History Analysis / AvengersInfinityWar

->'''Gamora:''' The entire time I knew Thanos he only ever had one goal: to bring balance to the universe by wiping out half of all life. He use to do that by going planet by planet, massacre by massacre.

The Hulk is the first hero we see fight Thanos one on one. The "Strongest Avenger" pummeled Thanos, but in the end proved no match for Thanos's own strength and experience, only being rescued at the last moment by Heimdall.

Bruce's first role in the movie then is that of Prophet. Giving his first warning to Dr. Strange: [[AStormIsComing "Thanos is coming. He's Coming!]]" His position then gives him credibility to then warn his old friend Tony Stark of the oncoming storm. And in addition, serve as the OnlySaneMan to Tony's hesitance to recontact Steve Rodgers. Emphasizing that with Thor gone and such a great threat coming, all their ego has to be put aside for the sake of the universe.

But before the move can be made, then [[QuirkyMinibossSquad The Black Order]] arrives, and Bruce tries to bring out his big guns again. Only...Hulk won't come out. Though the fans and directors saw the reason for this differently, for the sake of simplicity, we'll just say that Hulk won't be Bruce's easy weapon for his own reasons. And this stuns Bruce, as after ThorRagnarok, you'd think that Hulk would be happy to get out in control again after being in the drivers seat for 2 years. But no, Hulk simply refused to come forth.

Linking up and making the call Tony failed to make, Bruce's next role was as consultant. Pushing that it'd be possible to get the Mind Stone out of Vision and he'd still be able to live on. That it wasn't necessary for him to sacrifice himself...yet.

Flying into Wakanda, the forces of Thanos came in hard yet again, and this time, Bruce was pushed into a role he never would've expected: As a true hero. Wanting to help out in the defense of Wakanda, Bruce donned The Hulkbuster, and fought alongside everyone else. Making some tactical assesments during the battle, and even being the first on the scene to protect Vision when Corvius Glaive made his move.

And it's here that Bruce truly found a new side to himself. He was terrified without his friends to fight alongside him, and again, called out for the Hulk to save them like he always did "at the last second". But the Hulk would only say [[BigNo "NOOOO!!!!"]] So Bruce, in frustration, mounted his courage again, and using a little ingenuity and determination, defeated Thanos's [[TheBigGuy power fighter]]. He had finally proven himself as much the hero as the Hulk was. And in doing so, merely muttered to himself, "Hulk, we got a lot to figure out pal." Bruce had become as mentally strong as his other self, and perhaps in doing so, sets himself up for one final journey in the ruins that Thanos created: finding true harmony between him and Hulk.

[[/folder]]

[[folder: Black Panther -- Wakanda's promise, fulfilled]]
->''"Evacuate the city. Engage all defenses! And get this man a shield!"''

T'Challa promised to open Wakanda up to help the world "as one tribe." That after his [[Film/BlackPanther2018 incident with his cousin N'Jaka]], T'Challa saw that Wakanda needed to be the compassionate, caring nation it never had been for so long.

And lo and behold, he receives his opportunity by repaying a debt he owed Captain America. The nation did much to give Bucky a partial retirement to peace, but he decided to go even further by offering his sister's expertise to accomplish their goals of getting Vision's stone destroyed and removed safely. And with the coming of the Order, he was ready to lead from the front in asserting his sovereignty with words and fists.

And indeed, the Wakandan army suffered the most for trying to protect the life of one, and in doing so, many. The standing army, border tribe, Dora Milage, and Jabari all united for this action of life, and the brutal battle that resulted weakened, but never broke Wakanda's military. It could even be argued that through their efforts, they technically won the conventional battle. And yet, for all their strength, though they could stop the armies, Thanos still managed to get his stones, and leave nothing but dust in his wake. It didn't matter that he'd opened up to helping others, or struggling mightily. In the end, T'Challa crumpled to dust just the same as half of his remaining warriors.
[[/folder]]

[[folder: Vision and Wanda: Love, Duty and the failure of both]]
->'''Vision:''' If he gets the stone, half the universe dies. It's not fair. It shouldn't have to be you, but it is. It's alright. You could never hurt me. I just feel you.

Vision and Wanda first bonded with each other as the true outsiders of the Avengers. Wanda tried to destroy their team, but in doing so lost her brother and home. And Vision, a unique android given life by an AI, magic lightning and the mind stone, is a truly unique being. So, in time, they bonded with each other, seeing the hero underneath the rough edges, and eventually falling in love. Even during a [[CapatainAmericaCivilWar rough patch in their relationship]], 2 years on, and they're now living together in secrecy. Vision even starts pushing Wanda, saying that while she may have a duty to Cap's secret avengers, what they do together works, and he wants them to stay together.

And then destiny arrives, and everything is thrown into chaos. Vision is attacked by Thanos's generals, critically "wounding" him, rendering his abilities far weaker than before. Wanda fights her hardest to protect him, refusing to give him up, and after being rescued, it seems things might be okay. Only, on hearing the threat Thanos poses, Vision's mechanical way of thinking comest to a quick logical conclusion: If Thanos needs the stone to destroy half the universe, then the quickest way to solve this would be to destroy the stone in his head.

But unfortunately, the only being who he knows could do this is Wanda, and she is adamant in Love that she will not kill the last significant emotional figure in her life. The others push to give them more time in Wakanda, and again, it seems that things might work out. Though Thanos's children come for them again, the love his team has protects him, Wanda staying by his side so that the moment they're ready, she can blow the stone and protect Vision from death. But then Proxima and the others deploy attack vehicles, and realizing that she has the power and thus the responsibility to protect the people out there, Wanda leaves to disable the rolling wheels. Only to then have Corvius sneak into the lab to take Vision all over again.

In their individual fights with the Black Order, Wanda and Vision find themselves in need of rescue. The most powerful avengers forced to be protected by Black Widow, Okoye, Bruce Banner and Captain America. And in both these situations, after the initial rescue, both prove their love and duty to save lives by defeating a member of the order on their own.
[[/folder]]

[[folder: Drax and Gamora -- The slow burn finally come to pass]]
->'''Gamora:''' The entire time I knew Thanos he only ever had one goal: to bring balance to the universe by wiping out half of all life. He use to do that by going planet by planet, massacre by massacre.\\
'''Drax:''' Including my own.

Chiefly speaking, these two were always destined to be in this movie regardless of what everyone else intended. Because both Gamora and Drax had their lives defined by Thanos. And so this movie of confrontation is where both of them are forced to face their destinies head on, only to fail again and again in trying to thwart him.

Drax's culmination here is simple: Thanos, ordering the massacre of his planet, caused the death of his wife and daughter. After learning the truth about how [[Film/GuardiansOfTheGalaxy Ronin was only a puppet]], Drax swore that one day he'd kill the mad titan for his cruelty. He found new avenues to begin to move on thanks to the guardians giving him a new family, but still Thanos loomed in the back of his mind. And when he sees him in person for the first time, his rage begins to take over. And even when Quill begs for him to think, to see that if they get the reality stone first, then they can take him on more safely, but the old wound was made anew, and Drax had to be mentally sedated before ruining their strategy. Of course, then Thanos revealed he already got the stone, which finally gave Drax the excuse to just attack without restraint, only to be foiled again and again by Thanos's cunning and power at his disposal. And in the end, he was dusted, unable to sate his vengeance.

Gamora, as Thanos's "daughter" has a far more personal, more tragic component to her arc in the movie. Gamora, being raised by Thanos, was partially molded into a woman with an iron will, and in that way, became determined to kill Thanos or die trying the moment Thor reveals that Thanos is now going directly for the infinity stones. But at the same time, Thanos did partially raise her, so there's some lingering affection she has for him, hence when she thinks that she's finally killed him, she breaks down sobbing in relief and grief. Only to then be captured after her boyfriend failed to kill her. (more on that below) She's continually ground against by Thanos, cajoled, argued with, and ultimately, forced to bend to buy time for herself and her sister.

And it's in the last stage of her part of the movie that Gamora's character culmination comes to its tragic, heartbreaking end.
[[/folder]]
[[folder: Nebula -- following up on that Sister aspect]]
->'''Gamora:''' You will always be my sister.

Nebula and Gamora had a troubled upbringing together. Nebula grew to hate and resent her "older" sister due to her being turned into a near machine with her constant failures in combat. And despite the scraps, ultimately what Nebula wanted from Gamora was an indication that she wasn't alone in Thanos's care. As she said, "[[IJustWantToBeLoved I just wanted a sister!]]" It took them nearly dying in the battle with Ego before they could even get to speaking terms, and the two of them finally understanding each other's anger. Gamora even gives Nebula a chance to start over with Gamora's new family, but alas, [[RevengeBeforeReason Nebula's hatred for Thanos overruled any impulse to begin anew.]] And with a heartfelt hug goodbye, they parted way.\\

However, in Infinity War, we find that Nebula did follow through on her desires, and almost assassinated Thanos before being caught. And after being caught, she was forced into the role both daughters hate above all: nothing but a tool for Thanos to get what he wants. A hostage to persuade Gamora to give up the Soul Stone after Thanos found out that she knew it's location. Even in the midst of this torture, Nebula still pleaded with Gamora silently to never give in, and just allow her to die for the Universe. But, after finally making up, this was the sacrifice Gamora wasn't ready to make yet, and thus saved Nebula's life, though the cost would be steep: Vorimir, and a walk to the stone.\\
\\
For her part, Nebula, despite not being a main character, still wasn't ready to give up once she knew her sister's danger. When Thanos agrees to put her back together for Gamora's sake, Nebula breaks out, and gives the Guardians a heads up that Thanos will reach Vorimir next, and that they need to intercept him before any of the Black Order return with another stone. But on her arrival, and seeing Thanos in anguish, Nebula puts it all together: "He took her to Vormir. He came back with the soul stone. She didn't." And this shakes her to the core so deeply, she becomes paralyzed. Unable to react in time for Thanos to escape capture. And yet, somehow, she manages to keep going, and is one of the cursed heroes to survive the snap her father wanted. Knowing just as much as Gamora in Thanos's desires, all she can quietly say is, [[TheBadGuyWins "He did it."]] Where her journey from here is unclear at the moment, but having been pushed to her lowest like Stark, one can only hope she recovers that will to face Thanos one last time.

[[folder: Peter Quill -- The failure to face loss]]
->'''Peter:''' Tell me she's lying... ASSHOLE! Tell me you didn't do it!\\
'''Thanos:''' ...I had to...\\
'''Peter:''' No you didn't.. ''No you didn't''... ''[then with a yell and a whip of his pistol]'' '''NO YOU DIDN'T!'''\\

Star Lord had deep seeded issues with facing loss. It started from when he lost his mother, and he just kept running, trying to bury that loss under [[JerkassFacade a masculine persona]], [[SadClown wit]] and snark. Then he found [[AntiHeroTeam a new family]]. The Guardians of the Galaxy forced peter to take on not only leadership, but also responsibility, empathy, and finally get some closure from his mother's loss through interacting with Gamora.\\

When he got a chance to rebuild his blood family with Ego, he was hesitant at first, but [[AGodAmI a temptation for power]] pushed him closer, hoping to combine a spark of normalcy with extraordinary blessings. Then Ego revealed he was responsible for his mom's tumor, and Peter unleashed his anger at once, waking up to the evil his ArchnemesisDad was about to unleash. He was ready to sacrifice himself for his Guardians, only to instead finally see that the man who raised him, whom he had [[ParentalAbandonment issues]] with, still cared about him enough to die for him. Quill had now lost all his parents, but at the same time, Yondu's death staring him in the face forced him to confront loss head on. Allowing him to eulogize, remember Yondu warts and all, and resolve to be a better dad for his baby groot, and a better lover for Gamora.\\

And thus his confrontation with Thanos on Knowhere represents what should've been his final step forward. He'd learned to live with grief of his family loss before, but could he finally stand to lose that last someone he felt so close to? Could he live up to her LastRequest to kill her, and accept a loss that was intentional and in his control? In the end, the DyingDeclarationOfLove was said, by both of them, and despite the hesitation, Peter did try to follow through for her sake. To finally accept that he couldn't hold onto all the people in his life, and thus kill her for the sake of the universe. Only...[[SubvertedTrope he failed]]. Thanos took his attempted sacrifice away from him, leaving the pain of making that choice, but not the effect of the choice.\\

Which then leads to his most...[[RuleOfCautiousEditingJudgment memorable]] moment on Titan: his TragicMistake. He follows his girlfriend's sister to Thanos's planet, not just with a goal to kill him for the suffering he's created, but also to rescue Gamora like any hero would. His plan to capture Thanos works, his team and "The Avengers" have him restrained, and since they're about to win, he then demands to know where Gamora is. Only...it's too late. As Nebula figures out, the only plausible explanation was that she was killed while Thanos was getting the Soul stone. Thanos even unintentionally rubs salt into the wound saying "I had to". Heartbroken, outraged, and crushed, Peter attacks, causing Mantis to lose her grip, leading to Thanos getting his faculties back, and eventually, Thanos's escape with the time stone. As the Russo's pointed out in their commentary, "It's at that moment when you realize all hope is lost." Quill failed to make his final leap to maturity, and in the end, he even died for it.

[[folder: Tony Stark -- Worst nightmare come true]]
->''"No, it's YOU who doesn't understand that Thanos has been inside my head for 6 years ever since he sent an army to New York, and now he's ''back!'' And I don't know what to do."''

Tony Stark, the genius playboy philanthropist, has always tried to think 2 steps ahead of what's to come. Improving his suits, trying to take responsibility for the harm he caused to the world, looking for different ways to handle his fears. In many ways, he's the most developed character of the MCU. And in some ways, Thanos was partially responsible for much of that development Phase 2 onward.\\

Because as Tony mentions in the movie, [[Film/TheAvengers2012 the attack on New York]] defined Tony Stark going forward. Causing him to become a ShellShockedVeteran, and all his actions following trying to be ready for the next big invasion Earth might face. This was bolstered by Wanda using her mind stone powers on him, and giving him his worst nightmare: a vision of the Avengers defeated, and [[HistoryRepeats another invasion coming to earth uncontested]]. This lead to him trying to create Ultron to protect the world, only for it all to blow up in his face.\\

So again, Tony tried to course correct, using his trusted AI JARVIS as the basis for his next attempt: Vision. This time it seemed to go well, creating a noble, worthy android who could help stop Ultron, and maybe be the deterrent Stark wanted to protect earth. And then the Sokovia Accords came along. Tony, still wracked with guilt, and hoping to keep the team together so they'd be ready for that invasion, tries to play along after having his ambitions continually ground down, but due to friction, ego and clashing ideals, it all falls apart. Vision makes a mistake, by accidentally hitting his best friend, showing he's not as flawless as he thought. Captain America forces the issue of Bucky killing his family, fracturing trust, and leaving his team seamingly broken. He then tries to make up for it with 2 final attempts. His mentorship of SpiderMan, seeking to get the teen ready to take over as a hero from him down the line, and finally, creating a nanotech suit. Not for missions though, but as a promise to Pepper, only as safety to keep their future secure.\\

And then Dr. Strange and Bruce Banner arrive, telling him about Thanos, and how he's coming for the stones on earth. And Tony realizes that this is exactly what he's been trying to prepare for. The 2nd invasion, and worse still, by the same force that caused the first one. To that end, when the Black Order captures Strange, he goes after them, ultimately forced by pride and fear to finally confront The Mad Titan face to face. To put that genius to use and knock out the foe he'd been preparing for the last 6 years.\\
\\
He goes forth to do this with his protegee, a team of space heroes, and a master of the mystic arts, but despite their best efforts, in the end, he stands alone against Thanos. Staring his fears in the face, using every bit of skill and tricks he can think of to crush "his curse" once and for all. And despite drawing blood briefly, he fails to do lasting damage. In the end, he's forced to watch as Thanos leaves for earth, clinging to a thin hope that the team he helped assemble will stop him, only to then watch as everyone around him turns to dust. From the guardians, to his rival, and worst of all, SpiderMan dies in his arms. Tony is forced to watch as a young man he wanted to protect and train, a faithful fan whom he had developed a father/son bond he'd always wanted, disappear to ash. He checks himself to see if he's next, but Tony's still solid. After all his preparation, development, hope, and preventative actions, the vision he saw has come to past. [[MyGreatestFailure His worst nightmare]] is now reality, and as we pan away from the Iron Man, all he can do is hold himself, shocked and crushed in spirit.

[[folder: Thor -- The last drive]]
->'''Thor:''' You know, I'm 1500 years old. I've killed twice as many enemies as that, and every one of them would have rather killed me, but none succeeded. I'm only alive because fate wants me alive. Thanos is just the latest in a long line of bastards, and he will be the latest to feel my vengeance. Fate wills it so.\\
'''Rocket:''' And what if you're wrong?\\
'''Thor:''' ''[mirthless chuckle]'' Well, if I'm wrong, then ''what more could I lose?''

The creators of Infinity War wanted to set up Thor as a PlotParallel to Thanos. Making the audience believe that he would be the true killer of the Mad Titan. And it begins by tearing Thor down to his barest. Perhaps even more so than ''Film/ThorRagnarok'' did.\\

Thor's journey in looking for information on the Infinity Stones seemed to give him a lighter, more jovial attitude compared with his first two outings, but when Thanos came for his brother, he very nearly broke his spirit. Leading to the death of half his people, his best friend [[HeroicSacrifice heroically getting his closer friend away from death]], and his brother being strangled to death in front of him.

Flying into Wakanda, the forces of Thanos came in hard yet again, and this time, Bruce was pushed into a role he never would've expected: As a true hero. Wanting to help out in the defense of Wakanda, Bruce donned The Hulkbuster, and fought alongside everyone else. Making some tactical assesments during the battle, and even being the first on the scene to protect Vision when Corvius Glaive made his move.\

And it's here that Bruce truly did find that he had to go it alone when fighting Obsidian Cull alone. He was terrified without his friends to fight alongside him, and again, called out for the Hulk to save them like he always did "at the last second", but still, the Hulk would only say [[BigNo "NOOOO!!!!"]]

And then he got crippled in battle. The act itself wasn't what shocked him. He even told Tony he knew the risks every time he went into combat zones. But then after 2 years of stalling, Rhodes was forced into a decision he didn't believe he'd have to make. The UN still refused to bring back the rogue avengers when Thanos was looming large, forcing Rhodey to make his decision ToBeLawfulOrGood. But at his core, Rhodes is still a serviceman above all else. And with little hesitation, he welcomed his friends back. He may no longer have the structures of government to back him up from here on out, but the MilitarySuperhero finally had that final shift Captain America had back in the day in thinking of the greater good through the power of the individual rather than sticking to organizations.

->'''Bruce:''' Oh Screw you you big green asshole! I'll do it myself!

[[folder: War Machine-Above Government]]

[[folder: Bruce Banner-Beyond the Hulk]]

[[folder: Black Panther-Wakanda's promise, fulfilled]]

[[folder: Drax and Gamora-The slow burn finally come to pass]]

[[folder: Nebula-following up on that Sister aspect]]

For her part, Nebula, despite not being a main character, still wasn't ready to give up once she knew her sister's danger. When Thanos agrees to put her back together for Gamora's sake, Nebula breaks out, and gives the Guardians a heads up that Thanos will reach Vorimir next, and that they need to intercept him before any of the Black Order return with another stone. But on her arrival, and seeing Thanos in anguish, Nebula puts it all together: "He took her to Vorimir. He came back with the soul stone. She didn't." And this shakes her to the core so deeply, she becomes paralyzed. Unable to react in time for Thanos to escape capture. And yet, somehow, she manages to keep going, and is one of the cursed heroes to survive the snap her father wanted. Knowing just as much as Gamora in Thanos's desires, all she can quietly say is, [[TheBadGuyWins "He did it."]] Where her journey from here is unclear at the moment, but having been pushed to her lowest like Stark, one can only hope she recovers that will to face Thanos one last time.

[[folder: Peter Quill-The failure to face loss]]

[[folder: Tony Stark-Worst nightmare come true]]

[[folder: Thor-The last drive]]

->'''Bruce''': Oh Screw you you big green asshole! I'll do it myself!

-->''Vision'': If he gets the stone, half the universe dies. It's not fair. It shouldn't have to be you, but it is. It's alright. You could never hurt me. I just feel you.

->'''Gamora''': The entire time I knew Thanos he only ever had one goal: to bring balance to the universe by wiping out half of all life. He use to do that by going planet by planet, massacre by massacre.
->'''Drax''': Including my own.

->'''Gamora''': You will always be my sister.

James Rhodes believed in the government. He believed in discipline, hiearchy, strategy and the well intentions of government structures. This strict view was helpful in restraining his less inclined partner Iron Man. And in the end, that devotion gave him a boost as both War Machine and Iron Patriot. His dedicated service helped to protect his country time and again from Vanko, The Mandarin, and Ultron. It also lead to his outright support of the Sokovia Accords. Thinking having supervision was exactly what they needed.\\
\\

And indeed, the Wakandan army suffered the most for trying to protect the life of one, and in doing so, many. The standing army, border tribe, Dora Milage, and Jabari all united for this action of life, and the brutal battle that resulted weakened, but never broke Wakanda's military. It could even be argued that through their efforts, they technially won the conventional battle. And yet, for all their strength, though they could stop the armies, Thanos still managed to get his stones, and leave nothing but dust in his wake. It didn't matter that he'd opened up to helping others, or struggling mightily. In the end, T'Challa crumpled to dust just the same as half of his remaining warriors.

Drax's culmination here is simple: Thanos, ordering the massacre of his planet, caused the death of his wife and daughter. After learning the truth about how [[Film/GuardiansOfTheGalaxy Ronin was only a puppet]], Drax swore that one day he'd kill the mad titan for his cruelty. He found new avenues to begin to move on thanks to the guardians giving him a new family, but still Thanos loomed in the back of his mind. And when he sees him in person for the first time, his rage begins to take over. And even when Quill begs for him to think, to see that if they get the reality stone first, then they can take him on more safely, but the old wound was made anew, and Drax had to be mentally sedated before ruining their strategy. Of course, then Thanos revealed he already got the stone, which finally gave Drax the excuse to just attack without restraint, only to be foiled again and again by Thanos's cunning and tools at his disposal.
[[/folder]]
[[folder: Nebula-following up on that Sister aspect]]
->'''Gamora''': You will always be my sister.

And indeed, the Wakandan army suffered the most for trying to protect the life of one, and in doing so, many. The standing army, border tribe, Dora Milage, and Jabari all united for this action of life, and the brutal battle that resulted weakened, but never broke Wakanda's military.

'''Rhodes:''' Not anymore.

James Rhodes believed in the government. He believed in discipline, hiearchy, strategy and the well intentions of government structures. This strict view was helpful in restraining his less inclined partner Iron Man. And in the end, that devotion gave him a boost as both War Machine and Iron Patriot. His dedicated service helped to protect his country time and again from Vanko, The Mandarin, and Ultron. It also lead to his outright support of the Sokovia Accords. Thinking having supervision was exactly what they needed.\\

[[/folder]]
[[folder: Nebula-following up on that Sister aspect]]
->'''Gamora''': You will always be my sister.\\

Nebula and Gamora had a troubled upbringing together. Nebula grew to hate and resent her "older" sister due to her being turned into a near machine with her constant failures in combat. And despite the scraps, ultimately what Nebula wanted from Gamora was an indication that she wasn't alone in Thanos's care. As she said, "[[IJustWantToBeLoved I just wanted a sister!]]" It took them nearly dying in the battle with Ego before they could even get to speaking terms, and the two of them finally understanding each other's anger. Gamora even gives Nebula a chance to start over with Gamora's new family, but alas, [[RevengeBeforeReason Nebula's hatred for Thanos overruled any impulse to begin anew.]] And with a heartfelt hug goodbye, they parted way.\\

However, in Infinity War, we find that Nebula did follow through on her desires, and almost assassinated Thanos before being caught. And after being caught, she was forced into the role both daughters hate above all: nothing but a tool for Thanos to get what he wants. A hostage to persuade Gamora to give up the Soul Stone after Thanos found out that she knew it's location. Even in the midst of this torture, Nebula still pleaded with Gamora silently to never give in, and just allow her to die for the Universe. But, after finally making up, this was the sacrifice Gamora wasn't ready to make yet, and thus saved Nebula's life, though the cost would be steep: Vorimir, and a walk to the stone.\\
\\
For her part, Nebula, despite not being a main character, still wasn't ready to give up once she knew her sister's danger. When Thanos agrees to put her back together for Gamora's sake, Nebula breaks out, and gives the Guardians a heads up that Thanos will reach Vorimir next, and that they need to intercept him before any of the Black Order return with another stone. But on her arrival, and seeing Thanos in anguish, Nebula puts it all together: "He took her to Vorimir. He came back with the soul stone. She didn't." And this shakes her to the core so deeply, she becomes paralyzed. Unable to react in time for Thanos to escape capture. And yet, somehow, she manages to keep going, and is one of the cursed heroes to survive the snap her father wanted. Knowing just as much as Gamora in Thanos's desires, all she can quietly say is, [[TheBadGuyWins "He did it."]] Where her journey from here is unclear at the moment, but having been pushed to her lowest like Stark, one can only hope she recovers that will to face Thanos one last time.

[[folder: Peter Quill-The failure to face loss]]
->'''Peter:''' Tell me she's lying... ASSHOLE! Tell me you didn't do it!\\
'''Thanos:''' ...I had to...\\
'''Peter:''' No you didn't.. ''No you didn't''... ''[then with a yell and a whip of his pistol]'' '''NO YOU DIDN'T!'''\\

Star Lord had deep seeded issues with facing loss. It started from when he lost his mother, and he just kept running, trying to bury that loss under [[JerkassFacade a masculine persona]], [[SadClown wit]] and snark. Then he found [[AntiHeroTeam a new family]]. The Guardians of the Galaxy forced peter to take on not only leadership, but also responsibility, empathy, and finally get some closure from his mother's loss through interacting with Gamora.\\

When he got a chance to rebuild his blood family with Ego, he was hesitant at first, but [[AGodAmI a temptation for power]] pushed him closer, hoping to combine a spark of normalcy with extraordinary blessings. Then Ego revealed he was responsible for his mom's tumor, and Peter unleashed his anger at once, waking up to the evil his ArchnemesisDad was about to unleash. He was ready to sacrifice himself for his Guardians, only to instead finally see that the man who raised him, whom he had [[ParentalAbandonment issues]] with, still cared about him enough to die for him. Quill had now lost all his parents, but at the same time, Yondu's death staring him in the face forced him to confront loss head on. Allowing him to eulogize, remember Yondu warts and all, and resolve to be a better dad for his baby groot, and a better lover for Gamora.\\

And thus his confrontation with Thanos on Knowhere represents what should've been his final step forward. He'd learned to live with grief of his family loss before, but could he finally stand to lose that last someone he felt so close to? Could he live up to her LastRequest to kill her, and accept a loss that was intentional and in his control? In the end, the DyingDeclarationOfLove was said, by both of them, and despite the hesitation, Peter did try to follow through for her sake. To finally accept that he couldn't hold onto all the people in his life, and thus kill her for the sake of the universe. Only...[[SubvertedTrope he failed]]. Thanos took his attempted sacrifice away from him, leaving the pain of making that choice, but not the effect of the choice.\\

Which then leads to his most...[[RuleOfCautiousEditingJudgment memorable]] moment on Titan: his TragicMistake. He follows his girlfriend's sister to Thanos's planet, not just with a goal to kill him for the suffering he's created, but also to rescue Gamora like any hero would. His plan to capture Thanos works, his team and "The Avengers" have him restrained, and since they're about to win, he then demands to know where Gamora is. Only...it's too late. As Nebula figures out, the only plausible explanation was that she was killed while Thanos was getting the Soul stone. Thanos even unintentionally rubs salt into the wound saying "I had to". Heartbroken, outraged, and crushed, Peter attacks, causing Mantis to lose her grip, leading to Thanos getting his faculties back, and eventually, Thanos's escape with the time stone. As the Russo's pointed out in their commentary, "It's at that moment when you realize all hope is lost." Quill failed to make his final leap to maturity, and in the end, he even died for it.

[[folder: Tony Stark-Worst nightmare come true]]
->''"No, it's YOU who doesn't understand that Thanos has been inside my head for 6 years ever since he sent an army to New York, and now he's ''back!'' And I don't know what to do."''

Tony Stark, the genius playboy philanthropist, has always tried to think 2 steps ahead of what's to come. Improving his suits, trying to take responsibility for the harm he caused to the world, looking for different ways to handle his fears. In many ways, he's the most developed character of the MCU. And in some ways, Thanos was partially responsible for much of that development Phase 2 onward.\\

Because as Tony mentions in the movie, [[Film/TheAvengers2012 the attack on New York]] defined Tony Stark going forward. Causing him to become a ShellShockedVeteran, and all his actions following trying to be ready for the next big invasion Earth might face. This was bolstered by Wanda using her mind stone powers on him, and giving him his worst nightmare: a vision of the Avengers defeated, and [[HistoryRepeats another invasion coming to earth uncontested]]. This lead to him trying to create Ultron to protect the world, only for it all to blow up in his face.\\

So again, Tony tried to course correct, using his trusted AI JARVIS as the basis for his next attempt: Vision. This time it seemed to go well, creating a noble, worthy android who could help stop Ultron, and maybe be the deterrent Stark wanted to protect earth. And then the Sokovia Accords came along. Tony, still wracked with guilt, and hoping to keep the team together so they'd be ready for that invasion, tries to play along after having his ambitions continually ground down, but due to friction, ego and clashing ideals, it all falls apart. Vision makes a mistake, by accidentally hitting his best friend, showing he's not as flawless as he thought. Captain America forces the issue of Bucky killing his family, fracturing trust, and leaving his team seamingly broken. He then tries to make up for it with 2 final attempts. His mentorship of SpiderMan, seeking to get the teen ready to take over as a hero from him down the line, and finally, creating a nanotech suit. Not for missions though, but as a promise to Pepper, only as safety to keep their future secure.\\

And then Dr. Strange and Bruce Banner arrive, telling him about Thanos, and how he's coming for the stones on earth. And Tony realizes that this is exactly what he's been trying to prepare for. The 2nd invasion, and worse still, by the same force that caused the first one. To that end, when the Black Order captures Strange, he goes after them, ultimately forced by pride and fear to finally confront The Mad Titan face to face. To put that genius to use and knock out the foe he'd been preparing for the last 6 years.\\

Nebula and Gamora had a [[{{Understatement}} troubled]] upbringing together. Nebula grew to hate and resent her "older" sister due to her being turned into a near machine with her constant failures in combat. And despite the scraps, ultimately what Nebula wanted from Gamora was an indication that she wasn't alone in Thanos's care. As she said, "[[IJustWantToBeLoved I just wanted a sister!]]" It took them nearly dying in the battle with Ego before they could even get to speaking terms, and the two of them finally understanding each other's anger. Gamora even gives Nebula a chance to start over with Gamora's new family, but alas, [[RevengeBeforeReason Nebula's hatred for Thanos overruled any impulse to begin anew.]] And with a heartfelt hug goodbye, they parted way.\\

"Evacuate the City. Engage all defenses! And Get this man a shield!"\\

T'Challa promised to open Wakanda up to help the world "as one tribe." That after his [[BlackPanther2018 incident with his cousin N'Jaka]], T'challa saw that Wakanda needed to be the compassionate, caring nation it never had been for so long.

And indeed, the wakandan army suffered the most for trying to protect the life of one, and in doing so, many. The standing army, border tribe, Dori Milage, and Jabari all united for this action of life, and the brutal battle that resulted weakened, but never broke Wakanda's military.

For her part, Nebula, despite not being a main character, still wasn't ready to give up once she knew her sister's danger.

[[folder: Tony Stark-Worst nightmare come true]]
->''"No, it's YOU who doesn't understand that Thanos has been inside my head for 6 years ever since he sent an army to New York, and now he's ''back!'' And I don't know what to do."''

Tony Stark, the genius playboy philanthropist, has always tried to think 2 steps ahead of what's to come. Improving his suits, trying to take responsibility for the harm he caused to the world, looking for different ways to handle his fears. In many ways, he's the most developed character of the MCU. And in some ways, Thanos was partially responsible for much of that development Phase 2 onward.\\
\\
Because as Tony mentions in the movie, [[Film/TheAvengers2012 the attack on New York]] defined Tony Stark going forward. Causing him to become a ShellShockedVeteran, and all his actions following trying to be ready for the next big invasion Earth might face. This was bolstered by Wanda using her mind stone powers on him, and giving him his worst nightmare: a vision of the Avengers defeated, and [[HistoryRepeats another invasion coming to earth uncontested]]. This lead to him trying to create Ultron to protect the world, only for it all to blow up in his face.\\
\\
So again, Tony tried to course correct, using his trusted AI JARVIS as the basis for his next attempt: Vision. This time it seemed to go well, creating a noble, worthy android who could help stop Ultron, and maybe be the deterrent Stark wanted to protect earth. And then the Sokovia Accords came along. Tony, still wracked with guilt, and hoping to keep the team together so they'd be ready for that invasion, tries to play along after having his ambitions continually ground down, but due to friction, ego and clashing ideals, it all falls apart. Vision makes a mistake, by accidentally hitting his best friend, showing he's not as flawless as he thought. Captain America forces the issue of Bucky killing his family, fracturing trust, and leaving his team seamingly broken. He then tries to make up for it with 2 final attempts. His mentorship of SpiderMan, seeking to get the teen ready to take over as a hero from him down the line, and finally, creating a nanotech suit. Not for missions though, but as a promise to Pepper, only as safety to keep their future secure.\\
\\
And then Dr. Strange and Bruce Banner arrive, telling him about Thanos, and how he's coming for the stones on earth. And Tony realizes that this is exactly what he's been trying to prepare for. The 2nd invasion, and worse still, by the same force that caused the first one. To that end, when the Black Order captures Strange, he goes after them, ultimately forced by pride and fear to finally confront The Mad Titan face to face. To put that genius to use and knock out the foe he'd been preparing for the last 6 years.\\
\\
He goes forth to do this with his protegee, a team of space heroes, and a master of the mystic arts, but despite their best efforts, in the end, he stands alone against Thanos. Staring his fears in the face, using every bit of skill and tricks he can think of to crush "his curse" once and for all. And despite drawing blood briefly, he fails to do lasting damage. In the end, he's forced to watch as Thanos leaves for earth, clinging to a thin hope that the team he helped assemble will stop him, only to then watch as everyone around him turns to dust. From the guardians, to his rival, and worst of all, SpiderMan dies in his arms. Tony is forced to watch as a young man he wanted to protect and train, a faithful fan whom he had developed a father/son bond he'd always wanted, disappear to ash. He checks himself to see if he's next, but Tony's still solid. After all his preparation, development, hope, and preventative actions, the vision he saw has come to past. [[MyGreatestFailure His worst nightmare]] is now reality, and as we pan away from the Iron Man, all he can do is hold himself, shocked and crushed in spirit.

[[folder: Peter Quill-The failure to face loss]]
->'''Peter:''' Tell me she's lying... ASSHOLE! Tell me you didn't do it!\\
'''Thanos:''' ...I had to...\\
'''Peter:''' No you didn't.. ''No you didn't''... ''[then with a yell and a whip of his pistol]'' '''NO YOU DIDN'T!'''\\

Star Lord had deep seeded issues with facing loss. It started from when he lost his mother, and he just kept running, trying to bury that loss under [[JerkassFacade a masculine persona]], [[SadClown wit]] and snark. Then he found [[AntiHeroTeam a new family]]. The Guardians of the Galaxy forced peter to take on not only leadership, but also responsibility, empathy, and finally get some closure from his mother's loss through interacting with Gamora.\\
\\
When he got a chance to rebuild his blood family with Ego, he was hesitant at first, but [[AGodAmI a temptation for power]] pushed him closer, hoping to combine a spark of normalcy with extraordinary blessings. Then Ego revealed he was responsible for his mom's tumor, and Peter unleashed his anger at once, waking up to the evil his ArchnemesisDad was about to unleash. He was ready to sacrifice himself for his Guardians, only to instead finally see that the man who raised him, whom he had [[ParentalAbandonment issues]] with, still cared about him enough to die for him. Quill had now lost all his parents, but at the same time, Yondu's death staring him in the face forced him to confront loss head on. Allowing him to eulogize, remember Yondu warts and all, and resolve to be a better dad for his baby groot, and a better lover for Gamora.\\
\\
And thus his confrontation with Thanos on Knowhere represents what should've been his final step forward. He'd learned to live with grief of his family loss before, but could he finally stand to lose that last someone he felt so close to? Could he live up to her LastRequest to kill her, and accept a loss that was intentional and in his control? In the end, the DyingDeclarationOfLove was said, by both of them, and despite the hesitation, Peter did try to follow through for her sake. To finally accept that he couldn't hold onto all the people in his life, and thus kill her for the sake of the universe. Only...[[SubvertedTrope he failed]]. Thanos took his attempted sacrifice away from him, leaving the pain of making that choice, but not the effect of the choice.\\
\\
Which then leads to his most...[[RuleOfCautiousEditingJudgment memorable]] moment on Titan: his TragicMistake. He follows his girlfriend's sister to Thanos's planet, not just with a goal to kill him for the suffering he's created, but also to rescue Gamora like any hero would. His plan to capture Thanos works, his team and "The Avengers" have him restrained, and since they're about to win, he then demands to know where Gamora is. Only...it's too late. As Nebula figures out, the only plausible explanation was that she was killed while Thanos was getting the Soul stone. Thanos even unintentionally rubs salt into the wound saying "I had to". Heartbroken, outraged, and crushed, Peter attacks, causing Mantis to lose her grip, leading to Thanos getting his faculties back, and eventually, Thanos's escape with the time stone. As the Russo's pointed out in their commentary, "It's at that moment when you realize all hope is lost." Quill failed to make his final leap to maturity, and in the end, he even died for it.

[[folder: War Machine-Above Government]]
->'''Ross:''' I remember your signature on those papers Colonel.\\
'''Rhodes:''' That's right. And I'm pretty sure I've paid for it.\\
'''Ross:''' You having second Thoughts?\\
'''Rhodes:''' Not anymore.

James Rhodes believed in the government. He believed in discipline, hiearchy, strategy and the well intentions of government structures. This strict view was helpful in restraining his less inclined partner Iron Man. And in the end, that devotion gave him a boost as both War Machine and Iron Patriot. His dedicated service helped to protect his country time and again from Vanko, The Mandarin, and Ultron. It also lead to his outright support of the Sokovia Accords. Thinking having supervision was exactly what they needed.\\
\\
And then he got crippled in battle. The act itself wasn't what shocked him. He even told Tony he knew the risks every time he went into combat zones. But then after 2 years of stalling, Rhodes was forced into a decision he didn't believe he'd have to make. The UN still refused to bring back the rogue avengers when Thanos was looming large, forcing Rhodey to make his decision ToBeLawfulOrGood. But at his core, Rhodes is still a serviceman above all else. And with little hesitation, he welcomed his friends back. He may no longer have the structures of government to back him up from here on out, but the MilitarySuperhero finally had that final shift Captain America had back in the day in thinking of the greater good through the power of the individual rather than sticking to organizations.

[[folder: Thor-The last drive]]
->'''Thor:''' You know, I'm 1500 years old. I've killed twice as many enemies as that, and every one of them would have rather killed me, but none succeeded. I'm only alive because fate wants me alive. Thanos is just the latest in a long line of bastards, and he will be the latest to feel my vengeance. Fate wills it so.\\
'''Rocket:''' And what if you're wrong?\\
'''Thor:''' ''[mirthless chuckle]'' Well, if I'm wrong, then ''what more could I lose?''
\\
The creators of Infinity War wanted to set up Thor as a PlotParallel to Thanos. Making the audience believe that he would be the true killer of the Mad Titan. And it begins by tearing Thor down to his barest. Perhaps even more so than ''Film/ThorRagnarok'' did.\\
\\
Thor's journey in looking for information on the Infinity Stones seemed to give him a lighter, more jovial attitude compared with his first two outings, but when Thanos came for his brother, he very nearly broke his spirit. Leading to the death of half his people, his best friend [[HeroicSacrifice heroically getting his closer friend away from death]], and his brother being strangled to death in front of him.

[[folder: Bruce Banner-Beyond the Hulk]]
[[/folder]]
[[folder: Black Panther-Wakanda's promise, fulfilled]]
[[/folder]]
[[folder: Vision and Wanda: Love, Duty and the failure of both]]
[[/folder]]

[[folder: Steve Rodgers-the failure to defend]]

The creators of Infinity War wanted to set up Thor as a plot Parallel to Thanos. Making the audience believe that he would be the true killer of the Mad Titan. And it begins by tearing Thor down to his barest. Perhaps even more so than ''Film/ThorRagnarok'' did.\\

Thor, journey in looking for information on the Infinity Stones seemed to give him a lighter, more jovial attitude compared with his first 2 outings, but when Thanos came for his Brother, he very nearly broke his spirit. Leading to the death of half his people, his best friend [[HeroicSacrific heroically getting his closer friend away from death]], and his Brother being strangled to death in front of him.

'''Thor:''' ''[mirthless chuckle]'' Well, if I'm wrong, then ''what more could I lose?''\\

The creators of Infinity War wanted to set up Thor as a plot Parallel to Thanos. Making the audience believe that he would be the true killer of the Mad Titan. And it begins by tearing Thor down to his barest. Perhaps even more so than ThorRagnarok did.\\

'''Thor:''' You know, I'm 1500 years old. I've killed twice as many enemies as that, and every one of them would have rather killed me, but none succeeded. I'm only alive because fate wants me alive. Thanos is just the latest in a long line of bastards, and he will be the latest to feel my vengeance. Fate wills it so.\\

Tony Stark, the genius playboy philanthropist, has always tried to think 2 steps ahead of what's to come. Improving his suits, trying to take responsibility for the harm he caused to the world, looking for different ways to handle his fears. In many ways, he's the most developed character of the MCU. And in some ways, Thanos was partially responsible for much of that development Phase 2 onward.

Because as Tony mentions in the movie, [[Film/TheAvengers2012 the attack on New York]] defined Tony Stark going forward. Causing him to become a ShellShockedVeteran, and all his actions following trying to be ready for the next big invasion Earth might face. This was bolstered by Wanda using her mind stone powers on him, and giving him his worst nightmare: a vision of the Avengers defeated, and [[HistoryRepeats another invasion coming to earth uncontested]]. This lead to him trying to create Ultron to protect the world, only for it all to blow up in his face.

So again, Tony tried to course correct, using his trusted AI JARVIS as the basis for his next attempt: Vision. This time it seemed to go well, creating a noble, worthy android who could help stop Ultron, and maybe be the deterrent Stark wanted to protect earth. And then the Sokovia Accords came along. Tony, still wracked with guilt, and hoping to keep the team together so they'd be ready for that invasion, tries to play along after having his ambitions continually ground down, but due to friction, ego and clashing ideals, it all falls apart. Vision makes a mistake, by accidentally hitting his best friend, showing he's not as flawless as he thought. Captain America forces the issue of Bucky killing his family, fracturing trust, and leaving his team seamingly broken. He then tries to make up for it with 2 final attempts. His mentorship of SpiderMan, seeking to get the teen ready to take over as a hero from him down the line, and finally, creating a nanotech suit. Not for missions though, but as a promise to Pepper, only as safety to keep their future secure.

And then Dr. Strange and Bruce Banner arrive, telling him about Thanos, and how he's coming for the stones on earth. And Tony realizes that this is exactly what he's been trying to prepare for. The 2nd invasion, and worse still, by the same force that caused the first one. To that end, when the Black Order captures Strange, he goes after them, ultimately forced by pride and fear to finally confront The Mad Titan face to face. To put that genius to use and knock out the foe he'd been preparing for the last 6 years.

Star Lord had deep seeded issues with facing loss. It started from when he lost his mother, and he just kept running, trying to bury that loss under [[JerkassFacade a masculine persona]], [[SadClown wit]] and snark. Then he found [[AntiHeroTeam a new family]]. The Guardians of the Galaxy forced peter to take on not only leadership, but also responsibility, empathy, and finally get some closure from his mother's loss through interacting with Gamora.

When he got a chance to rebuild his blood family with Ego, he was hesitant at first, but [[AGodAmI a temptation for power]] pushed him closer, hoping to combine a spark of normalcy with extraordinary blessings. Then Ego revealed he was responsible for his mom's tumor, and Peter unleashed his anger at once, waking up to the evil his ArchnemesisDad was about to unleash. He was ready to sacrifice himself for his Guardians, only to instead finally see that the man who raised him, whom he had [[ParentalAbandonment issues]] with, still cared about him enough to die for him. Quill had now lost all his parents, but at the same time, Yondu's death staring him in the face forced him to confront loss head on. Allowing him to eulogize, remember Yondu warts and all, and resolve to be a better dad for his baby groot, and a better lover for Gamora.

And thus his confrontation with Thanos on Knowhere represents what should've been his final step forward. He'd learned to live with grief of his family loss before, but could he finally stand to lose that last someone he felt so close to? Could he live up to her LastRequest to kill her, and accept a loss that was intentional and in his control? In the end, the DyingDeclarationOfLove was said, by both of them, and despite the hesitation, Peter did try to follow through for her sake. To finally accept that he couldn't hold onto all the people in his life, and thus kill her for the sake of the universe. Only...[[SubvertedTrope he failed]]. Thanos took his attempted sacrifice away from him, leaving the pain of making that choice, but not the effect of the choice.

->''"No, it's YOU who doesn't understand that Thanos has been inside my head for 6 years ever since he sent an army to New York, and now he's Back! And I don't know what to do."''

->'''Peter:''' Asshole! Tell me you didn't do it.\\
'''Thanos:''' I had to.\\
'''Peter:''' No you didn't. No you didn't. ''[then with a yell and a whip of his pistol]'' NO YOU DIDN'T!\\

Star Lord had deep seeded issues with facing loss. It started from when he lost his mother, and he just kept running, trying to bury that loss under [[JerkassFacade a masculine persona]], [[SadClown wit]] and snark. Then he found [[AnitHeroTeam a new family]]. The Guardians of the Galaxy forced peter to take on not only leadership, but also responsibility, empathy, and finally get some closure from his mother's loss through interacting with Gamora.

And then he got crippled in battle. The act itself wasn't what shocked him. He even told Tony he knew the risks every time he went into combat zones. But then after 2 years of stalling, Rhodes was forced into a decision he didn't believe he'd have to make. The UN still refused to bring back the rogue avengers when Thanos was looming large, forcing Rhodey to make his decision ToBeLawfulOrGood. But at his core, Rhodes is still a serviceman above all else. And with little hesitation, he welcomed his friends back. He may no longer have the structures of government to back him up from here on out, but the MilitaryHero finally had that final shift Captain America had back in the day in thinking of the greater good through the power of the individual rather than sticking to organizations.

->''No, it's YOU who doesn't understand that Thanos has been inside my head for 6 years ever since he sent an army to New York, and now he's Back! And I don't know what to do.''

'''Peter:''' No you didn't. No you didn't. (Then with a yell and a whip of his pistol) NO YOU DIDN'T!\\

Because as Tony mentions in the movie, [[Film/TheAvengers2012 the attack on New York]] defined Tony Stark going forward. Causing him to become a ShellShockedVeteran, and all his actions following trying to be ready for the next big invasion Earth might face. This was bolstered by Wanda using her mind stone powers on him, and giving him his worst nightmare: a vision of the Avengers defeated, and [[HistoryRepeats another invasion coming to earth uncontested]]. This lead to him trying to create Ultron to protect the world, only for it all to blow up in his face, Captain America calling him out for trying to win a war before it started.

So again, Tony tried to course correct, using his trusted AI JARVIS as the basis for his next attempt: Vision. This time it seemed to go well, creating a noble, worthy android who could help stop Ultron, maybe be the deterrent Stark wanted to protect earth. And then the Sokovia Accords came along. Tony, still wracked with guilt, and hoping to keep the team together so they'd be ready for that invasion, tries to play along after having his ambitions continually ground down, but due to friction, ego and clashing ideals, it all falls apart. Vision makes a mistake, by accidentally hitting his best friend, showing he's not as flawless as he thought. Captain America forces the issue of Bucky killing his family, fracturing trust, and leaving his team seamingly broken. He then tries to make up for it with 2 final attempts. His mentorship of SpiderMan, seeking to get the teen ready to take over as a hero from him down the line, and finally, creating a nanotech suit. Not for missions though, but as a promise to Pepper, only as safety to keep their future secure.

And then Dr. Strange and Bruce Banner arrive, telling him about Thanos, and how he's coming for the stones on earth. And Tony realizes that this is exactly what he's been trying to prepare for. The 2nd invasion, and worse still, by the same force that caused the same invasion. To that end, when the Black Order captures Strange, he goes after them, ultimately forced by pride and fear to finally confront The Mad Titan face to face. To put that genius to use and knock out the foe he'd been preparing for the last 6 years.

Which then leads to his most...[[RuleOfCautiousEditingJudgment memorable]] moment on Titan: his TragicMistake. He follows his girlfriend's sister to Thanos's planet, not just with a goal to kill him for the suffering he's created, but also to rescue Gamora like any hero would. His plan to capture Thanos works, his team and "The Avengers" have him restrained, and since they're about to win, he then demands to know where Gamora is. Only...it's too late. As Nebula figures out, the only plausible explanation was that she was killed while Thanos was getting the Soul stone. And when Thanos rubs salt into the wound saying "I had to". Heartbroken, outraged, and crushed, Peter attacks, causing Mantis to lose her grip, leading to Thanos getting his faculties back, and eventually, Thanos's escape with the time stone. As the Russo's pointed out in their commentary, "It's at that moment when you realize all hope is lost." Quill failed to make his final leap to maturity, and in the end, he even died for it.

And then he got crippled in battle. The act itself wasn't what shocked him. He even told Tony he knew the risks every time he went into combat zones. But then after 2 years of stalling, Rhodes was forced into a decision he didn't believe he'd have to make. The UN still refused to bring back the rogue avengers when Thanos was looming large, forcing Rhodey to make his decision ToBeLawfulOrGood. But at his core, Rhodes is still a serviceman above all else. And with little hesitation, he welcomed his friends back. He may no longer have the structures of government to back him up from here on out, but the

When he got a chance to rebuild his blood family with Ego, he was hesitant at first, but [[AGodAmI a temptation for power]] pushed him closer, hoping to combine a spark of normalcy with extraordinary blessings. Then Ego revealed he was responsible for his mom's tumor, and Peter unleashed his anger at once, waking up to the evil his ArchnemesisDad was about to unleash. He was ready to sacrifice himself for his Guardians, only to instead finally see that the man who raised him, whom he had [[ParentalAbandonment issues]] with, still cared about him enough to die for him. Quill had now lost all his parents, but at the same time, Yondu's death staring him in the face forced him to confront loss head on. Allowing him to eulogize, remember Yondu warts and all, and resolve to be a better dad for his baby groot, and a better lover for Gamora

And thus his confrontation with Thanos on Knowhere represents what should've been his final step forward. He'd learned to live with grief of his family loss before, but could he finally stand to lose that last someone he felt so close to? Could he live up to her LastRequest to kill her, and accept a loss that was intentional and in his control? In the end, the

And then Dr. Strange and Bruce Banner arrive, telling him about the Mad Titan, and how he's coming for the stones on earth. And Tony realizes that this is exactly what he's been trying to prepare for. The 2nd invasion, and worse still, by the same force that caused the same invasion. To that end, when the Black Order captures Strange, he goes after them, ultimately forced by pride and his fear to finally confront

Infinity War was advertised as "when it all ends". And while this [[TwoPartTrilogy isn't quite true]], it does serve as the culmination of CharacterDevelopment for over half of the cast, and showing how their priorities, problems and difficulties have all been lead to their confrontations with Thanos. And in the end, how Thanos would lead to [[MyGreatestFailure their greatest defeats]].

However due to Thanos's actions, he not only destroyed his enemies but he ruins himself. During his search for the Soul Stone, in his quest for his mad dream, he had to sacrifice the one he truly loves, his adopted daughter; Gamora. Gamora was Thanos's half. The theme of Yin and Yang reflects this in his last vision with Gamora when she was a child, the vision of Gamora asks what did his victory cost and Thanos replies everything. Thanos won but is now imbalanced. Steve lost the friend he worked so hard to get back, Tony lost his protege who was like a son to him and so on. By the end of the film, the balance has been disrupted and it needs to be restored.\\