What If…? season 1, episode 4 review: Supreme Doctor Strange
By Liam Clark
Doctor Strange showcases his full, devastating potential in What If…? Episode 4. Spoilers below!
Marvel’s What If…? has produced multiple strong outings, but the fourth instalment is certainly the best one yet. In this episode, The Watcher (Jeffrey Wright) ponders what would occur if Doctor Strange (Benedict Cumberbatch) lost Christine Palmer (Rachel McAdams) in his accident instead of the use of his hands. And boy, does it take a dark turn.
This episode features a brilliant voice performance from Benedict Cumberbatch as he produces a variety of different emotions as both Doctor Strange and desperate darker counterpart Doctor Strange Supreme. The loss the Sorcerer Supreme experiences in this episode hits the audience hard, as the performance reels in the viewer as Strange ultimately loses everything despite his best efforts.
What If…? season 1, episode 4 recap: Doctor Strange loses his heart
After Stephen Strange’s car accident occurs, Christine is killed. This is noticeably different from the events that took place in the Marvel Cinematic Universe movie Doctor Strange – in which Strange’s hands were irreparably damaged, leaving him unable to perform surgery. Though it still sends him on a journey similar to the one he underwent in the film as he studies the mystic arts in an attempt to figure out how to change what occurred.
Much of the early part of the episode also follows the plot of the 2016 film as Strange, Wong (Benedict Wong) and The Ancient One (Tilda Swinton) work together to defeat Dormammu and Strange ultimately takes over as Sorcerer Supreme in New York City.
However, as the years go by Strange is consumed with grief. On the two-year anniversary of Christine’s death, he decides to take matters into his own hands and utilises the Eye of Agamotto (which holds the Time Stone) to try and bring his love back to life. This does not work, as Strange witnesses her death time and time again, which is heartbreaking to watch as The Ancient One informs him that he cannot change her death as it is an absolute point in time and reversing the event could result in the destruction of the universe.
Strange decides to go against this and hides away for centuries, using new absorbing techniques to steal the abilities of monsters and descending into darkness as he continues to steal the dark powers. Strange’s abilities become unnatural and his evil transformation is complete.
Of course, The Ancient One has a plan and used the power of the Dark Dimension to create two different versions of Doctor Strange. This results in the good Strange fighting Supreme Strange in an emotionally charged battle, which is literally Strange fighting with his demons. Supreme Strange uses a host of new abilities and, while the good Strange puts up a fight, Doctor Strange Supreme is able to absorb his duplicate and use his powers to save Christine.
However, his arrogance and lack of thought results in Strange destroying his universe. He pleads with The Watcher to save the universe, but The Watcher declines. This results in Strange screaming in pain and regret as the love of his life, along with the universe, fades away.
What If…? season 1, episode 4 review: The best episode yet
The episode is tragic and showcases how one difference can have universe spanning consequences, as Doctor Strange also shows his devastating and powerful potential. Benedict Cumberbatch is the star of the show, putting in a masterful performance as both sides of Doctor Strange. The Doctor Strange cast also deliver in this episode, with the 2016 film’s actors providing great vocal performances for their respective characters.
What If…? also finally provided an extended performance for Jeffrey Wright as he interacts with Doctor Strange Supreme and holds his oath not to interfere, while also setting up the potential for the character to have a more active role in the future.
Overall, What If….? continues to be one of the most interesting and exciting additions to the MCU, with the latest episode being the Disney Plus show’s strongest instalment to date. With universe spanning consequences, “What If… Doctor Strange Lost His Heart Instead Of His Hands?” displays the true potential of the Sorcerer Supreme and it is devastating.
What If…? releases new episodes on Disney+ each Wednesday.
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