Summary
Loki has not won a physical fight since "Thor: The Dark World," spanning almost a decade of MCU content.
"Loki" season 2 must enhance Loki's power and emphasize his trickster abilities to ensure the future success of Phase 6 and its significance in the fight against Kang. By utilizing Loki's magic and showcasing his cunning in combat, the second season has the potential to deliver more captivating action sequences and demonstrate his strategic brilliance in order to achieve victories.
Loki season 2 has the potential to address a long-standing issue in the MCU that spans over a decade. Prior to his solo series, which brought Loki back from a different point in time, the God of Mischief had a remarkable journey that lasted almost ten years. From his debut in 2011's Thor to his unexpected demise in 2018's Avengers: Infinity War, Loki went through a captivating character development that captivated audiences throughout the MCU.
However, when considering both the original Loki's narrative and the rejuvenated version seen in Loki season 1, an astonishing observation emerges. Throughout his encounters with the Avengers, Thor's adversaries, Sylvie, and the TVA agents, Loki has engaged in a multitude of physical altercations that are difficult to quantify. Reflecting on these intense combat scenes, a remarkable fact that can be traced back to 2013's Thor: The Dark World becomes apparent and could potentially be addressed in the story of Loki season 2.
Loki Has Not Won A Physical Fight Since 2013’s Thor: The Dark World
Loki's track record in physical fights has been less than stellar since Thor: The Dark World. In Thor: Ragnarok, he faced defeat at the hands of Doctor Strange, Valkyrie, Hela, and even his own brother Thor. While he managed to hold his own against Hela's minions, he still couldn't claim victory against any named characters in the movie. Things didn't improve for Loki in Avengers: Infinity War, as he met his demise at the hands of Thanos right at the beginning.
His struggles continued in the series Loki, where he found himself outmatched by TVA agents like Hunter B-15 and Ravonna Renslayer. He was then defeated by a citizen under Sylvie's control in episode 2, and thrown off a train on the desolate planet Lamentis in episode 3. In episode 4, Ravonna Renslayer ultimately pruned him, and later on, he lost a fight to Sylvie in He Who Remains' palace. The only instance where Loki managed to gain an advantage was against Hunter B-15 in episode 1, but even then, it was through cunning and manipulation utilizing the TVA's time mechanics.
Loki Season 2 Needs To Make Loki More Formidable For The Future Of Phase 6
Loki season 2 must enhance Loki's power and presence, considering his lengthy losing streak. To align with his significance in the Multiverse Saga and his character's potential, it is crucial for Loki to exhibit a greater level of strength. Despite being on par with characters like Thor and Valkyrie, Loki's physical battles fail to showcase his true abilities. Rather than weakening Loki, the focus of Loki season 2 should be on boosting his confidence and self-assurance, resulting in more impactful fight scenes. Moreover, Loki's role in the fight against Kang highlights his importance in the wider narrative of the Multiverse Saga.
To stand shoulder to shoulder with other heroes in the MCU, Loki's action sequences need to exude unwavering determination. Therefore, Loki season 2 can adopt an approach that both rectifies his losing streak and amplifies his uniqueness. By leveraging his magical prowess, Loki can become a formidable adversary, using his title as the God of Mischief to outsmart his foes. This approach would lead to even more captivating and exciting action sequences, far surpassing what has been seen in previous MCU installments such as Thor: The Dark World and Loki season 1.