Marvel’s What If...? (Ep. 1)

This article was originally published on August 31, 2021

Written by Thomas Salerno

Marvel Studios and their celebrated Cinematic Universe are expanding into uncharted territory with a new phase of storytelling focusing on the endless possibilities of the multiverse. The new Disney+ series What If…? sees the MCU branch into the realm of animation and takes fans on a tour across space and time, exploring entirely new universes where small choices have radically altered the lives of the characters we know and love. As someone who was first introduced to Marvel’s superheroes through the classic animated cartoons of the ‘90s, I hoped that the first episode of What If…? would start the series off with a bang. It didn’t disappoint!

“What If… Captain Carter Were the First Avenger?”

Captain America is my favorite Marvel hero and I’ve long been of the opinion that Captain America: The First Avenger is the most underrated MCU film, so I was excited that Marvel Studios chose to feature Peggy Carter’s story in the inaugural episode.

In terms of plot, there’s not much to spoil. The episode unfolds largely as one would expect. During World War II, a Hydra agent attacks and wounds Steve Rogers before he can be enhanced by the super-soldier serum. Peggy volunteers to undergo the procedure and, despite resistance from the military leadership, becomes the super-powered standard bearer for the Allied armies as Captain Carter. I thought the story was a bit paint-by-numbers but that’s okay. In an episode like this, what I’m really here for is the action set pieces.

Speaking of that, the action in this episode is fluid and hard-hitting! Captain Carter has some glorious fight scenes. The animation is crisp and vibrant. This is Marvel, so the action is tinged with humor, which is tasteful and doesn't seem jarring or forced. I normally don’t even notice the music in a Marvel Studios production, but this episode features a wonderful action montage set to period-appropriate 1940s-style music that had me snapping my fingers and tapping my feet. 

I was concerned that Steve Rogers would be shunted aside, but I was pleased to find he actually plays a significant role in the plot. Howard Stark (father of Tony Stark) builds a weaponized combat suit, the “Hydra Stomper” for the frail kid from Brooklyn. Peggy and Steve’s romance has a central role and the episode ends on the same bittersweet note as Captain America: The First Avenger. 

As a World War II buff, Captain Carter’s adventures really embodied all that I love about movies and comics set in this period: It had just the right amount of camp and a lot of Nazi-smashing action!

Overall, this was a fine first episode. Honestly, I’d love to see more of Captain Carter’s adventures. Maybe Marvel would consider doing a spin-off? Also, a Captain America animated series set entirely in World War II would be right up my alley. But this is probably just my inner World War II nerd and Captain America fan-boy talking! 

This episode played things safe but I hope that subsequent installments of What If…? take more chances and really embrace the idea that anything can happen. I’d also like to see future episodes be a bit more substantial in terms of theme and subtext.

I spoke with Brainy Pixel’s own Brannon Hollingsworth (COO/Creative Director) to get his thoughts on the MCU’s first foray into animation:

From an animation standpoint, what struck you the most about this first episode?

Honestly, the entire episode was simply stunning. From every standpoint, the work that is being done here by Marvel and Blue Spirit is a true testament to what can be done when a production company believes in its animation studio, provides the tools to them to do the work, and steps back and lets them “go crazy”. Blue Spirit displays not only a stunning level of technical capability here, but also a pointed insight into the source material and passion for these characters, their stories, and the larger universes.

What did you think of Peggy Carter in the role of a superhero?

I absolutely loved it. Personally, I’m a massive fan of the story device being used here and the subtle shift of Peggy stepping into the role of a superhero (because, in my book, she was already a hero before this choice) and having the super serum enhance the better parts of who she is becomes a nuanced but oh so lovely take on “the Captain”. Like you, I’d clamor for an entire series of Captain Carter! 

Does the storytelling mirror too closely the events of Captain America: The First Avenger, or do you think it strikes the right balance?

I actually really liked it and believe that it was a conscious story-telling choice. With this episode being the first, I think they wanted to keep things closely aligned with the film and just have a few differences to illustrate the major theme of this What If… series - that one choice can make a world of difference. Honestly, there were some pretty substantial differences when you think about it, reference the fates of Zola and Red Skull, as well as the introduction of something from Beyond. As a writer and story-teller myself, I could do lots of things with those “small changes” in the story line.

If you could change one thing about this episode, what would it be?

Actually, it’s my only quibble with the episode and the only thing that I would change: Howard Stark would have had a change of clothes going into the final battle, and something with some sort of cool Stark-tech to boot. It seemed a little odd to me that he was not “armored up” in some way and still in his “civvies”.

Are there any meaningful takeaways from this episode, specifically for Christians?

Oh my, yes! So many, in fact, that I think I may be writing a whole article on them! Keep an eye out for that - coming soon!