Why Didn't Doctor Strange Cut Thanos in Half with a Portal in Avengers: Infinity War?

One of the most intriguing questions fans have posed in the Avengers: Infinity War film is why Doctor Strange did not use his reality-warping abilities to cut Thanos in half with a portal or simply slice off the Infinity Gauntlet. Let's delve into the various factors that influenced his decision.

Understanding Thanos' Power and Combat Skills

Doctor Strange’s decision-making is heavily influenced by the sheer power and combat proficiency of Thanos. Even with his reality-altering abilities, Strange likely considered that Thanos could react quickly enough to avoid an attack or even counterattack. Given Thanos' vast powers and experience, any rapid portal maneuver could be seen as futile.

The Nature and Complexity of the Infinity Stones

Another aspect that complicates the idea of simply cutting off the Infinity Gauntlet is the nature of the Infinity Stones themselves. The Infinity Gauntlet, powered by the six Infinity Stones, grants Thanos unprecedented control over reality, space, and time. Disarming Thanos from the Gauntlet could be deemed a futile gesture, as he might simply use the Time Stone to undo any damage stalking his conqueror.

Strategic Thinking and Foresight

Throughout the film, Doctor Strange is portrayed as a strategic thinker who weighs the long-term consequences of his actions. His decision not to use portals in extreme ways might stem from this mindset. Revealing his full capabilities in a direct confrontation could result in unforeseen consequences, thereby necessitating a more subtle and calculated approach.

Moreover, Strange's vision of the future reveals a grim reality: among the 14 million possible outcomes, only one sees victory over Thanos. This foresight likely reinforced his decision to adopt a more strategic and cautious approach rather than a confrontational one.

The Disappointing Avengers: Endgame: A Case Study in Misguided Storytelling

While we can appreciate the creative potential of alternative endings, let's take a closer look at the actual film’s narrative choices. The Russo brothers chose to leverage plot devices and spectacle over solid storytelling, ultimately leading to lapses in logic and coherence.

Examples of poor storytelling include the "Devil's Bargain" for the Soul Stone, which failed to offer a satisfying and consistent explanation. The idea of sacrificing someone’s loved one to obtain the Soul Stone is not only callous but also illogical. Furthermore, the handling of the Pym Particles and the Soul Stone's retrieval were hampered by plot holes and inconsistencies.

Doctor Strange’s choice to simply give the Time Stone to Thanos was another instance of poor narrative choices. Faced with the daunting task of reviewing 14 million timelines, the decision to hand over the Time Stone seems rash and ill-considered, especially considering its critical importance.

The Decline of the MCU and the Changing Approach to Storytelling

The Russo brothers' approach to storytelling in Avengers: Endgame marked a significant shift in the franchise. Beginning as a series of well-told stories, the MCU evolved into a narrative that prioritized spectacle over narrative coherence. This shift reflected a broader departure from the original core values of storytelling.

The decline in the MCU’s narrative quality is evident in the dwindling audience numbers and declining returns, signaling a need for a substantial change if the franchise is to retain its relevance and craftsmanship.

Essentially, Doctor Strange's strategic and foresighted approach in Avengers: Infinity War aligns with the practice of honoring the narrative and character arcs established in the series, rather than succumbing to lazy plot devices and spectacle-driven storytelling that disregards logic and coherence.