Why Didn't Doctor Strange Use the Time Stone? And How Could Thor Have Prevented Thanos from Obtaining the Mind Stone?

In 'Avengers: Infinity War,' Doctor Strange decided not to use the Time Stone to reverse time or prevent Thanos from obtaining the other Infinity Stones. Similarly, Thor's failure to strike Thanos before the latter obtained the Mind Stone from Vision played a critical role in the battle. Let's delve into the reasoning behind these decisions and explore the potential outcomes had different strategies been chosen.

The Greater Good and Strategic Choices: Doctor Strange and the Time Stone

Doctor Strange, utilizing the vast power of the Time Stone, had observed over 14 million possible futures. After carefully analyzing each scenario, he realized that there was only one where the Avengers could ultimately triumph over Thanos. By using the Time Stone prematurely, he believed that the desired outcome would be jeopardized. Instead, his strategic plan entailed keeping the Time Stone as a last resort for the final confrontation with Thanos.

There are several reasons for this approach:

The Greater Good: By postponing the use of the Time Stone until the very end, Doctor Strange hoped to ensure that all other efforts and resources could be utilized towards defeating Thanos without altering the critical timeline. Strategic Choices: The Time Stone is a powerful tool, but it also comes with significant risks. By conserving its power, Doctor Strange aimed to ensure it would be available in the critical moments of the final battle, which would be vital for any successful timeline.

Underestimation of Thanos, Desire for Revenge, and Timing: Thor's Actions in the Battle

Thor, alongside the other Avengers, underestimated Thanos and his capabilities. After the significant battles against Hela and other Midguardians, the sheer power of Thanos was underestimated by the Avengers. Additionally, Thor was driven by a deep desire for revenge, as he was motivated by the loss of his loved ones. When he confronted Thanos, his initial goal was to kill him, which led to the critical moment where he hesitated to aim for Thanos’s head.

Furthermore, the battle was highly chaotic, and Thor lacked the necessary time and positioning to strike Thanos effectively. The urgency of the situation and the potential risks involved made it difficult to coordinate an attack. For instance, striking Thanos might have endangered the lives of his allies or resulted in missing the opportunity altogether.

The Consequences of Different Strategies

Had Doctor Strange or Thor taken different approaches, the outcomes might have been vastly different. For example, using the Time Stone against Thanos would not have solely benefited the Avengers, as Thanos would likely have found a way to counter it and continue his conquest. In 'Avengers: Endgame,' we see the consequences of such a scenario. Similarly, had Thor succeeded in killing Thanos before he obtained the Mind Stone from Vision, the balance of power would have shifted significantly, potentially leading to a different outcome but adding an unnecessary level of chaos and collateral damage.

Moreover, the actions of Doctor Strange and Thor are deeply intertwined with the narrative of 'Avengers: Endgame.' The use of the Time Stone in 'Endgame' is a direct result of the strategic choices made in 'Infinity War.' If Doctor Strange had used the Time Stone earlier, it might have altered the course of events in ways that led to a less successful outcome for the Avengers. Likewise, Thor's actions in 'Infinity War' laid the groundwork for the complex battle and eventual victory in 'Endgame.'

Conclusion

The decisions made by Doctor Strange and Thor in 'Avengers: Infinity War' were complex and deeply influenced by the larger narrative arc of the Marvel Cinematic Universe. By understanding the strategic choices and the consequences of different actions, we can appreciate the significance of each character's role in the unfolding of events.