WARNING: The following contains spoilers for What If...? Season 1, Episode 2, "What If... T'Challa Became a Star-Lord," streaming now on Disney+.

In the Marvel Cinematic Universe, it's safe to say the relationship between Thanos and Nebula is the most broken, dysfunctional of them all. Sure, the Mad Titan had a pretty dark bond with Gamora as well, but there was still love and emotion involved. It's what made him killing her for the Soul Stone on Vormir so hard, which is the total opposite to the cold vibe he gave to Nebula, deeming her more of a pawn than anything else. What If?... T'Challa Became a Star-Lord fixes that connection with Nebula by sprinkling heart and redemption over their story thanks to the Wakandan prince.

Thanos has indeed joined the Ravagers in this alternate reality, inspired by T'Challa's desire to create change. Audiences learn this in a bar where Korath is being inducted, as T'Challa confirms he simply used the weapon of a good argument to switch Thanos away from a path of genocide. Sure, the Mad Titan thinks it's more efficient, but he believes in allocating resources more than killing, following this Star-Lord, who's basically the galaxy's Robin Hood.

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T'Challa is also quite close with Nebula, who acts as a fixer, finding jobs for him as they help the poor. They have romantic chemistry, too, so he mixes business with pleasure. However, one thing he can't repair is Nebula's hatred for Thanos. The purple giant wants to mend things, but Nebula insists she still hates him for how he weaponized her. Not even T'Challa pushing them toward therapy has worked, as the disdain is all too real with Thanos' past being something his adopted daughter just can't forget.

However, when they hijack the Embers of Genesis from the Collector and bring his empire of antiques and slavery down, Thanos proves he is selfless and that he really cares for his daughter. It occurs as he sacrifices himself, taking on Proxima Midnight and Cull Obsidian. They slice him up, leaving him yelling in pain as he buys the Ravagers time to escape. But just as they're about to kill him, Nebula arrives and starts blasting her "dad" to safety. His screams reminded her the villain of old was indeed gone, and as a result, she saves him, taking him to their plane to escape.

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It's a heartwarming moment, evoking shades of Peter Quill and Yondu in the main MCU while erasing the brutal scenes where the mainstream Thanos tortured Nebula to get to Gamora and the Infinity Stones. They then get a sentimental ending as they take T'Challa back to Wakanda, bonding with the Earth kingdom over a luncheon. Thanos tells Okoye his plan of the genocide's still efficient, with Nebula next to them, calling him "dad."

It's endearing as it feels like a typical dad-daughter relationship again with healthy ribbing and an offspring ashamed of her father's old ways as they both atone for their bloody past. Most of all, it shows that both have learned to let go, inspired by T'Challa's movement of hope and all the good they do for the cosmos.

Nebula has always wanted her dad's acceptance and approval, and the Mad Titan has always wanted to make the galaxy a better place. And as viewers see here, both of them are seeing their wishes come true in a most comical yet relatable manner that scrubs the bloodshed and sadism of old. He doesn't strip her for parts and take away her humanity in What If...?'s reality, so that helps her forgive him so they can continue on their mission of love, peace and unity.

New episodes of Marvel Studios' What If...? debut Wednesdays on Disney+.

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