5 Things About ‘What If…?’ That Made Zero Sense and 5 Things That Made Perfect Sense

Marvel’s animated series ‘What If…?’ dives into alternate realities within the MCU, flipping familiar stories in bold, creative ways. Each episode reimagines key moments, offering fresh spins on characters and events fans know well. 

Across its first two seasons, the show delivers a mix of thrilling highs and confusing lows. Some choices left me scratching my head, while others felt like perfect fits for the multiverse concept. Below, I explore five things that didn’t add up and five that hit the mark, alternating between the two.

Made Zero Sense: Ultron’s Sudden Multiversal Power

In Season 1 of ‘What If…?’ (2021-2023), Ultron becomes a multiverse-level threat almost out of nowhere. He gains the Infinity Stones and starts hopping between realities, overpowering even The Watcher. 

The leap from a single-universe villain to a cosmic destroyer feels rushed. How does Ultron, an AI built by Tony Stark, suddenly master multiversal travel without any buildup? It’s a stretch that lacks grounding, even for a show about wild possibilities. The stakes feel forced, making his dominance less believable.

Made Perfect Sense: Peggy Carter as Captain Carter

The premiere episode of ‘What If…?’ (2021-2023) reimagines Peggy Carter taking the Super Soldier Serum instead of Steve Rogers. Her transformation into Captain Carter is a standout, blending strength and heart. 

Peggy’s leadership and grit shine through, making her a natural fit for the role. The episode keeps her character true while giving her a heroic spotlight. It’s a refreshing twist that honors her legacy and sets the tone for the series’ bold reimaginings.

Made Zero Sense: T’Challa as Star-Lord

In Season 1 of ‘What If…?’ (2021-2023), T’Challa becomes Star-Lord instead of Black Panther, leading the Ravagers across the galaxy. While Chadwick Boseman’s voice performance is heartfelt, the premise feels off. 

Why would Yondu kidnap T’Challa, a Wakandan prince, instead of Peter Quill? The shift lacks a clear explanation, and T’Challa’s regal nature feels mismatched with the chaotic Ravager lifestyle. It’s a fun idea, but the logic doesn’t hold up.

Made Perfect Sense: Doctor Strange’s Dark Descent

The Season 1 episode of ‘What If…?’ (2021-2023) focusing on Doctor Strange Supreme is a haunting highlight. Strange’s obsession with saving Christine Palmer leads him to dark magic, twisting his heroic arc. 

This story works because it builds on Strange’s core traits—his stubbornness and drive—while exploring a tragic path. The emotional weight of his choices, paired with stunning visuals, makes this episode a perfect blend of character depth and multiverse chaos.

Made Zero Sense: Nebula’s Nova Corps Redemption

Season 2 of ‘What If…?’ (2021-2023) shows Nebula joining the Nova Corps after Thanos’ defeat, becoming a heroic figure. This shift feels jarring and unearned. 

Nebula’s arc in the MCU is about overcoming trauma, not embracing a law-enforcement role. Her sudden transformation into a Nova Corps member lacks the groundwork to make it believable. It feels more like a plot device than a natural evolution of her character.

Made Perfect Sense: The Watcher’s Role as Narrator

The Watcher, voiced by Jeffrey Wright, serves as the guide for ‘What If…?’ (2021-2023), observing and narrating each alternate reality. His presence ties the anthology together beautifully. 

His calm, reflective tone sets the stage for each story, grounding the wild premises in a sense of cosmic wonder. The Watcher’s gradual shift from observer to participant also adds depth, making his role a perfect anchor for the series.

Made Zero Sense: Hela’s Quick Redemption

In Season 2 of ‘What If…?’ (2021-2023), Hela, the goddess of death, is reimagined as a misunderstood figure who teams up with the Ten Rings. Her arc toward heroism feels rushed and out of character. 

Hela’s villainy in ‘Thor: Ragnarok’ (2017) is rooted in her ruthless ambition. Turning her into a hero in one episode, without enough buildup, undermines her established personality. The redemption feels more like a gimmick than a earned shift.

Made Perfect Sense: 1602 Episode’s Historical Twist

The Season 2 episode of ‘What If…?’ (2021-2023) set in a 1602-inspired world reimagines MCU heroes like Captain Carter and Scarlet Witch in a historical setting. It’s a creative triumph. 

The blend of Elizabethan aesthetics with superhero dynamics feels fresh yet true to the characters. The episode balances humor, action, and intrigue, making the alternate history a delightful and cohesive addition to the series.

Made Zero Sense: The Avengers’ Voltron-Style Team-Up

In Season 3 of ‘What If…?’ (2021-2023), the Avengers form a giant robot, Voltron-style, to battle a threat. This concept feels wildly out of place in the MCU’s grounded tone. 

Even for a multiverse show, a mech-style team-up pushes the boundaries too far. It lacks connection to the MCU’s established rules and feels like a cartoonish leap that doesn’t mesh with the series’ usual balance of creativity and logic.

Made Perfect Sense: Multiverse Team-Up in Season 1 Finale

The Season 1 finale of ‘What If…?’ (2021-2023) brings together heroes like Captain Carter, T’Challa Star-Lord, and Doctor Strange Supreme to fight Ultron. This crossover is a thrilling payoff. 

It makes sense for The Watcher to assemble a multiversal team to face a massive threat. The mix of characters showcases the show’s strength in blending diverse realities while delivering high-stakes action that feels earned and exciting.

Which ‘What If…?’ moment left you puzzled or blew you away? Drop your thoughts in the comments!