Spoilers for Loki episode two ahead please do not read further if you haven’t seen the new episode.
“The Variant” proves that we have no idea what’s going on or who to trust, but that’s always been expected with Loki as a series, and it’s what makes this all such a confusing joy ride.
The reality is, at the moment, we can’t even trust Loki, not really, at least not yet because he not only tells us not to, but he makes it clear that there’s still so much mischief to ensue. But still, we can at least trust him to a certain degree—he is our main character after all, the one whose story we’re meant to follow.
But what is he doing this week if not living the life of a college student and doing all the research? It’s not always fun, bud. Trust me. I get it. And sometimes, yeah, libraries are too quiet.
The Destruction of Asgard Hits Close to Home
The little glimpses we continue to get of this Loki feeling emotionally drawn to home and the destruction of Asgard is going to continuously make me cry. Tom Hiddleston’s performances continue to be so nuanced and riveting, there are few words to break it all down. The way it’s made obvious by the camera panning to the close up of his eyes to show us everything that Loki can’t utter aloud was gut-wrenching. The way we can very clearly see just how much is happening within him because of Hiddleston’s embodiment is brilliant, and it continues to be the thing that reminds of the fact that Loki isn’t just a villain, but truly one of the most layered characters in the Marvel Cinematic Universe.
Asgard might not have always felt like home to the variant in front of us, but it’s always been the place he’s longed for—the place he’s deep down cared about and wanted to stay in. Asgard and its people haven’t always been kind, but it’s always been a part of him, and it’s a loss he has yet to experience but it hits close to home, nevertheless.
And as we continue exploring this, it’ll be riveting to see just how much he grows in this time period as well.
The Variant’s Research Pays Off
Loki isn’t always easy to understand, quite frankly, I’m still trying to figure out what on earth he was saying throughout the episode, but he was right about where to find the variant. He was also right about the fact that goats should be freed. Somewhere, Milo the Goat is thanking the God of Mischief.
It comes down to the fact that there is something so fascinating about the way his brain works, and the calculated plans that so often work out for the best. Or do they? Who knows. But credit goes where credit is due and Loki knows what’s up. He knows how to figure things out so long as he’s given the platform too and whether it works in his benefit, or someone else’s, the mechanisms of his brain are a fascinating place.
Ravonna the Coaster Queen
Do I trust anyone working for the TVA? Not really. In the Marvel Cinematic Universe, it’s hard to trust organizations when so many have gone off the deep end. It’s also hard to be certain of new characters. But for the time being, something about Ravonna seems genuine. She seems to care about the job she’s in charge of and the people she works with. She also understands the importance of coasters and honestly, brownie points for that. I trust people who use coasters.
The people on top might be corrupt, but I’m really hoping she’s a character who continues to be on the side we’re rooting for.
The Salad Metaphor
This is actually the equivalent of “I’ve connected the two dots” “you didn’t connect shit” “I’ve connected them” meme, is it not? Again, nothing about Loki’s metaphor made any sense and Mobius just wanted to eat his salad. Or maybe it did make sense and I’m just too sleep deprived for it to make sense, but again, what I love most about Loki is that chaos follows wherever he goes and that includes connecting the dots.
It also leads to the realization that perhaps a bit of chaos is needed in this world. Because this ultimately leads to the understanding that there’s no free will if the TVA keeps stepping up, and it cements the idea that so much of what Loki does is to ultimately achieve a form of freedom—for himself and others. (Even when he’s wrong.)
The Variant is … Lady Loki?
Is she or is she not? Did she leave the portal open for him and what’s her agenda? Do we trust her, do we not? I don’t know, but both of the variants are going to prove to be intriguing and I’m very much here for whatever comes following this reveal. But also, this is only the second episode, a huge reveal like this feels like a red herring.
Glorious Mischief and Further Thoughts
- Loki messing with Miss Minutes was an intriguing way to start the episode.
- “Professor Loki” ooh, what’s he teaching? I just thought about Loki possibly teaching math or science and now my head is spinning.
- The winks with every “that’s me.” The confidence. There’s no one like him.
- “TVA propaganda is exhausting.” Valid. Absolutely valid.
- “I see a scheme” Excellent. I just. . .I need Kaz Brekker and Loki in the same room at some point though that’ll never happen.
- Mobius has a soft spot for broken things? Tell me more.
- “Insecure need for validation.” If this is something we explore this season it’ll be so interesting to see.
- Why is everything about the TVA creation classified? I don’t trust that.
- “I’d never stab people in the back that’s such a boring form of betrayal.” Okay, bud. Okay.
- Existence is chaos, nothing makes sense. YUP. This.
- No one bad is ever truly bad, and no one good is ever truly good.
- What do you mean there is no candy is Asgard?