What If Season 3 Episode 4 Recap: Breakdown, Ending Explained, and Easter Eggs Revealed

Warning! This article contains SPOILERS for What If…? Season 3, episode 4.

Overview of What If…? Season 3, Episode 4

The latest installment of What If…? presents one of the most bizarre adventures in the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU). Episode 4 of Season 3 takes holiday cheer to a whole new level of peculiarity, featuring an extraordinary plot twist where Thor’s antics lead to Darcy Lewis (voiced by Kat Dennings) marrying Howard the Duck (Seth Green) and subsequently laying an egg. This episode dives into uncharted territory where the dynamics of the universe are significantly altered.

Building on the events from Season 1, where viewers first encountered “Party Thor,”this episode reveals that Darcy and Howard not only got hitched in Las Vegas but also set the stage for cosmic chaos by laying the egg on a pivotal day in MCU history. Here, we will explore the key elements of Season 3, episode 4, examine its climactic ending, and uncover Easter eggs and nods to previous MCU lore.

Spoiler Breakdown: What If…? Season 3 Episode 4

“What If… Howard the Duck Got Hitched?”

Dormammu in What If...? Season 3 Episode 4

Darcy and Howard Having a Baby in What If...? Season 3 Episode 4

The Grandmaster in What If...? Season 3 Episode 4

Darcy and Howard in What If...? Season 3 Episode 4

Howard Protecting Egg in What If...? Season 3 Episode 4

In a surprising twist, it turns out that Darcy Lewis and Howard the Duck married after a night of half-priced nachos in Las Vegas, an event that has major repercussions when Darcy lays their egg on a critical day in the MCU.
After the couple is invited aboard the Grandmaster’s cruise ship, it is revealed that this is a trap, with sinister intentions to consume their unhatched child.
Throughout their adventure, Darcy and Howard learn from SHIELD that their offspring is believed to possess extraordinary cosmic powers due to its birthdate coinciding with a catastrophic event known as the Convergence, a fact that stirs fear among even the likes of Nick Fury and Phil Coulson.
The couple faces a new threat as the Ravagers steal their egg. Kaecilius and his followers plan to use the egg as a vessel for Dormammu’s return, triggering an epic confrontation.
Desperate, Darcy and Howard flee to Jotunheim, where Loki is whimsically attempting to establish a ski resort.
As they evade various adversaries who seek the egg, it ominously begins to hatch, releasing enormous cosmic energy and subsequently taking down several prominent MCU villains.
Ultimately, SHIELD decides to allow Darcy and Howard to keep their extraordinarily gifted baby, marking a bewildering yet uplifting conclusion to this episode.

Marvel’s Unhinged Conclusion

The climax of What If…? Season 3, episode 4 delivers a unique blend of humor and chaos that will leave MCU fans astounded. This episode features beloved characters caught in an absurd struggle over a hybrid egg that engages them in the most ridiculous of shenanigans.

The moment reaches peak absurdity when Darcy and Howard serenade their egg with the classic tune, “I Was Made for Lovin’ You”by Kiss. This ultimately triggers the dramatic hatching of their offspring, unleashing a wave of cosmic energy that decimates the antagonist forces, including notable figures like Thanos, Malekith, and Kaecilius.

In a surprising turn, Nick Fury chooses to leave the couple and their powerful child in peace, resulting in one of the strangest happy endings to date in this alternate portrayal of the MCU.

Notable Easter Eggs and References in Episode 4

Connections to Past MCU Events

This season 4 episode is replete with fascinating references that echo previous MCU narratives. Here are some highlights:

“DJ Foam”: The Grandmaster, hilariously known as “DJ Foam,”was a DJ at Thor’s previous parties featured in Season 1.
Galaga Reference: As Darcy pilots their ship, she compares the situation to the classic arcade game Galaga, linking back to Tony Stark’s quip in the first Avengers film.
The Convergence: The significance of Darcy and Howard’s child is tied to the Convergence event, central to Thor: The Dark World.
Kaecilius’ Return: Previously seen in Doctor Strange, Kaecilius resurfaces, still serving Dormammu’s agenda.
Olympic Gods Mention: The episode hints at intervention from the Olympic gods, culminating in Zeus’s appearance.
“Dormammu Doesn’t Bargain”: A nod to Doctor Strange’s dealings with Dormammu and the consequences of magical negotiations.
Frost Giant Loki: A familiar variant from Season 1 is seen providing sanctuary for Howard and Darcy.
Skrulls’ Reappearance: The role of Nick Fury is bolstered by the return of Skrulls, deepening ties to Captain Marvel and Secret Invasion.
Malekith and the Dark Elves: As expected, Malekith leads a charge to reclaim the cosmic egg, connecting back to the earlier Thor films.
Thanos’ Reluctance: Thanos’s initially indifferent reaction to the events injects humor into the chaos.
“Sparkles!”: In a colorful exchange, the Grandmaster refers to Zeus’ lightning bolts, adding a whimsical touch reminiscent of Thor: Ragnarok.