Marvel’s What If…? Season 3 Episode 4 Review - A Human-Duck Child for Reals

Season 3, Episode 4 of What If...? delivers an unexpected blend of heartwarming moments, intergalactic hijinks, and outright absurdity, making it a standout installment in the anthology series. The episode dives into one of the MCU’s most unusual pairings, exploring love, parenthood, and cosmic chaos in the quirky way only this show can.

The episode opens with Darcy Lewis and Howard the Duck anxiously awaiting the hatching of their egg—a unique symbol of their unconventional yet endearing relationship. The flashback sequences cleverly fill in the gaps, showing how these two mismatched personalities met during Thor’s infamous party and somehow fell head over heels for each other. The show leans into the absurdity of their romance while giving it surprising emotional depth. Darcy’s sharp wit and Howard’s gruff sarcasm complement each other perfectly, making them an oddly charming duo.

However, the serenity of their domestic life doesn’t last long. Just as they’re settling into their roles as expectant parents, Howard is summoned by the Grandmaster to join his latest escapade—an ostentatious "Grand Cruise Across the Stars." The couple reluctantly boards the ship, taking their precious egg along for the ride. It’s here that the episode takes a darker turn, blending humor with tension as the Grandmaster's eccentric behavior becomes increasingly sinister. Jeff Goldblum reprises his role with his signature flair, embodying the Grandmaster’s unsettling mix of charm and menace.

The story reaches its peak during the episode’s centerpiece dinner scene, where Darcy and Howard make a chilling discovery—their egg is being prepared as the evening’s main course. The revelation is both horrifying and darkly comedic, capturing the essence of What If...? as it pushes boundaries in unexpected ways. What follows is a thrilling escape sequence filled with slapstick humor, heartfelt teamwork, and just the right amount of chaos. Just as their baby is about to become scrambled eggs, Yondu makes a dramatic entrance and kidnaps the egg, leaving everyone in shock. Darcy and Howard give chase in a spaceship but are devastated when Yondu vanishes without a trace. They turn to Nick Fury for help, who reveals the egg’s extraordinary significance: its birth coincided with the Cosmic Convergence, suggesting their child could wield a great new power.

The animation continues to impress, with vibrant cosmic landscapes and expressive character designs bringing the bizarre storyline to life. The voice performances are another highlight. Kat Dennings effortlessly channels Darcy’s sardonic humor, while Seth Green’s Howard oscillates between comedic exasperation and genuine affection. Their chemistry carries the episode, grounding its more ludicrous elements with emotional authenticity.

In the final act, the narrative takes a poignant turn as the egg finally hatches amidst the chaos, revealing a baby duck-human hybrid that is both adorable and unsettling. The episode ends on a hopeful note, with the little family charting a new course together—albeit in true What If...? fashion, leaving us questioning what’s next for them.

Season 3, Episode 4 exemplifies what makes What If...? so compelling. It blends heartfelt storytelling with the absurd and the unexpected, making you laugh, gasp, and even feel a twinge of emotion for a talking duck and his human partner. This episode is a must-watch, reaffirming the series' knack for transforming the MCU’s oddest corners into compelling tales.

Final Score- [7/10]