WARNING: Spoilers for What If...? episode 3, "What If...the World Lost its Mightiest Heroes?"
In episode 3 of What If...? the MCU emphatically answered the dumbest criticism of anyone who's ever been skeptical of the capabilities of its female superheroes. The episode, which centers around superspy Natasha Romanoff, a.k.a. Black Widow, follows more of a mystery thriller narrative than straightforward superhero action. However, by the time the episode is over, it's clear that the MCU is determined to make a point about the physical prowess of its female team members.
Over the course of the episode, both Romanoff and Nick Fury set out to solve the mystery behind a spate of superhero deaths. Set throughout a seminal week in the original MCU, the episode charts the arrival of Thor and the Hulk, as well as recreating a key scene from Iron Man 2. However, in this version of events, all three of the protagonists from the crucial Phase 1 films are systematically murdered by a version of Hank Pym as the evil Yellowjacket whose grief over losing his daughter turned him to villainy. Thanks to Romanoff's efforts, Pym is unmasked and eventually brought to justice.
Episode 3 of What If...? does an excellent job of showcasing both Romanoff and Nick Fury's espionage skills. But, beyond highlighting her investigative capabilities, the episode also removes any doubt that Black Widow is more than a match for most male Marvel characters. This refutes one of the most long-standing and unfounded criticisms of female characters in the MCU – namely, that they are somehow less physically capable than their male counterparts. In one scene in episode 3, What If...? puts that notion to bed once and for all when Natasha singlehandedly beats an entire convoy vehicle of armed male S.H.I.E.L.D. agents.
After she is arrested for the death of Tony Stark, Romanoff is handcuffed and packed into transport with a team of armed security personnel led by Brock Rumlow. In a scene that mirrors Captain America's iconic elevator fight, she successfully frees herself from her handcuffs and comprehensively beats the supposedly crack squad with her bare hands. While she is pummelling his men, Rumlow confides to his colleague that he doesn't understand Fury's faith in Romanoff, commenting, "Sure, she can land a punch, but only because people don’t expect it.” This moment perfectly encapsulates the sexist attitude that some have long expressed toward the character while highlighting just how unfounded the criticism is. In fact, by echoing the famous fight scene from Captain America: The Winter Soldier, What If...? shows that Romanoff is just as capable a combatant as the super-soldier Steve Rogers.
Of course, the What If...? scene is not the first time that Black Widow's fighting skills have been on full display. In fact, the blockbuster Black Widow dedicates much of its runtime to showing off her training to its full potential. However, by making an explicit comparison between Black Widow and Captain America in this episode, What If...? directly refutes one of the most persistent and unfounded criticisms of both her and other female superheroes. While she may not have the traditional superpowers associated with many other MCU heroes, any suggestion that she somehow isn't strong enough is clearly bogus. As this scene aptly demonstrates, both Natasha Romanoff and other female heroes belong centerstage.
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