The ending of What If…? Season 2 Episode 8, “What If… Hela Found the Ten Rings?”, hinges on Hela’s transformation into the new guardian of the Ten Rings, wielding their immense power to defend the fragmented remnants of her timeline from the encroaching Incursion caused by another universe’s Kang variant. This sets the stage for a potential Season 3 confrontation with the Incursion itself, and possibly a multiversal war that dwarfs even the events of Secret Wars.
Hela’s Ascension: From Conqueror to Protector
The episode culminates in Hela, having learned humility and embraced the power of the Ten Rings, choosing to protect the remaining inhabitants of her shattered universe. This is a significant departure from her original character arc in the main MCU timeline, where she was primarily driven by ambition and a thirst for conquest. The Ten Rings, imbued with alien technology and now seemingly linked to Hela’s Asgardian power, provide her with the means to ward off the Incursion’s destructive energy.
This ending is not merely a heroic act; it’s a strategic one. Hela recognizes the gravity of the situation. She sees the potential for the Incursion to spread and consume other universes, including those that might threaten her own existence (even in its diminished state). By defending her corner of the multiverse, she indirectly protects herself and ensures a fighting chance for what remains of her people.
The Implications for Season 3 (and Beyond)
The most pressing implication of this ending is the setup for Season 3. Hela’s new role as a multiversal defender puts her on a collision course with either the Kang variant responsible for the Incursion or with the Incursion itself – a force of cosmic entropy threatening the entire multiverse. This also opens the door for potential team-ups with other versions of established characters, as seen in previous What If…? episodes. We could see a multiversal Avengers, or even a coalition of villains turned heroes, united against a common threat.
Furthermore, the ending introduces the concept of actively resisting Incursions. While Doctor Strange Supreme attempted to prevent one in Season 1, Hela is actively fighting against an ongoing Incursion. This marks a significant shift in the show’s narrative, moving from exploring isolated alternate timelines to addressing a larger, interconnected multiversal conflict.
FAQs: Delving Deeper into the Ending
Here are some frequently asked questions regarding the ending of What If…? Season 2 Episode 8 and their potential implications:
What Exactly Is an Incursion?
An Incursion is a phenomenon that occurs when two universes collide, threatening to destroy both. They are often triggered by the actions of entities traversing the multiverse or by fundamental instability in the fabric of reality. In Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness, we saw the devastating effects of an Incursion on Earth-838.
How Powerful Are the Ten Rings in This Context?
The Ten Rings, traditionally depicted as powerful weapons originating from an alien source, appear significantly enhanced in Hela’s possession. They are not simply conduits for energy blasts, but rather function as a shield, a weapon, and possibly a key to manipulating the very fabric of space-time to repel the Incursion. They also seem to synergize with Hela’s existing Asgardian powers, making her an even more formidable force.
Why Did Hela Choose to Protect Her Universe Instead of Leaving It?
Hela’s decision reflects her character development throughout the episode. She learned valuable lessons from Wenwu and Shang-Chi about duty, family, and sacrifice. While self-preservation is undoubtedly a factor, her choice also stems from a newfound sense of responsibility towards the remnants of her kingdom and its people. She also likely realizes that running from the Incursion is only a temporary solution; it will eventually catch up to her.
Is This the Same Incursion From Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness?
While it’s possible the Incursion Hela is facing is connected to the events of Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness, it’s unlikely to be the same Incursion. Incursions are a more general phenomenon, and Kang variants are frequently implicated in their creation. Therefore, it’s more plausible that this is a separate Incursion caused by a different Kang variant.
What Role Will Kang the Conqueror Play in Future Seasons?
Given the recurring theme of the multiverse and the rising threat of Incursions, it’s highly probable that Kang the Conqueror, or variants thereof, will play a significant role in future seasons of What If…?. He could be the architect of the Incursion Hela is fighting, or he could be a future antagonist seeking to exploit the chaos caused by the collapsing universes.
Could This Lead to a Secret Wars Adaptation in What If…??
The concept of Incursions and multiversal collapse directly aligns with the narrative of Marvel’s Secret Wars comic book storyline. While it’s unlikely that What If…? will directly adapt Secret Wars in its entirety, the show could explore similar themes of multiversal conflict, fractured realities, and desperate alliances in the face of annihilation.
How Does Hela’s Experience Affect Her Potential Future in the Main MCU Timeline?
While What If…? is considered non-canon to the main MCU timeline, the character development experienced by Hela in this episode could subtly influence how she is portrayed if she ever returns. The writers might draw upon her newfound sense of responsibility and her understanding of the multiverse to add complexity to her character.
Will Shang-Chi Appear in Future Episodes?
Given the strong connection established between Hela and Shang-Chi in this episode, it’s certainly possible that he could reappear in future seasons. He could assist Hela in her fight against the Incursion, or he could play a role in exploring the origins and mysteries of the Ten Rings.
Are There Other Characters Actively Fighting Incursions in the Multiverse?
The episode hints at the possibility that other individuals or groups are also actively fighting Incursions across the multiverse. This opens up exciting possibilities for potential crossovers and team-ups in future episodes, bringing together unlikely heroes from different realities to combat a common enemy.
What Makes Hela a Suitable Candidate to Wield the Ten Rings?
Several factors contribute to Hela’s suitability to wield the Ten Rings. Her Asgardian physiology grants her immense strength, durability, and energy manipulation abilities, which complement the power of the rings. Furthermore, her experience as a conqueror gives her strategic insight and a ruthless pragmatism that is necessary to effectively use such a potent weapon in a desperate situation. Finally, her evolving sense of responsibility, spurred by her interactions with Wenwu and Shang-Chi, provides her with the moral compass to use the rings for protection rather than destruction.
Will We See More of Wenwu in Future Seasons?
Wenwu’s death in this episode provides a poignant turning point for Hela. While he is deceased in this particular reality, the multiverse is vast. We could see other variants of Wenwu, perhaps even a heroic version, appearing in future What If…? episodes.
Is the Universe Hela Protecting the Only One Left?
The ending implies that Hela’s universe is significantly diminished but doesn’t explicitly state that it’s the only one left. It’s possible other fragments of universes, or even entirely new universes, have been spared from the Incursion. This provides writers with flexibility for future stories and character introductions.
A Universe on the Brink: Hela’s Defining Moment
The final scene of What If…? Season 2 Episode 8 leaves viewers with a sense of both hope and trepidation. Hela, once a fearsome destroyer, now stands as a lone guardian, wielding the power of the Ten Rings to protect what little remains of her world. Her journey from conqueror to protector is a testament to the potential for change, even in the darkest of circumstances. The stage is set for a multiversal conflict of epic proportions, and Hela, armed with the Ten Rings and a newfound sense of purpose, is ready to face the challenge. The question remains: will she succeed in saving her universe, and perhaps, the entire multiverse, from the encroaching darkness? Only time, and future seasons of What If…?, will tell.