In the fifth episode of "What If…?" Season 2, we delve into an alternate Marvel Universe where Peggy Carter, instead of Steve Rogers, becomes the super-soldier, leading a path similar to Captain America's but with her own unique twists. The episode, "What If... Captain Carter Fought the Hydra Stomper?", presents a thrilling narrative that sees Carter facing off against a brainwashed Steve Rogers in the Hydra Stomper armor.
The story begins with The Watcher, still reeling from the damage caused by Ultron in the previous season, deciding to check on Captain Carter after she was transported back to her universe. Since her last appearance, Carter has been leading The Avengers, battling in the Battle of New York, and working closely with Natasha Romanoff at SHIELD.
On a mission to investigate the cargo ship Lemurian Star, Carter and Romanoff discover the Hydra Stomper suit with Steve Rogers, still alive, inside. Rogers, under the control of the Red Room, attacks them, leading to the destruction of the ship and his escape before Carter can reach him.
Nick Fury reveals that Rogers and the Hydra Stomper disappeared in the 1950s during an attack on the last Hydra base, with SHIELD suspecting that Rogers survived, was captured by the Red Room, and brainwashed into becoming a deadly weapon. Carter, however, remains convinced that Rogers can be saved.
As Fury discusses the situation with Carter and Romanoff, the Hydra Stomper attacks the Triskelion to kill Secretary of State Barnes. Amidst the chaos, Carter manages to stop Rogers with Romanoff's help, and they take the incapacitated Rogers to a secluded island off the coast of Scotland to avoid SHIELD detection.
Carter and Romanoff reboot Rogers' suit, learning that each reboot reduces his chances of survival. Rogers eventually awakens, seemingly free of the Red Room's brainwashing, and offers to lead Carter and Romanoff to the Red Room's hidden headquarters.
Their journey takes them to a former KGB site, designed to mimic a small American town. While Romanoff investigates, Carter and Rogers catch up, only for the animatronic townspeople to attack. It's revealed that Rogers' brainwashing was never broken, and the entire scenario was a setup by Melina Vostokoff, the Red Room's leader.
Vostokoff orders Rogers to attack Carter while multiple Black Widow agents target Romanoff, reducing the fake town to rubble. After a fierce battle, Carter momentarily breaks through to Rogers, prompting him to head towards the Red Room's flying headquarters. Romanoff, struggling against Vostokoff, notices Rogers and attaches a grapple to the Hydra Stomper, dragging Vostokoff into the Red Room as Rogers destroys the command center.
In the aftermath, Rogers is presumed dead, but Carter is not convinced and is determined to find him. Romanoff offers her assistance as Carter disappears through a mysterious portal, leaving both Romanoff and The Watcher bewildered.
"What If... Captain Carter Fought the Hydra Stomper?" is a gripping tale that explores the depths of loyalty, love, and the struggle against brainwashing in the Marvel Multiverse. This episode is a testament to the strength of Captain Carter's character and the complex dynamics within the MCU's alternate realities. With intense action, emotional depth, and a plot that keeps viewers on the edge of their seats, this episode of "What If…?" is a standout in its exploration of the multiverse's endless possibilities.