What If S2E5 Captain Carter Fought the Hydra Stomper Recap
“What If… Captain Carter Fought the Hydra Stomper?“ In this installment, we find Captain Peggy Carter and Natasha Romanoff embroiled in a tense encounter with the HYDRA Stomper, housed within a mysterious container. As they confront the mechanized suit, chaos erupts in a flurry of bullets and explosions, revealing a startling revelation beneath the metallic mask.
The episode opens with a gripping prologue, thrusting viewers into the heart of battle as Captain Carter leads a team of Avengers against the Chitauri during the Battle of New York. Notably absent are key figures like Sam Wilson, Maria Hill, Alexander Pierce, and Jasper Sitwell, despite the storyline following the events of The Winter Soldier. Surprisingly, Yelena Belova and the Red Guardian are also missing, despite the Red Room’s significance in this alternate reality.
A notable theme throughout the episode is the adaptation of diversity and heroism. Captain Carter’s pivotal role in World War II sparks significant societal changes, advancing the feminist movement and empowering women. This is reflected in the equal representation of men and women among the Avengers, with Captain Carter and the Wasp taking on prominent roles. Even within S.H.I.E.L.D.’s S.T.R.I.K.E. team, women play vital roles alongside their male counterparts, demonstrating unwavering loyalty and heroism.
Another intriguing aspect is the portrayal of adaptational villainy and complexity. Melina Vostokoff’s ascent as the new head of the Red Room after Natasha’s defection unleashes her latent tendencies as a mad scientist. With Dreykov absent, Melina’s unchecked ambitions take a darker turn, adding layers of complexity to the conflicts within this alternate reality. Additionally, the episode hints at a departure from the established events of the Sacred Timeline, suggesting that Captain Carter and Black Widow easily defeated Loki.
As the episode unfolds, it offers a captivating exploration of alternate possibilities within the Marvel Cinematic Universe, weaving together action, heroism, and moral complexity into a riveting narrative.