Exploring Plot Holes in Marvels Avengers: Infinity War and Endgame - Can They Be Justified in a Comic Book Universe?
Marvel's Avengers: Infinity War and Endgame, two of the most popular and highly anticipated films in recent years, have been hailed for their grand scale and intricate plotlines. However, they also come with their share of plot holes that have puzzled many viewers. One of the more notable issues revolves around Thanos and the fate of the Infinity Stones.
Why Is Thanos Deleting Life in 14 Billion Years?
Early in the plot of Infinity War, Thanos sets out to eliminate half of all life in the universe, a mission that he describes as necessary to bring about balance. However, the question arises: if life had 14 billion years to evolve and thrive, wouldn't it eventually start to reproduce and regain its numbers? After all, 14 billion years is minuscule in the grand scheme of the universe, which is projected to reach its heat death in trillions of years from now.
According to astronomical predictions, the heat death of the universe is estimated to occur in approximately 10^{100} years—meaning that life could very well recover and repopulate over the course of countless billions more years.
Given this timeline, it seems that Thanos's plan may ultimately fall short, failing to permanently solve the issue he presents. This problematic plot point has left many audiences questioning the intelligence of the character and the logic behind his actions.
Can Plot Holes Be Justified in a Comic Book Universe?
Some viewers might argue that these inconsistencies can be forgiven or even justified within the larger context of a comic book universe. After all, many iconic films set in the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) rely on a series of interconnected stories, each with its own set of rules and limitations.
For instance, the Russo Brothers, the directors of both Infinity War and Endgame, have previously noted that their focus is often on creating spectacle and action scenes rather than delving into deep character or plot development. However, this does not align well with the expectations for a character like Tenoch, especially one portrayed as a strategist and a long-term planner.
In the MCU, Thanos is depicted as a thousand-year-old, obsessive individual with a single-minded focus on achieving his goal. This kind of long-term planning and strategic thinking would suggest that he would take more time to evaluate the potential outcomes of his actions. The hasty destruction of the Infinity Stones, which could have had unforeseen consequences, seems at odds with this portrayal.
The Insanity of Thanos
One possible explanation for Thanos's seemingly hasty actions may lie in the concept of 'insanity' or 'mental instability.' In the context of a comic book universe, it's common for characters to have varying degrees of mental health and cognitive functioning, which can affect their decision-making processes.
It could be argued that Thanos, despite his vast knowledge and experience, is experiencing a form of existential crisis or mental breakdown that drives him to act impulsively. This could explain why he chooses to destroy the Infinity Stones so abruptly, without fully considering the long-term consequences of his actions on the universe and his own personal journey.
In conclusion, while certain plot holes in Avengers: Infinity War and Endgame may be excused due to the nature of a comic book universe, they still represent significant inconsistencies that challenge the perceived intelligence and strategic acumen of the main antagonist, Thanos. As the MCU continues to evolve, addressing and potentially revisiting these plot holes could enhance the overall consistency and depth of the series.