Any Marvel Cinematic Universe tv series has two tasks it needs to accomplish. It needs to move the overall plot of that universe forward, while also establishing itself as a standalone TV series in which characters have their own motivations and points of view.
Wandavision and The Falcon and Winter Soldier were more interested in bringing out an individual identity of their own, but ultimately weren't really successful because they couldn't resist relishing in the MCU trappings, especially in the season finale of Wandavision, which is basically a CGI generated red skies filled slugfest.
All of this is to say, Loki is the first MCU show which finally pushes the plot of the Marvel Cinematic Universe forward, building on the foundations of the last 10 years, breaking those foundations and charting a new course. And it succeeds, far more than its two other counterparts.
One of the bigger reasons is show-runner Michael Waldron's confidence in leaning in to the absolutely goofy and weird aspects of this comic based universe. I wasn't exactly a fan of the time travel aspect of Avengers Endgame. But Waldron and director Kate Herron uses a version of Loki, who escaped in Avengers Endgame, and immediately follows up on that plot thread, and it is fascinating, primarily because Loki as a character is very interesting, and also Tom Hiddleston as Loki is definitely at his most charismatic here.
The addition of the TVA (Time Variance Authority), an organization dedicated to ensuring the existence of a single timeline, is one of those singularly weird 70s sci-fi concept not seen usually; utilizing a 6 episode series to explain the concept of time travel in this universe while also breaking said concept, is a riskier venture to take, but Waldron and Herron go for it.
It is admirable to see the chutzpah of the creators, Loki works both because it is outside the confines of the MCU while also working in the confines of it.
MCU has become a brand, and brand recognition is one of the bigger reasons you get a Hollywood star like Owen Wilson as a series regular, while Richard E. Grant is a guest star. The chemistry between Wilson and Hiddleston's Loki is a treat to watch, an odd couple relationship, while Sophia Di Martino's Sylvie's relationship with Hiddleston's Loki is also charming in its progression from antagonistic to something resembling romantic; even though the implications of said relationship is partly incestuous and partly narcissistic, so the reasoning for the progression feels off.
Gugu Mbatha Raw's character of Ravonna is surprisingly a far more interesting character than the show's initial episodes would believe. Loki succeeds as a series because it manages to balance intimate characters with utterly weird special effects heavy action set-pieces. But unlike the other shows in the MCU, Loki feels very much unique in its utilization of green screen, and CGI to create environments you haven't seen, at least in the MCU.
But in terms of relative importance, Loki succeeds in elevating itself to a key piece in the newer tapestry of the universe, and while it does that in expense of a 36 minute exposition in an episode running 44 minutes, the overall implication and ending manages to wash away any criticism I might have in the structuring of the final episode.
The way the final episode ends for Loki also feels surprisingly inevitable - he is still alone against the world, perhaps far more alone than he was in the start of the series, all the while the new "Endgame" of the MCU is revealed, and after a long time I am finally excited again for the future.
Rating - ⭐⭐⭐⭐/5
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