Warning! This article contains spoilers for Loki season 2.
Article Overview
In Loki season 2, a new ability has been bestowed upon Loki, granting him control over the manipulation of time and the ability to traverse through any point in space-time. This newfound power amplifies his strength significantly, surpassing his previous capabilities.
Yet, the introduction of this power presents a challenge for the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU), as it potentially diminishes the significance of other adversaries in the franchise and prompts inquiries into why Loki does not assist in every conceivable circumstance.
In order to address the power level problem, the MCU can choose between two options: either having Loki become more cautious in his use of powers or potentially removing his time-slipping ability after the events of the season 2 finale. By doing so, concerns about Loki becoming too powerful for future threats can be alleviated.
Loki, the Asgardian God of Mischief, has been a significant character in the MCU since his iconic introduction in Phase 1. However, the recent season 2 of Loki has brought forth a new power that could pose challenges for the entire MCU. With his magical abilities and frost giant physiology, Loki has always been a force to be reckoned with in Marvel's movie franchise. Nonetheless, he has never reached the same power level as the mightiest heroes and villains in the Marvel universe.
Loki season 2 appears to be addressing this issue as Loki takes on a new role and acquires a powerful new ability that surpasses any he has possessed before. While this is certainly exciting news, it also presents a potential problem. With Kang poised to challenge the multiverse in Avengers: The Kang Dynasty, the forces of good will require all the assistance they can gather. However, from a larger perspective, the presence of such a formidable character has the potential to diminish the gravity of future MCU movies and TV shows.
Loki Is Now The God Of Stories & Incredibly Powerful
In the latest episode of Loki season 2, the titular god undergoes a significant character transformation as he confronts his longing for companionship and a meaningful purpose in the universe. However, his aspirations of reforming the TVA are thwarted by a temporal catastrophe, leading to his realization of the need to "rewrite the story" and alter his multiversal destiny. This phrase holds great significance, mirroring Loki's portrayal as the God of Stories in Marvel Comics.
Moreover, episode 5 bestows Loki with a newfound ability. Throughout the season, Loki has grappled with involuntary time shifts, but with his newfound determination, he gains the power to intentionally control these shifts. Utilizing this power, he promptly returns to a moment prior to the destruction of the Temporal Loom. This newfound power allows Loki to traverse through space and time instantaneously, surpassing any display of power seen from the God of Mischief thus far, and carries immense consequences.
Loki's New Power Dwarfs Every MCU Threat So Far
The issue with Loki's newfound power is that it diminishes the significance of other threats in the MCU. Currently, viewers suspend their disbelief as to why the Avengers don't intervene in every individual movie to swiftly resolve the imminent danger. However, this problem intensifies with Loki, who can effortlessly traverse through space and time. Moreover, with the TVA's abilities, Loki is constantly updated about critical events happening in the multiverse, eliminating the excuse that he is unaware of trouble.
Interestingly, a similar problem arose in the MCU in 2023 when G'iah, a Super Skrull with nearly all superpowers in the MCU, was introduced controversially. Nonetheless, Loki's power surpasses even hers. Going forward, the lingering question in every MCU movie and show will be, "Why isn't Loki lending a hand?" This difficulty to overlook might escalate as the franchise increasingly focuses on the emergence of Kang, leading up to Avengers: The Kang Dynasty.
How The MCU Can Avoid Its Loki Power Level Problem
The MCU has a few options to address the issue of Loki's overwhelming new power. One possibility is that his past encounters with the TVA may lead him to adopt a more cautious approach when using his abilities. Having witnessed the destructive consequences of meddling with timelines, Loki may be inclined to intervene only when absolutely necessary to prevent major disruptions. In a way, this would align him with The Watcher from What If...?, who only intervened when reality itself was at risk from Infinity Ultron.
Another option is that Loki might not retain his full power after the events of the Loki season 2 finale. Considering the show's tendency for unexpected twists and turns, it's conceivable that Loki will lose his time-manipulating abilities once the Temporal Loom is stabilized. While he would still possess considerable strength with the support of the TVA's resources (if the finale follows that direction), he would have limitations on what he can accomplish. Regardless, it is hoped that the MCU will offer explanations to alleviate concerns about Loki becoming excessively powerful for future threats that lie ahead.
Editor's P/S
As a Gen Z fan, I am thrilled about Loki's new role as the God of Stories in the MCU. His transformation in season 2 has given him incredible power, including the ability to manipulate time and traverse through space-time. This opens up exciting possibilities for future Marvel movies, as Loki could play a pivotal role in shaping the multiverse.
However, I also recognize the potential challenges that Loki's new power poses for the MCU. If he is too powerful, it could diminish the significance of other adversaries and make it difficult to create a sense of threat in future movies. I hope that the writers will find a way to balance Loki's power with the need to maintain a sense of danger and excitement in the MCU.
Overall, I am excited to see how Loki's new power will impact the MCU in the years to come. I believe that it has the potential to add depth and complexity to the franchise, and I can't wait to see what the future holds for the God of Stories.