IR TV Review: LOKI - EPISODE 6 [Marvel/Disney+-S2]

The elements of finales (whether season or series) depends on the context of stakes and the impression it leaves. "Loki" in the finale of its 2nd season really ups the game because the way it moves the needle or gives it a certain pespective. It is a welcome and effective progression from a spot in episode 4 where it might have been hard to move on from. This finale really shows dexterity and purpose from the God Of Mischief. One specific title card made as irony really makes it work in beautiful congruence and shows his want to make things right. Tom Hiddleston really has given his all on this one. And considering from where we found Loki in the original Avenger films, this series has given the character a mythic arc which is hard to accomplish in the big movies unless you are the prominent lead. The essence here in "Loki" is what does choice mean and how far do the strands move?

One scene towards the end shows the influence and wide ranging perception of Kang, even to the point where it reflects the Emperor in his perspective at the end of "Return Of The Jedi". The question is what happens for the greater good, and is there ever a way to win at the end of time? The issue, compared with something like "Quantamania" is that that film created too big a world when it needed to run slightly quieter. "Loki" is not quiet but it feels more relevant and effective because it knows its sandbox. That said, it doesn't take away the scale of the beautiful ending climax and coda which is very specific. It actually has a very interesting parallel to an episode on "Star Trek" called "The Alternative Factor" which suggests that the road not taken that most would shy away from is sometimes the only choice. The choice that Loki makes and how we comes to the decision within two specific scenes of time slippage is beautifully written, acted and executed. It might be hard to top but it does send certain elements in motion. A

By Tim Wassberg