Marvel's "What If...?" has consistently excelled at pairing unexpected characters, creating fresh dynamics that reframe the MCU's familiar events. The third episode of its third season, "What If... the Red Guardian Stopped the Winter Soldier?," is a prime example of this potential, imagining an alternate timeline where the boistured Red Guardian clashes with and ultimately teams up with the brooding Winter Soldier. The pairing feels natural given their shared histories as super-soldiers burdened by the ideologies of their respective natures. And it makes a very fun buddy romp that feels like a ride, although it isn't without the occasional shortcomings, especially with its tonal inconsistencies.
The episode opens with the Winter Soldier's infamous mission to eliminate Howard Stark, but Red Guardian's unexpected interference leads to an explosive confrontation. Watching the relationship between these two flawed characters develop is one of the episode's highlights. Red Guardian's bombastic humor contrasts sharply with Bucky's stoic demeanor, and their journey from enemies to reluctant allies feels both genuine and earned. The episode does a great job of highlighting their similarities even as their differences lead to moments of humor and tension. However, the episode often struggles to balance its tone. The comedic elements, primarily driven by Red Guardian's larger-than-life personality, are entertaining but sometimes excessive. Moments of silly humor, while in line with the character, occasionally disrupt the pacing and dilute the impact of the more serious moments. Thankfully, Bucky's gravitas helps ground the episode, and his introspective moments offer a poignant counterbalance to the antics of his Soviet counterpart. While the episode is enjoyable, it doesn't fully embrace the boundless creative potential of the "What If...?" premise. The storyline feels more like a plausible side plot within the MCU rather than a bold reimagining. It's a solid concept, but it doesn't push the boundaries of the "endless possibilities" the series promises to explore. The ending, while fun, leaves a lot to be desired in terms of coherence. The choices made by the characters and the events of the episode should have had significant repercussions on the MCU timeline, but by the conclusion, the broader universe seems oddly unchanged. This inconsistency makes the episode feel disconnected from the rest of the show's premise and somewhat diminishes its impact.
"What If... the Red Guardian Stopped the Winter Soldier?" is a mixed bag. The dynamic between Red Guardian and Winter Soldier is compelling, and their character arcs are handled with care, but the uneven tone, missed potential, and confusing ending hold it back from being a standout entry in the series.
