In the whimsical and chaotic realm of Marvel's "What If…?" Season 3, Episode 4, aptly titled "What If…Howard the Duck Got Hitched?", we embark on an exhilarating journey into an alternate universe where Darcy Lewis and Howard the Duck's lives merge in an unprecedented interspecies romance, culminating in the miraculous birth of a cosmic offspring. Set amidst the same timeline as the rollicking "Party Thor" episode from Season 1, where Thor reigns as an only child amidst intergalactic revelry, this episode takes us on a wild spree through the MCU's most fantastical and uncharted territories.
The episode unfolds with Howard and Darcy, now bonded as husband and wife, residing on Earth—a planet brimming with a unique amalgamation of human and alien cultures, a lingering aftereffect of Thor's extravagant interstellar bash. Their serene existence is abruptly shattered by an invitation to the Grandmaster's opulent cruise, which quickly metamorphoses into a sinister snare. The Grandmaster's ultimate aim? To utilize their as-yet-unhatched child as the culinary centerpiece for hisguests' dining delight. When the Ravagers, under Yondu's intrepid leadership, sneakily abscond with the egg, Howard and Darcy are thrust into a desperate and relentless pursuit to reclaim their beloved offspring, embarking on a string of encounters with an eclectic ensemble of MCU characters.
As Darcy and Howard track the trail of their abducted egg, they unearth from S.H.I.E.L.D.—now integrated with Skrulls as esteemed agents—a revelation that their child is deemed to possess colossal cosmic prowess, stemming from its birthday's unique confluence, where all nine realms intertwine. This celestial phenomenon, capturing the fervent attention of myriad factions, each thirsting to harness the child's untapped potential, elevates the stakes of their harrowing quest.
The duo's odyssey leads them to the enigmatic realm of Knowhere, where they confront Kaecilius, the nefarious adversary from Doctor Strange, who has usurped the Collector's role. Kaecilius harbors a sinister scheme: to utilize the child as a conduit for Dormammu, aiming to manifest the cosmic entity in a tangible form. A fierce confrontation unfolds amidst S.H.I.E.L.D. agents, Kaecilius, and his minions, with Darcy and Howard narrowly escaping with their precious egg amidst the chaos.
As the strife intensifies, a gathering of MCU's most formidable foes—Loki, Laufey, Zeus, the Grandmaster, Kaecilius, Malekith, and even Thanos—converge upon Jotunheim, each harboring their own designs for the egg. Amidst this turmoil, Howard and Darcy find solace in a corner, their voices blending in a tender rendition of "I Was Made For Lovin' You Baby" by Kiss. To their astonishment, the melody triggers the egg to unleash a surge of cosmic energy, obliterating their adversaries in a brilliant flash.
In the wake of the cataclysm, the egg cracks open, revealing Byrdie, a cherubic creature whose form swiftly transitions into a slumbering infant nestled in Darcy's arms. Recognizing his error in attempting to sever the child from its parents, Nick Fury reassures Howard and Darcy of their aptitude to nurture their extraordinary offspring. With S.H.I.E.L.D.'s departure, Loki and a redeemed Laufey extend an invitation to the Ducks, offering them refuge in Jotunheim. However, Howard and Darcy opt to return to the familiarity of Earth.
The episode concludes with the implication that Byrdie, a unique character wielding cosmic powers, will play a pivotal role alongside Captain Carter and Kahhori in future MCU sagas. Given Nick Fury's firsthand witness to Byrdie's extraordinary abilities, speculation runs wild that he may seek to enlist her into the Avengers' ranks, with the consent of her doting parents. This alternate universe, where a human and an alien duck not only coexist but also raise a child possessed of remarkable talents, underscores the boundless potential of the MCU's multiverse and the heartwarming bonds that can transcend the vastness of space.
