In the climactic episode of Marvel's animated anthology series, "What If…?", Season 3, Episode 8, aptly titled "What If…What If?", we are plunged into a cosmos where the delicate tapestry of the Multiverse trembles on the brink of disintegration. This episode, the grand crescendo of the season's narrative, finds Captain Carter, Kahhori, Byrdie, and Storm grappling with the reverberations of Uatu's deeds and the relentless fury of the Watchers' elite hierarchy.
The episode kicks off with a haunting flashback, painting a vivid picture of Eminence's unwavering trust in Uatu during his solemn oath-taking ceremony. This scene serves as the backdrop for the profound ethical quandary that lies at the heart of the series: the Watchers' solemn vow of non-intervention. The ambiguous rules of the Order, which permit the retention of intervention powers, cast a shroud of uncertainty over the essence of their existence and their intended role within the vast Multiverse.
As we leap into the present, we bear witness to the Watchers' profound disappointment in Uatu, who has repeatedly defied the sacred oath. Uatu stands his ground, defending his actions with the argument that his interventions have nurtured the Multiverse's prosperity. Yet, the Watchers remain steadfast, unyielding, and poised to exact punishment upon both Uatu and Carter for their breaches. In a desperate bid to salvage Uatu's fate, Carter and her team turn to Infinity Ultron, the sole entity to have ventured into the Observational Plane. However, their plan takes a devastating turn when Carter is apprehended, and Ultron is brutally slain by the Watchers in a chilling demonstration of their omnipotence.
The climax of the narrative unfolds amidst an empty planetary stage, where Uatu and the gallant heroes face off against the formidable Watchers. In a stroke of brilliance, Uatu imparts the awesome powers of the Watchers upon Kahhori, Carter, Storm, and Byrdie, empowering them to confront the formidable trio of Eminence, Executioner, and Incarnate. The battle intensifies to a thunderous crescendo, with the Watchers amalgamating into the omnipotent Supreme Watcher, wielding the ability to obliterate any variant from the vast Multiverse.
As the heroes begin to dissolve into nothingness, Captain Carter's resolve solidifies like steel. She harnesses her newly acquired powers to counteract the Supreme Watcher's devastating effects, ultimately sacrificing herself in a heroic act of selflessness. Her valiant deeds not only rescue the Multiverse from oblivion but also strip the Watchers of their formidable might, heralding a fresh era where they can actively intervene in destinies and bolster the potential of righteous beings.
The episode concludes with a poignant tribute to Captain Carter's selfless sacrifice, as her shield is launched into the infinite depths of the Multiverse. Uatu ponders over her enduring legacy, whispering that she may still watch over him from beyond, as a Watcher who keeps a vigilant eye on the Watchers themselves. This heartfelt denouement leaves the door ajar for the characters of "What If…?" to grace future Marvel endeavors, while simultaneously bringing a sense of finality to the series.
"A Multiversal Reckoning: The Final Stand of Captain Carter and the Watchers" is an apt moniker for this riveting episode, encapsulating the towering stakes and the heroic martyrs who perish in the service of the Multiverse. The episode artfully intertwines themes of power, responsibility, and the intricate tapestry of existence within the Marvel Universe, etching a lasting impression on fans and carving a new path for the Watchers' role in the vast cosmos.
