Since his debut in 2011, Tom Hiddleston has consistently stolen the show and our hearts as the god of mischief, Loki. His role as a villain and path of redemption made for one of the best character arcs in the Marvel Cinematic Universe until the end with his (final) death at the hand of Thanos in "Infinity War." But it seems not even death can keep Loki down. Thanks to the Avengers' time travel shenanigans in "Endgame", a version of Loki from after the battle of New York had escaped imprisonment, leading into his very own Disney+ series. And of the three Disney+ Marvel series so far, "Loki" may have the biggest impact on the future of MCU yet.
Despite his escape from the Avengers, Loki is quickly picked up by the Time Variance Authority (TVA) for his deviation from the set course of events in the "sacred timeline". It's at the TVA we learn more about the rules of time travel and the prospects of a multiverse in the MCU; while I still have questions about how certain things work (even more so from what was already established in "Endgame), they still do a good job explaining the main concept. While most variants are quickly erased, this Loki is kept around to help capture another variant of himself that is eluding capture from the TVA; you could see this idea as a mix of "Quantum Leap" and "Silence of the Lambs."
Tom Hiddleston delivers probably his most engaging performance as Loki yet. First and foremost, how he adapts to his new surroundings is really fun. He's truly a fish out of water, being treated like a true prisoner with few comforts and dressing in traditional workplace clothes as opposed to the fancy threads we're accustomed to seeing him in. The best parts though are when he needs to come to terms with the destiny that was originally laid out for him and realizing what he truly wants out of life. It shows that despite his villainous nature and his past deeds, there is something of a hero buried deep down, perhaps even more so in this version than his "sacred" counterpart.
There are more Lokis besides Hiddleston's "sacred variant" though, as we go full "Into the Spider-Verse" with different versions of the character portrayed by different actors. Sophia Di Martino, Richard E. Grant, and Jack Veal are just a few bringing their own spin to the character while also portraying versions comic fans are familiar with. It's really entertaining watching the different versions play off of each other, with the relationship between Hiddleston's and Di Martino's one to root for.
Tom Hiddleston delivers probably his most engaging performance as Loki yet. First and foremost, how he adapts to his new surroundings is really fun. He's truly a fish out of water, being treated like a true prisoner with few comforts and dressing in traditional workplace clothes as opposed to the fancy threads we're accustomed to seeing him in. The best parts though are when he needs to come to terms with the destiny that was originally laid out for him and realizing what he truly wants out of life. It shows that despite his villainous nature and his past deeds, there is something of a hero buried deep down, perhaps even more so in this version than his "sacred" counterpart.
There are more Lokis besides Hiddleston's "sacred variant" though, as we go full "Into the Spider-Verse" with different versions of the character portrayed by different actors. Sophia Di Martino, Richard E. Grant, and Jack Veal are just a few bringing their own spin to the character while also portraying versions comic fans are familiar with. It's really entertaining watching the different versions play off of each other, with the relationship between Hiddleston's and Di Martino's one to root for.
Something to really think about in the series is how Loki's deceptive nature permeates throughout the whole series and with almost every character. Loki appears to want to help the TVA but he of course has his own goals in mind, but the way Hiddleston plays it makes you really think Loki could be genuine in the former. This spreads to the other Loki variants as well as those within the TVA. Just when you're feeling one way about a character, something happens that flips that switch. The only character Loki and the viewer can really trust is Agent Mobius, which isn't hard given the wholesome performance of Owen Wilson.
Where "Loki" lacks in action (though what action it does include is quite decent), the series at its core is more philosophical. With questions surrounding ideas such as free will, destiny, and morality, the series will give you a lot to think about.
Of course the biggest thing to come out of this series is the official establishment of the multiverse in the MCU, both past and future. The first episode states that wars between worlds in the multiverse were constant until everything was folded into one timeline, with the TVA charged with keeping any branches from forming. From the outside, the idea of alternate timelines is exciting, especially since it's a common trope in comics and general audiences have seen the concept through "Spider-Verse" and DC's Arrowverse; keeping everything to one timeline can seem boring. However, there is a well crafted sense of dread in the final episode as the new multiverse begins to take shape; the way the single straight line of the timestream begins to branch out in various directions make it seem like reality itself is cracking. Despite the excitement of what's to come, it comes across like a real "Oh shit" moment.
Because of this though, we can see how the events of "Loki" will reverberate not only when the series returns for its announced second season (whenever that may be), but throughout the MCU as a whole. The "What If..." animated series and "Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness" are prime examples, but "Spider-Man: No Way Home" will take it one step further by most likely giving us an idea of how Sony's partnership with Marvel will lead to crossovers with their their own Spidey related films both past and future. Beyond what we already know is coming, the finale firmly establishes who our next Thanos-level villain for the MCU will be and it's my speculation things will culminate with a film based on Jonathan Hickman's "Secret Wars" event from 2015.
Because of this though, we can see how the events of "Loki" will reverberate not only when the series returns for its announced second season (whenever that may be), but throughout the MCU as a whole. The "What If..." animated series and "Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness" are prime examples, but "Spider-Man: No Way Home" will take it one step further by most likely giving us an idea of how Sony's partnership with Marvel will lead to crossovers with their their own Spidey related films both past and future. Beyond what we already know is coming, the finale firmly establishes who our next Thanos-level villain for the MCU will be and it's my speculation things will culminate with a film based on Jonathan Hickman's "Secret Wars" event from 2015.
In conclusion, "Loki" brings complex new layers to the MCU with a promise of infinite possibilities. It's creative and thought provoking with a talented cast whose chemistry together play a part in turning out exceptional performances. The combination of concept and execution certainly make this series essential viewing for Marvel fans.
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