Marvel’s What If…? Season 3, Episode 6, “What If.1872,” is an adventure that will take fans deep into the Old West. It blends iconic Marvel characters with a cowboy twist, all in one thrilling adventure. With Simu Liu as Shang-Chi, Hailee Steinfeld as Kate Bishop (Hawkeye), and unexpected twists, this episode is a perfect mix of action, emotion, and suspense. Here’s a complete breakdown of the plot, ending, and Easter eggs packed into this exciting episode.
What If.? Season 3, Episode 6 Episode Summary
The episode opens in 1872. Shang-Chi is now known as “The Ten Rings,” and Kate Bishop is a sharpshooting Hawkeye who is fighting off a posse led by John Walker, who’s also known as U.S. Agent. Their mission is to locate and stop the crime lord who’s been exploiting Chinese immigrants and calling himself The Hood.
The Watcher reveals that Xu Xialing, sister of Shang-Chi, migrated to America but disappeared after the opposition against The Hood. These actions by Xialing inspire Shang-Chi and Kate towards justice through their losses in common—fighting for her people, Xialing, and in vengeance after losing her parents to the crime lord, Kate.
Their search leads them to a youth, in Jun-Fan’s town, who was stolen by The Hood. They arrive at a “ghost train,” a floating locomotive powered by Tony Stark’s technology, carrying hypnotic immigrants and harmful munitions. Sonny Burch is an arms dealer who is greedy and promises to take them to The Hood but later backs out.
Xu Xialing turns out to be the Hood herself. She murdered the original Hood and, disguising herself as him, became intoxicated by the power of the demon-infused cloak. Her vision involved enslaving innocent minds and creating an army to help “liberate” the oppressed, but the darkness of her vision darkens her about what she is doing.
Also read: The Agency Episode 6 Review: Martian’s Double Life Unravels
The Emotional Climax
In the final battle, Shang-Chi cannot bring himself to fight his sister; he is torn between his loyalty to her and the darkness she has fallen into. Xialing, having gone too far, tries to kill Hawkeye. This forces Kate to make a devastating choice, killing Xialing to save herself and others.
The two free the immigrants and escort them to their new settler homes and then continue the battle into the sunset for justice. Meanwhile, repercussions of The Watcher’s multi-universe interference see him being caught by three other Watchers on a charge of breaking one of his non-interference oaths.
What If.? Season 3, Episode 6 Ending Explained: Tragedy and Justice
The transformation of Xialing into The Hood depicts how power corrupts good intentions. The killing also suggests the moral dilemmas of the superhero, where sometimes there has to be a choice between two evils, neither of which is desirable. Not wanting to fight her shows his very high sense of moral integrity. The decision of Kate indicates the level of pragmatism and commitment she has towards justice.
It also means that taking the Watcher will raise the stakes even more and make that explosive finale even more possible. His meddling in the multiverse, even if sometimes for the good, has had consequences, and it catches up to him in the end.
Also read: What If…? Season 3, Episode 4 Ending Explained: Marvel’s Wildest Christmas Story Yet!
Biggest Easter Eggs and References
Marvel fans are going to love the numerous nods to MCU lore and pop culture within this episode:
- Burn Film Effect: The episode begins with one of the most classic burning film transition effects. It is a classic that introduces the theme of the episode.
- Red Bandana of Shang-Chi: The red bandana he wears features the dragon scales mentioned in Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings: Great Protector
- Pegasus Point: Also refers to Project Pegasus in Captain Marvel.
- Ghost Train of Tony Stark: The train’s advanced technology design is also because of the legacy of Tony Stark and his innovative streak irrespective of the timeline.
- Jun-Fan’s Name: It is a nod to Bruce Lee, whose birth name was Jun-Fan.
- “Fists of Fury”: Sonny Burch’s line is a nod to the Bruce Lee film, thus linking the martial arts themes to Shang-Chi.
- Iron Fist Reference: When Hawkeye says that Jun-Fan has “Iron Fists,” it’s the first hint of Marvel’s kung fu hero and an opportunity for future team-ups.
- “Sun’s Getting Real Low”: A reference to Avengers: Age of Ultron, where the Hulk is placed with the line which is repeated in this film by Shang-Chi.
Conclusion
Season 3, Episode 6 of What If.? is an action-packed, emotional, and a great story. The Wild West setting with Marvel’s iconic characters makes for a unique and memorable chapter. As the season heads towards its finale, the stakes are higher than ever, leaving fans eager for what comes next.
