The highly anticipated premiere of Season 2 of "What If…?", titled "What If… Nebula Joined the Nova Corps?", plunges viewers into an alternate Marvel Universe where Nebula's fate undertakes a breathtaking transformation. The episode kicks off with a dystopian vision of Xandar, evoking the eerie ambiance of Blade Runner's cyberpunk realm, a stark juxtaposition to the vivid and lively backdrop of the original "Guardians of the Galaxy". This iteration of Xandar finds itself encased under a protective shield, a barrier that isolates it from the cosmos, causing its society to wither and decay.
The narrative then rewinds to a fateful juncture where Thanos meets his untimely demise, betrayed and slain by Ronan the Accuser. This pivotal event sets the stage for Nebula's unexpected path to the Nova Corps. Saved and enrolled by Nova Prime, Nebula is thrust into a mission to safeguard Xandar from Ronan's impending invasion. However, the invasion's aftermath sees the planet enveloped in a shielding dome, wreaking havoc on its populace.
Nebula's journey takes a chilling detour as she discovers Yondu Udonta's lifeless body in a deserted alleyway, shunned by her Nova Corps comrades led by Garthan Saal. Assigned by Nova Prime to probe into Yondu's murder, Nebula uncovers a clandestine conspiracy that imperils the very fabric of Xandar's existence. At the grim crime scene, she stumbles upon Yondu's acoustic arrow, containing cryptic blueprints that promise answers.
In her relentless quest for truth, Nebula delves into the clandestine underworld, venturing into an illicit casino managed by the eccentric Howard the Duck. Here, she encounters an eclectic ensemble, with Korg behind the bar as the bartender, Miek as the chef, and Groot dealing cards. Within this underground den, Nebula learns that the blueprints hold the secrets to an ancient mainframe core, vital for its data, particularly the source codes controlling Xandar's protective shield.
In a daring maneuver to penetrate the mainframe, Nebula enlists the aid of Yon-Rogg, a valiant member of the Kree Starforce, to orchestrate a breathtaking prison breakout. As they narrowly escape, the duo gains access to the vital mainframe and shield codes. However, Yon-Rogg betrays Nebula at the eleventh hour, snatching the codes and abandoning her to a watery grave as the mainframe is inundated. With sheer determination, Nebula manages to squeeze out of the clutches of death, only to uncover Yon-Rogg's treacherous loyalty to Nova Prime, who has covertly collaborated with Ronan to surrender Xandar in exchange for immense power.
Battered but unbowed, Nebula storms back to Howard's bar, seeking refuge and reinforcements. Howard and his trusty team rally to her side, arming her with Yondu's iconic arrow and mohawk, ready to thwart Nova Prime's sinister scheme. Together, they launch an audacious assault on the Nova Corps' headquarters, now firmly under Nova Prime's iron fist, in a heart-stopping battle.
In a climactic showdown, Nebula squares off against Nova Prime as she initiates the planetary shield's opening sequence. However, Nebula has a clever ace up her sleeve: she had surreptitiously altered the security codes in defiance of Nova Prime's directive to solve Yondu's case "by any means necessary." This audacious move seals Nova Prime's doom as the shield snaps closed, crushing Ronan's approaching vessel and obliterating his menacing threat. Nova Prime is swiftly defeated in a fierce but fleeting encounter, plummeting to her ruin.
"Episode 1: What If… Nebula Joined the Nova Corps?" marks a gripping kickoff to the second season, offering a refreshing lens on Nebula's character and examining the rippling effects of a solitary decision within the vast tapestry of the Marvel Universe. This episode, a riveting blend of action, intrigue, and unexpected alliances, sets the stage for a season of imaginative and exhilarating storytelling.
