In the thrilling third episode of Season 3 of Marvel's animated anthology series, "What If…?", titled "What If…The Red Guardian Stopped the Winter Soldier?", we are transported to an alternate universe where two legendary figures, the Red Guardian and the Winter Soldier, intertwine in a saga of espionage, unwavering loyalty, and the relentless pursuit of the super-soldier serum. This installment redefines the Cold War-era rivalry between the Soviet Union and the United States, introducing a captivating twist where Alexei Shostakov, alias the Red Guardian, thwarts Bucky Barnes, the Winter Soldier, from carrying out his grim task of eliminating the Starks.
The episode unfolds as General Dreykov covertly sends Alexei Shostakov to Ohio, masquerading as a senior data manager. Shostakov, yearning for a mission of greater significance, discovers crucial intelligence from a Russian spy known as the Rook, and is outraged to learn that the assignment to slay the Starks has been bestowed upon Bucky Barnes. In a daring maneuver to demonstrate his prowess, Shostakov snatches the dossier and crosses into the United States under the alias Bob Toledo, intercepting Barnes on Long Island and foiling the assassination attempt.
The confrontation between Shostakov and Barnes ignites a fiery clash of beliefs and objectives. Shostakov, convinced that his mission is to secure the super-soldier serum and depart without leaving any survivors to testify, finds himself locked in a fierce standoff with Barnes, whose unwavering directive is to eradicate anyone who could potentially expose his identity. Their tense encounter draws the attention of S.H.I.E.L.D., led by Bill Foster, who teams up with Ranger Morales to track down the elusive super-soldier serum and capture the perpetrators.
As Shostakov and Barnes venture towards Las Vegas to confront the enigmatic Rook, they are relentlessly pursued by Foster, who, in a heart-pounding chase, unveils his alter ego, Goliath. Shostakov's steadfast aversion to unnecessary violence becomes starkly apparent as he strives to defuse the situation without resorting to further carnage, whereas Barnes, fueled by his unwavering programming, leans towards a more lethal conclusion.
Upon arriving in Las Vegas, the duo encounters Obadiah Stane, revealed to be the elusive Rook. Stane's ambitious plot to secure the super-soldier serum and seize power over Stark Industries is foiled by the daring duo of Shostakov and Barnes, leading to a harrowing confrontation. Despite their inherent differences, Shostakov and Barnes find common purpose in their steadfast resistance against Stane and the menacing Red Room Task Force.
The episode culminates in a breathtaking final standoff, reminiscent of the legendary "Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid," as Shostakov and Barnes are surrounded by their adversaries. Neither hero meets their demise; Barnes is recaptured by Hydra and subjected to memory erasure, while Shostakov, presumed deceased, continues his life under the alias Bob Toledo. Later, he joins S.H.I.E.L.D. and valiantly fights alongside the Avengers during the Chitauri Invasion.
This alternate narrative presents fascinating inquiries into the characters' relationships and the ripple effects of their actions on the original timeline. How does Shostakov's intervention reshape the dynamics among the Avengers, particularly Tony Stark's awareness of his parents' survival? How does Shostakov's不老之谜, despite possessing the super-soldier serum, impact his role as a fatherly figure to Natasha Romanoff? And how does Stane's demise alter Stark's trajectory towards becoming Iron Man?
"What If…?" Season 3, Episode 3, titled "What If…The Red Guardian Stopped the Winter Soldier?," is a gripping exploration of potential realities, offering a refreshing lens on the intricately woven fates of the Red Guardian and the Winter Soldier. It dives deep into the complexities of loyalty, the weight of duty, and the unforeseeable repercussions of a singular act that redirects the course of history.
