Alongside WandaVision, Loki remains the best TV series produced by Marvel Studios for Disney+. As a result, while plans for a second season were welcomed, it felt like the only place for the God of Mischief’s story to go was downhill; after all, surely the show would never be able to maintain its magic, particularly in the midst of a change in both Head Writer and director? With Eric Martin now calling the shots, not only is Loki season 2 just as good as its predecessor, it’s better. Having seen four of six episodes, it’s much easier to get a read on the series than, say, Secret Invasion (which rapidly declined in quality after two stellar opening chapters). As a result, while there’s always a risk the show won’t stick the landing, what we’ve seen so far suggests this will be the Multiverse Saga’s greatest entry to date.
Martin, who penned season 1’s "The Nexus Event" and co-wrote "For All Time. Always,” sharpens the show’s writing and dials back some of the silliness for a clever and compelling approach to time travel which both satisfies and impresses in equal measure. Thus far, there’s no weak link episode (unlike "Lamentis") and with a strong premise and surprises aplenty, Loki is back and better than ever. Making sense of the Multiverse and the TVA’s place in it, there are still heaps of unanswered questions and much about this Saga still needs to gel a little better. Even so, when it comes to this show’s place in the wider MCU, it’s laying the groundwork more effectively for what’s on the horizon than both Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness and Ant-Man and The Wasp: Quantumania combined. It also feels like the God of Mischief will remain a key part of Marvel Studios' grand plan as those new Avengers movies draw closer, and that’s an exciting prospect after delving into this stellar second season.
While Loki may be a little more consistent from a storytelling perspective, rest assured there are still heaps of nutty ideas to be found, from the threat of spaghettification to simply seeing what happens when the TVA falls into disarray. Addressing season 1’s biggest mysteries early on, the show is freed to introduce many of its own, including the threat of another Kang Variant and an impending disaster which promises to keep you coming back every week yearning for more. Justin Benson & Aaron Moorhead, Dan Deleeuw, and Kasra Farahani are on directing duties and keep the tone and feel of the show consistent, while also never shying away from exploring new and unexpected avenues that enrich this corner of the ever-expanding franchise. With Natalie Holt back on composing duties, this deliriously weird part of the MCU is a joy to continue spending time in, and there’s really nothing else in the MCU like Loki.
Tom Hiddleston and Owen Wilson remain a dream team as Loki and Mobius and are, without a doubt, the MCU’s best double-act. They’re both absolutely sublime in their respective roles, bouncing back and forth and leaving us to fall in love with their friendship all over again. With Loki aware of the threat He Who Remains poses, Hiddleston is given the chance to play a version of this character who is on the ropes and not one step ahead for once. Wilson, meanwhile, delves deeper into Mobius’ psyche as we see him mask the pain of being a Variant behind humour. The show does appear to have somewhat moved on from the romance between Loki and Sylvie, for better or worse, but their dynamic remains a fun one. Much of the credit for that must go to Sophia DiMartino and her arc and performance are just as captivating as last year.
Similar to his take on those other Kang Variants in Ant-Man and The Wasp: Quantumania’s mid-credits scene, Jonathan Majors hams it up perhaps a little too much as Victor Timely. However, the character is anything other than predictable and becomes increasingly more enjoyable to spend time with as the series progresses. The rest of season 1's returning supporting cast impresses, with Rafael Casal a standout as new addition Hunter X-5. Unfortunately, Kate Dickie isn’t given a huge amount to sink her teeth into (a shame after rumours she’d have a much larger role to play) but we’re sure many of you will be pleased to know that Ke Huy Quan is an utter delight as OB. In lesser hands, the character might have run the risk of being an irritating distraction, but the actor brings a sense of charm and humour to the role that delivers one of the MCU’s greatest creations. Quan is a highlight in each and every scene, with only Tara Strong’s brilliant evolution of Miss Minutes coming close in overshadowing the show’s leads. What perfect casting.
Are there any weaknesses? Not really, no. Some will inevitably roll their eyes at another Multiverse story, while others will be anxious for answers that help this Saga make sense which aren’t necessarily down to Loki to answer. What’s important is this story works and the trickster’s continued evolution remains as absorbing as ever. Very much a continuation while also forging a new path, the series is enthralling both in the big moments and the scenes where characters just sit and converse over a slice of key lime pie. Marvel Studios has always been at its best while trying something new and, just as they took a gamble on Guardians of the Galaxy and delved into horror with Werewolf by Night, Loki embraces the unknown and feels like one of those comic books you pick up and never want to put down, as a result.
While these first four episodes aren’t crammed with Variants and cameos, they still hold a sense of awe which has been lacking from many recent MCU stories and it’s fun to be so invested again. This gloriously bonkers series is a contender for TV show of the year, and a return to form which serves as a reminder of just how well-suited the MCU is to the small screen when the right creative team is in charge. Martin is one to watch and has a grasp on Multiverse which could make him the right person to trust with the reigns of the aforementioned Avengers movies. With dazzling special effects, an engrossing, energetic approach to storytelling, and a powerhouse cast of actors and characters, Loki proves itself a tale to astonish and a mighty Marvel masterwork that’s destined to go down as a classic. The Multiverse Saga’s saviour is here!
A masterclass in imaginative storytelling, Loki season 2 is the MCU at its best and a riveting new chapter in the Multiverse Saga that’s mind-bending, monumental, and utterly marvellous. And as a bonus, Ke Huy Quan is a scene-stealing delight! [⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐]