IR TV Review: LOKI - EPISODE 1 [Disney+]

The tenets of mischief is based in the notion of what one can control and how the rules can change. In Episode 1 of "Loki" the crux is trying to show what is possible by showing what is inevitable. "Loki", as a construct, in itself as a series premiere is about deconstruction. Certain moments, especially one at a desk really brings home the inevitability or, in fact, the meaningless of everything. Tom Hiddleston knows who this guy is but changing the world around him or even what that basis means opens the door up to other perceptions. "Multiverse" is a word that is bandied around the Marvel Universe but this series by shrouding it with Loki looks at the building blocks and what fate is versus the nature of choice. What it does well is reflect itself.

The first episode is not an Avengers movie. In fact the most crucial elements take place in one room that can stand in for many others. The episode from the music to the production design brings together two influences, at least in this reviewer's mind. One is "Beetlejuice" especially in that film's waiting room afterlife sequences. There is a banality and absurdity in the brilliance of what is being done in this realm of what is called the TVA. The other influence interestingly enough is Gerry Anderson's 70s British show "UFO". The music by Natalie Holt puts one right there as does the kind of almost retro tech that inhabits the TVA.

The cast is interesting in itself. People have seen Owen Wilson and to reveal what he is doing yet is not quite apparent but there is a mix of other characters that both skews to comedy but with dramatic flair. The key here like "Wandavision" is reflexivity and what path it lays. At one point in the episode Loki does see the lay of the land and it is a powerful moment from an Avengers film. But what does it mean? Certain actions become catalysts. The question is will Loki simply be what nature dictates or what time is. B+

By Tim Wassberg