Loki Defies the MCU's Post-Credits Tradition (& It's Surprisingly Brilliant)
Loki shatters the MCU's post-credits tradition, unveiling a perfect twist A game-changer for Season 2, it proves that the MCU has mastered the art of delivering jaw-dropping moments, leaving fans craving for more
Warning: This article contains SPOILERS for Loki season 2 episode 6
Article Overview
Loki Season 2 deviates from the norm of incorporating post-credits scenes, in line with Avengers: Endgame's approach, thus emphasizing resolutions and finality. Ultimately, the conclusion of Loki Season 2 commemorates the character's voyage and ultimate selflessness, underscoring the importance of his presence in the MCU.
Loki Season 2's decision to forgo a post-credits scene prioritizes the season's storytelling and message, highlighting the power of silence in creating impact. Marvel's Loki season 2 takes a bold step by subtly hinting that the MCU has learned a crucial lesson from Avengers: Endgame. Considering that post-credits scenes are a significant draw for Marvel movies, it might have been assumed that Loki would include one, especially with the far-reaching implications of the multiverse storyline. However, opting for a more restrained approach ultimately proves to be the correct choice.
Despite Loki being at the heart of the Multiverse Saga and directly setting up the upcoming Avengers: The Kang Dynasty, the final moments of season 2 do not focus on what comes next. Rather than succumbing to the overwhelming temptation to tease the implications of Loki's decision at the end of "Glorious Purpose" for the rest of the MCU, the finale concludes with a poignant sense of closure. Importantly, while Loki season 2 lacks a post-credits scene, which may disappoint some viewers, it serves as the perfect culmination of a lesson introduced four years ago.
Loki Season 2 Is 1 Of Only 3 Major Releases Without A Post-Credits Scene
Breaking the tradition of previous MCU releases with post-credits scenes, Avengers: Endgame defied expectations. Marvel's interconnected universe has consistently thrived on progressing the narrative, swiftly transitioning from one monumental story to the next. Introducing larger threats, intriguing new characters, and featuring renowned actors are all part of the formula. However, Endgame brilliantly deviated from this formula by omitting a post-credits scene (apart from a touching audio homage to Robert Downey Jr.'s Iron Man). This choice was made deliberately, resulting in a truly impactful cinematic experience.
4 years later, Secret Invasion once again defied expectations by becoming the second major MCU release to omit a post-credits scene (Werewolf By Night being the first, but as a Special Presentation it falls outside the "major" category). However, this absence felt like an oversight, considering how Secret Invasion's ending set the stage for other significant MCU events. In contrast, the ending of Loki season 2 deliberately chooses to forgo a post-credits scene, aligning with the purposeful narrative decision made in Endgame.
Loki
Loki, having escaped from a different timeline, takes center stage in his own series, where he delves into the life of his predecessor and unravels the mysteries of time and space. Reluctantly joining the Time Variance Authority (TVA), a governing body that maintains the order of time across dimensions, Loki finds himself on the brink of destruction. To save himself, he must assist the TVA in hunting down another Loki, who poses an even greater threat.
The series, starring Tom Hiddleston, Richard E. Grant, Erika Coleman, Gugu Mbatha-Raw, Sophia Di Martino, Owen Wilson, Wunmi Mosaku, and Sasha Lane, is set to release on June 11, 2021. It is expected to have two seasons.
Loki Proves The MCU Finally Learned Endgame's Lesson
Avengers: Endgame made a deliberate decision to disregard the usual post-credits scene that fans of the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) have grown accustomed to. This choice was motivated by the desire to appropriately honor and focus on the conclusion of Tony Stark's sacrifice, rather than immediately shifting attention towards the future storylines. The ending of Endgame was intended to provide a sense of finality and resolution, and allowing Stark's death (along with everything else in that ending) to have the space and impact it deserved was a brilliantly executed move. According to Anthony Russo:
"We chose not to include end credits in this movie because our main objective was to bring the 22 films that make up the MCU's ten-year storytelling journey to a satisfying conclusion. It was a unique creative opportunity for Joe and me as storytellers, as we didn't have to think about setting up future movies. Instead, we solely focused on reflecting on the past and the collective journey we have all been on since the first Iron Man film. Our aim was to deliver the ultimate sense of closure to this incredible journey, and that's why we decided not to include a post-credits scene."
Loki season 2 concludes one of the longest-running stories in the MCU, featuring Tom Hiddleston's beloved God of Mischief. Since his debut in Thor in 2011, Loki has endured and become an iconic figure in the franchise. Rather than dying, Loki's ultimate sacrifice in the second season holds even greater significance. His presence in the MCU remains constant, and the decision to end Loki season 2 with him singlehandedly preserving the multiverse is a fitting tribute. While the MCU will continue, the focus of "Glorious Purpose" was to allow Loki to tell his own story, making any post-credits scene following his sacrifice detrimental to the character and the season's overall message. Similar to Endgame, Loki season 2 exemplifies Marvel Studios' understanding that sometimes silence about the future is more impactful.
Editor's P/S
I think it was a bold move to break the tradition of post-credits scenes in the MCU, and I think it paid off. The ending of Loki Season 2 was incredibly satisfying, and it didn't need a post-credits scene to add anything more. The story was complete, and it was the perfect way to end the season.
I also think it's significant that Loki Season 2 didn't have a post-credits scene because it shows that the MCU is willing to take risks and try new things. The MCU has been incredibly successful, but it's important to keep things fresh and exciting. By breaking the tradition of post-credits scenes, the MCU is showing that it's not afraid to change things up. I'm excited to see what the MCU does next, and I'm confident that it will continue to be successful.
