Loki's Mind-Bending Glitches: Unraveling the Time-Slipping Enigma in Season 2

Summary

The Loki season 2 trailer introduces the concept of time-slipping, which is similar to glitching in the Spider-Verse franchise.

It is unclear whether there is a technical distinction between time-slipping and glitching, or if it simply boils down to a difference in language.

Loki's experience of time-slipping may have been triggered by his interaction with He Who Remains and the disruption of the Sacred Timeline, or it could be a temporal assault executed by one or multiple Kang variants.

In the Loki season 2 trailer, the Asgardian God of Mischief, Loki, faces the issue of time-slipping. This process bears resemblance to the glitching seen in the Spider-Verse franchise. Both narratives explore the idea of a chaotic multiverse, with different versions of characters traveling through time and dimensions. It remains unclear whether time-slipping and glitching have a technical distinction or if the difference lies solely in their terminology.

Introduced in the trailer, time-slipping is confronted by Loki and Agent Mobius during their encounter with O.B., a member of the Time Variance Authority's "Repairs and Advancement" division, portrayed by Ke Huy Quan. O.B. identifies Loki's peculiar condition, where he unpredictably teleports through time and space, as time-slipping. Regrettably, O.B. lacks the power to resolve this issue. A more troubling concern arises from the fact that time-slipping should be impossible within the Time Variance Authority's premises, yet Loki somehow manages to do so.

Why Loki Slips Through Time In Season 2

Loki's time-slipping in the Loki season 2 trailer remains uncertain. However, it is evident that he is being pulled randomly "between the past and present" and through various points in both time and space. One possibility is that his time-slipping is a side effect of his encounter with He Who Remains in the finale of Loki season 1, and the resulting chaos from the Sacred Timeline being broken. Another possibility is that Loki is being targeted by one of the numerous unchecked Kang variants, who may be using time-based attacks against him.

Regardless of the cause, it is undeniable that Loki's time-slipping exhibits striking similarities to the glitching seen in the Spider-Verse films. This phenomenon occurs when individuals enter a universe that is not their own, leading to intense physical pain as their bodies struggle to adapt to the unfamiliar reality. The Spider Society managed to avoid glitching by utilizing advanced technology, which seems to be unknown to the Time Variance Authority if glitching and time-slipping are indeed the same phenomenon.

However, despite the similarities in symptoms, there is no assurance that time-slipping and glitching are synonymous. When various individuals from different multiverses entered the Marvel Cinematic Universe in Spider-Man: No Way Home, none of them exhibited symptoms resembling either glitching or time-slipping. It is plausible that another factor is at play, such as Doctor Strange's magic counteracting the effects of time-slipping or glitching. Additionally, one theory proposes that the Raimi Spider-Man and Amazing Spider-Man universes are sufficiently similar to the MCU, causing a lack of immediate glitching. Regardless, this enigma will need to be unraveled in Loki season 2.

What Loki's Glitching Means For Loki Season 2

Loki's Time-Slipping: A Boon and a Hindrance

Loki's time-slipping, although causing him distress, may have unexpected benefits. As he traverses through time, it sets the stage for an intriguing storyline in Loki season 2. The God of Mischief shares his profound experiences, revealing that his travels have unveiled a disturbing truth - the imminent threat of absolute destruction looming over our world. This revelation positions Loki as a potential oracle for the Time Variance Authority, guiding them in their quest to triumph over Kang and his variants.

Assuming Loki's time-slips provide accurate information and he and his allies can navigate based on these visions, it still presents a formidable challenge. Furthermore, there are theories suggesting that Kang's direct attack or Loki's encounter with the Kang variant, He Who Remains, could be causing the time-slipping and the creation of the multiverse. Regardless of the circumstances, it's ironic that the Time Variance Authority now sees Loki, typically associated with chaos and confusion, as a relied-upon source of clarity to restore order. Don't miss the premiere of Loki season 2 on Disney+ this Friday, October 6th.