What If...? returned for Season 2 promising not just alternate realities, but alternate realities on steroids. Episode 5, "What If... Captain Carter Fought the Hydra Stomper?", delivers on that promise in spades, hurtling us into a 1950s sci-fi spectacle where Peggy Carter, sporting a vibranium shield that would make Steve Rogers weep with pride, squares off against a colossal Hydra robot controlled by the nefarious Arnim Zola. Buckle up, multiverse explorers, because we're dissecting this midseason masterpiece, its electrifying highs and narrative hiccups included.
Our ever-resilient heroine, Captain Carter, takes center stage in this episode, and Hayley Atwell is a force to be reckoned with. Peggy throws punches with the grace of a ballerina and the fury of a goddess scorned, her steely resolve masking a simmering frustration at being sidelined by a power-hungry Bucky Barnes. The action sequences are pure Saturday matinee serial gold, with ray guns, rocket packs, and Peggy's signature acrobatic finesse dazzling the screen. As she leaps from exploding buildings and grapples with robotic tentacles, you can't help but cheer for this super soldier who proves that a strong jawline and a vibranium shield are all you need to kick Hydra butt.
Speaking of Barnes, he's undergone a fascinating transformation in this reality. A war hero turned political puppet, Bucky's charisma masks a chilling ruthlessness. Sebastian Stan plays this morally ambiguous Bucky with chilling precision, making you question whether he's the hero this world needs or just another Hydra puppet master in a sleek suit
"What If... Captain Carter Fought the Hydra Stomper?" throws delightful curveballs at viewers, like Howard Stark's hilarious transformation into a radio DJ with a penchant for conspiracy theories. However, some narrative choices leave you with a raised eyebrow.
The Watcher's motives remain as opaque as ever, and the resolution to certain plot points feels rushed. It's as if the writers were so eager to reach the big robot brawl that they sacrificed character development for spectacle. The emotional payoff of certain sacrifices feels unearned, leaving you wanting more from the characters rather than simply applauding the pyrotechnics.
Peggy's determination to stop the Hydra Stomper and potentially rescue Steve fuels her throughout the episode. We see flashbacks of a younger Steve before he becomes Captain America, hinting at their strong bond and Peggy's enduring love for him.
The episode's ending leaves a major cliffhanger. While Peggy believes Steve succumbed to the Hydra Stomper's explosion, a faint pulse signal suggests he might be alive, potentially trapped within the wreckage. This sets the stage for a possible reunion in future episodes, adding a layer of emotional complexity to Peggy's future choices.
Despite its narrative bumps, "What If... Captain Carter Fought the Hydra Stomper?" is a midseason triumph. The action sequences are pulse-pounding, the performances are superb (especially Atwell and Stan), and the exploration of alternate realities continues to offer fascinating possibilities. Just be prepared for a few narrative potholes along the way. This episode throws punches you'll feel, but not all of them land with textbook precision.
Final Score- [6/10]