What If Season 3 Episode 7 Recap: Breakdown, Ending Explained, and Hidden Easter Eggs

Warning: Spoilers Ahead for What If…? Season 3, Episode 7

What If…? Season 3, Episode 7 heralds the penultimate episode of this animated Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) series. In this gripping installment, Captain Carter heads a new cadre of multiversal heroes who soon find themselves on a mission to rescue The Watcher, who is now lost and in peril. The stakes are significantly raised as this episode concludes with a startling alliance and numerous cliffhangers that set the stage for the series finale.

The previous episode left audiences in suspense as The Watcher appeared to have breached his vow of neutrality by intervening in the lives he was meant only to observe. Captured by fellow Watchers, fragments of the Observational Plane were cast off during his apprehension, prompting Captain Carter and her team to embark on a daring rescue mission in this latest episode. Let’s dive into our detailed breakdown of What If…? Season 3, Episode 7, including an explanation of the ending and notable Easter eggs and references.

What If…? Season 3 Episode 7 Insights & Highlights

Episode Title: “What If…The Watcher Disappeared?”

The episode opens in the reality first introduced in What If…? Season 2, where Nebula has risen as Nova Prime. Captain Carter and her new team arrive in Kang the Conqueror’s Time Sphere to combat Hydra’s Champion, a formidable squid creature previously seen in What If…? Season 1.
Captain Carter’s allies include Kahori, Byrdie the Duck (the offspring of Howard and Darcy), and Storm, the Goddess of Thunder, who wields Mjolnir.
After defeating Hydra’s Champion, The Watcher’s distress is revealed as shards from the Observational Plane rain down, signaling that he requires assistance.
The Eminence, another powerful entity, takes over The Watcher’s narration, stating that their duty extends beyond mere observation, potentially threatening the rescue efforts of The Watcher’s allies.
In a bid to reach the Observational Plane in the fifth dimension, Captain Carter’s team attempts to repurpose the shards with advanced technology and Storm’s divine abilities, yet they face setbacks.
With limited options, they seek out a variant of Infinity Ultron, the only being known to have traversed the fifth dimension, even after destructively annihilating his original universe with the Infinity Stones.
As Peggy confronts Infinity Ultron, she is captured by The Eminence, prompting her team to retaliate and ultimately strike a bargain for Ultron’s aid in their quest.

Infinity Ultron’s Unexpected Alliance

Reasons Behind Ultron’s Decision to Assist

During Episode 7, Infinity Ultron recounts his past, describing how he annihilated his universe. This variant has existed in a void devoid of The Watcher’s guidance, leading him to realize that true peace cannot stem from utter desolation, as it lacks the essence of life and conflict.

Realizing the importance of life in establishing peace, Infinity Ultron chooses to assist Kahori, Storm, and Byrdie in their mission. By harnessing the power of the last shard, he amplifies their vessel, enabling it to penetrate the Observational Plane.

Furthermore, it appears that Captain Carter’s abduction by The Eminence serves as retribution for The Watcher’s repeated transgressions against his vow of neutrality throughout the series. The Eminence may hold her accountable, given her close involvement in many critical interventions since her introduction in What If…? Season 1.

Biggest Easter Eggs and References in Episode 7

Memorable Moments and Subtle Tributes

Episode 7 is sprinkled with fascinating Easter eggs and references that delight MCU fans:

Nebula as Nova Prime: This iteration of Nebula was first presented in the series’ second season.
Hydra’s Champion: This creature is a recurring antagonist first encountered in What If…? Season 1, known for their battle against Captain Carter.
Kang’s Time Sphere: Peggy’s utilization of Kang’s Time Sphere, which previously appeared in Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania, raises intriguing questions about her travels.
Voice talent of Natasha Lyonne: Enigmatic actress Natasha Lyonne lends her voice to Byrdie, who first appeared in this season.
Classic X-Men ’97 Theme: The introduction of Storm is accompanied by the iconic theme from X-Men ’97, enhancing her dramatic entry.
New Watcher Intro: This episode features a reimagined, darker introduction voiced by Jason Isaacs, contrasting sharply with Jeffrey Wright’s usual narration.
Guardians of the Multiverse Photo: As Peggy prepares to confront Ultron, she gazes at a nostalgic snapshot of her past team members, evoking memories of their previous adventures.
Reset Charges from the TVA: Captain Carter’s team possesses reset charges, indicating a past interaction with the Time Variance Authority, potentially significant for the final episode.