In Season 2, Episode 1 of the Disney Plus series What If, titled “What If Nebula Joined the Nova Corps,” the story unfolds in a reality where Ronan destroys Thanos before the events of The Infinity War. Ronan also defeats Nebula (Karen Gillan), leaving her stranded in space. However, she is saved by Nova Prime (Julianne Grossman) through the latter’s compassion and wisdom. Sometime later, Ronan attempts to destroy Xandar, leading Nova Prime to make the difficult decision of protecting the planet with a planetary shield that would last for fifty years. While Nova Prime’s decision saves Xandar, it isolates the world from the galaxy, gradually bringing out the worst in the Xandarians and turning the city into a criminal cesspool.
The episode begins on Xandar, where Nebula, now a member of the Nova Corps, investigates Yondu’s (Michael Rooker) murder. However, she is prevented by Garthan Saal (Peter Serafinowicz), Denarian of the Nova Corps, who considers Yondu’s death a closed case—a criminal job gone wrong. Undeterred, Nebula continues the investigation and discovers Yondu’s arrow, which holds schematic data that may have led to his death. Via private comms, Nova Prime warns Nebula that Yondu has gotten involved with dark forces in Xandar and authorizes her to use any means necessary to uncover the truth.
Nebula enters a Xandarian casino where she meets Korg (Taika Waititi) and the casino’s owner, Howard the Duck (Seth Green). She shares the schematics data with Howard, who initially has no clue until Korg interrupts, revealing that the data is an old city-wide mainframe core, likely a unit B-42. Korg adds that the data contains information on the sanitation department, metadata, unpaid parking tickets, rush hour statistics, a kitchen sink, and the source code for the shield generator. The revelation exposes that Yondu’s murderer aims to take down the planetary shield, allowing Ronan to continue his invasion and attempt to destroy Xandar. Consequently, Nebula plans to head to Xandar’s mainframe and destroy the source code before it is compromised.
In Xandar’s prison, Nebula meets Yon-Rogg (Jude Law), a Kree Empire commander and the leader of Starforce. Yon-Rogg, now an Xandarian prisoner, is enlisted by Nebula to prevent the theft of the source code. The two break into Xandar’s mainframe core, where Nebula accesses the core with her cybernetic mind to delete the source code files. However, Yon-Rogg betrays Nebula, stealing the source code for the planetary shield. Nebula escapes before the mainframe core is flooded and discovers that Nova Prime is a Kree agent working with Yon-Rogg to open the planetary shields, allowing Ronan to invade Xandar, with Nova Prime seeking control of Xandar under Kree occupation. Nova Prime orders Garthan Saal and some Nova Corps soldiers to kill Nebula, but they fail, and Nebula escapes by jumping off a waterfall.
Nebula seeks help from Howard, Korg, Miek, and Groot (Fred Tatasciore) at the casino. The quartet repairs Nebula from the damage inflicted by Saal and his soldiers. Afterward, they arm themselves with guns, and Nebula dons Yondu’s arrow controller to use the arrow in combat. They invade the Nova Corps Headquarters, utilizing the planetary shield as a weapon to destroy Ronan and his ship. They also defeat Yon-Rogg and Nova Prime. The conflict concludes with the arrests of Yon-Rogg and Garthan Saal and the death of Nova Prime. With the problem solved, Nebula’s investigation and mission are completed. Mission accomplished.
Nebula Investigates
In What If Season 2, Episode 1, Director Stephan Franck and Writer Matthew Chauncey craft an intriguing alternate reality where Nebula, a character well-known from the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU), takes a divergent path by joining the Nova Corps. This deviation from Nebula’s established storyline opens up a fascinating exploration of the consequences that ripple through the Marvel universe.
Nebula, traditionally portrayed as a complex and conflicted character, undergoes a significant transformation in this hypothetical scenario. Her integration into the Nova Corps not only alters her individual narrative but also reshapes the larger dynamics of the MCU. The decision to have Ronan destroy Thanos before the events of The Infinity War serves as a pivotal point, setting the stage for a series of unexpected events.
The storyline introduces a nuanced take on the consequences of Nova Prime’s decision to shield Xandar for fifty years. This choice, while saving the planet, isolates it from the rest of the galaxy, leading to the deterioration of Xandar into a criminal cesspool. This narrative twist adds layers to the established MCU lore, exploring the intricate balance between protection and the unintended consequences of isolation.
The writers skillfully weave Nebula into a detective role, investigating Yondu’s murder, a departure from her typical antagonist or anti-hero roles. This unexpected narrative turn showcases the adaptability and depth of Nebula’s character, providing a fresh perspective for fans familiar with her MCU journey.
The inclusion of familiar characters like Yondu, Korg, Howard the Duck, and others from the broader Marvel universe adds a delightful element of continuity and interconnectivity. The creative use of Yondu’s arrow as a crucial plot device and the revelation of a city-wide mainframe core containing vital information contribute to the intricacy of the plot, engaging viewers with a mix of suspense and surprise.
The episode cleverly integrates elements from Nebula’s MCU backstory, such as her cybernetic enhancements and strained relationship with Thanos, into the alternate narrative. Yon-Rogg’s appearance as an Xandarian prisoner adds another layer of complexity, tying the hypothetical scenario back to the established MCU.
The resolution of the conflict, involving Nebula’s team confronting Nova Prime’s betrayal and defeating formidable adversaries like Yon-Rogg and Ronan, brings a satisfying conclusion to the episode. The use of the planetary shield as both a defensive and offensive tool showcases the strategic depth in the storytelling, offering a visually dynamic and action-packed climax.
In conclusion, What If Season 1, Episode 1, provides a captivating exploration of a hypothetical scenario for Nebula within the MCU. With a well-crafted plot, engaging character dynamics, and nods to established MCU lore, the episode successfully delivers a thought-provoking and entertaining alternate reality for fans of the Marvel universe. Director Stephan Franck and Writer Matthew Chauncey’s creative choices breathe new life into Nebula’s character, offering a refreshing and compelling addition to the What If series.
Rating: 9/10