The finale of What If…? Season 2, Episode 9, “What If…Strange Supreme Intervened?,” concludes with the creation of a new, less destructive, and more ethically sound Infinity Stone safeguard. Strange Supreme, finally acknowledging the error of his past actions, takes on the responsibility of containing the Infinity Stones within his own pocket dimension, ensuring their isolation from the rest of the multiverse and placing himself as their eternal warden, thereby preventing the inevitable conflicts they cause.
The Resolution: A Choice for the Greater Good
The episode culminates in a powerful confrontation between Captain Carter, Kahhori, Strange Supreme, and Dominion, a cosmic being attempting to absorb the Infinity Stones for its own nefarious purposes. While the team is successful in defeating Dominion, the victory comes with a profound question: what to do with the Infinity Stones? The traditional answer, as seen throughout the MCU, involves constant struggle and inevitable misuse. Strange Supreme, burdened by his past mistakes and fueled by a desire for redemption, offers a radical solution: he will take the stones into his pocket dimension, the very one he created through morally questionable means to save Christine Palmer.
This decision represents a significant departure from his previous, selfish actions. Instead of seeking power, Strange Supreme chooses self-sacrifice for the benefit of the entire multiverse. He recognizes the inherent danger posed by the Infinity Stones and their potential to corrupt even the noblest intentions. By isolating them within his own domain, he becomes a living, breathing firewall against their misuse.
The episode ends with Kahhori returning to her own universe, empowered by her experiences and ready to lead her people. Captain Carter, having also learned valuable lessons about choice and leadership, is transported back to her timeline. The lasting impact of the finale lies not just in the defeat of Dominion, but in the transformative growth of its central characters and the establishment of a new, unconventional, but hopefully permanent, solution to the Infinity Stone problem. This sets the stage for future seasons, potentially exploring the ramifications of Strange Supreme’s self-imposed exile and the challenges of maintaining such a powerful, isolated force.
The Significance of Strange Supreme’s Redemption
Strange Supreme’s journey throughout Season 1 was one of escalating moral compromise. His obsession with saving Christine Palmer led him down a dark path, resulting in the destruction of his own universe. Season 2 sees him attempting to atone for his actions, acting as a guide and mentor to Captain Carter and even sacrificing his own well-being to protect the multiverse.
His final decision to contain the Infinity Stones is the ultimate act of redemption. He accepts the burden of eternal solitude, knowing that his power is needed to prevent a far greater catastrophe. This showcases a fundamental shift in his character, moving from a selfish pursuit of personal desires to a selfless dedication to the protection of all realities. It reinforces the core theme of the series: choices matter, and even the most devastating mistakes can be opportunities for growth and redemption.
The Implications for the Multiverse
Strange Supreme’s actions have far-reaching implications for the multiverse. By removing the Infinity Stones from circulation, he eliminates a major source of conflict and power struggles. This could lead to a period of relative peace and stability, allowing different universes to develop without the constant threat of invasion or manipulation by those seeking to wield the stones.
However, it also raises new questions. Can Strange Supreme truly contain the Infinity Stones indefinitely? Will his resolve waver over time? And what happens if another threat emerges that requires the power of the Infinity Stones to defeat? These are just some of the possibilities that What If…? can explore in future seasons, showcasing the complex and ever-changing nature of the multiverse.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1: What exactly is Dominion and where does it come from?
Dominion is a powerful cosmic being, seemingly existing outside the conventional multiverse. Its origin isn’t explicitly stated, but its primary goal is to consume and control the Infinity Stones. It appears to be a force of pure hunger and domination, driven by a need to amass power and reshape reality according to its own will. Think of it as a living cosmic singularity, drawn to the immense energy radiating from the Infinity Stones.
Q2: Why does Strange Supreme choose to contain the Infinity Stones within his own pocket dimension?
He chooses this course of action primarily out of redemption and a recognition of the inherent danger the Infinity Stones pose. Having witnessed firsthand the devastating consequences of their misuse, he understands that simply hiding or distributing them is not enough. His pocket dimension, while born from questionable origins, provides a secure and isolated location where the stones can be contained without affecting the rest of the multiverse. Furthermore, he possesses the power and knowledge to manage their influence.
Q3: What happens to Captain Carter and Kahhori after the battle?
Captain Carter is transported back to her own timeline, presumably a slightly altered version after her experiences. Kahhori returns to her own universe, inspired by her time fighting alongside Captain Carter and possessing enhanced abilities. Both characters have grown as leaders and gained valuable insights into the power of choice and self-sacrifice.
Q4: Is Strange Supreme now permanently trapped in his pocket dimension?
The ending strongly suggests that Strange Supreme is committing himself to an indefinite imprisonment. Whether or not he can ever leave remains to be seen. It depends on whether he finds a suitable successor or discovers a method for safely managing the Infinity Stones from afar. His isolation is a key part of his penance.
Q5: Will we see Strange Supreme again in future episodes or seasons of What If…??
It’s highly probable that Strange Supreme will reappear. His role as the guardian of the Infinity Stones provides a compelling narrative hook for future stories. The series could explore the challenges of maintaining his containment, the potential for external threats to target him, or his interactions with other characters seeking his guidance or assistance.
Q6: How does this ending affect the broader MCU timeline?
As What If…? is an animated anthology series set within the multiverse, its events don’t directly impact the main MCU timeline (Earth-616). However, it does establish the existence of countless alternate realities and explores various possibilities. Certain elements, such as characters and concepts, could potentially be incorporated into the live-action MCU in the future through the use of the multiverse concept. The idea of Infinity Stone containment is one of those elements that might be subtly reflected in future MCU projects.
Q7: What is the significance of Kahhori’s return to her own universe?
Kahhori’s return is significant because she embodies the power of resilience and leadership. She takes the knowledge and strength she gained from her experiences and uses it to empower her own people. This reinforces the idea that even small actions can have a profound impact on the course of history. She becomes a symbol of hope and a defender of her culture.
Q8: Does this ending mean the Infinity Stones are no longer a threat in the multiverse?
While Strange Supreme’s actions significantly mitigate the threat, they don’t completely eliminate it. There’s always the possibility that someone could find a way to access his pocket dimension or that a new, equally dangerous threat could emerge. The universe is inherently unpredictable, and What If…? is designed to explore those unpredictable possibilities.
Q9: What role does Captain Carter play in the finale’s resolution?
Captain Carter serves as a moral compass and a driving force for action. Her unwavering sense of justice and her willingness to fight for what’s right inspires Strange Supreme and Kahhori. She acts as a reminder that even in the face of overwhelming odds, hope and determination can prevail.
Q10: Is there a hint of romantic connection between Captain Carter and Strange Supreme?
While not explicitly stated, there are subtle hints of a connection between Captain Carter and Strange Supreme. They share a mutual respect and admiration for each other, and there’s a sense of shared understanding born from their experiences. However, their relationship is primarily one of comradeship and mutual reliance, forged in the crucible of battle.
Q11: What are the key takeaways from Season 2 of What If…? overall?
Season 2 emphasizes the power of choice, the importance of redemption, and the value of diverse perspectives. It highlights the idea that even small changes in the past can have significant consequences in the future. The season also champions the idea that even seemingly ordinary individuals can become heroes.
Q12: Will there be a Season 3 of What If…? and what can we expect from it?
While not officially confirmed at the time of writing, a Season 3 of What If…? is highly likely given the show’s popularity. We can expect more alternate reality scenarios, exploring different possibilities within the MCU multiverse. The show may delve deeper into existing characters and storylines or introduce entirely new ones. It’s also possible that future seasons will explore the ramifications of Strange Supreme’s actions and the ongoing challenges of maintaining the balance of the multiverse. The possibilities are, quite literally, infinite.