Set during Nick Fury's big week, What If? Episode 3 "What If the World Lost Its Mightiest Heroes?" is our first murder mystery in this animated universe. We chat all about it in full spoiler filled detail.

Marvel's What If? Episode 3 Synopsis

Executive Produced by: Bryan Andrews, A.C. Bradley, Brad Winderbaum with Kevin Feige

Head Writer: A.C. Bradley

Episode Written by: A.C. Bradley and Matthew Chauncey

Episode Directed By: Bryan Andrews

One small choice can change the world!

Monday. At a doughnut shop in California, S.H.I.E.L.D. Director, Nick Fury, and agent Natasha Romanoff are powerless to prevent the death of Tony Stark. Romanoff is accused of his murder, but slips away from the S.H.I.E.L.D. strike force team led by Brock Rumlow.

Tuesday. In Mexico a mysterious hammer has caught the attention of S.H.I.E.L.D. Under the watchful gaze of Clint Barton the hammer’s owner, with amazing hair, comes to retrieve his property as Barton fires his arrow into the heart of Thor the God of Thunder. Clint Barton is held under lock and key for his murder. Hours later, despite around the clock supervision, Clint is found dead in his cell.

Later that day Loki arrives from Asgard backed up by the warriors Three and an army of Asgardians. He wants to punish the puny planet for the murder of Thor. But convinced that smaller forces are at play, Nick persuades Loki that they should work together to catch their common enemy.

Wednesday, following Fury’s orders, Natasha pays a visit to Doctor Betty Ross and meets Bruce Banner. During an attack from Betty’s father, General Thaddeus Ross, Banner is hit by an unexpected shot. Transforming into the Hulk the misunderstood monster suddenly grows bigger until his body explodes. The Incredible Hulk and Bruce Banner are dead. Another future Avenger removed.

That night in a deserted library, Natasha investigates the murders and discovers a connection to Hope Van Dyne, a deceased former S.H.I.E.L.D. agent. Before she can speak directly to Fury an unknown assailant emerges from the darkness of the library and murders Natasha Romonov.

Thursday. Nick visits Van Dyne’s grave where he’s confronted by her father Hank Pym. Blaming S.H.I.E.L.D. for her death, Hank has been murdering all of the potential candidates for the Avengers Initiative.

With assistance from Loki, Nick defeats Hank Pym but the world is left almost defenseless as Loki decides the world needs a new master, Himself. But there is reason for hope as Nick begins to assemble the remaining heroes - Captain Marvel, a defrosting Captain America and of course Agent Phil Coulson - to lead the charge against the tyranny of the trickster God.

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