What If…? Season 3 Ending Explained: The True Identity of The Watcher and the Outcome of the Last Battle?
The animated series What If…? Season 3 Marvel has been one of the most fascinating proposals within the vast multiverse that has consolidated the Marvel Film Universe (MCU). Since its debut in 2021, the production has offered fans a whole new insight into iconic events and characters, proposing alternative scenarios in which the crucial decisions that defined the course of history were made differently. Each episode raises a hypothetical question, such as What If…? and presents parallel realities in which heroes and villains face different destinations. This ability to explore infinite possibilities has delighted followers, who enjoy watching their favorite characters react to unexpected situations. Throughout the three seasons, What If…? has remixed the traditional concept of the MCU, leading the audience through a roller coaster of emotions and surprises. While the story has been primarily episodic, with each chapter dealing with an independent alternative setting, it has also managed to intertwine larger plots and develop a more coherent narrative that connects its characters through multiverses.
The end of season 3, titled “What If… What If?”, was no exception, closing several of the questions that had been asked, but also leaving others open, inviting reflection on what could hold the future of the multiverse. In particular, it left a deep mark on fans, both for its revelations and for the unexpected turn in history. The third season of What If…? (2024) explores alternative realities of the Marvel Multiverse, but this time, the common thread is an epic crisis involving Uatu, the Watcher, and his constant intervention in multiversal events. As his actions provoke the wrath of his superiors the imposing Eminence, Executioner, and Incarnate Watchers, Uatu becomes a fugitive and realities begin to collapse. The group led by Captain Carter, Kahhori, Byrdie, and Storm seeks to save Uatu and restore balance, facing difficult decisions and extremely powerful enemies. The season culminates in a monumental confrontation that redefines the purpose of the Watchers and the role of the heroes in the Multiverse.
What If…? Season 3 Ending Explained: The True Identity of The Watcher and the Outcome of the Last Battle?
The final episode of What If…? Season 3 begins surprisingly, with The Watcher being judged for his actions. After intervening in multiple realities, he is called to account to Eminence, The Incarnate, and The Executioner, three powerful antagonists who represent the natural order of the multiverse. At a key moment, The Watcher faces a fundamental question: should he interfere with the natural flow of realities or remain on the sidelines as an observer? Despite the doubts he has about his role, he is still a character who defies the rules, making him the perfect candidate to be part of the trial. However, their intervention actions are not well regarded by the accusers, who believe that their actions have altered the course of the universe.
This trial is not only an exercise in accusation and defense but also an opportunity to deepen the role of The Watcher and the implications of his power. Throughout the series, we have seen Uatu get in the way at crucial moments, raising the question of whether to remain neutral or take an active stance. This question becomes one of the most important themes of the final episode, as he is forced to confront the consequences of his decisions. The episode also takes advantage of this judgment to make references to other MCU characters, such as Riri Williams and young Iron Fist, Kwai Jun-Fan, who join the discussion, making this trial a momentous event for all alternative universes.
What Happens to Uatu and Captain Carter?
The end of the season takes place in an episode loaded with action and sacrifice. Uatu is tried for breaking the rules of non-intervention, while his team —Captain Carter, Kahhori, Byrdie, and Storm — desperately seeks to save him. Despite their efforts, the heroes are attacked by the powerful Superior Watchers, who almost annihilate them. In a crucial turn, Uatu gives heroes the power of the Watchers, allowing them to fight on equal terms against their enemies. However, superiors merge into an even more fearsome entity, known as the “Supreme Watcher”, who begins to erase variants of the heroes of existence. In a final act of bravery, Captain Carter uses his new powers to reverse the attacks of the Supreme Watcher and sends him to the Strange Supreme universe, sacrificing his own life in the process. Although Carter dies, his legacy persists: his enhanced shield is sent to the Multiverse, symbolizing his sacrifice and hope for future generations.
What Happens to the Watchers?
Following the defeat of the Supreme Watcher, Uatu convinces his superiors to take a more active approach in the Multiverse. Impressed by Uatu’s wisdom, Eminence, Executioner, and Incarnate agree to change the rules and become guides who help righteous beings reach their full potential, leaving behind the strict policy of nonintervention. The episode closes with Uatu reflecting on Captain Carter’s sacrifice, suggesting that his spirit is still alive, observing as a figure that now “watches over the Watchers”.
Conclusion of “What If…? Season 3 “
The third season of What If…? closes with a hopeful message and a significant change in the philosophy of the Watchers. Captain Carter’s sacrifice and Uatu’s evolution as a central figure demonstrate that even the most rigid rules can be changed for the greater good. Although it remains in the air if there are more seasons, this delivery leaves a feeling of closure and reflection on the impact of heroism and sacrifice in a Multiverse full of possibilities.
What Does Captain Carter’s Sacrifice Mean?
Carter’s sacrifice not only saves Uatu and the team but also redefines the purpose of the Watchers. His heroic act inspires others to reconsider the balance between intervention and observation, transforming the Multiverse into a place with greater hope. The idea that Carter continues “watching” underscores his legacy as a symbol of bravery and altruism.
The Threat of Ultron Infinite
The judgment is abruptly interrupted when Ultron Infinite makes his appearance, challenging everyone present with his devastating power. In this alternative reality, Ultron has managed to conquer the entire multiverse, acquiring unimaginable power. His arrival completely changes the course of the episode, since, instead of focusing on the trial, the characters must face this new threat. From this moment on, the Evil Watchers, led by Eminence, are forced to stop Ultron, leading to a series of confrontations and battles involving characters like Peggy Carter and the Watcher himself.
The villain, Ultron, plays a fundamental role in the narrative since his presence highlights the risks of intervening in the multiverse. Although its purpose is not clearly explained in its entirety, its arrival serves to show the consequences of the decisions made by the characters, especially by The Watcher. This confrontation also marks the moment when the Exiles, a group of alternative heroes, take action to free the two, taking them to a safe place out of the reach of the rival on duty. However, Ultron’s threat is not the only thing that makes this episode an ending full of surprises.
The Intervention Of The Exiles
The Exiles are an unexpected group that appears at the most crucial moment in history. This team is made up of various heroes and characters from alternative realities, such as Byrdie The Duck, Storm, and Kahhori. Their intervention is key to saving the protagonists and giving them time to formulate an escape plan. The Exiles are not only essential to defeat Ultron but also represent the possibility of other versions of the characters coming together to fight the chaos that threatens the multiverse.
The arrival of the Exiles and their participation in the plot also underscores the importance of collective decisions in the multiverse. In the end, the episode emphasizes how collaboration and unity can be essential to counter threats as great as Ultron Infinity. This team dynamic adds a layer of complexity to the narrative, showing that although The Watcher is a lone figure, the multiverse is full of heroes willing to unite when the situation demands it.
Uatu’s Revelation
One of the most shocking moments of the episode comes when The Watcher, in the middle of the battle, reveals his identity. In a momentous turn, he says: “I am nobody, I am Uatu ”. This is of great importance to both MCU fans and comic book fans as it marks the moment when the character finally shows himself for what he really is: the Watcher who watches all the realities. This statement is not only a turning point for the plot but also a nod to comic book readers who know this character as one of the most iconic within the Marvel universe.
This moment has a deep resonance within the narrative, as The Watcher has been an observation and distance figure throughout the series. His revelation of identity marks an important transformation, in which he ceases to be a mere spectator to become an active agent in multiverse events. The series plays on the idea that, in the end, Uatu may have more power and control than previously thought, opening up new possibilities for future stories.
Captain Carter’s Intervention
The figure of Captain Carter, who in this alternative reality is the version of Captain America, plays a crucial role in the outcome of the story. After being rescued by the Exiles, Peggy Carter takes the initiative to bring the Evil Watchers into the Stephen Strange universe. Here, strange has full control over the multiverse, preventing antagonists from continuing to cause chaos. Captain Carter, in making this decision, shows her courageous character and willingness to sacrifice everything for the common good. This move is critical as it allows characters to gain time to defeat the Evil Watchers. However, what follows is even more impressive: once Peggy destroys the antagonists, the strange universe becomes a haven where Eminence loses its power. This twist is an effective way to close the story, showing that, even in the darkest moments, heroes can find a solution that allows them to prevail.
The Fall of The Evil Watchers
In an unexpected twist, the Evil Watchers combine into one being and unleash a series of devastating explosions, erasing many versions of the heroes in the process. As chaos breaks out, Peggy Carter, with the help of her peers, recomposes and destroys the Evil Watchers, except Eminence. This is a moment of redemption for the heroes, as they finally manage to end the threat that has been around throughout the season. The destruction of the Evil Watchers marks the climax of the episode but also highlights the complexity of the decisions made in such a vast multiverse. Despite the victory, the battle does not end without sacrifices, and the episode reminds us that, in the multiverse, the price of the intervention can be very high.
The End: “Someone is Always Watching”
The episode concludes with a bittersweet feeling of closure, but also of openness towards new possibilities. The Exiles, after the victory, continue on their way while The Watcher reflects on what has happened. The last scene shows Peggy Carter’s shield flying in the distance, implying that, although she is not physically present, her legacy is still alive. Uatu, for its part, leaves us with a deep reflection on the multiverse, saying: “Someone, somewhere, is always watching”.
This ending, which resonates with the central theme of the series, raises the possibility that the multiverse stories never really end. Although season 3 has come to an end, the infinite realities continue to exist, waiting to be explored in future narratives. Uatu, in its latest monologue, also reminds the audience that time and space are only part of the prism of infinite possibilities that make up the multiverse, inviting us to reflect on the questions that remain to be answered. So, the end of “What If…?” makes it clear that although this story has come to an end, the possibilities in the multiverse remain endless.
