Marvel What If...? Season 3, Episode 3: What If the Red Guardian Stopped the Winter Soldier?
Marvel’s What If...? Season 3, Episode 3 explores an intriguing alternate reality where Alexei Shostakov, the Red Guardian, crosses paths with the Winter Soldier, Bucky Barnes. In this timeline, Alexei intervenes in Bucky’s mission to assassinate Howard and Maria Stark, leading to an unexpected partnership between the two. Together, they unravel a conspiracy involving Obadiah Stane, confront SHIELD agents, and fight off Red Room operatives, creating a narrative packed with action and surprising depth.
The episode takes a refreshing approach, blending action with humor. Alexei and Bucky’s dynamic shifts the tone into a buddy-comedy, offering fans a lighter yet meaningful perspective on their characters. It delves into themes of redemption and the impact of choices, showing how different decisions can lead to profound changes in the MCU timeline.
Critics have applauded the episode’s balance of fun and emotional storytelling. Fans particularly enjoyed the deeper exploration of Bucky’s character outside of his usual Captain America context, while Alexei’s charisma added a much-needed dose of levity. With its mix of thrilling battles and heartfelt moments, this episode proves to be a standout in the What If...? series.
Comments