Marvel’s What If…? Season 2 Episode 7 Review - Dance on the Edge of Glorious Chaos

Marvel's "What If...?" isn't your typical superhero fare. It's a kaleidoscope of alternate realities, where familiar faces twist and turn into unexpected heroes and villains. Season 2 has been a wild ride, and Episode 7 throws gasoline on the bonfire with a premise that screams explosive: What if the banished Hela stumbled upon the Ten Rings instead of a lonely Thor?

Imagine Asgard trembling under the combined might of a goddess of death and a power-hungry warlord. That's the reality Episode 7 conjures. Stripped of her Asgardian power, Hela crashes into ancient China, where destiny throws the Ten Rings into her lap. Enter Wenwu, the Mandarin, a man obsessed with conquering not just Earth, but the heavens themselves. A twisted alliance takes root, fueled by ambition, desperation, and a shared taste for apocalyptic fireworks.

As a film critic, I wear two hats. One applauds the exhilarating spectacle, the visual feast of Hela unleashing hellfire alongside the Ten Rings' dazzling dance. Cate Blanchett owns the screen, chewing scenery with the grace of a Valkyrie and the glint of a mischievous Loki in her eyes. Tony Leung matches her fire, portraying a Wenwu haunted by loss and driven by a hunger for ultimate power. Their on-screen chemistry is a venomous tango, a clash of wills that crackles with a dangerous allure.

Kudos to the animation team for seamlessly blending Asgardian grandeur with ancient China's vibrant tapestry. And let's not forget the surprise cameo that sent chills (and a mischievous grin) down my spine. It's a reminder that the multiverse holds endless possibilities, even if this particular corner is a bit light on narrative depth.

But then, my other hat starts twitching. The breakneck pacing leaves character development in the dust. The logic of Hela and Wenwu's partnership feels like a rope bridge held together by spit and prayers. Their motivations, while compelling, remain underdeveloped, leaving me wanting more than just "world domination for breakfast." Asgard's fate, initially an intriguing subplot, gets brushed aside like an unwanted dinner guest, its potential left unfulfilled.

Is it a superhero epic or a popcorn flick on fast-forward? Both, and therein lies the episode's charm and frustration. It's a rollercoaster that hurtles through mind-bending action sequences, punctuated by witty banter and Blanchett's scenery-devouring performance. But just as you settle in for a deeper exploration of this twisted alliance, it whisks you away to the next explosive set piece. It's a sugar rush of a superhero story, leaving you exhilarated but faintly questioning the nutritional value.

"What If...?" Episode 7 delivers. It's a visual symphony of mayhem, a guilty pleasure that celebrates spectacle over subtlety. Just don't expect a Shakespearean drama. This is pure, unadulterated comic book chaos, fueled by Blanchett's brilliance and Leung's simmering intensity.

"What If...?" Season 2 Episode 7 is not high art, but it's damn entertaining. So, grab your snacks, buckle up, and prepare to witness Hela ignite the cosmos with the Ten Rings in hand. Just remember, sometimes the journey is more spectacular than the destination, and even a messy multiverse offers its own unique brand of thrills.

Now, if you'll excuse me, I need to go rewatch Hela's fight scene. That woman knows how to wield a power ring. And maybe, just maybe, I'll jot down some ideas for a fanfic where Asgard throws a celestial rave under Hela and Wenwu's reign. After all, even the multiverse deserves a good party once in a while.

Final Score- [8/10]