Ryan Shoots First: Loki (S2 Ep6) “Glorious Purpose”

The finale of Loki is here, I don’t know what the plans are for future seasons but man does this finale wrap up some threads in interesting and satisfying ways. Also in ways that have huge ramifications for the next stage of the MCU and the incoming threat of the Kang Dynasty. Loki presents an emotional finale that culminates in one of the best character arcs in the MCU.

We leave our titular character in a place of his choosing, not guided by fate, his family, or even his misguided ideals of the episode’s title “Glorious Purpose” he is a capable empowered God who takes control of not just his fate but that of those he cares about. Tom Hiddleston owns Loki and plays every emotional beat masterfully. Whether sly cheekiness, speedy wit, or intense emotion he is in command and delivers one of the most competitive performances we have seen. The whole cast is really on though. I have mentioned how great Owen Wilson is but in these final two episodes and this season, we have driven into his motivations so much more. The idea that he doesn’t want to know what his other life could be, how committed he is to the TVA and the greater good he never has stopped to dwell on the things he does this season, and his character is given a satisfying conclusion in this episode. 

And that seems to be the theme here. Conclusion, the story goes on leading to the next Avengers film but as for Loki as a show itself this felt like a series finale and we will catch up with some of our heroes later down the line. I love that amid the shakeup at MCU’s TV division and a scathing article this week in Variety about how the MCU is in decline and why, constant talk about quality and fatigue. All for Loki to just be running one of the most insightful and deep stories we’ve seen in all of the MCU. I know it is popular but it still feels like it is underrated in the grand scheme. As many of the other shows while even fun feel like not necessary or just side stories, Loki feels like essential viewing and its existence is WELL justified. 

Observations

• Deep throwback
• Loki being able to time travel at will is pretty nutso really. He’s the God of Mischief!
• Interesting he just replaced himself
• Ahh I see he let it play out so he could ask OB
• It’s like the Doctor Who episode where he tried a billion times to chip through that crystal wall
• Hahaha this is hilarious
• It’s like Happy Death Day as well
• Haha the sound of the tube was perfect
• Loki is committed
• Hiddleston is on another level here
• Ehhh I don’t trust it
• Way to go Sylvie!
• Oh wow we going really way back
• The game master
• Ugh Majors is so good cmon man.
• Damn good move Loki
• He’s surpassed even a time lord now
• Feels like we’re finally taking that big leap towards Kang Dynasty
• Bad Ass
• The fact that loki is the frikin her of all of time and no one will ever know is so on brand and perfect.
• Seriously Thor is just running around having a good time while Loki is holding all of time together being all responsible.