In a time where the MCU is dwindling in quality, season two of Loki is one of the best things they've put out since Avengers: Endgame. Picking up immediately after season one, the story sees the God of Mischief having to deal with uncontrollable time slipping, while the TVA is on the verge of destruction.
For the first time in a long time there's a narrative with genuine stakes, and it feels like those stakes can and will impact the future of the universe. Hallelujah. It's refreshing to watch an MCU property and have absolutely no idea what would happen next, who would make it out alive, and how these events would shape the MCU's future. It not only excels in the connectivity aspect, but also in creating a rich, thriving story that works without those external factors. The quality of the writing is exceptional - from day one, every episode has felt like it has been building towards a common goal and this season confirms that. Across both seasons, it's always felt like a unified story with very minimal distractions and meandering subplots. This season fulfils the vision established with season one (or even earlier) by delivering a finale that encapsulates everything the series has been building towards. It's a certified masterpiece - the single best episode of TV the MCU has ever put out.
This season moves at an incredibly fast pace, building a heightened level of gripping tension within almost every episode. The pilot kicks off with a bang - there's no slow build, it just launches right into the action as if it released a week after season one's finale. There's a subtle horror vibe, and it thrusts the season into first gear, letting fans know exactly what to expect. The next two episodes don't move quite as fast, letting the characters get their bearings on this new story, but there's still tension aplenty. Then the fourth episode hits and it marks a new high point for the series, a high that's short-lived as it's toppled by the even more brilliant finale. Basically, the entire season is packed to the brim with huge reveals and clever twists, building a narrative that's constantly surprising as it gives you no indication whether it's going to make a left or right turn, or just go straight. It's miraculously unpredictable, and that's part of the season's alluring charm - it spawns theories, questions, mysteries and conversations amongst viewers the only builds more hype going into every episode.
The exceptional writing is exhibited clear as day through the character development, not just for Loki (Tom Hiddleston), but for the wider ensemble of regulars too. There's plenty of raw emotion built into the series that has you genuinely caring about all the loveable, well-written characters. Loki's arc throughout this season is full of heart, humour and epic moments - he exhibits a tonne of growth, not just in comparison to his earliest MCU appearances, but even with where he begins this season. In a time where some of the MCU's original Avengers are gone, this season makes a strong claim for Loki as being the most compelling and best-written character in the entire universe. Likewise, Mobius (Owen Wilson), Ouroboros (Ke Huy Quan), Sylvie (Sophia Di Martino) and Hunter B-15 (Wunmi Mosaku) are all great, loveable characters with strong roles in the story.
The production quality of this season is evident in the fantastic mind-bending visual effects that are present in some of the biggest moments. There's not a single visual that felt out of place or noticeably fake. For a TV series to have better, cleaner and more consistent CGI than a certain big budget MCU film that just released, that's a testament to the artists' work and attention to detail. The cinematic nature of the series heightened the quality of every moment - the cinematography and editing is stellar and the highly detailed physical sets help make it all feel more real. Overall, it's a technical achievement from the filmmakers, showing that a little love and care for a project can go a long way.
Performance-wise, there's no overlooking what Tom Hiddleston brings to Loki. To turn one of the most iconic villains into one of the most loveable protagonists is an achievement, and he's perfect in every moment. He nails the comedic beats just as well as the dramatic moments, with some of his best work this season coming from acting alongside Owen Wilson's Mobius. The two of them make one of the best on-screen duos when it comes to sheer banter and unbreakable chemistry. Their witty remarks make for some great laughs, while their moments of bonding pave the way for some light emotional hits. The new addition in Ke Huy Quan brings his infectious charm and loveable nature to the series from the moment he first appears. He slots perfectly into the puzzles and serves the story just as well as he serves the comedy.
Returning once again is Jonathan Majors, and he's just as brilliant as he was in season one. I won't elaborate on his specific role in the season, but it showcases his ability to play an ever-changing roster of unique characters. He has a few key scenes and episodes in which he steps to the plate and really delivers with compelling dialogue and a chilling presence.
In the end, Loki season two is the best season of TV that Marvel has put out on Disney+. It's an exceptional continuation of the narrative teased at the end of season one and the perfect culmination of Loki's 13-year arc. The mass amounts of suspense and rapid pace lead to episodes that are tense and captivating the whole way through. The dip in pace in the second and third episodes makes them a little less memorable, but they're still thoroughly enjoyable. And if that's the season's low point, then that's something to be very proud of. Marvel fans rejoice, for this is one of the MCU's best releases in a time where most others aren't hitting the mark.
9.1/10
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