What if one single choice could alter the fate of an entire universe? Marvel’s What If…? dares to answer this tantalizing question, reimagining iconic moments from the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) in ways you’ve never imagined. As Marvel Studios’ first-ever animated series, What If…? unlocks the doors to infinite realities within the multiverse, taking fans on a thrilling journey through the unknown.
Unlike anything we’ve seen before in the MCU, this series offers a fresh perspective by flipping the script on the stories and characters we thought we knew so well. What if Peggy Carter took the super-soldier serum instead of Steve Rogers? What if T’Challa became Star-Lord? Each episode dives into these alternate timelines, offering stunning “what if” scenarios that challenge the boundaries of storytelling.
But What If…? isn’t just an anthology of “what could have been.” It holds profound implications for the MCU’s ongoing exploration of the multiverse, a concept first teased in Loki and brought to life in Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness. Whether you’re a die-hard Marvel fan or a casual viewer, What If…? promises to deepen your understanding of the multiverse and spark endless debates about the nature of destiny, choice, and consequence.
Ready to unravel the mysteries of the multiverse? Let’s dive into an in-depth recap of Season 1 and explore how each episode expands Marvel’s storytelling canvas in ways both unexpected and unforgettable.
Episode 1: Captain Carter – The First Avenger
The series kicks off with a game-changing twist on a pivotal moment in MCU history. What if Peggy Carter, not Steve Rogers, became the super-soldier we know as Captain America? In this alternate reality, Peggy chooses to stay in the lab during Steve’s transformation process. When a Hydra agent attacks, Steve is injured, and Peggy steps into the chamber to take the serum herself, emerging as Captain Carter.
From that moment, history takes a vastly different course. Equipped with enhanced strength and wielding a Union Jack-adorned shield, Captain Carter leads the charge against Hydra. The episode recreates iconic scenes from Captain America: The First Avenger but with Peggy at the helm. Her leadership and combat skills redefine the role of a super-soldier, showcasing her resilience and resourcefulness.
Steve doesn’t fade into the background, however. Using Howard Stark’s technical brilliance, Steve dons the Hydra Stomper, a precursor to the Iron Man suit powered by the Tesseract. Together, Peggy and Steve form an unstoppable team, tackling Hydra’s forces and even taking on the Red Skull. In a climactic battle, Captain Carter sacrifices herself to push an interdimensional monster back through a portal, disappearing into the unknown.
The episode not only honors Peggy Carter’s character but also highlights the “what if” nature of small decisions creating massive ripples. It sets the stage for the series, proving that even the tiniest change can rewrite history in unexpected ways.
Episode 2: Star-Lord T’Challa – A Different Kind of Guardian
What if the Ravagers abducted a young T’Challa instead of Peter Quill? Episode 2 explores this fascinating scenario, blending the regal poise of Wakanda’s prince with the swashbuckling charm of a galactic outlaw. T’Challa’s version of Star-Lord is a force of nature—charismatic, intelligent, and deeply altruistic, transforming the Ravagers into a noble band of Robin Hood-style thieves.
T’Challa’s influence is felt across the galaxy. In this alternate timeline, he convinces even Thanos to reconsider his genocidal plans. Yes, that Thanos. Instead of a Mad Titan, we meet a reformed, almost likable version of the villain, who occasionally debates the merits of his former philosophy. T’Challa’s diplomacy and unwavering moral compass make him a universally respected figure, unlike Peter Quill’s often scrappy and self-serving Star-Lord.
The episode also reimagines the Collector as the galaxy’s most dangerous villain, filling the power vacuum left by Thanos. With his expansive collection of stolen relics and formidable army, he poses a significant threat to T’Challa and the Ravagers. The climactic showdown showcases T’Challa’s leadership and combat skills, as well as his ability to inspire loyalty and unity among his allies.
The episode ends with a heartwarming twist: T’Challa discovers that Wakanda was never destroyed, as he had been told. Reuniting with his family brings the story full circle, leaving viewers to wonder how this Star-Lord’s journey might have reshaped the universe.
Both episodes highlight the core theme of What If…?: that even the smallest changes can have profound and unexpected consequences. Whether it’s Peggy Carter’s bravery or T’Challa’s compassion, these alternate realities give us a new perspective on beloved characters while hinting at the boundless potential of the multiverse.
Episode 3: The World Lost Its Mightiest Heroes
What if the Avengers were never assembled? Episode 3 delves into a chilling alternate reality where the world’s mightiest heroes are systematically eliminated before they can unite. As Nick Fury and Natasha Romanoff work to recruit the Avengers, they are blindsided by a series of mysterious deaths.
Tony Stark succumbs to a fatal injection during his debriefing in a donut shop. Thor falls to a deadly arrow during a covert mission. Bruce Banner’s transformation into the Hulk ends catastrophically as his body grotesquely explodes. Natasha and Fury race against time to uncover the culprit, only to be thwarted at every turn.
The grim twist is revealed when Fury confronts the mastermind: Hank Pym. Driven by grief and rage over the death of his daughter, Hope van Dyne, Pym uses his advanced technology to exact revenge on S.H.I.E.L.D. Fury’s quick thinking, aided by a disguised Loki, brings Pym to justice, but the episode leaves Earth vulnerable as Loki seizes the opportunity to assert his dominance.
This episode masterfully blends suspense, tragedy, and intrigue, showcasing how the absence of the Avengers could lead to the Earth’s downfall.
Episode 4: Doctor Strange Supreme – A Dark Turn
What if Doctor Strange’s love for Christine Palmer led him down a dangerous path? Episode 4 takes us into a harrowing alternate reality where Strange becomes consumed by grief after Christine dies in a car crash. Desperate to undo her death, Strange delves deeper into the mystic arts, eventually discovering a forbidden technique to manipulate absolute points in time.
Despite warnings from the Ancient One and Wong, Strange embarks on a dark quest to absorb mystical beings, gaining immense power but losing his humanity. His transformation into Doctor Strange Supreme is both tragic and terrifying as he becomes unrecognizable, obsessed with his mission to reverse Christine’s death at any cost.
The episode culminates in a devastating realization: Christine’s death is a fixed point in time, immutable even with infinite power. Strange’s actions result in the collapse of his universe into a dark void, leaving him utterly alone. As the episode ends, Strange pleads with The Watcher to save his reality, but The Watcher refuses, adhering to his oath of non-interference.
This episode stands out for its emotional depth and serves as a cautionary tale about the dangers of unchecked power and obsession.
Episode 5: Zombies! – The Undead Take Over
What if the Avengers turned into zombies? Episode 5 offers a wildly unexpected take on the MCU, where a quantum virus from the subatomic realm triggers a zombie apocalypse. When Hank Pym rescues Janet van Dyne from the Quantum Realm, she returns infected, unleashing a plague that turns Earth’s mightiest heroes into undead monsters.
The episode balances horror and humor as a small band of survivors, including Spider-Man, Hope van Dyne, and a headless Scott Lang, fight to save humanity. The zombie versions of familiar heroes—such as Iron Man, Captain America, and Wanda Maximoff—pose terrifying threats, showcasing the devastating potential of their superpowers in undead form.
The group discovers a glimmer of hope at Wakanda, which remains untouched by the virus. However, the bittersweet conclusion reveals that a zombified Thanos awaits them, wielding a near-complete Infinity Gauntlet. The episode leaves viewers with an unsettling question: could even the multiverse survive a zombie apocalypse?
Episode 6: Killmonger Rescues Tony Stark – Hero or Villain?
What if Killmonger saved Tony Stark in Afghanistan? Episode 6 explores this scenario, offering a fresh take on two pivotal MCU characters. When Tony is ambushed in the desert, Killmonger intervenes, preventing the injury that would have led Tony to become Iron Man.
Killmonger’s calculated actions allow him to ingratiate himself with Stark Industries, manipulating Tony into trusting him completely. Using Stark’s resources, Killmonger orchestrates a series of events that lead to his ascension, including the deaths of James Rhodes, T’Challa, and Tony himself.
As Killmonger rises to power, his true motives become clear: he seeks to dominate Wakanda and use its resources to wage global war. The episode paints a compelling portrait of Killmonger as both a visionary and a manipulator, blurring the lines between hero and villain.
The episode ends with a ray of hope as Shuri and Pepper Potts join forces to expose Killmonger’s schemes, hinting at a potential resistance in this alternate reality. It serves as a chilling reminder of how unchecked ambition can alter the course of history.
Episode 7: Party Thor – A Lighthearted Yet Chaotic Episode
What if Thor grew up without Loki’s mischief to shape him? Episode 7 takes a comedic detour, envisioning a reality where Thor becomes a carefree, party-loving prince. Without the influence of his adopted brother, Thor turns Earth into the ultimate party planet, inviting aliens and gods alike to join in his revelry.
While the episode offers plenty of laughs and outrageous moments, the chaos soon attracts the attention of S.H.I.E.L.D. Captain Marvel is sent to contain the damage, resulting in a spectacular showdown between her and Thor. The battle is as entertaining as it is destructive, with Thor’s arrogance clashing against Carol’s unyielding discipline.
However, it’s not all fun and games. The episode ends with an ominous cliffhanger: Ultron, wielding the Infinity Stones, steps into this alternate reality. This chilling moment shifts the tone and sets the stage for the series’ dramatic conclusion.
This episode provides much-needed comic relief but also reminds viewers of the multiverse’s unpredictable dangers, blending humor with a hint of foreboding.
Episode 8: Ultron Wins – A Universe in Peril
What if Ultron succeeded in his plans from Avengers: Age of Ultron? Episode 8 offers one of the darkest scenarios yet, imagining a reality where the genocidal AI obtains Vision’s body and the Infinity Stones, becoming an unstoppable force. After decimating Earth and its heroes, Ultron turns his sights to the multiverse itself.
The episode showcases Ultron’s terrifying power as he obliterates entire galaxies and even battles The Watcher, who is no longer able to remain a passive observer. Their battle is a visual spectacle, with Ultron breaking through the boundaries of the multiverse in his quest for ultimate control.
This episode marks a turning point in the series, as The Watcher acknowledges the severity of the threat and takes the unprecedented step of intervening. His decision to recruit heroes from across the multiverse sets the stage for the epic finale, proving that even the multiverse isn’t immune to destruction.
Episode 9: The Watcher Breaks His Oath – Heroes United
What if The Watcher stepped into the action? Episode 9 delivers the long-awaited climax of What If…? Season 1, bringing together heroes from various alternate realities to form the Guardians of the Multiverse. These include Captain Carter, Star-Lord T’Challa, Doctor Strange Supreme, Party Thor, Killmonger, and a zombified Scarlet Witch.
The Guardians are united by The Watcher to confront Ultron, whose multiverse-conquering spree threatens all of existence. The episode showcases their teamwork and individual strengths, blending humor, action, and emotional moments as they battle the AI in a breathtaking final showdown.
Despite their differences, the Guardians manage to outsmart Ultron and strip him of the Infinity Stones. However, the resolution comes with a twist. Killmonger, ever the opportunist, betrays the team and attempts to claim the stones for himself. This leads to a stalemate as Doctor Strange Supreme traps Killmonger and Ultron in a pocket dimension, ensuring the safety of the multiverse.
The series ends with The Watcher reaffirming his oath to observe but not interfere, though his actions hint at a greater role for him in future seasons. The finale ties together the season’s overarching themes while leaving room for further exploration in the multiverse saga.
Conclusion: A Multiverse of Endless Possibilities
What If…? Season 1 is more than just a reimagining of Marvel’s greatest moments—it’s a bold exploration of the multiverse’s infinite possibilities. Each episode dives deep into the consequences of a single change, revealing new sides to beloved characters and challenging the notions of fate and destiny.
From Captain Carter’s heroism to Ultron’s apocalyptic rise, the series delivers a mix of humor, tragedy, and action, all while expanding the MCU’s storytelling potential. As Marvel delves further into the multiverse in upcoming projects, What If…? serves as a reminder that even the smallest choices can have universe-shattering consequences.
