“What If…? Season 2, Episode 3, ‘What If…Happy Hogan Saved Christmas?’ is a delightful amalgamation of the Avengers’ high-stakes adventures interwoven with the cozy essence of a Christmas special. As the episode opens on Christmas Eve in the multiverse, The Watcher sets a festive tone by narrating a tale of the Avengers’ past holiday celebration. However, the tranquility is abruptly disrupted when Iron Man is hurled into a fireplace by an entity resembling a Hulk-Thanos hybrid.
The narrative rewinds a couple of hours earlier, where Happy Hogan is in charge of organizing a grand Christmas gala at Avengers Tower. Amidst preparations, he faces a minor hiccup when Darcy Lewis points out the hors d’oeuvres aren’t up to par. Meanwhile, SHIELD Director Maria Hill arrives, aiming to discuss JARVIS’ temporary shutdown. Amidst the chaos, Happy juggles party planning and SHIELD’s concerns, embodying the stress of trying to make the holidays magical for everyone.
The episode cleverly pays homage to ‘Die Hard’ as Justin Hammer and his henchmen gatecrash the party, taking hostages and seizing control of Stark Tower. With the security systems compromised, Happy finds himself in a John McClane-esque scenario, striving to thwart Hammer’s villainous plans. Accidentally injecting himself with Hulk’s blood, Happy undergoes a transformative experience, akin to becoming a new superhero dubbed ‘Happy Hulk.’
While seeking aid from fellow Avengers, Happy encounters comical situations: Natasha Romanoff held at gunpoint during a performance of ‘The Nutcracker,’ Tony Stark occupied as a disgruntled Santa Claus, and a humorous tussle between Bruce Banner and Clint Barton over Iron Man figurines.
Darcy, despite her unconventional methods, assists Happy by guiding him to reactivate JARVIS. Their collaborative efforts culminate in a showdown against Hammer, leading to a heartwarming conclusion where the Avengers rally together to save the day. The episode encapsulates the essence of classic Christmas specials, combining dysfunctional camaraderie with a festive spirit, culminating in a heartwarming reminder of the holiday’s true meaning.
With its blend of familiar Christmas story elements and dysfunctional unity, ‘What If…Happy Hogan Saved Christmas?’ stands out as a remarkable highlight of the season, offering a heartwarming and entertaining Christmas special experience.”
The first three episodes of What If…? Season 2 are now available for streaming on Disney+.
