time around did feel a bit stale and didn't manage to impress, although it's always nice to see Captain Carter kick some butt. This episode does make me question, though, if there really is anywhere else for this show to go. Obviously, there's still a lot that could be done, but the desire to actually see where it goes has dwindled a little, although I'll definitely still be there to see what they do with the final season.

"What If... Strange Supreme Intervened?" never really reaches the heights of the previous finale, but is still a solid and entertaining team-up story in the end. The show may be running out of steam, but the animation is still beautiful and it will never get old seeing these actors inhabit different versions of their beloved characters.

The ninth and final episode of What If...? Season 2 delves deep into the complexities of Doctor Strange Supreme's character, exploring themes of redemption, sacrifice, and the far-reaching consequences of tampering with the multiverse.

Plot Overview

The episode begins with Strange Supreme enlisting Peggy Carter's help to stop Kahhori, a powerful being whose actions threaten the multiverse. As the narrative unfolds, it becomes evident that Strange Supreme has ulterior motives, leading to a confrontation that tests the limits of their abilities and their understanding of right and wrong.

Character Dynamics

The interplay between Strange Supreme and Peggy Carter is central to the episode's emotional depth. Strange Supreme's internal struggle and his secretive nature create a compelling dynamic, while Peggy's unwavering sense of duty and moral compass provide a stark contrast. This relationship drives the narrative forward, highlighting the complexities of trust and betrayal.

Visuals and Animation

The episode's animation is a standout, with vibrant colors and fluid action sequences that capture the mystical and otherworldly essence of the multiverse. The depiction of magical battles is particularly impressive, showcasing the vast array of powers at play.

Themes and Messages

At its core, the episode explores the dangers of unchecked ambition and the moral ambiguities inherent in the pursuit of power. It serves as a poignant reminder of the delicate balance required when navigating the multiverse and the profound impact of one's choices.

Conclusion

"What If... Strange Supreme Intervened?" serves as a fitting conclusion to Season 2, offering a thought-provoking narrative that challenges perceptions of heroism and villainy. It leaves viewers contemplating the broader implications of the multiverse and the responsibilities that come with wielding such power.

Rating: 7/10

A compelling and visually stunning finale that delves deep into character complexities and the moral dilemmas of the multiverse.

To start my review I want to talk about season 1 finale. I thought it was exceptionally good. Sure, maybe there were plot holes, but everything from the animation to the music to the story was AMAZING! Every second something happened that made my jaw drop. Examples; (multiple Thor hammers, Star Lord stealing soul stone, Doctor Strange eating Soul Stone, Time Stones battling each other, AI vs. AI battle, Killmonger holding all Infinity Stones, Peggy and Black Widow team up on motorcycle, etc...) And these are just a few. Now what I loved about that finale is that it also used every prior episode to tie in a satisfying ending. It was all built up. It felt like it's own little Saga. Also the fight scenes had stakes for each of the characters.

ONE SPOILER BEYOND THIS POINT THAT'S EXPLAINED IN THE FIRST FIVE MINUTES OF THE EPISODE

Now this season finale. I really enjoyed! Animation was amazing! Easter eggs everywhere! I even liked Kahhori and Peggy team up! But there were issues that really lowered it for me. For example, I hate what they did with Strange Supreme! He was one of my favorite characters from last season, and he had a redemption. It took an entire universe's death for him to see where he was wrong. That's why the story was so compelling. But... the writers decided to make him evil. GUESS WHAT'S HIS MOTIVE! Uh, yeah, the same one from 2 years ago. They ruined him! UHHHH! Maybe the writers couldn't find a worthy villain. Or they just wanted to find a way to bring many characters into the episode to make everyone just look at some easter eggs. Hence, the title. They should've extended the 1602 episode (the one with some plot holes) and made it an actual 2 parter. Have Strange Supreme be like a help.

This episode was also not built up will. It was all very out of nowhere. The watcher didn't get to do anything either. He didn't have a story this season. Last season had a journey for the watcher. Also Kahhori is way overpowered! Her episode was good, but her power set is so confusing and she just seemed like she came out of know where.

To summarize this episode - VERY FUN TO LOOK AT, but quite a jarring turn of events. I gave this a higher score than I would have if it didn't include many of the easter eggs and cool fight scenes, because that's what was the most enjoying. And don't get me wrong, IT SUCCEEDS REALLY WELL AT THAT!

The second season of Marvel's " What If" comes to a conclusion with an interesting, if slightly underwhelming finale. One the whole, this second season has been good, but perhaps not as strong as the first.

Captain Carter (Hayley Atwell) meets up with her multiversal Avenger friend Dr. Strange Supreme (Benedict Cumberbatch) who askes her for help. He's been collating the multiversal destroying threats but cannot subdue Kahhori (Devery Jacobs) from her universe. Carter agrees to help, but soon comes to realise that it is not Kahhori that in the danger, but Strange himself, who has arrived at an even more despicable plan to assuage his grief.

My criticism of this seasons overlying story is that it feels a bit more thrown together than the one in the first season. Beyond seeing Strange a couple of times, there wasn't really much set up to this one in the last few episodes. This episode too feels a bit thrown together around a few interesting ideas, namely the battles between Strange Supreme and Captain Infinity, as Carter becomes. A throw everything at the wall and see what sticks approach. That central fight - reintroduces us to almost all the characters we've ever seen in "What If", though some of them, such as Infinity Killmonger Black Panther noticeably and obviously don't speak - as presumably Michael B Jordan wasn't interested or available for such a small role.

It looks really impressive, the vocal performances are good (I feel like Cumberbatch puts more into playing the role in animation than he does in live action, or maybe the character has just gone to a more interesting place here).

It just feels less well thought out than in the first season, so much so I think I'd have preferred not to have a season story and just let the episodes live as individual storylines. I'll watch season three, but I'd like a bit more invention and maybe some more genuine "what if's" and not just other stories.