VisionQuest’s “Immolation” opens in 1939, drawing on the origins of Marvel’s first superhero, the original Human Torch. In the episode’s version, inventor Phineas Horton sells his mansion to fund the creation of a synthetic man named J.I.M., after his son Jim, who has died. Horton hopes to recreate his son while building a being free of emotion—a goal complicated by the damage his work has done to his family.

Paul Bettany plays Horton and also portrays Vision and J.I.M. in a scene that brings all three characters together. The conversation reveals how J.I.M. came to catch fire: falling in love accelerated the clockwork mechanisms inside him. It also gives Vision a moment of emotional honesty, as he acknowledges his connection to his own life and the pain of losing Wanda and Billy.

The episode also advances the present-day story. A mysterious client offers Vision his source code, which could help neutralize the nanobots threatening Lisa, in exchange for Vision turning himself over to Paladin. Jocasta is offered the rest of her memories. She attempts to unlock a nest containing her remaining nanobots using several biometric clues, but discovers that a passcode is also required, pointing to an unknown sixth person connected to the project.

Jocasta and Ultron explore her memories in a Brooklyn loft once shared by Jo Carrington and her partner. The episode reveals that Carrington worked on artificial intelligence with someone else, but identifies that person only in its final shot. The review notes that this raises a question: why did Vision, E.D.I.T.H. and F.R.I.D.A.Y. not uncover the partner during their earlier investigation of Markridge? The answer may come in the season finale.

Vision’s own journey through his programming takes the form of repeated trips through the same elevator and hallway, where he encounters echoes of Ultron and the original Vision. With help from J.I.M., he reaches the admission he has been avoiding. He also saves Lisa and shows Thomas the events of WandaVision, explaining the other consciousness in his head.

Ultron remains difficult to read. He knew F.R.I.D.A.Y. had hidden herself in Jocasta’s mainframe and kept that information from her, while continuing to help both Jocasta and Vision. His motives remain unclear, and his use of Wanda’s line “family is forever” gives the phrase a more ominous edge. The episode sets up a confrontation with the client in the season finale.

Sources: Reactor.