‘What If…?’ Season 3 Disrespected Two Underrated MCU Characters

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  • Why Did Disney Have to Do the Marvel Characters Like That?
  • How Moon Knight and Shang-Chi Should Have Been Presented

As a seasoned Marvel fan who’s been following the saga since the early days of comic books, I must admit that I was initially excited about the return of “What If…?” on Disney+. However, the third season seems to have missed the mark for me, especially with the first episode titled “What If… the Hulk Fought the Mech Avengers?

Following a year-long wait, the third season of the Marvel series “What If…?” debuted on Disney+ this month, with its trailer (released last month) hinting at extraordinary journeys, such as western-style scenarios featuring familiar heroes and potential global catastrophes, like a Celestial splitting the Earth apart. However, before these events unfold, the initial episode, titled “What If… the Hulk Fought the Mech Avengers?“, offers a “Pacific Rim” twist within the MCU. Although many Marvel enthusiasts find the concept intriguing and promising, this particular episode seems to fall short in delivering substance for some fans.

It seems more fitting that the Avengers operate the mechs instead, as their inherent powers outmatch those of any large mechanical robot. Thor’s hammer is incredibly durable, and Doctor Strange wields immense magical abilities! However, let us temporarily put aside our skepticism and follow along with the storyline. Nonetheless, something just doesn’t feel right about this situation.

In my perspective as a movie enthusiast, allow me to shed light on this blockbuster tale, subtly hinted by its title. The tormented Bruce Banner grapples with unrelenting remorse over the devastation wrought when he morphs into the colossal Hulk. In an attempt to extinguish the beast dwelling within, he subjects himself to a cataclysmic dose of gamma radiation. Contrary to his expectations, this results in the emergence of a monstrous Kaiju, christened ‘Apex’. This Apex aberration then spawns an horde of smaller, yet equally destructive brethren, who leave naught but carnage in their wake – even the original Avengers succumbing to their relentless onslaught.

As a dedicated movie enthusiast, I can’t help but notice the secondary cast members who are returning to the Marvel Cinematic Universe in this upcoming production. Among these familiar faces, two names immediately grab my attention as they have been long-awaited comebacks for ardent MCU fans: Moon Knight (whose real name is Marc Spector in this episode) and Shang-Chi. It’s been a two-year absence since we last saw Marvel’s Moon Knight, and it has been even longer since the Master of Kung Fu graced our screens, following his 2021 big-screen debut. These underappreciated characters have been sorely missed, and their return is finally here – but sadly, they are only given less than five minutes of screen time in total. Count it up yourself!

Why Did Disney Have to Do the Marvel Characters Like That?

Read Our Season 3 Review

It’s truly exciting to not just behold the Moon Knight robot, but also to observe Shang-Chi’s 10 rings triggering a team-up among hero robots, forming an even larger mech. Just seeing these iconic characters making a return, however minor, is nothing short of astounding.

Despite the passage of time, doubts persisted among fans regarding their prolonged presence, with discussions about sequels taking a backseat. In this case, however, it seems the issue might be related to the length of each episode of What If…?, regardless of whether it focused on a murder mystery involving the Avengers or an epic battle between the Guardians of the Multiverse against a variant of Ultron wielding the infinity gauntlet. These episodes, unfortunately, were simply too brief.

Indeed, both previous seasons followed an overall plotline that compensated for their brief episode counts, and it appears this third season is following suit. However, the standalone episode “What If… the Hulk Fought the Mech Avengers?” could have benefited from a more impactful portrayal of destruction, a more developed ending for the original Avengers, and perhaps the introduction of Moon Knight and Shang-Chi’s origins. The characters themselves were only shown within their cockpits, never donning their traditional costumes. Since this series is called “What If”, it often discards conventional norms. In this specific instance, a straightforward call to action might have been more fitting.

How Moon Knight and Shang-Chi Should Have Been Presented

Initially, let’s take a glimpse into the lives of these eight Marvel characters before they donned their superhero personas: Monica Rambeau, Bucky Barnes, Sam Wilson, Marc Spector, Alexei Shostakov, Melina Vostokoff, Shang-Chi, and Nakia.

It was evident that there wasn’t any explanation given about how these names evolved into the second version of Earth’s Mightiest Heroes. However, the brief tales hinting at the Apex’s origin and the team’s appearance in their mechanized costumes were all we got before they were prepared to act. Providing a bit of background information would greatly please fans who have longed for on-screen portrayals of their beloved characters.

Could you be pondering over the placement of these intriguing story snippets? In an episode brimming with anticipated monster and robot combat, there was also an equal portion of unnecessary dialogue. Instead, the lengthy Bruce Banner discussions could have been streamlined, perhaps substituted by a refreshed Avengers Assemble montage. Since Sam Wilson is the obvious leader in this scenario, he could have made the decision, and a collage-style edit could have ensued, showing each hero (in whatever setting they were in) responding to his command.

If Moon Knight had appeared in his white robe and Shang-Chi in his combat attire during their respective third seasons instead of typical team uniforms, it would have left a lasting impact. Thankfully, the quality of the final season improved over time.

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2024-12-28 20:01