What If… Doctor Strange Lost His Heart Instead of His Hands?

This is the first episode where the main character becomes a superhero, but their origin story is changed. Doctor Strange still becomes Doctor Strange but in a different way. He loses the person he loves most instead of losing his hands in the accident. 

He relives the night Christine died and tries to save her, but every attempt ends in her death. Christine is supposed to die because it is an Absolute Point in the timeline. I believe Absolute Point is a term we will hear more about going forward in the MCU. Events like Natasha’s death are considered Absolute Points and cannot be reversed because they are pivotal to the stability of the timeline. 

Overwhelmed by the loss of Christine, Doctor Strange seeks answers in the mystic arts. After defeating Dormammu and becoming the Sorcerer Supreme, he wants to reverse her death by seeking out the book of Cagliostro. 

Another thing that will be important to remember as the MCU continues to explore the multiverse is that it is possible to split a timeline. Ancient One split Doctor Strange. The version of him that followed the path of darkness ultimately was the reason for the universe’s demise because only one Doctor Strange can exist in one timeline, so he was forced to battle himself. He successfully brought back Christine, but at the cost of the universe. 

This reminds me of Madoka Magica. What is so important to you that you are willing to give up your soul to obtain it? Doctor Strange gave up everything to bring back Christine, and it wasn’t even worth it. 

Wanda Maximoff and Peter Parker need to think twice before trying to change or alter reality. Wanda wanted Vision back and (accidentally) created an entire alternate reality to obtain that. She may still be searching for ways (i.e., the WandaVision finale end credit scene). Peter wants everyone to forget that he is Spiderman. But these things may be considered to be Absolute Points in the timeline and are irreversible.

And finally….. what is up with the recurring tentacles?