The Multiversal Authority Intends for Loki and Sylvie to Shape the Future

Article Summary

In Season 2, Loki and Sylvie are progressively discovering shared understanding and collaborating harmoniously, despite their contrasting traits. This suggests their potential as proficient allies in governing the multiverse.

During Season 1, He Who Remains orchestrated a series of events that led Loki and Sylvie to his presence. In doing so, he presented them with an enticing proposition: to assume his role in overseeing the TVA and safeguarding the Sacred Timeline.

Loki's pursuit of order and Sylvie's skepticism towards the TVA's actions bring balance to their perspectives, enabling them to find compromise and prevent extremist ideologies from dominating the multiverse.

After the events of Loki Season 1, both Loki (Tom Hiddleston) and Sylvie (Sophia Di Martino) have been haunted by the consequences of their encounter with He Who Remains (Jonathan Majors). Throughout Season 2, there has been a significant divide between them, despite Loki's attempts to mend their relationship. However, recent episodes have shown gradual progress in their ability to find common ground. Despite their differences, their contrasting and similar qualities make them a formidable team, and it seems that He Who Remains may have been correct in suggesting that they should work together to govern the multiverse.

In Season 1 of Loki, our titular character unexpectedly crossed paths with Sylvie, a female variant of himself from an alternate timeline. At the time, Sylvie was engaged in a battle against the Time Variance Authority, an organization that Loki had been compelled to serve. In the midst of their confrontation, they found themselves teleported to the ill-fated moon, Lamentis-1, oblivious to its impending destruction. Together, Loki and Sylvie forged an unlikely partnership to ensure their survival. What started as a reluctant alliance gradually blossomed into something more, as they discovered shared experiences and a deepening connection. Collaboratively, they also unraveled the deceptions woven within the TVA. Ultimately, their journey brought them to the climax of time itself, where they confronted He Who Remains, a variant of Kang the Conqueror and the true mastermind behind the TVA.

Loki

Loki, the mischievous God, ventures on an exciting journey that unfolds after the events of "Avengers: Endgame." Starring Tom Hiddleston, Owen Wilson, Gugu Mbatha-Raw, and Richard E. Grant, this superhero tale is set to premiere on June 9, 2021.

What Was He Who Remains' Offer to Loki and Sylvie?

Image via Marvel Studios

He Who Remains, an ancient being, recounted a story from eons ago when numerous versions of Kang engaged in a devastating war within the multiverse. To resolve the conflict, he took control of Alioth, a monstrous entity that consumes matter, and utilized its power to unify the multiverse into a single timeline, known as the "Sacred Timeline." This prompted him to establish the Time Variance Authority (TVA) as a means to police and prevent the emergence of additional universes, fearing that it would provoke another destructive war among the various Kang variants. Additionally, He Who Remains admitted to purposefully orchestrating events that led Loki and Sylvie to him, expressing his weariness and desire to pass on his role of directing the TVA and safeguarding the Sacred Timeline to them.

The offer presented a dilemma for the two protagonists. Loki, showcasing his newfound heroic nature, expressed concern for the innocent individuals within the multiverse, recognizing the potential threat posed by the other Kang variants. Conversely, Sylvie mistrusted He Who Remains and perceived his story as yet another manipulation, remaining steadfast in her determination to kill him. This divergence in their perspectives led to a rift in their alliance. As Loki attempted to prevent Sylvie from carrying out her plan, she accused him of reverting back to his villainous tendencies and seeking power, deeply hurting Loki. When Sylvie questioned why they couldn't see things the same way, Loki responded with a poignant statement: "Because you can't trust, and I can't be trusted." Following a momentary affectionate encounter, Sylvie forcefully sent Loki through a time portal, returning him to the TVA, and proceeded to kill He Who Remains. Regrettably, this act resulted in the restoration of various timelines, reviving the multiverse and reigniting the threat posed by the other Kang variants, as depicted in the Marvel Cinematic Universe film, Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania.

'Loki' Season 2 Shows He Who Remains Might Have Been Right

In Season 2, Loki collaborates with the remaining TVA agents to restore order in the newly chaotic multiverse. Sylvie eventually joins him, although initially it is to safeguard the timeline where she began a new life from being erased by the renegade TVA General Dox and her forces. Despite their collaboration, Sylvie maintains her critical stance towards the TVA, questioning their past and present actions. However, as Loki continuously emphasizes, the TVA possesses the knowledge and skills necessary to navigate the current crisis safely. In Episode 4 of Season 2, they make significant progress in aligning their perspectives, as Sylvie reluctantly acknowledges the potential necessity of the TVA, at least in the present moment. Nevertheless, she remains skeptical about the decision to entrust Kang variant Victor Timely with knowledge of the organization, as well as the likelihood of long-term reforms within the TVA. Expressing her concerns to Loki, she remarks, "It seems like whatever we do, we're playing God." While Sylvie's steadfast resentment towards the TVA may initially appear immature and stubborn, her consistent scrutiny of the moral implications of manipulative actions serves as a crucial counterpoint to Loki's perspective. This underscores one of the season's primary themes: despite his cruelty and immorality, He Who Remains may have made the right choice in selecting Loki and Sylvie as his potential successors. Their divergent histories have shaped opposing viewpoints on many issues related to preserving the multiverse, which is precisely why their collaboration is so effective. The combination of their contrasting perspectives and genuine affection for one another enables them to find compromise, preventing either from excessively imposing their ideologies.

Loki's desire for order, despite his destructive past and the title of God of Mischief, has always been a significant aspect of his character. Even when he was a villain, he demonstrated this desire. In the first Thor film, his ultimate goal was to eradicate his own biological species, the Frost Giants of Jotunheim. Although this was partly driven by his longing for love and approval from his parents, he genuinely believed that removing the Frost Giants would make the universe safer and more peaceful. Similarly, when he launched his invasion of Earth in The Avengers, he claimed that he wanted to free humanity from freedom itself, arguing that accepting this would bring true peace. While twisted, these views illustrate the origins of his current inclination towards order, even at the expense of some freedom. When he tells Sylvie that they are gods, it reveals his belief in his entitlement to authority due to his Asgardian heritage and abilities. However, this also highlights how much he has changed, as he now recognizes his obligation to protect the public based on his unique abilities. This evolution of his character is well-written and nuanced, making him endlessly compelling.

Sylvie's current beliefs are more apparent, considering her shorter story compared to Loki's. Her history exemplifies the faults of the TVA under the leadership of He Who Remains. She was abducted as a child, destined to cause a Nexus event, although the specifics were unknown even to Ravonna Renslayer, the agent in charge of the operation. She managed to escape before being pruned and spent her life hiding in apocalypses, seeking ruthless revenge. The fact that all of this was orchestrated by He Who Remains to ensure their meeting highlights the cruelty of his methods, and by extension, the TVA's. Sylvie's experiences make her vital to the efforts of genuine reform within the TVA. Her knowledge of the organization's past actions drives her fight for more humane tactics in the future.

What Is in Loki and Sylvie's Future?

Image via Disney+

Loki and Sylvie, as co-heads of the TVA, would bring a balance of order and freedom to the multiverse. With Loki's newfound heroic responsibility, he recognizes the importance of monitoring potential threats and using unconventional methods when necessary. Sylvie, on the other hand, will always be there to prevent them from veering into extreme authoritarianism like He Who Remains. Although neither of them is particularly thrilled about their positions, there is a silver lining. Working closely together will compel them to address their personal issues, potentially leading to the pursuit of a romantic relationship they both desire but haven't been able to make work thus far. Taking over from He Who Remains could be the perfect bittersweet conclusion to their stories.

However, this doesn't mean the end is near. Kevin R. Wright, the producer of Loki, described the first two seasons as chapters in a larger book that will conclude with Season 2. He also mentioned that there are plenty of other stories to explore in this world. Despite Loki's popularity and Tom Hiddleston's ongoing dedication to the character, and Sylvie's relatively new presence in the franchise, it's unlikely that either character will be retired permanently. The Marvel Cinematic Universe thrives on long-running narratives, and there are still many tales to be told.

Loki Season 1 and 2 is streaming on Disney+.

Editor's P/S

In the second season of Loki, we see Loki and Sylvie's partnership develop and grow stronger. Despite their contrasting traits, they are able to find common ground and work together to safeguard the multiverse. This suggests that they have the potential to be proficient allies in governing the multiverse.

After the events of Season 1, Loki and Sylvie are both haunted by the consequences of their encounter with He Who Remains. They have a significant divide between them, despite Loki's attempts to mend their relationship. However, recent episodes have shown gradual progress in their ability to find common ground. Despite their differences, their contrasting and similar qualities make them a formidable team. It seems that He Who Remains may have been correct in suggesting that they should work together to govern the multiverse.