Marvel's "What If...?" continues to shine by embracing bold storytelling concepts, dropping familiar heroes into radically different times and genres. It even uses its concept to deliver homages to many different types of films that have not yet been embraced by the larger MCU. After last season's memorable foray into 1602 with its medieval knight story, the show now heads into the dusty, dangerous Wild West with "What If... 1872?" This episode pairs Shang-Chi and Kate Bishop as unlikely allies searching for the elusive Hood, delivering a blend of action, social commentary, and Western flair that feels both fresh and thematically rich.
One of the episode's standout elements is how it uses its setting to explore deeper social issues. The socioeconomic ramifications of anti-immigrant sentiment in the Wild West are woven seamlessly into the story, providing a poignant backdrop for Shang-Chi's character. It's a natural fit for him as a protagonist, bringing a thoughtful and weighty message to the episode without feeling overly didactic. Seeing a Marvel hero like Shang-Chi grapple with such historically resonant challenges adds an emotional depth that elevates the material. The storytelling, while engaging, doesn't fully escape predictability. The twist, which ties personally to Shang-Chi's journey, is emotionally impactful and offers intriguing narrative ramifications, but seasoned viewers may see it coming a mile away. Even so, the payoff is satisfying, and the character dynamics - especially between Shang-Chi and Kate - are handled well, providing enough charm and tension to keep the story compelling. Visually, "What If... 1872?" is a triumph. The animation excels in capturing the rugged beauty of the Wild West, and the action scenes are some of the series' best. Shang-Chi's fight choreography is stunning, seamlessly blending martial arts with the aesthetics of a Western showdown. From saloon duels to epic brawls, every punch and kick is rendered with meticulous attention to detail, making the action sequences a true highlight. While the Watcher remains an enigmatic and fascinating narrator, the show's recurring reliance on his interventions to amplify stakes has begun to feel formulaic. What once felt like a monumental moment of cosmic interference now risks losing their impact due to overuse.
"What If... 1872?" is a solid addition to the "What If...?" canon. Its combination of sharp social commentary, dynamic action, and a richly realized setting outweighs its occasional predictability and formulaic tendencies. By continuing to experiment with unique genres and time periods, the series proves it still has plenty of creative fuel left in the tank.
