In the captivating sixth episode of Season 3 of "What If…?", entitled "What If…1872?", the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) takes a daring leap into the untamed vastness of the American Wild West, reimagining Shang-Chi and Kate Bishop as fearsome outlaws during the 19th century. This alternate universe unravels a tale where Chinese immigrants endure relentless oppression from a shadowy adversary known only as the Hood. The episode offers a novel perspective on these iconic characters, immersing them in a setting that is a rich tapestry of Western symbolism intertwined with Marvel's renowned superheroic thrills.
The episode unfolds with John Walker, transformed into a ruthless bandit, attempting to summon Shang-Chi, alias the Ten Rings, by ringing a bell ten times. Shang-Chi, accompanied by Kate Bishop, the intrepid Hawkeye, has been carving their legend in the Wild West, dismantling threats and maintaining law and order. Their paths intersect with Walker's when he lays a trap for Shang-Chi, culminating in a breathtaking confrontation that underscores the duo's unparalleled prowess.
As Shang-Chi and Kate Bishop embark on a perilous quest to uncover the Hood, they uncover his sinister mission: to prey upon Chinese immigrants, including Shang-Chi's own sister, Xu Xialing, who sought refuge in America but vanished after confronting the menacing Hood. Their journey leads them to Jun-Fan, a young lad whose village was spirited away by the Hood aboard a "ghost train"—a mystifying, trackless, levitating conveyance engineered by the ingenious Tony Stark.
Unveiled as the mastermind behind the controls of the train, brimming with munitions and the entranced, lost immigrants, stands Sonny Burch, colluding with the enigmatic Hood. Burch, wielding a pocket watch capable of casting hypnotic spells, captures Shang-Chi and Kate Bishop with the intention of presenting them as a grand offering to the Hood. In a stunning revelation that twists the narrative, the Hood is revealed to be Xu Xialing herself, who, after vanquishing the original Hood, has assumed the mantle to wage a fierce battle against the racist forces that oppress Chinese immigrants.
However, Burch's true designs come to light as he confesses to the brutal murder of Kate's parents and his exploitation of the hypnotized immigrants for his personal gains. In a tragic twist of fate, Kate Bishop, unaware that the Hood is Shang-Chi's sister, fatally strikes Xialing in a desperate bid for self-defense. The episode draws to a close with Shang-Chi and Kate Bishop steadfastly continuing their mission to safeguard the Wild West, while Jun-Fan, inspired by their daring heroism, embarks on his own journey to train and become a hero.
"The Watcher," Uatu, faces the repercussions of his incessant interventions as the fellow Watchers punish him for his bold act of saving Jun-Fan, inadvertently paving the way for a new Iron Fist to rise. This episode not only offers a thrilling Western adventure but also lays the groundwork for potential ripple effects across the MCU's multiverse, suggesting future storylines that may unfold in live-action ventures. "What If…1872?" is a gripping exploration of heroism, familial bonds, and the relentless fight against oppression, presenting a fresh perspective on the MCU's diverse tapestry of characters and narratives.
