What If... 1872?

Marvel's "What If...?" continues to shine by embracing bold storytelling concepts, dropping familiar heroes into radically different times and genres. It even uses its concept to deliver homages to many different types of films that have not yet been embraced by the larger MCU. After last season's memorable foray into 1602 with its medieval knight story, the show now heads into the dusty, dangerous Wild West with "What If... 1872?" This episode pairs Shang-Chi and Kate Bishop as unlikely allies searching for the elusive Hood, delivering a blend of action, social commentary, and Western flair that feels both fresh and thematically rich.

One of the episode's standout elements is how it uses its setting to explore deeper social issues. The socioeconomic ramifications of anti-immigrant sentiment in the Wild West are woven seamlessly into the story, providing a poignant backdrop for Shang-Chi's character. It's a natural fit for him as a protagonist, bringing a thoughtful and weighty message to the episode without feeling overly didactic. Seeing a Marvel hero like Shang-Chi grapple with such historically resonant challenges adds an emotional depth that elevates the material. The storytelling, while engaging, doesn't fully escape predictability. The twist, which ties personally to Shang-Chi's journey, is emotionally impactful and offers intriguing narrative ramifications, but seasoned viewers may see it coming a mile away. Even so, the payoff is satisfying, and the character dynamics - especially between Shang-Chi and Kate - are handled well, providing enough charm and tension to keep the story compelling. Visually, "What If... 1872?" is a triumph. The animation excels in capturing the rugged beauty of the Wild West, and the action scenes are some of the series' best. Shang-Chi's fight choreography is stunning, seamlessly blending martial arts with the aesthetics of a Western showdown. From saloon duels to epic brawls, every punch and kick is rendered with meticulous attention to detail, making the action sequences a true highlight. While the Watcher remains an enigmatic and fascinating narrator, the show's recurring reliance on his interventions to amplify stakes has begun to feel formulaic. What once felt like a monumental moment of cosmic interference now risks losing their impact due to overuse.

"What If... 1872?" is a solid addition to the "What If...?" canon. Its combination of sharp social commentary, dynamic action, and a richly realized setting outweighs its occasional predictability and formulaic tendencies. By continuing to experiment with unique genres and time periods, the series proves it still has plenty of creative fuel left in the tank.

Again, instead of deviating from a particular decision within the pre-existing MCU, here we go to an alternate world where characters we know are remixed into a different story.

In 1872, Shang-Chi (Simu Liu) is searching for his sister alongside Kate Bishop (Hailee Steinfeld). They're tracking the actions of "The Hood" a mysterious criminal mastermind who has kidnapped and enslaved dozens of Chinese Immigrants. They encounter The Hood's enforcer, Sonny Burch (Walton Goggins) who shows them exactly how the immigrants have been subdued and attempts the method on Bishop.

We're back in the territory of fine, if perhaps uninspiring stuff again this week. It helps that all the returning cast are good. Aside from the ones mentioned in the synopsis above you also briefly have Wyatt Russell again as US Agent and, in a much more substantial role, Meng'er Zhang who returns as Shang-Chi's sister Xu Xialing. Their story is alright, but it is perhaps best explained as back drop to the wider story though, which is The Watcher again refusing to sit idly by and watch a good person die. The reaction of the rest of the Watchers seems to have genuine consequence this time though, with knock on effects for the rest of the Multiverse and the two remaining episodes.

I'm a little short on my usual wordcount here, so I'll again take the time to express my confusion as to why a show with infinite possibilities and the ability to give even more money to the live action stars of the MCU (and keep them engaged for when you need them) is ending so prematurely. I understand that a shakeup of MCU TV has taken place, but cancelling this show, just because it's legacy starts before that time, feels like classic "throw the baby out with the bathwater" territory.

Welcome to the wild west, the place that Shaun and Kate Bishop call home. They're venturing out through the west to find The Hood, and stop them from enslaving the workers.

First off, the action is amazing, especially when Shaun fights. I especially love the final battle where he faces off against The Hood themselves, since the fight choreography is at its best here. I also love the creepiness of the watch as it slowly takes away her freedom. It also puts a time limit on Shaun and The Hood's fight so that it becomes more tense to watch.

Speaking of watching, The Watcher isn't just doing that anymore. Last episode, he interfered during the final battle, causing that universe to be saved. Now, he intervenes again with no hesitation, causing the other Watchers to finally take action.

Honestly, I'm hoping that the 2-part finale that's to come doesn't make the other Watchers evil. Because that'd be too easy, and in retrospect, they're right to hold Uatu accountable. Because now he's intervened again, and he'd probably continue to intervene if they didn't stop him. So I'm hoping that the show does a good job with the Eminence and the other Watchers in the next 2 episodes.

For now, though, let's focus on this episode, which is pretty great! I really like the dynamic that Kate and Shaun have in this episode. I also like the western feel this episode has, with the aspect ratio becoming more movie-like to truly capture that feel. It's a pretty fun episode and I can't wait for the weekend to see how it all ends.