Summary
Loki season 2 is a thrilling and exciting watch, with a compelling story and larger roles for season 1's smaller players.
Despite the distraction and discomfort caused by Jonathan Majors' ongoing legal battle, his presence as Kang does not overshadow the strong episodes of the season. The show's narrative is enriched by its exploration of philosophical themes and inquiries into free will and the purpose of existence.
Loki season 2 returns amidst a pivotal moment for the Marvel Cinematic Universe. The industry has recently undergone significant changes, with writers securing a fair deal, actors gearing up for negotiations, and Marvel VFX workers voting to unionize due to poor working conditions. The future of the MCU itself is uncertain, making the existence of Loki season 2 somewhat remarkable. Despite this, the new season presents a captivating storyline that stands on its own, separate from the larger narrative arc of the MCU. While the first four episodes offer thrilling moments and the inclusion of new cast members, there are also frustrations, particularly with Jonathan Majors, whose legal battle has gained attention in the media. The presence of his character, Victor Timely, adds an additional layer of uncertainty to the actor's future in the MCU. Nevertheless, Loki season 2 remains a solid and engaging installment in the franchise.
In Loki season 2, Tom Hiddleston, Ke Huy Quan, and Owen Wilson reprise their roles. The season picks up immediately after the events of season 1, with Sylvie (played by Sophia Di Martino) having killed He Who Remains. She sends Loki back to the TVA, but his friends Mobius (played by Owen Wilson) and B-15 (played by Wunmi Mosaku) do not recognize him. Meanwhile, the TVA is in disarray as a menacing figure of Kang appears, and Loki finds himself shifting through time. To address these issues, Mobius and Loki enlist the help of OB (played by the delightful Ke Huy Quan), leading to a series of chaotic events.
One notable aspect of Loki season 2 is its pacing, which is rather surprising. Unlike previous MCU shows that often felt like elongated movies, trying to fill an episodic quota without much thought given to the nature of serialized television (with WandaVision being an exception along with Loki season 1), this season presents each episode with significant developments that drive the narrative forward. While this might be a minimum requirement for most TV shows, it showcases a remarkable storytelling achievement for an MCU series. Moreover, the season touches upon thought-provoking themes that delve into philosophical territories, going beyond the typical questions posed by the heroes in this ever-expanding world. Part of Loki season 2 explores the idea of the futility of fighting for change from within a corrupt establishment. It also raises inquiries surrounding free will, destiny, work-life balance, and the meaning of our existence. Whether these questions will receive satisfying answers remains uncertain.
Wunmi Mosaku in Loki season 2.
Wunmi Mosaku, who left a strong impression in season 1, has a more substantial role in Loki season 2, and it greatly enhances the series. Despite the serious nature of her character B-15, Mosaku has the opportunity to showcase her comedic chemistry alongside Hiddleston, Wilson, and Quan. Kate Dickie also delivers an impressive performance as an authoritative figure at the TVA, and the return of Di Martino is just as thrilling as anticipated. All of these elements are expertly presented in the first two episodes, before Gugu Mbatha-Raw's Ravonna Renslayer makes her return and Jonathan Majors' Victor Timely is introduced. Unfortunately, Majors' presence only serves as a reminder of some of the issues that have plagued the MCU.
Majors is scheduled to stand trial for domestic violence on October 25, but the allegations against him extend beyond that, as highlighted by a Rolling Stone report earlier this year. The report alleges a long history of abuse and toxicity in both his professional and personal life. Regardless of the outcome of his trial, there are numerous concerns that Majors must address. Superficial public relations moves, such as breaking up a filmed fight between high schoolers, are not sufficient. Personally, I found Majors' presence more distracting and discomforting than anything else. However, for many viewers, it may not affect their perception of the show or the MCU at large. If the franchise knows how to handle the character, even the higher-ups may not need to be held accountable.
Sophia Di Martino appears in Loki season 2.
However, the current portrayal of Kang, the next major threat in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, falls short in terms of intimidation. He was previously defeated by the MCU's smallest hero in Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania. In Loki, Kang is portrayed as a timid 19th-century inventor, lacking independent decision-making due to the influence of individuals with stronger convictions. In the first four episodes of Loki season 2, Victor relies on the guidance and scheming of Loki and Mobius, as well as Ravonna and Ms. Minutes, to navigate his choices. In contrast to Josh Brolin's portrayal of Thanos, who gradually asserted his dominance, Kang's impact is diminished by the introduction of numerous variants. Perhaps, the wisest course of action would involve diminishing Kang's role, recasting the character, and gradually revealing his menacing presence in the buildup to The Kang Dynasty.
Like previous installments in the second MCU saga, Loki season 2 appears somewhat separate from the overarching storyline, despite the presence of a Kang variant. Nonetheless, the return of Loki season 2 feels like a fulfillment of a promise, showcasing the intentional direction of the MCU and hinting at something even greater. It comes as no surprise that Marvel's best Disney+ show maintains the momentum from its fantastic season 1 finale. While some lingering questions remain, such as the role of the Majors and how events will shape the Multiverse Saga, Loki season 2 presents a well-realized vision that stands out among other MCU projects. From the impressive design of the TVA to the compelling characters, there is a lot to appreciate. Loki may be just another piece in the Marvel machine, but it operates smoothly for the most part.
Loki season 2 will premiere on October 5, with episodes being released weekly until the finale on November 9.
