After so many episodes of darkness, destruction, and dozens of different ways of killing Tony Stark, “What If… Thor Were an Only Child?” is such a delightfully daft story focused solely on having a good time. While I would not call this a “great” episode, it’s such a welcome departure from the dark nature of this series, that alone is notable.
So, as you can guess, this episode takes place in a reality where Thor and Loki were never brothers. Without the burden of responsibility, Thor was an even bigger brat than he was in the first Thor movie and, in his wandering escapades throughout the universe, he decides that Earth would be a terrific place to throw a party while his mother is away.
Jane Foster joins forced with S.H.E.I.L.D. and Captain Marvel to become the ultimate party poopers.
This episode was just… fun. It was so much fun. Chris Hemsworth and Tom Hiddleston seemed to be having the times of their lives playing immature versions of their characters and the fact that the two of them get along better in this reality than the reality where they were brothers. How strange is it that we see a Loki in this universe who is happy and at peace after growing up without Odin’s influence?
Of course, this episode is loaded with cameos and Easter eggs from Howard the Duck to a dozen other Marvel aliens. This installment was all about the fun before the storm and, based on the ending, the storm is going to be a doozy.
Good thing we got a little stupid fun first!
Jason Gaston 