Loki season 2 has received a great response from fans, particularly after what proved to be a powerful and memorable end to the God of Mischief's story.
Sylvie also returned in this second batch of episodes, taking on more of a supporting role in the story. Some have gone so far as to argue the Loki Variant was largely sidelined, particularly when it came to her and Earth-616 Loki's budding romance.
Loki executive producer Kevin Wright has since explained why the show's focus changed, revealing that the stakes were too high to spend time delving into the romantic feelings the two Variants have for each other.
"I think ultimately the stakes were so high. It's hard to slow down and have smoochie-smooch romantic time together, but everything that's happening is because they do deeply care about each other," he tells ComicBook.com.
"They essentially broke up at the end of Season 1 and then you run into your ex again and they're constantly at odds. And I think the tensions and stress is so high because they care about each other."
"And I think that [the] through line from Season 1 is Sylvie saying, 'Why aren't we seeing this the same way?'" Wright continues. "And that ripples; that ripple at the start there just turns into a tidal wave this season because it all comes down to that: it's two people who deeply care about each other, not being able to get on the same page."
This confirms the way Sylvie betrayed Loki in He Who Remains' Citadel at the End of Time was the end of their romantic relationship. However, as Wright goes on to explain, the Asgardian's actions in the season 2 finale come from a place of love for both Sylvie and his friends, like Mobius, in the TVA.
"Loki would only do what he does at the end because he cares about her because he cares about Mobius more than anyone he's ever cared about," Wright says. "So I don't think it's about pulling back on anything. I think it would feel forced and unnatural to slow down and give them romantic time together. You get to do that on [Loki Season 1 episode] "Lamentis" because they're stuck on a train!"
Loki falling in love with a female Variant of himself drew a mixed response from fans, so that too could have played into the decision. Still, what Wright says here makes sense and we're sure Loki and Sylvie's relationship will deepen if and when they're eventually reunited.
If we're not getting Loki season 3, though, it's tough to say how much room there will be for that in a future Avengers movie, for example.