Loki Season Two Early Review

The following is a spoiler-free review of the first 4 episodes of Loki Season 2, the first premieres this Thursday on Disney+

One of the most successful MCU Disney+ streaming series thus far, Loki is also the first to earn a second season which feels appropriate after how the first ended. Since their inception, these series are often viewed through the lens of what they presumably do or don’t set up in terms of the upcoming MCU film slate and that has often gotten in the way of their enjoyment as they should be given the chance to stand on their own. That being said, that doesn’t mean that season 2 of Loki doesn’t do work to contribute to the MCU as a whole but most importantly, delivers a stronger ensemble story as the TVA found itself at a crossroads following the death of He Who Remains and the resulting damage of the sacred timeline. Beyond the consequences of the hit to the sacred timeline, most of the employees of the TVA were faced with their own humanity after the truth of their existence was revealed. This newfound perspective as the authority looked to pave a path forward was certainly interesting to watch play out as it pulled some life out of many key characters and allowed the supporting cast a chance to shine.

Last season ended with a cliffhanger that saw Loki end up in an alternate version of the TVA though that was only the beginning for him. The promotional material for this season has already revealed Loki’s issues with time slipping where he was constantly dragged from the past and the present. This would serve a purpose that the writers used in inventive ways as it set the stage for what was to come. Meanwhile, faced with their humanity and the prospect of free will, the TVA found itself in the middle of an existential crisis that made them question how they operated. However, not everyone was necessarily on board with the new direction it seemed to be going, creating a philosophical divide that threatened its future. The immediate threat came from its inability to process the increasing branching timelines all while Sylvie and Renslayer lurked somewhere on the horizon. The former, a wanted fugitive, simply wanted was to settle down which was clearly not going to happen anytime soon. The other appeared to be working under someone else’s orders but she had her own motivations as well. As her emotions slowly trickled out, things started to change with her sinister side coming out (Mbatha-Raw was up for that challenge).

In the end, all roads eventually led to Victor Timely, a He Who Remains variant would be the key to either saving the TVA or destroying it. An eccentric inventor whose ambition often outweighed his luck and that tended to rub a lot of people the wrong way. Saddled with the baggage from his previous incarnation that he had to fight against, perhaps unfairly, he was a drastically different person in every way in what was a real testament of the range of Jonathan Majors. In the middle of a tug-of-war between rival philosophical factions, that war will surely have viewers on the edge of their seats as it went down to the wire to which the end result remains to be seen. Suffice it to say, it did not look good as the season has only 2 episodes left to figure it out.

On a technical level, the new direction season keeps much of the same style that made it arguably the most beautiful MCU series to date and goes even further. Featuring countless beautiful shots, the colorful TVA remains a visual marvel. The production design is top notch as is the various period costume design. Tying it all together was another impressive score. Along those lines, the performances also delivered. Taking a more ensemble approach to its story, others beyond Hiddleston and Wilson, who were great themselves, were given a chance to shine. The dynamic between Loki and Mobius and the chemistry of Hiddleston and Wilson of course leads the way once again and Di Martino was a delight as Sylvie but getting Mosaku, and Eugene Cordero’s Casey more involved proved to be a great choice. New additions such as Kate Dickie, Rafael Casal, and a scene-stealing Ke Huy Quan all had a nice impact.

At the end of the day, the newest season of Loki keeps the same style and thrill as it takes the series in a direction that better utilizes its ensemble.

still courtesy of Marvel Studios

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Keith Noakes

The EIC of the coincidentally-named keithlovesmovies.com. A Canadian who prefers to get out of the cold and into the warmth of a movie theatre.