The Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) has undeniably left an indelible mark on the world of cinema, captivating audiences with its epic narratives and iconic characters. Yet, a recent viral Reddit thread has ignited a fervent discussion about the lingering inconsistencies surrounding one pivotal event—the Blip from Avengers: Infinity War.
In 2018, Infinity War delivered a gut-wrenching twist as the formidable Thanos snapped half of the universe out of existence, leaving an enduring scar on the MCU timeline. Avengers: Endgame eventually reversed the Blip, but its repercussions continue to reverberate through the narrative fabric of the MCU. The aftermath of the Blip, however, has been a tale of missed opportunities and narrative incongruities.
A Reddit user, identified as r/MavrickIndigo, sparked the conversation with a post titled “The Blip was terrible for long-term storytelling.” This thought-provoking argument contends that the subsequent phases of the MCU, namely Phase 4 and Phase 5, have failed to fully embrace and explore the profound impact of the Blip, leaving a void in the overarching storytelling.
The early aftermath of Avengers: Endgame saw MCU projects grappling with the implications of the Blip. WandaVision’s episode 4, “We Interrupt This Program,” poignantly portrayed the confusion and paranoia experienced by those who had been unblipped, exemplified through the character of Monica Rambeau. However, this exploration was fleeting, with subsequent projects distancing themselves from the Blip, relegating it to the realms of comedic relief.
A prime example is the scene in Spider-Man: Far From Home, where unblipped band members materialize in the middle of a basketball game. What was once a universe-altering event now serves as a punchline, diminishing its gravity. Shang-Chi and Hawkeye also opted for a similar approach, reducing the Blip to background elements—a “Thanos Was Right” coffee mug and a “post-Blip anxiety” hotline, respectively. The Reddit thread highlights the perplexity of fans who expected a deeper exploration of the Blip, considering most of these projects are set only a few years post-reversal.
Moreover, newer heroes introduced post-Blip, like Moon Knight, raise questions about their activities during the five-year gap. The Redditor contends that when the Blip does take center stage, the narrative execution often falters. Falcon and the Winter Soldier faced polarizing responses due to its focus on the Blip-era militant group, Flag Smashers. Similarly, Doctor Strange and the Multiverse of Madness delved into the Blip’s impact on the relationship between Strange and Christine Palmer.
The consensus among comments on the Reddit post is that, even if subsequent MCU projects attempt to step out of the Blip’s shadow, the inconsistent repercussions of the sudden loss and resurrection of trillions persist as a narrative hurdle for the Marvel Cinematic Universe. The overarching sentiment is one of frustration, with fans expressing a desire for a more cohesive and comprehensive exploration of the Blip’s aftermath.
As the MCU moves forward into uncharted territory with Phase 4 and beyond, the challenge lies in striking a balance between acknowledging the past and forging new narratives. The Blip, once a seismic event, should not merely serve as a footnote but should be woven into the very fabric of the MCU, enriching the storytelling tapestry that has captivated audiences worldwide. Only time will tell if Marvel Studios can address these concerns and deliver a narrative that does justice to the complexity of the Blip’s aftermath.
