In the grand finale of Marvel's animated anthology series "What If…?" Season 3, Episode 8 titled "What If…What If?", we are thrust into a cosmos where the very fabric of the Multiverse hangs in the balance. This episode, a culmination of the season's narrative, sees Captain Carter, Kahhori, Byrdie, and Storm grappling with the consequences of Uatu's actions and the wrath of the Watchers' hierarchy.
The episode commences with a poignant flashback, depicting Eminence's faith in Uatu during his oath-taking ceremony. The scene sets the stage for the ethical dilemma at the heart of the series: the Watchers' vow of non-intervention. The rules of the Order are murky, allowing for the retention of intervention powers, which raises questions about the nature of their existence and purpose within the Multiverse.
Fast-forward to the present, and we witness the Watchers' disappointment in Uatu, who has repeatedly broken the sacred oath. Uatu defends his actions, arguing that his interventions have allowed the Multiverse to flourish. However, the Watchers are unmoved, ready to execute both Uatu and Carter for their transgressions. In a desperate attempt to save Uatu, Carter and her team seek the aid of Infinity Ultron, the only being to have entered the Observational Plane. However, their plan goes awry when Carter is arrested, and Ultron is killed by the Watchers in a tragic display of power.
The crux of the episode unfolds as Uatu and the heroes are pitted against the Watchers on an empty planet. In a moment of inspiration, Uatu bestows the powers of the Watchers upon Kahhori, Carter, Storm, and Byrdie, allowing them to confront Eminence, Executioner, and Incarnate. The battle reaches a climax as the Watchers merge into the Supreme Watcher, capable of erasing any variant from the Multiverse.
As the heroes begin to disintegrate, Captain Carter's resolve hardens, and she uses her newfound powers to reverse the Supreme Watcher's effects, sacrificing herself in the process. Her actions not only save the Multiverse but also depower the Watchers, leading to a new era where they can actively influence destinies and aid in the potential of righteous beings.
The episode concludes with a tribute to Captain Carter's sacrifice, as her shield is sent into the depths of the Multiverse. Uatu reflects on her legacy, suggesting that she may still be watching over him as a Watcher who watches the Watchers. This poignant ending leaves the door open for the characters of "What If…?" to appear in future Marvel projects, while also providing a sense of closure to the series.
"A Multiversal Reckoning: The Final Stand of Captain Carter and the Watchers" is a fitting title for this episode, encapsulating the high stakes and the heroic sacrifices made in the name of the Multiverse. The episode masterfully weaves together themes of power, responsibility, and the complex nature of existence within the Marvel Universe, leaving a lasting impression on fans and setting a new precedent for the Watchers' role in the cosmos.