What I love about the Marvel television universe is how different each series feels yet how connected they still are. From WANDAVISION to THE FALCON AND THE WINTER SOLDIER, complex themes are happening and somehow it all continues to be tied together.
LOKI premieres with a LOT of sci-fi mumbo jumbo that owes more to the world-building of Terry Gilliam (BRAZIL, 12 MONKEYS) than the Marvel universe. The God of Mischief has messed with the fabric of time and now has to answer to the TVA (Time Variance Authority). All of this is lip-service to allow Tom Hiddleston to have fun as the lovable villain. Yet the standout in the premiere is Owen Wilson playing, Mobius. I loved seeing Wilson’s return to the screen. His comedic timing with Hiddleston is spot-on. This is important since most of the episode is just Wilson/Hiddleston talking.
Yet for all of the world-building the premiere accomplishes, what audiences receive is a therapy session where a Disney villain once again becomes sympathetic (see CRUELLA or MALEFICENT for recent examples).
Regardless of the first outing not being a complete success, I’m on board for all six episodes from Marvel. Why? Because they are great comic book visual storytellers – “For All Time. Always.”
It’s available on Disney+.
