Loki has been one of Marvel Studios’ best shows since its inception in 2021. The powerhouse studio has released several different series over that time – to varying degrees of success. One thing that can’t be denied about MCU’s Loki, played by Tom Hiddleston, is that the character has become a fan favorite since his introduction to the big screen. That popularity and the excellent writing, action, and cast of Marvel’s Studios Loki warranted a second season for the series. Yet, another step forward in the multiverse saga is positive; it doesn’t come without its mistakes.
Loki season two sees the return of everyone’s favorite God of Mischief, starring Hiddleston. The returning cast features Owen Wilson (Mobius), Gugu Mbatha-Raw (Ravonna Renslayer), Sophia Di Martino (Sylvie), and Wummi Mosaku (Hunter B-15). Adding to the cast is Oscar-winning Ke Huy Quan, and I’ll say out the gate that Quan joining the show was the right choice from Marvel Studios. The story continues when we’re left off Loki at the end of season one.
I won’t spoil what’s happened, so don’t worry about that.
The show covers the ramifications of Sylvie’s actions from season one, and that’s when the show excels. The TVA must manage the fractured timelines and how the damage affects the cosmic universe. This plot piqued my interest since Marvel Studio’s half-hearted attempt with Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania left a bad taste in my mouth. Loki season two does a much better job exploring the importance of the timeline in the MCU.
For example, Hunter B-15 realizes what resigns in these timelines and does her best to protect them. This story beat helps set the series’ mood, which helps drive the show’s emotional tone. That notion is carried over as Loki, Moribus, and Quan’s character race against the clock, giving the show a level of urgency in the first episode. It’s good and bad because the series pumps the breaks in episode two.
Sometimes, a series must slow down to breathe in several developments in the over-arching arc. Contrary to that notion, Loki‘s season two slams everything to a stop. Episode two does this weird thing where it ramps up in the third act like it’s playing catch-up with itself. It shows the uneven pacing of the series that leaves a rippling effect throughout episodes three and four. Yet, several cast members did some heavy lifting for the show and succeeded.
Hiddleston slips back into his role as Loki and continues to do a fantastic job in the part. The dynamic between him and Wilson hasn’t missed a beat since season one ended in 2021. The show’s comedy utilized the two’s performance well and earned several laughs throughout the show. However, Quan is the one who steals the comedic light from the two. The guy is loveable on and off screen, and that’s clear in the show.
In addition to Quan’s charm, the series showcases the actor’s great comedic timing. One setup involves Quan’s character conversing with Loki at two points in a single timeline. It is a simple scene with simple camera movements, but it perfectly hits all the comedic beats. Quan’s level of precision continues throughout the series and is even elevated when he shares the screen with Eugene Cordero (Casey). Though Quan’s acting presence is felt throughout the show, the chemistry between Mbatha-Raw and Jonathan Majors is another aspect worth mentioning.
Majors continues to be a noticeable player in Marvel Studios’ grand Multiverse Saga and continues to do so in Loki season two. His acting changes with the variants he portrays, allowing the acting more wiggle room and interpretation of his overall character. That performance mixes well with Mbatha-Raw’s role as Ravonna Renslayer when the two share the screen. This season, there’s excellent chemistry between the two, and leans into their comic book counterparts’ connection. These connections will open the door to other shared times on screen that are undoubtedly felt in the Multiverse Saga.
The return of the Loki series is a much-needed return of higher quality Marvel shows. There have been some that are “alright” or don’t quite stick the landing. Loki goes above that – barely. The writing handles the most recent part of this phase in a way that finally shows what’s possible from Marvel Studios. There are some missteps in season two, but nothing to cry about. Loki is back and has a few more adventures ahead of him. Therefore, we should be happy to see where he goes.