Unveiling the Heartbreaking Truth: Loki Season 2's Intriguing Detail that Deepens OB's Tragic Backstory

Warning! This post contains SPOILERS for Loki season 2, episode 1

Summary

In Loki season 2, O.B.'s tragic past is subtly unveiled through a significant alteration in his workplace, symbolizing his isolated and exhausting existence at the TVA.

The absence of O.B.'s beloved Sprite vending machine is an especially cruel blow, stripping away his sole solace amidst the overwhelming demands of his job.

O.B.'s existence remains largely unknown to other TVA agents for over 400 years, as nobody has visited him. However, his lack of memory erasure suggests a significant yet undisclosed importance.

A subtle revelation in Loki season 2 uncovers the tragic backstory of O.B. in the MCU, surpassing his initial presentation. O.B., whose full name is Ouroboros (Ke Huy Quan), has emerged as a prominent figure in Loki season 2, yet numerous mysteries encompass the chief engineer of Repairs and Advancement at the Time Variance Authority. Furthermore, a background detail within his department sheds light on the unfavourable experiences he has endured throughout his centuries of service to the TVA.

A Background Detail Hints At OB's Real Tragedy

: The first episode of Loki season 2 reveals a crucial development as Agent Mobius (played by Owen Wilson) and Loki (played by Tom Hiddleston) seek guidance from O.B. regarding Loki's new temporal affliction termed as "time-slipping." This condition forces Loki's body to uncontrollably jump through different time periods, including the past, present, and future. As their discussion progresses, Loki unexpectedly time-slips into the past and engages in a conversation with O.B. from 400 years ago, while Mobius continues his conversation with the present-day O.B. This significant alteration demonstrates the profound tragedy encompassing O.B.'s existence within the TVA.

Over the span of centuries, from Loki's discussion with Ouroboros to Mobius' present-day conversation, there has been only one notable change to O.B.'s workspace. It appears that there used to be a Sprite vending machine, but it has since been taken away. This is a somewhat tragic development considering O.B.'s unwavering dedication to his work. He claims that his workload continuously piles up if he takes even a brief hiatus, so he diligently persists without rest. Despite being the sole engineer at Repairs and Advancement, O.B. mentions that no one has paid him a visit in more than 400 years. Surprisingly, he maintains a cheerful demeanor while sharing this information.

The Sprite machine provided O.B. with comfort amidst his wretched work conditions, making it even more baffling as to why the TVA took it away. It seems needlessly cruel, and to make matters worse, it appears that it was removed due to budget constraints or transferred to a larger department with more employees, solidifying the fact that the majority of TVA agents are unaware of O.B.'s existence.

The confirmed memory wiping adds to the dismay. Although Mobius and O.B. had encountered each other in the past, Mobius couldn't recall their previous meeting due to being mind-wiped since then. Interestingly, it has been suggested that O.B. has never undergone memory wiping by He Who Remains, implying a deeper significance that remains undisclosed.

Is OB Immortal?

Although O.B. is not immortal, it has been confirmed that "time operates differently in the TVA". Agents of the TVA can and have died, but it seems that work within its walls can persist for centuries. Time has no impact in the TVA, essentially trapping its agents in eternal servitude. Given this, it would be reasonable to assume that O.B. could have retained his Spite machine while tirelessly maintaining the operations of the TVA, as depicted in Loki season 2.

New episodes of Loki season 2 are available every Thursday on Disney+.