The Marvel Cinematic Universe has long thrived on pushing boundaries. However, ‘What If…?’ Season 3, Episode 4 takes that ambition to a whole new level. The episode combines outlandish humor, bizarre plotlines, and surprisingly dark undertones.
It is a prime example of how animation allows Marvel to explore ideas that would likely flop in live-action. Whether it was the sheer absurdity of Darcy and Howard the Duck’s interspecies romance or the jaw-dropping consequences of their offspring, fans are both amused and shocked.
‘What If…?’ Season 3: Darcy (A Woman) And Howard (A Duck) Look For Their Lost Egg
The episode’s premise is as absurd as it sounds: Darcy and Howard the Duck (a human and a duck) are introduced as a married couple. They embark on a galaxy-wide adventure to recover their lost egg. Despite the weirdness, the episode somehow fits in.
Related: Marvel’s Eternals Make A Humiliating Return In ‘What If…?’ Season 3
Moreover, the universe’s casual acceptance of their union is a testament to the episode’s brilliance as it refuses to treat its absurdity as a punchline. Instead, the narrative plays it straight, allowing the humor to arise naturally from the situations the characters face.
Despite the episode’s lighthearted tone, its conclusion is surprisingly dark. The birth of their child, Byrdie, unleashes a cataclysmic event where she vaporizes hundreds of antagonists pursuing the egg. Additionally, this mix of comedy and tragedy is part of what makes ‘What If…?’ so compelling, and in this instance, questionable.
Fans Are Amused And Disturbed With The Episode
Reactions to the episode have been as varied as its content, with fans taking to social media to express everything from confusion to outright shock. For some, the very idea of an interspecies romance between a human and a duck crosses the line. “We got a bestiality What If before a Blade movie,” one fan wrote, highlighting the odd priorities of Marvel’s storytelling choices.
In case you missed it: The Real Reason Why Marvel’s ‘What If…?’ Is Ending After Season 3
Another viewer criticized the episode for allegedly catering to niche interests, commenting, “The writers barely disguised fetish.” However, not everyone was put off by the episode’s weirdness. Many fans appreciated its humor and unexpected depth.
One viewer wrote “It sounds weird, but the episode was actually solid and funny as hell. Didn’t care about Howard the Duck at all coming into this episode and left with an appreciation of him.” Another added, “I enjoyed it.” The polarized reactions underscore how ‘What If…?’ is uniquely positioned to take risks. For every fan who found the premise unsettling, there’s another who was won over by the episode’s sheer audacity.
