If fans of the Marvel Cinematic Universe thought things would slow down after Phase 3, the series on Disney+ quickly disproved that notion. And while each series has had an impact in its way, none of them have single-handedly changed the structure of the MCU the way Loki has. The God of Mischief became a fan favorite from the moment he appeared in the first Thor. The news that he would be starring in a whole series was cause for celebration for the folks at Marvel. No one had any idea that the series would disrupt the very structure of the MCU and that Loki’s antics would lead to the creation of the multiverse, which seems to be playing an essential role in the development of Phase 4.
Categorizing the various Loki episodes is a challenge. Like many Disney+ series in the MCU, it was developed as a single series, and quality comparisons are often based on the different phases of a larger storyline. That said, some episodes stand out more than others. Below is a list of their comparative rankings – from worst to first – and a brief discussion of their stand.
6. lament (episode 3)
The middle sections of projects like Loki usually carry the most weight. They need to develop concepts and ideas from the earlier parts of the series but save the more significant developments for the finale. As a result, “Laminitis” is a gamble for the series. Having seen Sylvie’s variant on TVA, Loki spends most of the episode judging her. It’s a necessary transition, and the mutual bond between Loki and Sylvie is well played.
But the rest of the episode seems to slow down, relying on a typical apocalypse – the destruction of an alien planet – to create action and chaos. Like most things in the series, it works, but it’s mostly a substitute for bigger and better things.
5. “Nexus Events” (Episode 4)
Hot on the heels of “Laminitis,” “The Nexus Event” has a similar struggle on its hands. In this case, it’s setting up the final two episodes, which have cosmic consequences, ending the conflict between Sylvie and TVA, for example. Like its predecessor, it sticks to its guns, doesn’t overstep its bounds, and gets the series from point A to point B with as little confusion as possible.
B-15 and the revelation of the TVA staff help him do that, as does the surprise revelation that the Time-Keepers are empty shells. The most memorable moment, however, is the end credits. The Lokis variant appears for the first time, and the promise of a sequel is made.
4. “Variants” (episode 2)
Since Loki’s principle was explained in the first episode, “The Variant” takes the time to explore it. Loki cautiously agrees to help TVA track down his murderous variant to give his new partner Mobius time to explain better how reality works. The story has a purpose and direction. The mystery surrounding the identity of Loki’s variant is intriguing enough to keep the episode moving. It mainly benefits from the burgeoning chemistry between Loki and Mobius. It allows the evil god to play detective and uncover the variant’s hiding place.
3. “Glorious Purpose” (Episode 1)
The first episode threw Loki and the audience into a crazy new corner of the MCU, following the evil god as he escapes reality during Avengers: Endgame. “Glorious Purpose” embraces his confusion as he finds himself at TVA for the first time, grappling with the seemingly bottomless bureaucracy and realizing that the power he’s sought all his life means nothing in this new reality. It’s a moment of reflection for the character and a promise that Loki will defy many expectations.
2. “Forever. Always.” (Episode 6)
A buildup like Loki’s throughout the season can sometimes fail if the ending doesn’t live up to the hype. Disney+ MCU shows haven’t had this problem, but few have survived the dismantling like “For All Time. Always.” Loki and Sylvie confront the survivors in an ominous foreshadowing of Kang the Conqueror. The episode ends with the spectacular defeat of the “sacred timeline” and the promise of an even wilder second season as the multiverse explodes.
1. “Journey into Mystery” (episode 5)
A series that promises madness is delivered with the penultimate episode where Loki finds himself in the void at the end of time. The journey to the one who remains takes most of the time. Still, the natural brilliance lies in the variants of Loki who survive the void and come to the protagonist’s aid – led by Richard E. Grant in a green and yellow costume straight out of the works of Jack Kirby, and a variant of Loki. This alligator became an instant internet sensation. It was the realization of everything Loki was meant to be and the perfect springboard for the events that changed the franchise.
