In the climactic episode of Season 2 of "What If...?," titled "What If... Strange Supreme Intervened?," the narrative embarks on a thrilling trajectory as Strange Supreme and Captain Carter find themselves locked in a high-stakes confrontation spanning the multiverse. The episode kicks off with a succinct recap of their respective histories, paving the way for their return to the 1602 universe, following Carter's triumphant prevention of a cosmic collision.
Strange unveils his ultimate objective—to apprehend "universe-killers" and safeguard the fabric of the multiverse—but confesses that one elusive prisoner has slipped through his grasp, necessitating Carter's expertise to recapture the looming threat and secure their return home.
The duo arrives in a universe where Hydra reigned victorious in World War II. Carter swiftly uncovers that Strange's fugitive is Kahhori, who had been duped by Strange's fabricated narrative of universe-killers. Kahhori exposes Strange's sinister scheme: capturing formidable beings from across the multiverse to harness their energy in a device known as the Forge, in a desperate bid to revive his own universe, which he had inadvertently annihilated in a failed attempt to save Christine Palmer's life.
As Carter and Kahhori traverse the perilous corridors of Strange's Sanctum, they encounter a rogue's gallery of imprisoned beings, including Hela and the Zombie Scarlet Witch. Carter liberates these captives, utilizing them as a distraction while they search for the elusive Forge. Their odyssey leads them to Black Panther Kilmonger, who has been incarcerated since his epic battle with Ultron in the inaugural season of "What If...?." Kahhori's teleportation prowess is pivotal in transferring the Infinity Armor from Kilmonger to Carter, empowering her with the formidable might of the Infinity Stones to confront Strange.
Carter and Kahhori finally arrive at the Forge, only to be intercepted by Strange, who is steadfast in protecting his creation at any cost. As the conflict intensifies, Kahhori aims for the Forge while Carter engages Strange in a relentless duel. Strange, succumbing to his demonic persona, gains the upper hand against Carter, even resorting to casting prisoners into the Forge to rejuvenate his universe. However, Carter and Kahhori, fortified by the support of the freed prisoners, manage to shield them from peril using their combined powers and the Infinity Stones, orchestrating a dramatic turn in the battle for the multiverse.
Driven by desperation, Strange resorts to illusioncraft, meticulously recreating the pivotal moment where Steve Rogers was injected with the Super Soldier Serum, right before Carter's eyes. Yet, Carter's perception pierces through the veil of his deception. Chaos reigns as the imprisoned souls realize that Carter and Kahhori embody their sole hope for survival. In a desperate bid for advantage, they start tossing their weapons towards the duo, arming them against Strange. Kahhori seizes the opportunity to teleport the prisoners back to their world, while Carter engages Strange, seeking to divorce him from his demonic entity and appeal to his rationality.
Ultimately, The Watcher intervenes, rescuing Kahhori and Carter from their perilous plight. Kahhori is sent back to her universe, accompanied by her tribal members who had also fallen victim to Strange's captivity. It transpires that Strange's selfless act restored his universe and Christine Palmer, but at the ultimate cost—his own birth into that reality was eradicated.
In this reality, Carter and Kahhori shoulder the responsibility of safeguarding the prisoners from Strange's malevolent influence. Strange attempts to outwit Carter once again with an illusion of Steve Rogers' fateful injection day, but Carter's discerning eye sees right through it. Recognizing their champions, the prisoners rain their weapons upon Carter and Kahhori, tilting the scales against Strange. Kahhori effectively facilitates the prisoners' return while Carter buys precious moments to reason with Strange, separating him from his demonic facade.
Carter's perseverance bears fruit as Strange makes the ultimate sacrifice, casting himself and his demonic counterpart into the collapsing Forge. The Watcher's timely intervention saves Kahhori and Carter, sending Kahhori back to her universe with her freed tribal members. The revelation that Strange's selflessness restored his universe and Christine Palmer, but at the price of his own existence, adds a poignant layer to the narrative.
The Watcher extends Carter an offer to return home, which she graciously accepts, stipulating a scenic route. The ninth episode of "What If...? Season 2" concludes with a harmonious blend of action, emotional depth, and moral intricacies. It stands as a testament to the series' prowess in reimagining Marvel's iconic characters and narratives in unprecedented ways, capturing the allure and peril of the multiverse. As the season draws its curtain, fans are left to ponder the ramifications of Strange Supreme's deeds and the future trajectory of the multiverse, savoring a bittersweet victory and the enduring spirit of heroism.
