In Loki's latest episode, "Heart of the TVA," we learned why no one in the Time Variance Authority remembers He Who Remains and watched as Kang Variant Victor Timely suffered death by spaghettification.
Both moments delivered the sort of jaw-dropping twists the series has become known for. Now, in a new interview with The Hollywood Reporter, Head Writer Eric Martin confirmed it was after this mind-wipe that He Who Remains created the fictional Time-Keepers.
"That’s the microcosm moment for what he did to the entire TVA," he explains. "He wipes everybody’s minds after he used them to get to power. He used Renslayer. She thought they were partners, but he wiped her mind. The way that he was going to be able to retain power is to create this facade, and then he stays at the Citadel at the End of Time to look over it all."
As for Victor's shocking demise - just as he was seemingly about to prove himself a hero - Martin says, "Well, this is the pivot point of the season and of Loki’s story here, and a lot of times, these pivot points can seem like the end of the journey. Obviously, we have two more episodes, so this journey is going to continue, but it is not going to be the straight line that we expect."
"This is not something that’s just a piece of plot," he continues. "This is part of an overall story tapestry that we’ve built. There’s a lot going on this season, but everything is purposeful. There’s meaning in all of it."
There are only two episodes left in Loki's second season, and when Martin was asked what he can say about the penultimate chapter and finale, he responded, "I think the best is ahead. Our season builds and builds, and I think five and six are the best episodes of the season."
Next Thursday really can't get here soon enough...
Loki season 2 will pick up in the aftermath of the shocking season finale when Loki finds himself in a battle for the soul of the Time Variance Authority. Along with Mobius, Hunter B-15 and a team of new and returning characters, Loki navigates an ever-expanding and increasingly dangerous multiverse in search of Sylvie, Judge Renslayer, Miss Minutes and the truth of what it means to possess free will and glorious purpose.
The series stars Tom Hiddleston, Sophia Di Martino, Gugu Mbatha-Raw, Wunmi Mosaku, Eugene Cordero, Rafael Casal, Tara Strong, Kate Dickie, Liz Carr, Neil Ellice, with Jonathan Majors, Ke Huy Quan and Owen Wilson.
Justin Benson & Aaron Moorhead, Dan Deleeuw and Kasra Farahani direct episodes. The Head Writer is Eric Martin.
The first four episodes of Loki season 2 are now streaming on Disney+.