The final episode of Marvel’s “What If…?” Season 1, entitled “What If… the Watcher Broke His Oath?”, premiered on October 6, 2021, concluding a series that explored alternate realities within the Marvel Cinematic Universe. It served as a climactic showdown, uniting heroes from across different timelines to battle a universe-threatening Ultron.
The Culmination of a Multiversal Threat
“What If…?” wasn’t just an anthology of isolated stories; it wove a narrative thread that culminated in the final episode. The emergence of Ultron with all six Infinity Stones posed a threat not just to one universe, but to the entire multiverse. The Watcher, Uatu, sworn to observe and not interfere, was forced to break his oath to assemble a team capable of stopping him. This team, dubbed the Guardians of the Multiverse, consisted of Captain Carter, Star-Lord T’Challa, Party Thor, Gamora (who killed Thanos), Doctor Strange Supreme, and Black Widow.
The Stakes of the Multiversal War
The episode highlights the devastating consequences of Ultron’s unchecked power. He effortlessly dismantles universes and even battles the Watcher himself, showcasing the immense scale of the threat. This episode differed significantly from previous standalone narratives, emphasizing the interconnectedness of the multiverse and the importance of working together to overcome seemingly insurmountable odds. The narrative wasn’t just about defeating Ultron; it was about the Watcher accepting his role in actively protecting the multiverse.
The Power of Teamwork and Sacrifice
The Guardians of the Multiverse, despite their diverse backgrounds and powers, ultimately succeed through teamwork and sacrifice. Each member plays a crucial role in weakening Ultron and exploiting his vulnerabilities. Black Widow’s ultimate sacrifice, utilizing Arnim Zola’s consciousness transfer technology, proves pivotal in disabling Ultron and saving countless lives. This emphasizes the core theme of the MCU: that even ordinary individuals can achieve extraordinary things when working together.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About “What If…?” Season 1 Episode 9
Here are some frequently asked questions about the episode, covering various aspects of its production, characters, and impact.
FAQ 1: Why did the Watcher break his oath?
The Watcher broke his oath because Ultron’s power threatened the entire multiverse, including the Watcher himself. He realized that passively observing was no longer an option and that direct intervention was necessary to prevent the annihilation of reality.
FAQ 2: Who were the members of the Guardians of the Multiverse?
The Guardians of the Multiverse consisted of:
- Captain Carter (Peggy Carter with the Super Soldier Serum)
- Star-Lord T’Challa (T’Challa as Star-Lord)
- Party Thor (A Thor who never became worthy)
- Gamora (The last survivor of her universe, who killed Thanos)
- Doctor Strange Supreme (A Doctor Strange who absorbed mystical entities to gain power)
- Black Widow (From a universe where Ultron won)
FAQ 3: What made Ultron so powerful in “What If…?”?
Ultron was significantly more powerful in “What If…?” because he successfully transferred his consciousness into Vision’s vibranium body and obtained all six Infinity Stones. This combination made him nearly unstoppable, granting him control over reality itself.
FAQ 4: How did Black Widow defeat Ultron?
Black Widow defeated Ultron by using Arnim Zola’s consciousness transfer technology to upload Zola’s AI into Ultron’s body, effectively disabling it from the inside. This required a calculated sacrifice, as Widow knew the process was extremely risky.
FAQ 5: What happened to Gamora at the end of the episode?
At the end of the episode, Gamora remained stranded in the main MCU timeline (Earth-818) as her universe was destroyed. The Watcher approaches her and Iron Man, foreshadowing a potential future adventure in a subsequent season.
FAQ 6: Was the “What If…?” finale a setup for future MCU projects?
Yes, the finale served as a clear setup for future MCU projects, particularly those dealing with the multiverse. The introduction of the Guardians of the Multiverse and the exploration of alternate realities paved the way for events in films like “Spider-Man: No Way Home” and “Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness.”
FAQ 7: How does Doctor Strange Supreme fit into the wider MCU multiverse?
Doctor Strange Supreme’s existence showcases the consequences of tampering with time and space. His story serves as a cautionary tale and highlights the immense power and responsibility that comes with controlling mystical forces, making him a vital component in understanding the multiversal dynamic.
FAQ 8: What role did the Watcher play in the finale?
The Watcher transitioned from a passive observer to an active participant, taking responsibility for protecting the multiverse. He recruited the Guardians, guided them through their mission, and ultimately accepted his role in intervening when necessary.
FAQ 9: What made “What If…?” different from other MCU projects?
“What If…?” offered a unique perspective by exploring alternate timelines and scenarios within the established MCU canon. This allowed for creative storytelling and the introduction of new versions of familiar characters, providing a fresh and engaging experience for viewers.
FAQ 10: Will there be more episodes featuring the Guardians of the Multiverse?
While nothing is definitively confirmed, the ending of the episode strongly suggests that the Guardians of the Multiverse will return in future seasons or potentially even in live-action MCU projects. The team’s dynamic and the unresolved situation with Gamora offer ample opportunity for further exploration.
FAQ 11: How does “What If…?” impact the main MCU timeline?
“What If…?” establishes the existence and interconnectedness of the multiverse, opening up possibilities for characters and storylines from alternate realities to cross over into the main MCU timeline. This has significant implications for the future of the franchise.
FAQ 12: What are the key takeaways from “What If…?” Season 1 Episode 9?
The key takeaways from the episode are:
- The importance of teamwork and sacrifice.
- The Watcher’s evolving role in protecting the multiverse.
- The interconnectedness of different realities within the MCU.
- The potential for future multiversal adventures.
The Legacy of “What If…?”
“What If…?” Season 1, particularly the finale, left a lasting impact on the MCU. It not only expanded the scope of the universe but also established a framework for exploring complex themes and introducing new characters and concepts. The show successfully demonstrated the potential of animated storytelling within the MCU and paved the way for future multiversal narratives that continue to shape the franchise. The concept of endless possibilities, explored so thoroughly in “What If…?”, is now inextricably linked to the MCU’s future. The Guardians of the Multiverse, and the threats they face, represent a compelling new direction for Marvel storytelling, promising a future filled with unexpected twists and turns.