Marvel’s What If…? Season 3 Episode 3 Review - Exploring the Power of Friendships

Marvel’s animated anthology What If...? brings an intriguing twist to the beloved MCU canon, offering a glimpse into alternate realities where pivotal moments from the Marvel films unfold in unexpected ways. Among its many offerings, two episodes stand out as genuinely hilarious, blending sharp humor with the series’ trademark inventive storytelling.

One of the standout episodes, “What If... the Red Guardian Stopped the Winter Soldier?”, serves as a showcase for David Harbour’s comedic talent. Reprising his role as Alexei Shostakov, aka the Red Guardian, Harbour breathes fresh life into this alternate scenario that pivots away from the grim undertones of Captain America: Civil War. In this universe, the Red Guardian becomes a central figure in thwarting the Winter Soldier, delivering a storyline that’s as clever as it is amusing. The humor stems largely from his proletariat-centered banter—his impassioned critiques of capitalist excesses clash hilariously with his unabashed admiration for certain aspects of American culture. Watching him revel in Americana while throwing playful jabs at Western consumerism provides a comedic juxtaposition that feels both timely and refreshing.

Screenwriter A.C. Bradley (Trollhunters: Tales of Arcadia) deserves immense credit for crafting dialogue that is both razor-sharp and imbued with wit. Bradley skillfully weaves humor into the narrative without detracting from the high-stakes drama that fans have come to expect from the MCU. The episode’s tone strikes a perfect balance, never losing sight of its superhero roots while allowing for moments of levity that leave viewers grinning.

Beyond the humor, the episode delves into the character’s psyche, showcasing the Red Guardian’s layered personality. His idealistic fervor for Soviet ideals is not presented as one-dimensional. Instead, it’s tempered with moments of self-awareness and vulnerability, particularly in his interactions with characters whose lives he alters in this alternate timeline. The episode also excels in its action sequences, with vibrant animation capturing the pulse-pounding fights and choreography that Marvel fans adore.

The episode stands as a testament to the series’ broader strength: its ability to take familiar characters and thrust them into entirely novel scenarios. By doing so, What If...? invites viewers to ponder the transformative power of choice and circumstance. It’s a concept that not only drives the show’s narrative engine but also makes it resonate on a philosophical level. We also see how together with combined forces, trust, and friendship one can defeat the greater forces. Together, the Winter Solider and the Red Guardian make a great team, and this episode depicts the same through power-packed action and dialog.

Overall, “What If... the Red Guardian Stopped the Winter Soldier?” is a high point in a series that continually surprises and entertains. Harbour’s charismatic performance, Bradley’s sharp writing, and the episode’s seamless blend of humor and action make it a must-watch. For fans of the MCU and newcomers alike, What If...? reaffirms the infinite storytelling possibilities within the Marvel multiverse.

Final Score- [7/10]