What If Season 3 Episode 6 Review: Summary, Ending Analysis & Hidden Easter Eggs

Warning! This post contains major SPOILERS for Season 3, Episode 6 of What If…?

The sixth episode of What If…? Season 3 serves as an intriguing substitute for a traditional sequel to Shang-Chi. Featuring Simu Liu as Shang-Chi, also known as “The Ten Rings,”alongside Hailee Steinfeld playing the sharpshooting Kate Bishop (Hawkeye), this episode transports viewers to an alternate Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) set in the year 1872. The episode concludes with a compelling cliffhanger that sets the stage for the much-anticipated series finale of What If…?.

Unlike the more light-hearted tones of some previous episodes, such as the antics of Howard the Duck or Darcy Lewis, Episode 6 delivers a more serious narrative. Titled “What If…1872?”, it showcases thrilling action sequences and leaves audiences eager for what’s to come. Below, we provide an overview of the episode, an explanation of its conclusion, and the most significant Easter eggs and references we encountered.

Key Story Takeaways from Season 3, Episode 6

Exploring “What If…1872?”

Shang-Chi and Kate Bishop team up to confront a posse led by John Walker in 1872.
John Walker guides them to Point Pegasus while they search for The Hood.
The Watcher reveals that Xu Xialing immigrated to the U.S. only to find her fellow Chinese migrants oppressed by The Hood, prompting Shang-Chi to pursue him in the wake of her disappearance.
The duo encounters a boy named Jun-Fan, whose town was taken over by The Hood on a “ghost train.”
This ghost train, designed by Tony Stark, is revealed to transport abducted immigrants, all hypnotized.
Sonny Burch, revealed to be allied with The Hood, provides the duo passage to confront their enemy.
In a shocking twist, it’s revealed that Xu Xialing has taken over as The Hood, having eliminated the prior crime lord.
After ensnaring Kate in a hypnotic trance, Sonny Burch reveals himself to be responsible for the deaths of Kate’s parents, which he financed with the stolen fortune.
Jun-Fan, ringing a bell ten times, breaks the trance, allowing Hawkeye to defeat Burch.
Shang-Chi faces an emotional dilemma, refusing to fight his sister, leading Hawkeye to confront the newly villainous Xialing when she approaches for a lethal strike.
With the battle’s end, Shang-Chi and Hawkeye assist the Chinese immigrants, riding off to seek new challenges.
The Watcher finds himself captured by The Eminence, Executioner, and The Incarnate, facing consequences for his interferences in mortal affairs.

How Shang-Chi Defeated The Hood

What Happened to The Watcher?

By the conclusion of Episode 6, it is confirmed that Xu Xialing eliminated the original Hood, claiming the demon-possessed cloak in hopes of uniting immigrants against their oppressors. However, her vision for liberation becomes blurred as she enslaves and manipulates innocent lives. Ultimately, her corruption leads to her demise at the hands of Hawkeye when Shang-Chi declines to engage in combat.

The Watcher acknowledges that the narrative concludes better than anticipated, especially since he intervened to thwart a threat against Jun-Fan. This young hero contributes to the victory alongside Hawkeye and Shang-Chi. However, this benevolence might have resulted in his reckoning, as the trio of Watchers introduced in earlier episodes now hold Uatu accountable for his continual breaches of duty. This conflict is poised to be a focal point in the upcoming episodes of the series.

Easter Eggs and References in Season 3, Episode 6

Cameos, Key MCU References, and More

Episode 6 is loaded with intriguing Easter eggs and connections to the broader MCU:

Burning Film Effect: The episode opens with a stylistic nod to classic Westerns.
Ten Rings Reference: Legend has it that Shang-Chi appears when a bell rings ten times.
Shang-Chi’s Iconic Bandanna: His bandanna features dragon scales, reminiscent of the “Great Protector”from Shang-Chi and the Legends of the Ten Rings.
John Walker’s Role: Wyatt Russell reprises his character, leading the law enforcement unit as U.S. Agent.
Hawkeye’s Partnership: Kate Bishop aligns with Shang-Chi in their quest against The Hood.
Revelation of The Hood: Xu Xialing ascends to the mantle of The Hood, originally portrayed by Parker Robbins.
Point Pegasus: A reference to SHIELD’s Project Pegasus, known from prior MCU films.
Musical Theme: The main theme from Shang-Chi makes a brief appearance, composed by Joel P. West.
Strange Realities: The Watcher brings forth bizarre alternate realities, including a world populated by Throg & Croki and pirates captained by Crossbones.
Old West Industry: Industries like Stark Munitions and Hammer Steel echo their main MCU counterparts, linking history to the present.
Sonny Burch’s Ties: Formerly introduced in Ant-Man and the Wasp, he now collaborates with The Hood.
Classic Film Reference: “Fists of Fury”serves as a dual nod to Bruce Lee’s film and Shang-Chi’s combat abilities.
Manipulation Techniques: Sonny employs hypnotism, drawing parallels to brainwashing seen in previous MCU titles.
Iron Fists Nod: Hawkeye mentions Jun-Fan’s “Iron Fists,”hinting at potential meets with the Iron Fist in future collaborations.
Familiar Phrasing: The episode culminates with a phrase that soothes Hulk, an element first introduced in Avengers: Age of Ultron.