The What If…? Season 3 finale, which also serves as the series’ conclusion, brings an emotional and action-packed end to Marvel’s imaginative anthology. In this final episode, the Watcher, Uatu, faces judgment from his mentor, the Eminence—the leader of the Watchers—for breaking his sacred oath. Aided by unexpected allies, including Captain Peggy Carter, the episode weaves a story of sacrifice, redemption, and philosophical reflection.
What Happens to Captain Peggy Carter?
In a heart-wrenching twist, Captain Peggy Carter sacrifices herself in the finale of What If…? Season 3.
The episode opens with a flashback to the Watcher’s oath, sworn to uphold the natural order without interference. However, Uatu is now on trial for breaking this vow. As the Watcher faces judgment from the Eminence and his fellow Watchers, Peggy Carter, voiced by Hayley Atwell, leads a team of heroes—including Kahhori, Byrdie, and Storm—to rescue him.
Complications arise as Infinity Ultron attacks the Watchers, including the Eminence, Incarnate, and Executioner. Uatu and his allies attempt to flee to Strange Supreme’s universe, a realm where the Watchers’ powers are neutralized. Despite their efforts, the Watchers overpower Infinity Ultron and intercept Uatu’s group, sparking a fierce battle.
In a desperate bid to save his friends, Uatu shares his powers with Peggy and her team, granting them abilities akin to the Watchers themselves. Armed with these new powers, the heroes turn the tide, forcing the Watchers to merge into a single entity. However, the merged Watchers unleash a devastating counterattack, threatening every version of the heroes across the multiverse.
To save her team, Peggy makes the ultimate sacrifice. Using her newfound powers, she sends the Watchers, Uatu, and her companions to Strange Supreme’s universe. Tragically, Peggy does not survive the encounter, and her friends later honor her with a solemn funeral on the Observational Plane. In a poignant moment, Uatu reflects that, for the first time, he feels as though someone is watching over him.
The Fate of the Eminence
Unlike Peggy, the Eminence survives the events of the finale.
Stripped of their powers in Strange Supreme’s universe, the Eminence and the other Watchers experience vulnerability for the first time. This humbling experience leads the Eminence to embrace humility. Uatu, offering an olive branch, proposes that he teach the Eminence the lessons he has learned from mortals. The episode ends with the Eminence accepting this offer, hinting at a new chapter of understanding between the Watchers and the multiverse.
The What If…? Season 3 finale delivers a profound conclusion to the series. It combines thrilling action with deep philosophical musings on sacrifice, humility, and the interconnectedness of all beings. Captain Peggy Carter’s heroic sacrifice and the Watchers’ transformation serve as fitting conclusions to a story that has always dared to ask, “What if?”