Warning: SPOILERS for Marvel's What If...? episode 6.

Marvel’s What If…? may have proved that Erik Killmonger (Michael B. Jordan) was never redeemable, despite what many fans felt after his death in Black Panther. What If…? episode 5 explores what the MCU may have looked like if Killmonger had rescued Tony Stark from the Ten Rings in Afghanistan, as seen in Iron Man. This alternate universe reveals what a second chance could have looked like for Killmonger, a character who many believe should have been given a chance at rehabilitation instead of dying at the hands of his cousin, T’Challa.

The epic battle at the climax of Black Panther leaves Killmonger mortally wounded. As the cousins watch a Wakandan sunset, there is a mutual understanding that Wakandan tradition has failed many people. Killmonger’s goal to use Wakandan resources to end racial discrimination and systematic oppression resonated with audiences, but his methods were unethical and murderous. He refuses T’Challa’s offer to heal him, claiming that he’d rather be dead than locked away for his crimes, delivering one of the MCU's most powerful lines of dialogue: "Why, so you can lock me up? Nah. Just bury me in the ocean with my ancestors who jumped from ships 'cause they knew death was better than bondage."

Related: Black Panther: Why Killmonger Is the Only MCU Villain Who REALLY Won

Killmonger himself seems to know that there is no redemption in his future, yet audiences have wondered why filmmakers chose to write his character off. Since T’Challa opens up Wakandan borders at the end of the movie, which is essentially a compromise toward Killmonger’s ultimate goal, it's a tacit admission that Killmonger's methods were wrong, but he had a strong argument. But What If…? Episode 6 proves that Killmonger most likely would have squandered a second chance had he gotten one. The episode provides Killmonger with at least two opportunities to change his ways, although he capitalizes on neither, confirming that it would have taken much more than returning to Wakanda as an equal to begin his exoneration.

Marvel confirms why Killmonger cant return Black Panther 2

It is tempting to claim that Killmonger could have found redemption if only he had been accepted by the community that exiled his father, or any community for that matter. Perhaps this would have been true if Erik had been taken back to Wakanda with King T’Chaka and raised there. But What If…? episode 6 shows he's too consumed by vengeance by the time he's an adult, illustrating how Killmonger repeatedly disregards any concept of loyalty toward an ally or community. He might have used his relationship with Tony Stark to create some profound changes for the better in the world with Stark Industries. Instead, Killmonger uses his influence with Tony to orchestrate a war between the U.S. and Wakanda, killing not only T'Challa but also Rhodey to achieve his aims.

By the end of the episode, Killmonger is welcomed into Wakanda by King T’Chaka, who does not know that Killmonger is the reason his son is dead, and even takes up the mantle of the Black Panther. The episode leaves audiences with apprehension about how much power King T’Chaka has given his nephew, and some hope from a young Shuri going to Pepper Potts for help in exposing Killmonger’s ill deeds. The episode is laden with examples of how easy it is for Killmonger to gain the trust of influential people.

Audiences were sympathetic to Michael B. Jordan's Killmonger and perhaps wanted to see him welcomed back to Wakanda, hoping that would have been enough to get him to change his ways, but ultimately What If...? shows that he's manipulative and ruthless. Even had T’Challa decided to spare his life in Black Panther, he still likely would never have been trustworthy enough to be a part of the Wakandan community. Marvel's What If…? shows how any version of Killmonger who grows up alone, seething with the need for revenge, will always act in the best interest of his lifelong goal no matter who gets in the way.

Next: What If…? Just Made Iron Man The MCU's Curse & Its Savior

Marvel's What If...? releases new episodes every Wednesday on Disney+.

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