Marvel’s What If…? or What If Episode 1 is now out on Disney+ today. Titled as What If… Captain Carter Were The First Avenger?, the episode has a runtime of 30 minutes.
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What If Episode 1 Cast
Jeffrey Wright, Hayley Atwell, Sebastian Stan, Dominic Cooper, Stanley Tucci, Toby Jones, Josh Keaton, Jeremy Renner, Bradley Whitford, Ross Marquand
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What If Episode 1 Writer
A.C. Bradley
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What If Episode 1 Director
Bryan Andrews
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What If Episode 1 Review: Plot Summary
The show starts with The Watcher’s (Jeffrey Wright) voice in the background, saying, “Time, space, reality – it’s more than a linear path. It’s a prism of endless possibilities.” He tells us that we saw Steve Rogers as Captain America, who saved the world in one reality. But in an alternate reality, things didn’t go the same way. “I’m Watcher. I’m your guide through these vast realities. Follow me and ponder the question – What If?” says the voice as the episode begins.
The first episode of Disney+ What If? begins with the super-soldier procedure on Steve Rogers (Josh Keaton). When Rogers is about to get the serum inside his body, Dr Erskine (Stanley Tucci) tells Peggy Carter (Hayley Atwell) to stand in the booth. Unlike the film Captain America: The First Avenger, Peggy from the animated series decides to stay. However, an attack by a Hydra spy injures Rogers, and Peggy decides to step in. The only people who seem happy seeing her as a super-soldier are Steve and Howard Stark (Dominic Cooper).
We get to see how others react when they encounter a lady who is both physically and mentally capable. Captain Carter saves Bucky Barnes (Sebastian Stan) from Hydra and obtains the Tesseract. Stark uses the Tesseract to create Hydra Stomper, a suit of armour for Steve Rogers. Captain Carter and her team decide to take down Johann Schmidt, aka Red Skull, to end his plans of using Hydra to dominate the world.
Red Skull releases a massive creature that he created using the Tesseract. Captain Carter has no choice but to sacrifice herself to the creature to save her friends and allies in the room. In the next scene, a portal opens 70 years in the future, where she meets Nick Fury (Samuel L Jackson) and Clint Barton (Jeremy Renner).
What If…? Episode 1 Review: Discussion
Marvel has already set the bar high for what’s to come with the first episode. The show is entertaining to watch, and Hayley Atwell is outstanding and dynamic throughout. While writing the series, A.C. Bradley kept in mind how people saw Peggy Carter, a woman in a powerful position in the 1940s. Hence, her conversation with Steve when they talk about how people look at her differently and how her outside now matches her inside leaves an impact.
In the scene, Peggy Carter tells Steve, “I’m no longer screaming to be heard, to be seen, to be in the room.” “To be respected,” responds Steve Rogers, and there’s a comfortable silence in the room. It is one of the most powerful scenes in the episode. Just like the movie, Steve and Peggy teased us about their dance. The episode has a good amount of action, humour and astonishing moments.
Also Read: All What If Season 1 Reviews
A die-hard MCU fan will spot many cinematic parallels in the show. Bucky Barnes’ claim that he nearly ripped off his arm on the train is my favourite! The animation is terrific, and the background music complements the scenes well. Marvel has gotten off to a good start with Captain Carter, and I’m hoping they can keep it up.
Final Thoughts
Overall, the first episode is worth watching. It’s the MCU’s first animated series which has reminded us of Peggy Carter’s potential once more. It will leave you curious to see how everyone’s worlds intertwine in the upcoming episodes.
What If…? Episode 1 is now streaming on Disney+.
Also Read: All What If Season 2 Reviews