Two weeks ago, the last time I reviewed an episode of WHAT IF…?, I was pleasantly surprised by how fun a really silly premise could be. Steve Rogers as a zombie?! Sign me up! Sadly the zombies were followed by a dark, mean episode centering around Killmonger and Tony Stark, the only highlight being Michael B. Jordan’s return as the complicated heir to the Wakandan throne.
I was hopeful and cautious as I sat down regarding the new WHAT IF…?, knowing it would be centered around Thor, Jane, and friends. The premise is as simple as the title: What if Odin had never adopted Loki and instead returned him to be raised by his people? Thor grew up as the very privileged and princely only son of Odin and Frigga, still mostly kind-hearted, but with a dash of rebellion thrown in, and a whole heaping cupful of rich boy bro-ness. You know the human types: Probably found at a pool party in Vegas dancing to the latest EDM superstar, with an umbrella cocktail in one hand and a beer in the other.
If this sounds intriguing to you, you may enjoy it as I did. It has several comedic moments as a lot of favorite intergalactic and otherworldly Marvel heroes and villains show up for Thor’s first visit to Midgard (aka Earth), albeit under very different circumstances as he did in the Sacred Timeline. And boy, does Thor sure love to party! The sweetest moments of the episode bring back Jane and Darcy who are investigating who and what have invaded their planet. This episode is absolutely jam-packed with the original MCU voices – Hemsworth, Portman, Hiddleston, and many more. Keep an eye out for a favorite MCU supporting character partying with a binkie in their mouth. Who says Marvel doesn’t know how to rave?
And if this sounds absolutely ridiculous to you…well, it is. I’ve decided after ZOMBIES and this that WHAT IF…? excels when it goes full weirdo. My biggest critique is that it squished in TOO MANY Marvel characters into its 36-minute runtime. I found myself distracted several times from the main plotline because I was so busy playing I Spy to the vast amount of returning MCU characters.
So sit back, grab your favorite alcoholic or non-alcoholic beverage, and get ready to party with Thor.
WHAT IF EP 1-7 are streaming on Disney+.
