We Should've Explored This Dynamic Further in 'Loki' Season 2
The dynamic duo of Dox and X-5 captivated viewers in 'Loki' Season 2, leaving us craving for more of their intriguing backstory and their unexpected character development within the TVA
The Big Picture
Dox and X-5 have a mysterious history that is left unexplained in Loki Season 2, leaving audiences to speculate about their relationship and dynamic.
General Dox experiences a change of heart and decides to align herself with the TVA, even though she has committed reprehensible actions. This unexpected development in her character arc adds a surprising twist.
In contrast, X-5 places more importance on his own existence within the Sacred Timeline than on his allegiance to the TVA. He witnesses the demise of his fellow TVA members, demonstrating his self-centered motivations and absence of compassion.
Editor's Note: The following text contains spoilers for Episode 4 of Season 2 of Loki.
In Season 2 of Loki, the cast of characters has been significantly expanded, with new additions and deeper development of existing characters. Notably, the dynamic between Loki (played by Tom Hiddleston) and Mobius (played by Owen Wilson) has received praise for their exceptional chemistry, making them one of the standout duos in the MCU. However, there are other delightful interactions in Episode 4, such as the meeting between O.B. (played by Ke Huy Quan) and Victor Timely (played by Jonathan Majors), who are each other's biggest fans and find joy in meeting despite the impending doom. Additionally, General Dox (played by Kate Dickie) and X-5 (played by Rafael Casal), as the resident TVA menaces, deserve more screen time and exploration.
After their introduction in the Season 2 premiere,
Loki, they regrettably only make a brief reappearance in this episode (particularly for Dox, RIP). However, despite the limited screen time, their captivating dynamic leaves one yearning for more interactions between the two.
Loki, renowned as the God of Mischief, emerges from the shadow of his brother to embark on a thrilling adventure set in the aftermath of "Avengers: Endgame."
Scheduled for release on June 9, 2021, the cast includes Tom Hiddleston, Owen Wilson, Gugu Mbatha-Raw, and Richard E. Grant. This captivating series falls under the main genre of superheroes and consists of two seasons. Produced by Disney+, Loki is set to captivate audiences with its mesmerizing storytelling.
Dox and X-5 Have a History We May Never Know About
In the first season of Loki, two new characters, Dox and X-5, make their debut. However, unlike Loki and the other members of the Time Variance Authority (TVA), Dox and X-5 have been serving the TVA for countless ages. X-5, similar to B-15, is a Hunter, while Dox holds the position of General at the TVA. Both characters are driven by their goals, although their determination may have more negative effects than positive ones. When we are introduced to them, they are engrossed in a conversation about the morality of pruning branches. Through Dox's words and subsequent actions, we discover her desire to maintain the status quo by pruning all branches, regardless of the harm caused. X-5 appears to have a less definitive stance, but it is evident that he aligns with Dox on this matter. When the meeting doesn't go Dox's way, she instructs X-5 to locate Sylvie, an event that sets off a major turning point in his storyline. The interaction between Dox and X-5, including their unsettling embrace, leaves B-15 perplexed, mirroring the confusion felt by viewers as we try to understand the nature of their relationship.
General Dox Has a Change of Heart in 'Loki' Season 2, Episode 4
The two individuals press their foreheads together and embrace before X-5 departs. The act feels more akin to a maternal gesture rather than a romantic one, yet it does not diminish the sheer absurdity of the moment. As no additional information or clarification is provided regarding their relationship, we can only speculate. The most apparent explanation is that Dox has managed to establish a strong bond with her fellow soldiers, and this display of affection is a testament to that connection. Although this aspect is never directly addressed, it brings a poignant nuance to their recent interaction in Episode 4.
Image via Disney+
Trapped together in the holding cell, X-5 and Dox reunite for the first time since the premiere. Dox and her TVA minutemen are all facing punishment for their unauthorized mission to prune branches, while X-5 remains detained for his recklessness on the Sacred Timeline. X-5 attempts to motivate the group to return to their lives on the timeline, but when he tries to reference Galileo, Dox sees through his deception and exposes his betrayal of their mission in favor of his new life as Brad on the Sacred Timeline.
This takes X-5 by surprise and silences him, but his respect for Dox is still evident when B-15 enters. Positioned behind his commander, gripping his collar in the same manner as when he confronted Brad, X-5 observes as B-15 presents a proposal. Dox's actions against the branched timelines are abhorrent and among the most horrifying incidents in the MCU. However, B-15 recognizes that beneath her genocidal tactics, Dox genuinely cares about the TVA and only seeks to safeguard it. Despite differing perspectives on TVA politics, B-15 acknowledges their shared love for the organization. This expression of trust from B-15 towards Dox serves as a leap of faith that leads her to reassess her outlook, resulting in a change of heart. While Ravonna (Gugu Mbatha-Raw) materializes through a Time Door to liberate them, Dox and her minutemen remain steadfast in solidarity with the TVA. Despite harboring deep animosity towards Dox for her genocidal actions, witnessing her defiance against Ravonna is heartening. However, the same cannot be said for X-5.
