This writer is on an Eternals kick, previously with Episode 2 of Season 3 “What If…Agatha Went to Hollywood?” In this episode, the Eternals did not unite in time to stop the Celestial’s emergence causing Earth to be separated into fragmented pieces. Spoiler Alert!
In Episode 5 of the new “What If…” season, Riri Williams (Dominique Thorne, Black Panther: Wakanda Forever), previously known as Ironheart, is the center of attention. After the Emergence, Quentin Beck aka Mysterio (Alejandro Saab, Kaiju No. 8) took over Stark Industries and sparked the war between the “Alliance” and his Iron Federation. The Alliance is this universe’s Avengers. Amid the wreckage, Riri’s plans to create a weapon to destroy “The Vision,” Beck’s right-hand man, put her on the Alliance’s radar. Together, they challenge the Vision and Beck for a better and safer world free from all illusions.
This has fallen in the top three episodes for this new season for many reasons. The first is the use of Riri Williams. Having been introduced to the character in Wakanda Forever, I was very excited to see more of her. Disappointedly, the MCU has not properly utilized that excitement, as many fans eagerly wait for her solo series premiering in the summer of 2025. That being said, her change of power rather than becoming Ironheart, she becomes a new version of Vision is extraordinary. Especially with Vision’s new look.
Additionally, the randomness of the Alliance’s members makes it even more thought-provoking, as characters like Wong and Valkyrie come together in a situation out of most fans’ imagination. This is the essence of What If… the cultivation of an otherworldly imagination, and loved characters we wouldn’t have gotten to see interact in their normal environments. Likewise, the episode plot twist gives Mysterio the ending he deserved in Spiderman: Far From Home.
Personally, I love it when the Watcher is more involved in the episode. This is most prominent in Season 2 of the series. I find it most intriguing as it gives a viewer’s perspective. It also gives insight into their other beings in other universes, which can come into play later in the season (hopefully). His interference during Riri’s impending death made for a more powerful character development, setting Riri up in a powerful position to possibly aid the Watcher further in the season.
Have to mention though, Riri’s crying…was well, interesting.
Let’s see where this season goes.
