I grew up with the dilemma of going to a school and not fitting in exactly. My name is vastly different and “hard” to pronounce, and I have parents with deep accents that no one could pinpoint. Ya know, because they were not as appealing as the English accent. I would spend my day with my American friends and be immersed in their culture before arriving home to a home filled with bi and at times trilingual expectations that are only known by my parents and my relatives that live over 10,000 miles away. The confusion of battling cultures in me had me feeling alone. I found solace in shows that I could relate to. 

After the unsettling Y2K transition came to a calm, we were gifted with wonderful shows such as The Brothers García and Taina. You’re probably wondering how these shows could be relatable to a Black girl like me. For many years, I was the only African girl anywhere; church, school, or playground, there was not another kid that could possibly understand how it feels to have a parent speak or chastise to you in a different language in front of everyone. There was a constant embarrassment that came when I noticed people staring at us. 

I felt very much alone until I saw families like mine on TV. There were kids who had the problem of balancing between their family’s culture and the American one. While I did not speak nor understand a speck of Spanish, I got the context. For a good portion of my childhood, I lived in context as I quickly lost the ability to speak my mother tongue. The shows were absolutely the closest to what was considered normal for my household. 

Nickelodeon with a side of Oreos made for a good day. The Brothers García had a wonderful concept of life lessons, loving family, and sibling relationships that was wrapped up nicely with the occasional cultural explanation. It honed in on the importance of family and traditions. While we didn’t have the same traditions, I got the same life lessons. 

To my relief, I was not the only one getting that message. Taina was the baddest! She had me thinking that it is possible to be a first gen in the entertainment business. You know, other than the trio of official acceptable job positions: doctor, lawyer, engineer. Of course, within these two families, there were some hiccups. For example: Taina’s quinceañera was going through some loops of differing ideas between Taina and her mother on how the traditional celebration should proceed. While Taina wants to go modern, her mother is about doing things the way they did when she was younger. Tears were shed, but in the end, common ground was found. The two were able to understand each other’s point of view. That truly made me hopeful of what was possible. My whole childhood was me falling over a line that sat between my culture and being American. 

One of the most common episodes for Hispanic/Latinx shows is having a child fail their Spanish test. It was true back then for my two favorite shows and also a newer show by the name of Wizards of Waverly Place. The premise is that if one of the kids fails a Spanish test, then a parent or guardian goes ham on ensuring that the kid does not forget their culture and language. When this is going on TV, it is made for entertainment. 

I’ve experienced this in a way. While there is not a class in the Midwest that teaches Setswana or Zulu, there was my father who wanted to make sure that we were able to understand what he and the rest of my family are saying, as well as never forgetting our culture. It didn’t last as long as he wanted, but we certainly needed the lessons. My family spent two weeks every other year with family in South Africa. While they may speak English, that is not the only language that they spoke. Being able to communicate with my family members was a plus.  

The older I got, the fewer shows I saw of these family dynamics. It was not until my adulthood that another fantastic show came along: 2017’s One Day at a Time. As an adult, this show had two dynamics that I could relate to: adult and child. Penelope Alvarez is first-gen, who has a lot to unpack with an immigrant mother and raising the second-gen of Americans. While I may not have children of my own, I understood their struggles a bit. 

The show also has some political topics that are current with everything that is going on. I have taken quite a bit of time of explaining the letters of LGBTQIA to my parents. Let me not forget how my immigration status has come up frequently in the past few years, and I’ve had to inform natural citizens how the citizenship process is more complex than they think. More than I would like to admit, people have commented on how I came to the country the correct way, while I remind them what the legalities are for everyone. To this day, my mother has to deal with people claiming that they don’t understand her accent or telling her to go back to where she came from. There’s not a lot of shows that can highlight the bigotry that many families deal with in their lives, but with these shows, we have come close to it. 

It may seem strange for a Black woman to state that she sees herself in shows based on Hispanic/Latinx families, but you see, these very shows have displayed the similarities through cultures and experiences. I may not understand Spanish but I understand the situation more than enough. Until there are sitcoms that have African stories that are non-stereotypical, I will sit and enjoy the sitcoms that present the diverse America that I know to be true. It is only a matter of time until I see a show that represents me fully, but until then, please bring more Hispanic/Latinx shows to the forefront.  

The post How I Saw Myself As A Black Woman Watching Hispanic/Latinx Families on TV appeared first on Black Girl Nerds.

After being expelled from yet another boarding school, Percy Jackson (Walker Scobell) finds himself in serious trouble. His feisty mother, Sally (Virginia Kull), struggles to tell him that his father is actually a Greek god and that Percy himself is a demigod, also known as a half-blood. Initially, Percy is skeptical and cannot believe what he is hearing. 

However, his disbelief is shattered when he discovers that his best friend, Grover (Aryan Simhardi), is a satyr who needs to take Percy and his mother to the safety of Camp Half-Blood. While en route, they are attacked by a minotaur, and unfortunately, Percy’s mother does not survive the attack and make it to the camp.

Upon arriving at the camp, Percy is immediately taken to Hermes’ cabin by the camp mentors: the wise Chiron (Glynn Turman) and the unserious Dionysus (Jason Mantzoukas). There, he meets Luke Castellan (Charlie Bushnell), the son of Hermes, who is tasked with training him. Percy learns about the rules that demigods must follow, while also being scrutinized by the other campers. He also meets Annabeth Chase (Leah Jeffries), who is analytical and hesitant about him and is only interested in him as a means to finally get on a quest. 

Eventually, Percy is claimed by his father, Poseidon, and embarks on a journey across America to return Zeus’ powerful weapon known as the master bolt and prevent an all-out war between Zeus and Poseidon. With the help of his friends Annabeth and Grover, Percy’s journey will bring him closer to discovering where he belongs and what his destiny holds.

The TV adaptation of Percy Jackson and the Olympians may have made some changes to the storyline, but once you get past those differences, you’ll discover a world full of wonder and beauty. The realm of the demigods is a fascinating place. As Percy embarks on his quest, viewers are introduced to a plethora of fascinating characters, creatures, and locales. 

As an avid fan of the Percy Jackson book series, I have been eagerly anticipating the release of the upcoming Percy Jackson and the Olympians TV series ever since series author and show creator Rick Riordan announced it. Despite some initial concerns about the casting choices, the actors ultimately do justice to their characters’ names and bring them to life on screen. 

While the show takes a few episodes to hit its stride, the young actors eventually find their footing and deliver performances that are both witty and endearing. They capture the essence of their book counterparts, showcasing the characters’ signature traits of humor, sarcasm, and compassion.

Following a lackluster film adaptation in 2010, Percy‘s TV adaptation offers viewers a rich and immersive experience that is sure to delight both fans of the books and newcomers alike. The world of Percy Jackson is full of adventure, humor, and heart, and the series does an admirable job of bringing that world to life. It’s not an exact page-to-screen adaptation, but it comes close. Changes have been made to the plot, but they make sense within the context of the TV series, and the scriptwriters have managed to stay true to the spirit of the books.

As the story unfolds, viewers are treated to a world that is both familiar and new. The TV series takes some creative liberties with the source material, but they are done in a way that enhances the story rather than detracts from it. The sets and costumes are also impressive, bringing the world of Percy Jackson to life in a visually stunning way.

In conclusion, I decided to approach the TV series with an open mind and enjoy the thrill of waiting for each episode to come out. I’m excited to see how Disney combines animation and live-action to bring this beloved series to life. If you’re a fan of the books, you’ll appreciate the effort that has gone into creating this TV adaptation, and if you’re new to the world of Percy Jackson, you’re in for a treat.

Percy Jackson and the Olympians series will be available to stream on Disney+ starting on December 20, 2023. Don’t miss out on the chance to witness the magic of this epic retelling of Greek mythology.

The post Review: ‘Percy Jackson and the Olympians’ Offers Viewers a Rich and Immersive Experience appeared first on Black Girl Nerds.

Each episode begins with Dr. Camille Parks (Meagan Good) teaching an anthropology class topic that happens to tie in with the title of the episode and what she and her three friends experience. The difference between the show and many others is that I can more than relate to the everyday experiences of Black women.  

In a world where Black women are continuously overlooked and disregarded despite being the most educated and the blueprint to pop culture trends, it is a struggle to power through without the assistance of your friends. Camille is a published and popular professor at Columbia University and is working towards becoming tenured. Her love life, however, is less than stellar. A year after breaking up with her longtime boyfriend, Camille is struggling with his return and being awkwardly single. 

Quinn Johnson (Grace Byers) can’t seem to be on track with her career or relationships. Being the daughter of monied parents who don’t support her latest business venture in fashion (which is struggling) is not easy. Let alone constantly going on dates with the wrong guy can be jarring. 

Tye (Jerrie Johnson), a queen in the dating-app industry, has an immensely amazing app and company but her love life is a bit bumpy even though she would rarely admit it. Angie (Shoniqua Shandai) is the boisterous and talented singer/actor who lost her record deal years ago. While she crashes on Quinn’s couch, she hunts for her star moment once again. 

The four women have a sisterhood that allows them to be honest, supportive, and secretive in a way that no one else could understand. If anything, these relationships are probably the healthiest. They encourage one another to be truthful about what they want and how to achieve it, as well as being mentally and physically healthy. The encouragement and love are endearing.

In every good show, there have to be obstacles, other than dating, and that comes in the form of blunt and disappointed mother Mrs. Johnson (the fabulous Jasmine Guy), unimpressed Dr. Elise Pruitt (Whoopi Goldberg), who doesn’t deserve the hate being of a strong Black woman.

Now, this isn’t just some show focused on the relationships that these women have. There are conversations that affect the daily lives of Black people. One is the gentrification of Harlem, a historically Black neighborhood, and the anger that comes from neighborhood favorites taken over by new owners. But what if those owners happen to give another Black person the opportunity to shine with their gifts?

Do you fight the cause or raise the person who is given the opportunity? One of the most significant moments is when Tye ends up in the hospital after trying so desperately to be a “strong black woman” and ignoring the pain that she is suffering. The white, male doctor brushes off her pain and refuses to give her medication, only for her to end up collapsing and returning to the hospital again. These situations may seem dramatic to non-Black people but for Black women, this is an ongoing matter what needs to be erected. If anything, it’s bringing to light the things that we have to deal with on a daily basis. I can get behind that. 

While the series started off slow, I continued on to see where the storyline was heading. At first, I was questioning the basic relationship faux pas that the ladies were committing, but then I had to stop myself and think of each time that I have heard dating horror stories or even relive the several assumptions and mishaps that I’ve made in the current dating world. This world can be and is horrific. Just check Twitter. Halfway through the season, I was glued to my seat because I couldn’t wait to see what happened in the next episode. 

I’ll admit that there are a few overly comedic and cringey moments, but these ladies were gifted with amazing writers who gave them perfect one-liners and inspiring monologues that I want posted on my walls. These talented four actors delivered for every moment that they had to react to microaggression and sexism. If anything, I wish that I was able to react the same way they did whenever racism rears its ugly head. 

To me, this might be the show that we will be watching ten years from now — it will still hold its own. Hopefully, by then women will have changed the dating and relationship scene forever and Black women will be acknowledged, paid, and applauded for what they do in their respective careers and pop culture. 

Harlem is currently streaming on Prime Video.

The post Review: ‘Harlem’ is Black, Gifted, Educated and Bougie (in a Good Way) appeared first on Black Girl Nerds.

Evil Strange and Watcher explain the Infinity Stones and Ultron. The guardians hatch a plan. Killmonger is surprised that T’Challa is willing to steal something. Thor informs them he can attract Ultron and unwanted attention, and Gamora is ready to destroy the stones with the Infinity Crusher. Peggy sums up the plan for them before they are sent out to a quiet universe.

The group hang out chatting and enjoying drinks. Gamora is suspicious of Killmonger as he sits with a robot head. Thor, excited, summons lightning to his hammer, attracting Ultron. Strange puts a protection spell on each member, then Killmonger and Gamora leave through a portal. Thor, dismissing the plan, hits Ultron with lightning as he cries out “Viva Las Vegas.” Ultron responds by crushing the group. He is surprised by them not dying on impact. The battle begins. 

Thor tosses his hammer, which Strange makes into hundreds, and Carter and T’Challa attack Ultron in the midst of the chaos, allowing T’Challa the chance to steal the soul stone. The group gathers together, then Strange releases zombies from another universe on Ultron so that they can slip away to Ultron’s universe.

Just when they’re about to hand Gamora the Soul Stone, Natasha Romanoff snatches it and is prepared to take the group out. Carter intercepts by letting Natasha know that in her universe, she and Natasha are close. Natasha stands down but is snatched up by Ultron, who finally made it to the party. Thor intercepts Ultron getting Natasha, which upsets Ultron to the point of him thinking of destroying the galaxy, but Strange swallows that energy power. I’m just as surprised as Ultron with that trick. The battle begins for the Soul Stone. Everyone tries to keep Ultron from picking it up while they try to get it. They are each so close.

Strange unleashes his monsters to attack Ultron, binds a spell on him, and gets the stone to Gamora, who unleashes the stone crusher. An explosion happens, and it is quiet for a moment. T’Challa states that it doesn’t feel over, then Ultron explains that each universe is different and the stones are as well. Gamora realizes that the crusher is only designed to crush the stones in her universe. Ultron recognizes that Strange is the reason why his plan isn’t working and plans to kill him so that the others will fail too. 

As he releases his “energy blast,” Carter and Natasha are blasted off to a distance. Natasha notices the arrow that holds a USB with the virus. The two hatch a quick plan, Carter on foot and Natasha on her bike. Carter jumps on Ultron, pulling his head back while Natasha makes a shot with the arrow. The arrow pierces Ultron in the eye, allowing Zola to enter Ultron’s body and stopping his attack on the guardians. Ultron attempts to stop Zola, but Zola overpowers him and destroys Ultron. Ultron’s body falls to the ground. 

The guardians regroup from the attack. Killmonger takes the time to use the robot’s head to summon Ultron’s body armor and the stones. The rest of the guardians pull out their weapons. T’Challa asks Killmonger what he is doing. Killmonger responds that the Watcher owes them this and that they have all they need to fix their individual universes. T’Challa tells him to hand over the stones, but Killmonger points out that they’re not cousins and immediately tries to end their lives. 

His plan is thwarted by Zola, now in Ultron’s body, who wants the stones for himself. Zola and Killmonger use their powers to fight for the stones. Strange comes to the conclusion that the guardians were never meant to win but to separate the stones from the body. As the two villains pull for the stones, Strange uses his powers to create a dimension prism around them, then the Watcher comes in to take the three of them. The rest of the guardians are safe. Strange and Watcher are back in Strange’s dimension prism where they discuss the plan. Stephen promises to watch the dimension holding Zola and Killmonger for his good friend Watcher. 

Watcher sends out the rest of the guardians back to their universes, where they left off. Carter hesitates, wanting to go back to her own time, but Watcher tells her that she is needed back in her own time. She leaves, but Natasha stays back to demand that Watcher fix her universe. He won’t do that. He does, however, drop her in a universe that is missing their Widow. Natasha stops Loki from killing Nick Fury, who has the replacement Avengers. Loki is surprised to see her, and Nick is accepting of her.

The Watcher explains that all creatures search for a place to belong and to call home. As for him, the multiverse, every single world, every story, is his home, and he will protect it to the end.

Mid-credit scene: Carter is back on the pirate ship and gets punched. Natasha takes out the pirate, which prompts Carter to hug her, relieved to see her friend. Natasha takes Carter to the cargo and shows her what the pirates were after: the HydraStomper. And someone is inside…

Didn’t I say that they will be bringing a team together? I called it! Guardians of the Multiverse is just all the fabulous characters who starred in their own episodes coming together to save the multiverse — -(except for Killmonger who will always want power. Thankfully he is somewhere safe and away from others fighting with Zola forever. The Watcher knew exactly what he was doing, but I do wonder if he knew that this was supposed to be happening. Out of all the thousands of universes, wouldn’t he know that the Ultron one would be the worse? I do like that he helped Natasha by not leaving her in the universe where she would be all alone. 

Thor got the girl. Gamora is even more badass. T’Challa ends up being the most spectacular Star-Lord we have ever seen. And Captain Carter may have found her love again. I wonder if Steve in HydraStomper is brainwashed by Hydra? That would be fun to watch. Overall, it was cute to see a team of guardians set up by the Watcher. I’m also glad that he and Strange end up being friends that will be watching closely at their posts. Great ending to the series. Very cute. 

The post ‘What If’ Season 1 Episode 9: “What If… The Watcher Broke His Oath?” — RECAP appeared first on Black Girl Nerds.

Natasha communicates with Clint about the Ultron robots on her tail. Clint attacks from the top of a building while Natasha takes them on from a motorcycle. Clint’s robotic arm is blasted off, and then he is thrown off the roof. Luckily, Natasha saves him and his arm. The two are in Russia seeking information on a way to take out Ultron. 

The Watcher explains that in this particular universe, Ultron (Ross Marquand) succeeds in transferring his AI abilities into an organic body with the power of the Mind Stone. Ultron takes out Stark and the Avengers then hacks into a system that releases nuclear bombs into the world. While looking out at the devastation, Ultron is visited by Thanos, who is wearing the gauntlet. He immediately kills Thanos, acquires the Infinity Stones, gains knowledge on the other worlds such as Asgard and the Sovereign, and destroys them to absolutely nothing. 

Captain Marvel comes in to stop Ultron, thrusting him into a world’s core, but she is overpowered by him. After blasting everything in that world, Ultron looks at his accomplishment. The Watcher explains that Ultron no longer has a purpose and that he gains an extra-aware knowledge that he is not alone. Ultron hears the Watcher and turns to face him, stating that he sees the Watcher. Watcher closes the scene of that universe and explains that if Ultron is able to gain access to the multiverse, it will not end well for anyone. Ultron states that he will find the Watcher. However, the Watcher states there is still hope. 

Natasha explains to Clint that they will need to search through the infinite boxes of physical log information in the building. This is the hope that the Watcher was speaking of. He secretly encourages Clint to not give up hope, pointing out how close he is to finding the info. The Watcher even goes as far as thinking aloud that he could interfere and help out, but he doesn’t need to. When Clint gives up, Natasha tries to encourage him and just happens to find the box on an AI by the name of Zola. 

The Watcher is relieved that the information needed to save this universe is found, but that is short-lived. Ultron crashes through the screen. Ultron attacks the Watcher and basks in the chaos of the multiple universes then battles the Watcher. 

Natasha and Clint find the placement of the AI computer that holds Zola’s intelligence. Zola is surprised that Natasha and Clint would think that he would help them, but Clint points out that Zola is the last copy in the world and Clint threatens to pour liquid into them. Zola agrees to help. Natasha calls the Stark tower to reach Ultron so that he can send out his robot army. Clint uploads Zola into a USB, then they burn the computer down. The two are attached by Ultron’s robot army but succeed in taking one into a bunker to upload Zola into it. 

They succeed in uploading Zola, but Zola is unable to reach the hive that controls the army and Ultron, thus is unable to take him out. The three fight their way out of the building, but Clint sacrifices himself in order to ensure that Natasha and Zola get out safely. Natsha asks Zola why he wasn’t able to succeed. He explains that Ultron is not even on the same universe as them and unreachable.

The Watcher fights off Ultron but is thrust into one of the universes. Ultron points out that the Watcher had the power and will to interfere but stood by watching. The Watcher points out that he took an oath not to interfere. Ultron beats the mess out of the Watcher in front of multiple beings of different universes. He almost succeeds in killing the Watcher, but the Watcher is able to get out of his grasp and get away. Ultron doesn’t care what the Watcher does. He thinks the Watcher will continue to keep his oath of not interfering. 

The Watcher is in the bubble universe that is left from Evil Dr. Strange’s mind. He swallows his pride and asks Evil Dr. Strange for help to take out Ultron. 

Now, this was a fun episode! This is the second time that someone or something was able to notice the Watcher watching the universe, but this time he messed up by not helping. Ultron with all the Infinity Stones is not to be messed with. But, I can’t help but wonder why no other beings like the Watcher were able to come to assist. He can’t be the only one watching the multiverses, right? My theory is that he and Strange will get a team together to stop Ultron. I want to connect this to The Eternals movie, but I will hold off for now. 

The post ‘What If’ Season 1 Episode 8: “What If…Ultron Won?” — RECAP appeared first on Black Girl Nerds.

The Watcher explains that relationships are what define heroes. For Thor, it was Loki who affected him as they grew up. In another universe, Odin decided not to raise Loki as his own but returned him to his people. Without Loki to keep Thor on his toes, Thor grew up differently. 

Frigga (Josette Eales) and Thor sit bedside as Odin goes into a deep Odinsleep. Once Odin is asleep, Frigga gives Thor instructions to study on the nine realms and absolutely no partying while she is off with her sisters to enjoy the solstice. Thor, despite the warning of Heimdall watching, he convinces his friends to come with him to Midgard. 

In Vegas, multiple Asgardians and alien creatures arrive at the party. Jane and Darcy find Thor amongst the party people. Jane speaks to Thor about the death of Alpha Star, who states that he was partying on the planet for three days. She is surprised when Thor compliments her on her beauty and wit. Darcy gets asked out by Howard the Duck. The party picks up in a big way as Darcy and Howard get married by Elvis and Thor and Jane get matching tattoos. 

The next day, Jane is surprised to wake up to knocking at the door and a messy hotel room. She finds Maria Hill (Cobie Smulders), acting director of SHIELD, outside with a few agents and Darcy due to the call she made about the alien threat. Maria wants to eliminate the threat because the actual director, Nick Fury, was injured the night before by Krog, who was in a rush to cannonball into the water. She is taken to a SHIELD ship where she is questioned. Maria is informed by Agent Coulson that the partying is spreading to Europe and that Thor has left. Jane isn’t happy that he left without saying anything. Jane tries to persuade Maria from using the final weapon that will take out Thor. Maria gets the beeper out to call Captain Marvel. 

While in Paris, Thor is visited by the frost giant Prince Loki. They are surprised by Captain Marvel arriving and telling Thor to shut down the party. Thor doesn’t agree and is amazed to be punched by her. The two engage in a fight that is destructive, hopping to different countries. Captain Marvel is surprised when she doesn’t win the fight.

Maria isn’t impressed with Captain Marvel’s lack of elimination. Captain Marvel states that her punches will be too destructive for any city to handle. Darcy brings up doing it in North or South Dakota while she fangirls over Captain Marvel. Jane gets a call from Thor who is very flirty. Jane asks him if they hurt anyone at his last party, which he never did. Maria calls her back to the meeting as the other two, Captain Marvel and Darcy discuss which Dakato to use a nuclear punch. Jane tries her best to convince them not to do a thing, but she’s sent off back to Vegas. 

Jane tries to call Thor to warn him about SHIELD’s plan, but Loki answers the phone and doesn’t help her in any way. Then he drops the phone, breaking it. Darcy figures out the next best thing to do is to call Thor’s mother. The party gets out of hand as world monuments and buildings get destroyed. Captain Marvel gets ahold of Thor and flies him out to a Dakota, where Jane sets up a computer with a microphone that is loud enough to be heard by Heimdall. Heimdall beams her up to Asgard, where she tries to explain what is happening with Thor but is immediately sent to Frigga. 

Captain Marvel prepares to use her nuclear punch while SHIELD prepares nukes to take out Thor in case Captain Marvel is unsuccessful. Jane tells Frigga that Thor is on Earth. Frigga uses her magic to speak to Thor. Thor lies about what he’s doing on Earth, which prompts Frigga to cut her vacation short to see what he is studying on Earth. Captain Marvel and SHIELD stand down due to Frigga coming to check on him. 

Thor rushes to Sydney, Australia, to ask for help cleaning up. Loki leaves and so do many other partygoers. Thor utilizes his powers to use his god voice and tell the partygoers that his mother is coming. Frightened, the partiers prepare to clean up the world quickly. Frigga is surprised to find Thor studying with a group of friends. She doubts the situation until Captain Marvel arrives with an iPad with information on it. All is going well until Thor summons Mjölnir (his hammer), which is covered in party items and paint. 

Thor visits Jane in the desert to talk about her calling his mom and asks her out on a date to a planet with unicorns. The Watcher states that they lived happily ever after but is surprised when a portal opens up and a robot army comes out, led by Vision armed with all the Infinity Stones.

This was a fun episode to watch. A worldwide party led by Thor does seem like a lot more fun than anything else. I keep forgetting that during those years, Thor is technically a teenager or very young adult in god years. Seeing him and Loki be friends is what many Marvel fans would have loved in the main universe but this is the next best thing. I’m really curious about Vision and his army. I’m sure that will make Thor the hero that he’s supposed to be, or Asgard is done. 

The post ‘What If’ Season 1 Episode 7: “What If… Thor Were an Only Child?” — RECAP appeared first on Black Girl Nerds.

The Watcher informs us that heroes are forged in darkness, shaped in battle, and defined by sacrifice. Because Tony was never captured in Afghanistan, Iron Man never came to be and a villain (Killmonger) was given a new chance.

At a press conference, Tony cracks jokes and answers a question about his near-death experience. Tony expresses that they need to stop building bigger and badder equipment; he is also appointing Killmonger as Stark Industries’ new chief security officer. A reporter asks Killmonger what he was doing in that specific province considering that his unit was nowhere near where Tony was attacked. Kilmonger admits that he uncovered the intel on Tony’s attack and exposes Obadiah Stane (Kiff VandenHeuvel) as the man who paid for Tony to be assassinated. Obadiah tries to deflect, but Killmonger came with receipts and dropped them online. 

Later, while having drinks, Tony promotes Killmonger to COO. Pepper (Beth Hoyt) talks to Rhodey (Don Cheadle) about Killmonger’s background. She wants to know what Killmonger could possibly want from Tony. 

Killmonger is shown Tony’s home lab where he brings up his doctoral thesis: automated combat drones. This would make human soldiers obsolete. Tony jumps in to assist Killmonger with the project. The two get to work on the project Liberator. Their first drone doesn’t go as planned and needs more power. Killmonger slides vibranium into the conversation and shows Tony his ring when Tony brings up that his dad, Howard, used up the last of it. Tony comes up with the idea to hit up Ulysses Klaue (Andy Serkis) to help. 

Pepper is not impressed by the suggestion of having an arms dealer connected with the company. Tony counters by having Rhodey go in to make the deal.

Rhodey is being shown the vibranium that Klaue is holding on his ship when the security is breached. Black Panther takes out all the men while Klaue hides. Rhodey is informed by Black Panther that he is not the enemy and that he just wants to take the vibranium back to where it belongs. However, Killmonger has other ideas. He attacks and kills both Black Panther and Rhodey, framing both of them as attackers of each other. Klaue comes out of hiding, informing Killmonger that he put the word out about the material and is impressed on Killmonger’s plan. 

Black Panther and Rhodey are both given funerals in their respective countries. Killmonger visits Tony and tells him that they need to seek revenge for losing one of their own. Tony shows Killmonger a playback of the scene of Killmonger killing his friend. He tells Killmonger that he wants justice. A drone comes out and attacks Killmonger. Killmonger easily takes out the drone with a Dora Milaje spear. Then he uses the same spear to kill Tony. 

Pepper suspects that Killmonger is in the middle of it all, but General Ross thinks highly of the man. General Ross acquires all of Stark Industries’ equipment, stating that they are at war. The drones that Killmonger designed are mass-produced. Killmonger meets Klaue with several planes of the drones, then the two take a drive to Wakanda. 

Killmonger walks into Wakanda with a dead Klaue over his shoulder. He is greeted by the Dora Milaje, who brings them to King T’Chaka, Queen Ramona (Angela Bassett), and Princess Shuri (Ozioma Akagha). Killmonger states that the Wakandans are his people too and that’s why he brought the man that stole their vibranium. He states that he remembers the stories his dad told him and has always searched for his home. King T’Chaka invites him home. Killmonger informs him that war is at their door, shows them the drones, and suggests a plan that has the drones come within the city so that they can easily be destroyed. King T’Chaka asks his wife, aka the general, what to do. 

The Wakandans prepare for war. General Ross is surprised to see the capital city of Wakanda when the shields are open but is disappointed when they go dark. T’Chaka and Shuri praise Killmonger for his assistance, T’Chaka going as far as stating that Killmonger will always have a home in Wakanda. 

But Killmonger wants more than that. He starts up the drones, playing that Tony set up a backup generator and is a villain. A battle breaks out with Killmonger joining in and destroying the very drones that he created. Queen Ramona and Okoye notice his fearless fight the whole time. 

While Killmonger enjoys a sunset, King T’Chaka joins him. Killmonger states he is a loyal subject of Wakanda and wants to be of service. He is given the herb to become Black Panther. In the ancestral plane, he is greeted by T’Challa, who asks if it was worth it then tells him that power unearned is a volatile force and will get the best of him eventually on one plane or another. 

Pepper is informed by General Ross that soldiers are arriving on the African coast. Later, she is surprised by a visit from Shuri, who has footage of Killmonger killing Rhodey and T’Challa. They both hatch a plan to open the eyes of both sides. 

The Watcher states that heroes are never really gone and live forever, as do the ones they inspire to carry on the fight. 

That was quite the ominous ending. This Killmonger achieved his status of Black Panther by being devious and murderous by all means. His goal has always been power by any means necessary without considering the lives that will be taken en route. Sacrificing the lives of the innocent (Tony, Rhodey, and T’Challa) to gain power isn’t the best way to fix a broken world. Fortunately, Shuri was there to find the information and get it to the right people. 

I liked this timeline and wished that we could’ve seen the outcome. I get the feeling that Shuri became the Black Panther at the end of it. And I very much enjoyed the queen fighting in the battle for her son! 

The post ‘What If’ Season 1 Episode 6: “What If… Killmonger Rescued Tony Stark?” — RECAP appeared first on Black Girl Nerds.

The Watcher explains that two weeks ago Dr. Pym was in the quantum realm searching for his wife, but in this universe, she contracted a virus that turned her into a zombie. Hope’s family reunion doesn’t turn out the way she had wanted. Instead, her parents pounce toward her and Scott Lang. Scott wasn’t quick enough. Within 24 hours, the whole Pacific West Coast was infected. It looked like the Avenger’s heroism is what sealed humanity’s fate. Upon arrival, they had no chance against the zombies — especially the Antman-sized ones. Once the Avengers were infected, there was no hope, unless you knew the rules.

Peter Parker, a.k.a. Spiderman, shows Bruce a video he made with the assistance of Kurt (David Dastmalchian) and the unwillingness of Happy (Jon Favreau), Bucky, and Sharon Carter (Emily VanCamp). Bruce meets Okoye (Danai Gurira), who is there to find the Black Panther, a.k.a. T’Challa, who went missing with the Avengers weeks before. For the first time since the outbreak, they have some hope. Supposedly another survivor camp, in S.H.I.E.L.D.’s base, states they have a cure for the virus. 

The team drives to Grand Central Station where Okoye has them split up despite Peter’s warning. One team will hot-wire a train while the rest guard the perimeter. While on the perimeter, Happy and Sharon are attacked by Hawkeye. Falcon swoops in on Okoye and Bucky. Happy is turned into a zombie while Sharon is pinned to the wall by an arrow. Sharon takes out Happy, and Okoye slices Falcon. The team on the train struggle with getting the train to move. Peter uses his strength to give it a pull, but they are bombarded by zombies as well. Hope goes on the offensive to keep them at bay and Peter is assisted by the magic cape and is flown into the train while the rest of the team gets on board. Okoye apologizes to Peter for having them split up.

While on the train, Sharon is attacked by Captain America, and Bucky hears her screams. The two engage in a fight ending with Captain America sliced in half by his own shield. Zombie Sharon wanted in on the fight, too, but was pushed to the side. When Hope arrives, she enters into Zombie Sharon and multiplies in size, resulting in her covered in Sharon goo. However, she doesn’t come out without a scratch. 

As Hope’s health quickly deteriorates, the team decides not to kill her and keeps the faith that they will be arriving at the base camp soon. Kurt breaks the news that the train has run out of fuel, and they have to walk through the mass amount of zombies outside. Hope wants to be the one to get them there, stating it is her fault for being obsessed with bringing her mother back and for never considering what her mother would bring back. A gargantuan Hope carries the rest of the team to the camp successfully but succumbs to the zombies. 

Bucky realizes that the zombies aren’t scaling the fence; they don’t need to because the fence is open, yet they’re not stepping in. At the camp, the team is surprised to see Vision, who informs them that the mind stone is emitting a subfrequency that the zombies don’t like. He experimented on a target to test his theory. Enter the head of Scott Lang, a.k.a. Antman, head. The team needs a satellite to be able to transmit the cure, but the best place for this technology is in Wakanda. Bucky decides to search for transportation and doesn’t hear Vision’s warning. Bruce notices that they aren’t the only ones who came to the base.

While searching, Bucky is surprised to find Wanda behind a glass cage and an injured T’Challa on a slate. The team is upset to find out that Vision took T’Challa to feed Wanda. Her powers were too strong for him to cure her, and he couldn’t eliminate her. He lured innocent people to the camp to feed her. Their moment is disrupted by a hungry Wanda who hasn’t eaten in days. 

Zombie Wanda is not one to be dealt with. Bruce asks Vision to help them get out. Vision is able to escort them out and seals Wanda into the building for the moment. Okoye is taken by Wanda, though. Vision points out where there is the nearest transport, then he takes out the mind stone from his head. The zombies move in on the camp. Wanda comes out of the building and notices that Vision is gone. She takes out Bucky and attempts to attack Bruce, but Hulk saves him. 

T’Challa struggles to start up the flighter. Bruce tells them that he may be able to give them time, but Peter admits that he doesn’t think he can lose another friend. Bruce hands him the mind stone and tells Peter to avenge them. Bruce runs out to the zombies while pleading to Hulk to come in for the save for once. Hulk comes in for the clutch. Peter, T’Challa, and Scott are able to get out, even struggling against Zombie Hope, but they get out.

Peter wakes up to find out that they’re 20 minutes away from their destination. He feels bad for losing the Avengers. T’Challa informs Peter that in his culture, death is not the end; they’re still with us, as long as we don’t forget them. The three are hopeful that once they get to Wakanda, they can save the world. 

Within the forcefield of Wakanda, Zombie Thanos is waiting with the infinity gauntlet in his hand and surrounded by zombies. Damn. 

Just when I was hoping for a happy ending for once! These multiverses suck! I will admit that this episode was just a bit more light-hearted due to the great one-liners and Peter’s optimism and ability to have fun within the zombie apocalypse. I died when Okoye said they don’t have a need for horror movies when they can watch American reality TV shows! However, it turned dark fast when we got to Vision. He must love Wanda to kill for her. It was nice to see and hear T’Challa again. I just find it soothing. Took me until Kurt’s death to realize that he was in Antman as one of his friends.

I didn’t think these multiverses were going to be so dark. I’m glad we are living in the current universe.

The post ‘What If’ Season 1 Episode 5: “What If… The Zombies!?” — RECAP appeared first on Black Girl Nerds.

On the anniversary of her passing, Strange goes back in time to the night that he lost her. He’s delightful and changes things up but still loses her in the crash. He tries again with a different route but they are hit by a truck. Each time he changes the plans, he ends up losing her. Strange even questions why it keeps happening as he continues to relive the moment. Ancient One appears in one of the events. She explains that the death of Christine is an absolute point; it cannot be changed. Christine’s death is the reason Strange goes into the mystic arts and eventually becomes the Supreme Sorcerer. If Christine doesn’t die, Strange doesn’t become who he needs to be. 

Even after this explanation, Strange thinks that he needs more power to change this moment. Ancient One tells him if he does this, he will end up down a dark path and she will be forced to stop him. He doesn’t listen and does a spell to another point in time. 

Strange goes searching for Sorcerer Cagliostro, who knows how to break the absolute point. He meets O’Bengh (Ike Amadi), a librarian for the books of Cagliostro, who takes him to the library. Strange jumps into it right away. He opens up a portal, bringing out a monster in hopes of borrowing its powers but is attacked by the monster. Strange wakes up in a bed, with O’Bengh bedside to warn him about his actions: mystic monsters don’t share their powers. O’Bengh knows that Strange is doing all this for love but states that there’s a difference between devotion and delusion; love can shatter your mind. 

Strange comes to the conclusion that O’Bengh is right; if the monsters won’t surrender their powers, he will take them. Strange starts small with a leprechaun then works his way up to bigger and badder monsters. He consumes their powers one by one.

The Watcher states that Strange is on the wrong path. He could stop Strange, but the fate of Strange’s universe is not worth risking the safety of all the others. Anyway, he doubts Strange would listen. 

Strange stops for a second as if he heard the Watcher speaking, looking towards the area the Watcher was located but sees no one. Day and night, Strange continues working towards consuming these powers, lastly taking on the tentacles of the last biggest monster. 

Once he is done, Strange finds O’Bengh, gray and old. Strange froze himself so he doesn’t age while O’Bengh continued with his life. Strange wants to reverse time, but O’Bengh accepts his fate and death. O’Bengh tells Strange that he is only half a man living half a life, knowing that there is another Strange in the universe. 

According to the Watcher, this is true. There’s another in the universe — one who listened to Wong and didn’t dwell on the past. When this Strange walks outside, he sees the world is fading then is visited by an echo version of Ancient One who informs him it is the end of the world and he is the one causing it. She tells him that when he vanished into the past, she couldn’t follow, so she used the powers of the dark dimension to split the timeline and split him, allowing two Stranges to live. She further explains that if the Evil Strange (my nickname for him obviously) succeeds in changing the absolute point, the universe will end. 

Wong and Strange prepare Strange for his fight by placing protection spells on him. A circle surrounds Strange, and he falls down into a pit. He gets up to find that a circle spell has him locked in. Evil Strange appears to Strange to appeal to him about Christine’s life. Strange warns him about the world ending, but Evil Strange doesn’t believe him. He states that they have had the power to save Christine but never used it — now they can. 

Evil Strange takes Strange back to the night of that crash, stating that they need to become whole because if they are split, their powers are diluted. Strange doesn’t think that they should due to the world ending and all. He points out that this isn’t love but their arrogance and need to fix things. Evil Strange insists on being whole again. Strange points out that Christine is dead and Evil Strange needs to move on. The two fight. Luckily for Strange, he has the protection spells on him, and his cape assists in the fight. 

However, Evil Strange manipulates a memory to remind Strange of Christine and her love. Strange sees right through it and is attacked by Evil Strange again. Evil Strange takes all the protection spells off of Strange’s body, consumes him, and uses his powers to bring Christine back to life. When Christine comes back to life, Evil Strange looks like the very monsters he consumed, scaring Christine. The world is dissipating and so is Christine. Evil Strange didn’t think it would end like this. Evil Strange does all he can to stop the world from ending, even pleading with the Watcher to stop the world and Christine from ending. He knows about the Watcher, even read about him. The Watcher states he’s not a god and can’t interfere because it would end in further destruction. 

Evil Strange and Christine are in a magical bubble, but Christine disappears too. Her last words ask what did Strange do. Strange is left alone, repeatedly apologizing for his actions. 

This episode certainly warns about dwelling in a painful loss and not moving on will take you to a dark place that you can’t move on from if you let that pain consume you. In previous episodes, you could see the Watcher in the background, but this time, he interacted with the characters in the story. He knew what was going to happen but all he could do was watch.

These timelines certainly don’t have the best outcomes, but they are absolutely amazing stories. It’s amazing how this episode warns us about changing the past when the Spiderman: No Way Home teaser trailer has Strange doing the exact thing. So much fun in the multiverse. 

The post ‘What If’ Season 1 Episode 4: “What If… Doctor Strange Lost His Heart Instead of His Hands?” — RECAP appeared first on Black Girl Nerds.

The Watcher telescopes us through one week, and three different stories unfold: Iron Man battles his demon, Bruce Banner (Mark Ruffalo) makes an appearance, and Thor is exiled to Earth. This is the beginning of creating the Avengers. In another multiverse, this isn’t the case. 

Tuesday: Natasha is being arrested for killing Tony. S.H.I.E.L.D. has protocol for such things. Nick speaks to her briefly about how Tony’s antidote has been compromised from the inside and he needs her to help figure it out. While in transit, Natasha punches her way out of the guarded truck. 

Nick meets with Clint Barton at a site where a mysterious hammer has landed. While they speak, guards are being taken out one by one. Phil Coulson (Clark Gregg) gets a visual on a man with beautiful hair making his way to the hammer. Clint is in position ready for the kill shot, but Nick tells him to wait because he wants to see what happens. Unfortunately for Thor, he is struck by an arrow. Clint insists he didn’t make the shot, but the evidence is in the body. 

Nick and Phil discuss how strange that two men are taken out by their own agents. Nick goes into a cell to talk to Clint, but to his shock, Clint is near death himself. The guards state that they never let anyone in. Unfortunately, Clint doesn’t make it, and Nick suspects foul play. 

Natasha bumps into Dr. Ross (Stephanie Panisello) to talk about the murder of Tony Stark. Dr. Ross has experience with keeping off the S.H.I.E.L.D. radar. According to Dr. Ross, this wasn’t a biological-chemical attack, and she’s not sure what was inserted into Tony’s body. As Natasha is leaving, she gets a call from Nick about Clint’s death. Nick thinks his candidates are being targeted, so he needs Natasha to find Bruce. Luckily, she finds him in Dr. Ross’s lab closet. Natasha has them leave right away. 

Phil drives back to the base with coffee but is distracted when an army lands near him. Nick and his armed men go out to meet the army and its leader, Loki (Tom Hiddleston). While Loki is making his speech, they are interrupted by a cell phone ringing. 

Natasha is calling Nick while escorting Bruce. The two are confronted by General Ross (Michael Patrick McGill), tanks, and soldiers. 

Loki is on Earth to find the killer of Thor, and due to the way Nick is speaking to him, Loki decides that the world needs to be taken. He pulls out the tesseract to shoot ice at everyone.

Someone shoots Bruce causing him to turn into the Hulk, but General Ross’s men claim it wasn’t them. While Hulk is smashing everything and everyone, his body inflates and he blows up. 

Nick gets Loki to listen to his pleas. Nick insists that they’re on the same side and should work together to find Thor’s killer. Loki gives him until sunrise to produce the murderer. 

Natasha acquires access to the Avengers Initiative database and finds out that a woman who died two years ago accessed the database two days ago. Just when she is calling Nick, she is attacked by someone. Nick doesn’t answer, but Natasha is able to leave a message stating, “It’s all about Hope.”

Nick replays the message at a coffee shop. Coulson reminds him that they have only four hours left and that Nick is the only Avenger left from the initiative. Nick says he’s not the only one left. He heads to his car to retrieve a beeper but realizes what Natasha was saying. He puts away the beeper and drives to where Loki is stationed to make a deal with him. 

Thursday: In San Francisco, Nick visits Hope Pym’s grave. While he stands there, he is visited by Hank Pym (Michael Douglas), who is furious about the death of his wife and daughter. Nick goads him into confessing to each murder that he has committed. The two engage in combat, with Hank using his Antman technology. However, he isn’t in battle with the real Nick Fury — he’s fighting Loki, who is using his magical tricks. 

Once Hank is defeated, Loki and Nick reveal themselves. Nick states that Hope was well aware of the work S.H.I.E.L.D. was doing and that she will never be forgotten. As Hank is taken away, he yells that Nick should honor Hope.

Loki tells Nick that they should be allies, and he would like to extend his time on Earth. Nick asks for how long.

Friday: At the United Nations, Loki and his Asgardian army make a press announcement that the world’s nations have united under his rule and he is there to fulfill their destiny. 

Nick and Phil observe the coffins of the Avengers and wonder what the Avengers Initiative was all about. Nick makes his way to an iced section of the building where a red-white-and-blue shield is frozen within. He says, “Welcome back, Captain” but turns to face Captain Marvel (Alexandra Daniels), who is ready for a fight.

This episode was truly a wild one. I wasn’t sure who the killer was. I never considered it to be Hank Pym of all people. Loki even got to rule Earth! He truly fulfilled his destiny. I honestly have no idea what to expect next. I had no clue that Thor, Iron Man, and Hulk shared a significant week of history. I wonder if Steve Rogers would’ve made an appearance at some point.

The post ‘What If’ Season 1 Episode 3: “What If… The World Lost Its Mightiest Heroes?” — RECAP appeared first on Black Girl Nerds.