What If…? Season 2 Episode 2, “What If… Hela Found the Ten Rings?”, is brimming with hidden references and nods to Marvel history, both on the screen and in the comics. The episode masterfully weaves together the origin stories of Hela, Odin’s daughter, and Wenwu, the leader of the Ten Rings, creating a rich tapestry of alternate realities that are ripe for easter egg hunting.
A Deep Dive into the Historical and Comic Book References
This episode stands out for its unique blend of Norse mythology, historical events set in 17th century China, and comic book lore. The narrative focuses on Hela’s banishment to Earth and her subsequent alliance with Wenwu, leader of the Ten Rings, painting a fascinating “what if” scenario. The creators have carefully sprinkled easter eggs throughout, rewarding observant viewers with a deeper appreciation of the MCU and its source material.
The Ten Rings and Their Comic Book Origins
The Ten Rings themselves are perhaps the most prominent easter egg. While they are portrayed as weapons of great power in the MCU, their comic book origins are even more complex. In the comics, each ring possesses a distinct alien technology and grants its wielder a unique superpower. The episode hints at this potential, showcasing their ability to manipulate matter and energy. Keep an eye out for potential visual cues aligning with specific ring powers described in the comics.
Hela’s Design and Comic Book Accuracy
Hela’s design in the episode incorporates elements from her comic book appearance. While Cate Blanchett’s MCU portrayal emphasized her dark and imposing presence, the animated version subtly incorporates the traditional headdress and green color scheme more closely aligned with the comics. Her necromantic powers and ability to summon undead warriors are also directly lifted from the source material.
Wenwu’s Past and His Ties to History
Wenwu’s character draws heavily from the character of the Mandarin, a complex and often controversial figure in the comics. The episode avoids the problematic stereotypes associated with the Mandarin by focusing on Wenwu’s ambition and his desire to protect his people. His presence in 17th century China presents an alternate history, suggesting he has been wielding the Ten Rings for centuries. This connects to the established MCU canon where Wenwu lived for centuries.
Specific Scene Easter Eggs
Pay close attention to the backgrounds and subtle details within the episode. Look for:
- Symbolic imagery associated with Norse mythology, such as runes and specific depictions of Odin’s power.
- References to the history of the Ten Rings organization, perhaps through insignias or mentions of past members.
- Visual cues that might hint at the future trajectory of Hela’s story within the “What If…?” universe.
- References to other historical figures or events from the era in which the episode is set.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are some frequently asked questions about the easter eggs hidden in “What If…? Season 2 Episode 2”:
FAQ 1: What is the significance of the year 1602 mentioned in the episode?
The year 1602 might be a subtle nod to the Marvel 1602 comic book series, which reimagines Marvel heroes in Elizabethan England. While not a direct adaptation, the episode’s setting in 17th century China suggests a similar willingness to explore alternate historical contexts within the Marvel Universe.
FAQ 2: Are the Ten Rings in this episode the same as the ones seen in Shang-Chi?
Yes, the Ten Rings are the same weapons wielded by Wenwu in Shang-Chi. However, “What If…?” explores how their influence might have drastically altered the course of history, showing how they could have given Wenwu and Hela the strength to rewrite the world.
FAQ 3: Does Hela’s alliance with Wenwu follow any specific storyline from the comics?
No, Hela’s alliance with Wenwu is a completely original concept created for “What If…?”. There is no parallel storyline in the comics featuring these two characters working together. This originality is what makes the episode particularly intriguing.
FAQ 4: What powers do the Ten Rings have in the comics that aren’t shown in the MCU?
In the comics, each of the ten rings has a unique power, including: Influence, Disintegration Beam, Vortex Beam, Impact Beam, Blackout, Mental Amplification, Electro-Blast, Flame-Blast, Matter Rearranger, and Ice Blast. The MCU has simplified this, but the episode subtly hints at some of these more diverse powers.
FAQ 5: Is there any connection between Hela’s powers and the Dark Dimension?
While not explicitly stated, there’s a strong thematic connection between Hela’s control over death and the Dark Dimension, ruled by Dormammu. Both characters derive their power from dark energy and command armies of supernatural beings. Future episodes could explore this connection further.
FAQ 6: What’s the significance of the name “Ta-Lo” mentioned in the episode?
Ta-Lo is the mystical realm that Shang-Chi’s mother originated from. Its mention suggests that Wenwu’s quest for power extended beyond the Ten Rings, potentially hinting at a broader understanding of mystical energies within the MCU’s alternate realities.
FAQ 7: Does the episode suggest that Hela could eventually become a hero?
The episode leaves the door open for Hela’s potential redemption. Her alliance with Wenwu is driven by a desire for power, but also a need for belonging. Her final decision to relinquish the rings hints at a potential shift in her character arc.
FAQ 8: Are there any other potential team-ups in future “What If…?” episodes inspired by this episode?
This episode sets a precedent for unexpected character pairings. Future episodes could explore other unlikely alliances, such as Thanos working with the Ancient One or Captain America teaming up with Doctor Doom.
FAQ 9: Does this episode change Hela’s backstory or motivations established in Thor: Ragnarok?
While this Hela hasn’t had the same experiences as MCU’s main Hela, this episode adds further depth to her character, showing her potential for both destruction and, possibly, redemption. Her desire for acceptance by a father figure mirrors elements of her arc in Thor: Ragnarok.
FAQ 10: How does this episode affect the established timeline of the MCU?
As an episode of “What If…?”, it does not directly affect the main MCU timeline. However, it explores alternate realities and potential outcomes, which can provide creative inspiration for future MCU storylines. The Multiverse Saga thrives on the ideas explored in “What If…?”
FAQ 11: Where can I find more information about the history of the Ten Rings in the comics?
Numerous online resources, including the official Marvel website and various comic book fan sites, offer detailed information about the history and powers of the Ten Rings in the comics. Searching for “Mandarin Ten Rings comic history” will yield helpful results.
FAQ 12: Will we see more of this alternate Hela and Wenwu in future “What If…?” episodes?
While there is no guarantee, the ending of the episode leaves the door open for their return. The “What If…?” series often revisits characters and storylines, so it’s entirely possible that we will see this version of Hela and Wenwu again. The Watcher is always watching!
Conclusion
“What If…? Season 2 Episode 2” is more than just a simple animated adventure; it’s a carefully crafted tapestry of historical fiction, comic book lore, and Norse mythology. By paying close attention to the subtle details and hidden references, viewers can unlock a deeper understanding and appreciation for the vast and ever-expanding Marvel Universe. The creators have cleverly used the “What If…?” format to explore new and exciting possibilities, leaving fans eagerly anticipating what surprises the future holds.