Loki - Episode 2

By Ephraim Belnap 

Starring: Tom Hiddleston, Owen Wilson, Gugu Mbatha-Raw

Created by: Micheal Waldron

Episode 2 directed by: Kate Herron

5 Out Of 5

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Warning - the events of this episode and indeed the whole series are predicated on key events that happened in Avengers: Infinity War and Avengers: Endgame. If you don't want to be spoiled for those films, go watch them first.

    What does Loki as a good guy look like? Well, it’s hard to say. In Episode 2 of his series, he plays the part of the kooky police consultant who’s too cool for the rules, while also having his own selfish agenda. Loki contained is not Loki reformed, and it’s clear from the pre-credits opening that he’s still looking for a way out. “I’ll bet you’re dying to meet the Time-Keepers … so you can overthrow them,” says Mobius with a wry smile. But the heroes can’t just rest on their laurels; the rogue time-traveler is active, and stealing tools that the Time Variance Agents need.

   Marvel shows the strength of the six-episode format. Like The Falcon and the Winter Soldier, it’s long enough to show a lot happening, but short enough that it’s hard to make filler. Like WandaVision’s sitcom/movie format, Loki blends its wider plot with a police procedural, as Mobius and Loki visit crime scenes and look at case files. But since their scenes tend to be hurricanes and volcanic eruptions, it works A visit to Mount Vesuvius with a Latin-spouting Loki is particularly memorable, and eventually the two end up following up a lead, that ends the episode with a bang. 

Loki and Agent Mobius debate over lunch

    The performances are as good as ever, with Tom Hiddleston's mix of charm and vulnerability bouncing off of Owen Wilson's subdued humor. It may not be the beginning of a beautiful friendship, but it's definitely the beginning of something, and Marvel fans will be very invested in what happens. 

Loki is available to stream now on Disney+