‘What If…? – Season 3’ Episode Five Recap: “What If…the Emergence Destroyed the Earth?”

Warning: the following article contains spoilers for episode five of What If…? – Season 3. 

As I said yesterday, the overarching narrative of What If…? – Season 3 would intensify itself, particularly after the mid-season finale gave our introduction to Byrdie (Natasha Lyonne), who is set to appear in just a few episodes from now. For now, however, we’re faced with another predicament on The Watcher’s (Jeffrey Wright) part: Does he let this tragic story he is now telling us play out, or does he interfere once more? 

In “What If…the Emergence Destroyed the Earth?,” The Watcher explains that Quentin Beck/Mysterio (Alejandro Saab) has taken over the planet with his Iron Legion after Tiamut’s birth occurred years before the Eternals were set to stop in the sacred timeline (more Eternals stories, yay!). This has left the remains of Earth shattered in pieces, with many heroes who attempted to battle the master of illusions sent to their graves. 

Their only hope now is Riri Williams (Dominique Thorne), who, through the aid of Sharon Carter (Emily VanCamp), has acquired a component to destroy Vision (now turned into a voiceless monster who obeys Mysterio’s every command). As Mysterio’s illusions get more lifelike and dangerous, Riri is saved in battle by a new alliance comprised of Wong (David Chen), Valkyrie (Tessa Thompson), Okoye (Kenna Ramsey), and Ying Nan (Michelle Wong). 

They are (literally) the last remaining heroes to defend themselves against Mysterio’s forces, which grow more powerful by the day. But after Riri defeats Vision with the magnet she acquired from the Power Broker, which allowed her to create a powerful weapon, the alliance believes there is a chance that they may win this fight after all. Throughout these moments, director Stephan Franck and writers Bryan Andrews, Matthew Chauncey, and Ryan Little visualize this post-apocalyptic world with real urgency. There’s a sense that none of these heroes will ever make it out alive and that Mysterio will control every ounce of the Earth’s remains before he utters his last breath. 

Even if The Watcher primes the audience that Riri’s story will end in tragedy, we ultimately know that she will prevail. But how can she when all hope is lost? Not only in herself, but throughout the world, who have accepted in cowardice the outcome they are left in. They are too afraid to stand up to Mysterio because his illusions not only distort perspectives but manipulate emotions. When Riri creates a hybrid Ironheart/Vision suit to see through Beck’s illusions, one thinks she – and the Alliance – may have the upper hand. They’re certainly “in control” when their ultimate battle against the Iron Legion begins. 

But if one has seen Spider-Man: No Way Home, it’s clear that this may all be an illusion. And what would you know? It turns out that Beck has upgraded his technology from the last time we saw him, and he doesn’t need projectors anymore to control his illusions. He can now do it with his mind. However, this is aging him much faster and sending him to an early grave, which is why he needed Vision to merge his conscience into his body. 

It’s why he attempts to take her rebuilt suit for himself, which will also send her to an early grave. Beck also reveals to her that each member of the alliance has died, and that she has nothing to fight for anymore. Willingly surrendering herself, The Watcher observes and believes he cannot let another universe die, especially after repeatedly viewing this story too many times, knowing how it ends. 

By yelling the word “Fight!” Riri has enough energy left to beat Mysterio once and for all, killing him and giving the world hope by projecting the Avengers logo into the sky. However, by doing this, The Watcher has attracted the attention of three more Watchers: The Eminence (Jason Isaacs), The Incarnate (D.C. Douglas), and The Executioner (Darin De Paul). They have been closely observing him for some time now and are shocked at his audacity to intervene once more. What does this mean for the final three episodes? Not great news, that’s for sure. 

The fifth episode of What If…? – Season Three is now available to stream on Disney+.