The Mind-Blowing Finale of Loki Season 1: Unveiling the Epic Future Setup

Summary

Sylvie's decision to kill He Who Remains allows Kang to take control of the TVA and sets up multiversal conflict in the MCU Phase 4.

Mobius lacks any recollection of Loki as he arrived in an alternate timeline, wherein their paths never crossed, and the actions influenced by Kang's influence over the TVA may have modified their shared past.

The presence of the statue portraying He Who Remains within the TVA serves as evidence that Kang now assumes the role of the supreme authority, governing through intimidation. This development is bound to pose challenges for the heroes of the Marvel Cinematic Universe in the times to come.

Loki episode 6 concluded the Marvel Cinematic Universe series with a satisfying and grand finale. It also skillfully paved the way for Loki season 2 and the broader future of the franchise. Throughout the six episodes of season 1, viewers witnessed the primary Loki variant gain insights into the multiverse, the Sacred Timeline, and the Time Variance Authority. Gradually, it becomes apparent that the TVA is not what it initially seemed.

In the finale of Loki season 1, the puzzle is unraveled as Loki and the variant known as Sylvie come face to face with He Who Remains. He Who Remains reveals himself as the creator of the TVA and the architect of the Sacred Timeline. He explains that he established both to prevent a devastating multiverse war. Despite his warning that killing him would lead to another version of himself taking his place, Sylvie chooses to eliminate him. The consequences of this decision are unveiled in the conclusion of the show, revealing that Marvel villain Kang now controls the TVA and potentially the entire timeline of the MCU.

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Why Sylvie Kills Kang

The killing of the Kang variant known as He Who Remains stands out as the pivotal moment in Loki episode 6. This act allows the infamous Marvel villain to take his place in the timeline, resulting in the resurgence of the multiverse within the MCU. However, Sylvie's decision to eliminate He Who Remains is a perplexing one, considering she is aware that it could have catastrophic consequences, potentially leading to another destructive multiverse war.

However, Sylvie's decision to kill He Who Remains can be better understood by examining her backstory. As a young child, Sylvie was snatched from her own timeline and raised to believe she was flawed due to being a variant. Throughout her entire life, which may span up to 2000 years since she claims to be older than Loki, she has lived in constant fear of being hunted.

The revelation that her beliefs were false and that she is simply another version of the "Sacred" Loki, who was removed from her reality and faced death threats because of He Who Remains' concerns about multiple timelines, is undoubtedly a devastating discovery. In light of this, Sylvie's decision to kill him is likely partly driven by a desire for revenge and partly motivated by giving others the opportunity to live the life she had always longed for.

Why Mobius Doesn't Remember Loki

Loki season 1 heavily relied on the relationship between Loki and Mobius. Therefore, it was quite surprising to discover that when Sylvie betrayed Loki and sent him through the time door, he ended up in a different timeline where Mobius didn't recognize him. This can be understood by considering the altered statue in the TVA offices, indicating that Loki may have never met this version of Mobius due to Kang's leadership and the resulting changes in the timeline that viewers are unaware of.

Furthermore, it is hinted that the changes in this timeline may have prevented Loki from becoming the TVA's most-pruned individual, as previously established. If Mobius doesn't know him, it implies that he has never come across any of Loki's variants, suggesting a completely different history for Loki. On a symbolic level, the absence of Loki's second greatest ally, following Sylvie's betrayal, leaves him feeling isolated and alone—bringing Lady Sif's prophecy full circle in a haunting manner.

Kang Statue In The TVA Replacing The Time-Keepers Explained

In Loki episode 6, the Time-Keeper statues at the TVA headquarters are revealed to have been replaced with a statue of He Who Remains dressed in a costume familiar to comic readers. This confirms that Kang, one of He Who Remains' variants, is now overseeing the TVA. The replacement of the statues not only served as a disguise for He Who Remains but also signifies the potential challenges that Kang, as the new TVA overseer, may present to the MCU's heroes in the future.

Furthermore, the statue also hints at a more tyrannical approach by Kang, where he is celebrated rather than concealed in secrecy. This variant seeks attention and admiration, and there are indications that he rules through fear, similar to how Kang is portrayed in Ant-Man and The Wasp: Quantumania.

What Loki Season 2's Story Will Be About

What Loki Was Really Saying About Free Will

revealed in the mid-credits scene of Loki episode 6 that there is another season of Loki. This news naturally sparks curiosity about the upcoming season's storyline. The trailer for Loki season 2 suggests that Loki and Morbius will embark on a quest to track down Sylvie and explore the newly formed multiverse following the events of the first season's finale. Interestingly, it seems that a variant of Kang, known as MCU Victor Timely, might be among their allies. The official synopsis for Loki season 2 further illuminates the plot, stating that the season will follow Loki's efforts to save the Time Variance Authority's soul after the shocking season finale. Alongside Mobius, Hunter B-15, and a mix of new and returning characters, Loki will navigate an expanding and increasingly dangerous multiverse in order to find Sylvie, Judge Renslayer, Miss Minutes, and uncover the truth about free will and glorious purpose.

With countless timelines being eliminated by He Who Remains based on their perceived danger or inconsistency with the Sacred Timeline, it was inevitable that the final episode of Loki would delve into the concept of free will. Both He Who Remains and Judge Renslayer hold firm beliefs that sacrificing individual autonomy and suppressing free will can be justified if it helps maintain order and averts further chaos.

Loki, Sylvie, and Mobius strongly believe that living authentically is worth the chaos of life. The show, however, presents a different perspective. It emphasizes that while Loki and Sylvie's actions were manipulated by He Who Remains, Loki's decision to allow Sylvie to kill Kang's variant showcases his true free will, driven by his desire for her happiness. This highlights that choosing to care for others is the only act consistently stemming from free will.

Ironically, Sylvie's attempt to prevent He Who Remains from controlling the timeline resulted in another variant repeating the same history and taking control of the TVA. This ambiguity suggests that the outcomes of free will may not always be positive, but the exercise of free will itself remains significant.

Kang's Death Starts A New Multiversal War For MCU Phase 4

The death of the Kang variant He Who Remains not only has consequences for the MCU timeline but also has a significant impact on the revival of the multiverse. Previously, it was only the efforts of He Who Remains that prevented the formation of the multiverse. While this outcome brings certain advantages, it also sets the stage for a multiverse war in MCU Phase 4. He Who Remains explicitly states that without one party or universe actively controlling the others, a multiverse war is inevitable. Given the plethora of Marvel comics featuring inter-universe conflicts, it is logical for the MCU to adapt these iconic moments onto the big screens.

Loki Sets Up Multiple New MCU Villains

The conclusion of Loki season 1 sets up an exciting lineup of adversaries to join the MCU's roster. One prominent figure is Kang, whose impending arrival offers great anticipation. Additionally, it's worth acknowledging Ravonna Renslayer's hasty departure as she embarks on a search for "free will." This statement carries an ominous undertone, particularly considering the recent events in Black Widow involving a mind-altering serum that erases all autonomy. Likewise, Sylvie's storyline concludes on a somber note, severing her ties with Loki. This ending hints at the possibility of her transformation into a villainous presence down the MCU's figurative road, despite her seemingly innocent reemergence in a McDonald's during season 2. Their differing moral compasses emphasize the potential divergence of their paths.

The other Kang variants now hold greater significance following Kang The Conqueror's defeat in Ant-Man and The Wasp: Quantumania. He Who Remains has promised countless versions of himself, opening the door for the MCU to explore different interpretations of Nathaniel Richards, such as the Warlord, Iron Lad, and even the imposter Doctor Doom he once became. It appears likely that Jonathan Majors' villain will be positioned as the next Thanos in the MCU, regardless of whether Victor Timely ultimately becomes a more heroic character.

With the reintroduction of the multiverse by Loki, the MCU now has the opportunity to bring forth a wide array of Marvel villains. Concerns surrounding the late introduction of powerful figures like Magneto or Doctor Doom can be dismissed, as they can simply be portrayed as coming from other universes, similar to how Spider-Man: No Way Home featured villains from previous non-MCU films. Furthermore, this allows the franchise to feature villainous iterations of its heroes from alternate universes, adding even higher stakes to Phase 4 and beyond.

Loki season 2 premieres Thursday, Oct. 5 at 9pm ET/6pm PT on Disney+.