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For some time now, I’ve been keeping my thoughts to myself. It’s high time we discuss the conclusion of “Avengers: Endgame”, as I find it hard to steer clear of the subject anymore.

When “Avengers: Endgame” hit the screens, it seemed as if we stood atop the highest peak. It was the year 2019, and Marvel was unquestionably thriving, with several of their finest films premiering during that period. Following the climactic finale of this groundbreaking film, which later became one of the biggest box office sensations, many Marvel enthusiasts were left pondering about the future direction of the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU).

Indeed, 2020 arrived a year later than expected, and events within that world turned out to be more chaotic than a fairground rollercoaster. Eventually, the Marvel Cinematic Universe found its footing again (to some extent). However, even following the movie’s initial release, I held on to a small hope that the film’s ending would prove worthwhile.

It’s now been six years since its release, believe it or not – yes, six long years, although it seems like yesterday. Despite my constant desire to revisit the Marvel Cinematic Universe, there’s a particular ending that I can’t help but discuss, and it’s an aspect I’ve grown to dislike over time. So let’s delve into it.

I Used To Like The Ending Back When The First Film Came Out

Back then, starting around 2012 and up until 2020, I could be called an ardent Marvel enthusiast. It’s important to clarify that my love for Marvel hasn’t waned – it’s still there. As soon as Thunderbolts hit the screens along with its rave reviews, you’d find me settled comfortably in a cinema seat.

As for that younger version of myself, from middle school to the end of college, she was an ardent fan of the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU). From the initial Avengers movie onwards, her affection for the franchise only deepened. In fact, Bucky Barnes adorned my lock screen for quite some time before I met my partner. Consequently, I shared equal excitement for Avengers: Endgame as any die-hard Marvel fan.

Initially, I found the ending quite appealing, despite its melancholic tone. Indeed, it harmonized perfectly with the overall atmosphere of the film. Frankly, after watching Infinity War, I was left wondering how our heroes could possibly survive this catastrophe. Thanos seemed like an insurmountable menace, leaving me to ponder if he would ultimately triumph in the subsequent movie.

Indeed, in some way or another, the Avengers (and their team) played a crucial role in the day’s salvation, starting from the memorable “On your left” moment and beyond. And as the movie concluded, not just Steve departing everything behind but Tony sacrificing himself to close the circuit, I was left with an overwhelming sense of closure. There were no lingering doubts.

However, times change, and so do opinions. This one has been on my mind for a bit.

But Overtime, A Lot Of Things Haven’t Made Sense, Or Feel…Wrong

Before we dive in, let me clarify that I’m well-versed with the time travel mechanics in “Avengers: Endgame”. I understand that instead of meddling with other timelines, there is a method for branching them off. This way, the integrity of the timeline remains intact, the future doesn’t get altered, and somehow, someway, Steve would be able to live out his days peacefully.

But now I watch it, and it honestly irks me.

As an avid admirer of “Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse,” I’ve found myself quite bewildered by the chaotic state of time travel within the Marvel Cinematic Universe. The multiverse saga, a concept I was eagerly anticipating, has piqued my curiosity as to how they plan to translate this captivating idea from animation to live-action.

Indeed, I was eager to explore all Marvel series delving into the intricacies of timelines, time manipulation within their expansive universe, among other aspects. However, revisiting these shows post-Endgame no longer feels quite fitting or consistent for me.

In my opinion, I find it hard to grasp some aspects related to time in the plot, but what truly troubles me is the conclusion of two characters, Steve Rogers (Steve) and Anthony Stark (Tony). Their endings no longer seem deserved due to the extensive use of time-travel and multiverse in their storylines. Allow me to elaborate.

I’m having trouble understanding certain time-related plot points, but the final outcomes for characters Steve and Tony feel unjustified because they’ve been heavily influenced by time travel and the multiverse. Let me clarify.

Steve’s Ending Just Doesn’t Sit Right With Me Anymore, And It’s Not Just About Peggy

I was quite fond of Captain America, and I’ve vowed to rewatch those movies for as long as I live. In fact, Bucky was my go-to screen character; I was an enthusiastic fan, to say the least. Therefore, it’s not surprising that my younger self found Steve Rogers traveling through a separate timeline to be with his former love romantic.

But now, it really doesn’t feel earned.

It’s not solely due to my belief that he isn’t worthy of being with Peggy. In fact, I adore Peggy. To me, she’s an outstanding Marvel Cinematic Universe character who demonstrated her strength without needing superpowers. She was capable of achieving anything she aimed for. I wish we had more of her, especially within the MCU beyond just Agent Carter.

Nevertheless, it seems their bond as Peggy and Steve didn’t develop deeply enough across the series for us to fully believe he would relinquish everything to be with her. While they shared meaningful moments in Captain America: The First Avenger, I understand that war-inspired relationships can be intense, but theirs didn’t appear to be strong enough for such a drastic choice.

Despite this, I don’t find them paired up together in my viewpoint. At certain instances, I can fathom Steve’s fixation on her, but I also sense that Peggy was able to progress with her life independently. She had a vast universe without him. While it seems that Steve going back to the past occurred on an alternate timeline, it still felt like it disrupted a significant portion of Peggy’s character growth as portrayed in other parts of the Marvel Cinematic Universe.

It’s puzzling that Steve, who appeared throughout the movie “Civil War” making efforts to protect Bucky from harm, would suddenly choose to abandon his friends and leave Bucky dealing with all of his trauma by himself, so he could live a life with Peggy instead. This decision seems out of character for the same Steve who had been so dedicated to ensuring Bucky’s well-being.

The More I Think About It, The More It Feels Like They Betrayed Tony’s Legacy Too

And then there’s Tony. My guy, Tony. The man who started it all.

What was the point of killing him off if he’s just going to come back?

Incorporating the Human Torch in the film “Deadpool and Wolverine” certainly justifies Chris Evans’ return, as it had been eagerly anticipated by fans. They were excited about the possibility of the X-Men being integrated into the Marvel Cinematic Universe, and the Human Torch was an existing character that fit well. It was a logical move to blend these universes together.

Despite the thrill of spotting Robert Downey Jr. on the set of Avengers: Doomsday, it feels incredibly out of place. It’s hard to reconcile this with the selfless sacrifice we saw him make, saving the universe, the Avengers, his daughter, and everything else he holds dear. The idea that he’s merely returning as Dr. Doom seems almost too strange to believe.

It’s not truly Tony, but it seems like they’re setting up a surprise where the Avengers will react with shock when they see what appears to be Tony’s face. Fans were devastated when Tony died, and it’s disappointing to see the actor reappear as a villain instead. The death of Tony now feels…insubstantial or empty.

Perhaps I’ve been scrutinizing too much, as they’re merely superhero movies. However, when a production like Endgame garnered such acclaim, it encourages a closer examination…and certain aspects no longer align as they once did. Maybe it’s time for another viewing spree until new MCU films emerge.

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2025-05-20 12:18