What If? (1×04) What If… Doctor Strange Lost His Heart Instead of His Hands? Review

For our review of the first three episodes of What If?, click here.

After taking turns with Peggy Carter, T’Challa, and a world without Avengers, the latest episode of What If? takes a turn with Doctor Strange in what was easily the best episode so far. For a series that puts a twist on the familiar storylines we’ve grown accustomed to while exploring different paths for multiple characters, maybe it doesn’t take big enough swings but the series thus far has consistently delivered compelling stories propelled by great writing and performances and this episode was no different.

Now most are surely familiar with the story of how Doctor Strange came to be as the cocky yet talented surgeon lost function in his hands following a car accident. This time around, as the episode title suggests, what if Strange (Benedict Cumberbatch) lost something else in that car accident? Instead of losing function in his hands, what would happen if he lost his love interest and fellow surgeon Christine Palmer (Rachel McAdams). Though his path following the accident was the same, looking into the mystical arts for answers, what he did with that knowledge was different. However, the episode was much more than just the cliché of the grieving character doing whatever they could to save the love they lost. Meanwhile, another character would play a more prominent role which should not come as much of a surprise to anyone but will hopefully serve as an indication of what is to come in the grand scheme of things.

According to the Ancient One (Tilda Swinton), Palmer’s death was a fixed point in time that could not be changed considering the events that came from it but this was certainly not going to stop Strange who became obsessed with saving Christine. Strange soon learned that despite his many failed attempts to use his magic to save Christine, there was no fighting the inevitable. And as we know, the Watcher has been watching the events of the series so far but this story seemed different as his presence extended to more than just a voice as he could be seen looming which made for a nice touch. That presence was certainly felt by Strange. When it came to his obsession, the answer appeared to be more power which proved to be easier said than done. Nevertheless, he persisted regardless of the cost and the circumstances. Completely consumed, Strange had essentially become a shell of what he once was.

Little did he know, Strange’s actions threatened the fate of the universe but as far as it was concerned, he was also the only one who can save it, Regardless of whether or not he’d save Christine, would it still be worth it? As the episode reached its conclusion, a tidal wave of emotion rolled in as he was faced with the circumstances of his actions as his life along with the universe as a whole crumbled around him. Cumberbatch delivered a truly heartbreaking performance as Strange and was definitely the cherry on top while his showdown with Wright’s Watcher was also a highlight.

As far as the series is concerned, it is leading up to something so it will be interesting to see where it goes.

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Keith Noakes

The EIC of the coincidentally-named keithlovesmovies.com. A Canadian who prefers to get out of the cold and into the warmth of a movie theatre.