WARNING: The following contains spoilers for What If...? Season 1, Episode 7, "What If... Thor Were an Only Child?," streaming now on Disney+.
One of the reasons why Marvel Studios' What If...? is such a fun experience is the fact that it twists the reality of the Marvel Cinematic Universe. As a result, some of the franchise's most beloved characters are shown in a much different light than what has been shown before. One such example is how different a Thor who didn't grow up with Loki is. By showing the person he becomes, the episode also proves how the two Gods need each other to reach their true potential.
In Thor's episode, the God of Thunder is still as reckless as he was in 2011's Thor, but rather than try to start a war with the Frost Giants; he unites the galaxy and hosts massive parties that take place on different planets. While it seems like harmless fun, these parties put the entire world in danger and risk its destruction. Even though these situations could be avoided by ending the party, the episode proves that Thor is at his worst without Loki to offer a voice of reason.
In the original Thor, Loki tries to calm Thor's anger at the Frost Giants trying to steal the Casket of Ancient Winters. While this ultimately didn't work, it established that this isn't the first time Loki has had to talk Thor back from a ledge that could lead to catastrophe. In What If...?, Loki's role is the opposite of this, as he's a king on his own right.
Loki joins Thor for the party, embracing his Frost Giant form and leading his people as allies of Asgard instead of enemies. However, while the duo is closer than they've ever been in the prime MCU timeline, Loki lacks all of the cautious traits that fans have come to know and love. Instead, he is ready to party with Thor at a moment's notice and even scoffs at the idea of Thor trying to end the party before his mother comes. This change proves that, without their particular upbringing, not only is Thor at his worst, but so is the God of Mischief.
An earlier episode of What If...? showed how Loki would act without his brother stepping up to him. In "What If... the World Lost Its Mightiest Heroes?" a mysterious assailant kills the Avengers, leaving the Earth open to a hostile takeover by Loki. Though that Loki seemingly achieved everything he wanted in Thor's absence, in truth he never reached his full potential due to Thor's absence and the fact that he had no one to challenge him.
Thor and Loki are two of the most engaging characters in the MCU. As their stories progress, fans have gotten to see one processes and overcome his grief while the other abandons a life of villainy to pursue a path that's more heroic than he ever thought possible. What If...? solidifies the importance of their pairing by showing how much worse things would be if they didn't have each other.
A new episode of What If...? airs each Wednesday on Disney+.