What If…? blasts back onto our screens with a season 2 premiere that ditches the multiverse-spanning shenanigans for a gritty neo-noir detective story on Xandar. “What If… Nebula Joined the Nova Corps?” plunges Karen Gillan’s cyborg warrior into a neon-drenched world of rain-slicked alleys and moral ambiguity, reminiscent of Ridley Scott’s sci-fi masterpiece Blade Runner.
Forget Infinity Stones and Thanos’ finger snaps – this Nebula wields a badge and a blaster as a member of the Nova Corps. In this alternate timeline, Ronan never dethroned Thanos, allowing Nebula to escape her father’s shadow and carve her own path. But instead of galactic bounty hunting, she’s stuck navigating the seedy underbelly of Xandar, a far cry from the Guardians’ colorful adventures.
The episode oozes Blade Runner vibes with its moody cel-shaded animation and Humphrey Bogart-esque narration from Nebula. Xandar’s towering skyscrapers cast long shadows over rain-soaked streets, creating a visually stunning and thematically appropriate backdrop for Nebula’s gritty investigation.
But this isn’t just a stylistic homage. The episode expertly weaves the noir genre with the MCU’s cosmic canvas. Nebula, our jaded detective, tackles a crime ring preying on innocent Xandarians, exposing the cracks in the Nova Corps’ supposedly gleaming facade. We get glimpses of a justice system plagued by corruption and bureaucracy, forcing Nebula to question her unwavering loyalty to the Corps.
While the central mystery itself might be a bit predictable, it’s the journey that shines. The supporting cast, including Jude Law’s deliciously sinister Yon-Rogg and a überraschung cameo, add layers of intrigue and unexpected humor. Even familiar faces like Nova Prime (voiced by Julianne Grossman, taking over from Glenn Close) get fleshed out, revealing the complexities of upholding law and order in a galaxy far, far away.
Of course, no What If…? episode is complete without some mind-blowing action. Nebula channels her inner Deckard in a thrilling climax, showcasing her lethal combat skills and proving that even in this new reality, she’s still one of the MCU’s toughest warriors.
While the episode doesn’t directly address the overarching plot hinted at in late season 1, it’s a strong standalone story that doesn’t need multiverse leaps to be compelling. It’s a testament to What If…?’s potential when it focuses on delivering character-driven narratives with unique twists on established heroes.
“What If… Nebula Joined the Nova Corps?” is a neon-soaked delight that proves What If…? can go beyond bombastic multiverse battles and deliver grounded, character-driven stories that resonate just as deeply. With its stunning visuals, witty noir dialogue, and a kick-ass Nebula at the helm, this episode is a surefire win for fans of both Marvel and classic sci-fi detective tales. Buckle up, space cowboys, because What If…? season 2 is off to a stellar start.
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