Loki season 2 (Full season review)

With Marvel in a sort of whirlpool of viewers not having consistent reception towards the content, they seem to be missing a very important and well-done part of the Marvel Cinematic Universe. Loki lives up to that statement with its second season. Despite its new writers and directors at the helm, the show still showcases the best parts of Marvel's storytelling. 

Taking place immediately after the end of season 1, Loki is dealing with the shenanigans of the TVA and the involvement of Kang variants with the release of the multiverse. It is up to Loki and co. (consisting of Mobius, Hunter B-5, and Casey) to deal with the consequences caused by Sylvie. The show still continues to be a trippy, timey-wimey time travel adventure but adds the Marvel-ous flair that made the franchise so memorable. With new rules and problems being thrown in the mix to deal with, the sci-fi logic continues to be expanded upon, solidifying the greatness of the show. 

Unlike most of the Marvel shows that deal with 6 episodes almost successfully, Loki season 2 probably deals with each episode like its own arc within a bigger arc, bringing a more episodic feel that it does not feel like a 6-hour movie, cut into 6 parts, which has become a pitfall to look out for with these Marvel Disney Plus shows as of late. A majority of what is introduced this season was covered by the end of the season, leaving very few plotholes, or at least it does not leave any worth remembering. This season, on the the hand, can be considered executed much better than the first season. 

Eric Martin (rather Michael Waldron) brings a much darker tone to the show, for obvious reasons that I shouldn't spoil but themes of existentialism and finding one's purpose are very much present, and done poignantly, especially for a character like Loki. Despite being a very different Loki we had watched get developed in the Infinity Saga, this saga's version of the character goes through his own development that ultimately brings him full circle to where he was at the beginning of Infinity War. The show also does not portray the Hero either because his actions are just as selfish but in different ways. This season also hones in on his mischievous parts as well as his vulnerabilities, this is probably Tom Hiddleston's best performance of the character to date. 

The supporting characters this season, are also given more to do, without putting Loki in the backseat but they seem to be in the same caliber of importance as the titular character. Möbius, Hunter B-15, and Casey are allowed to explore their lives in the timeline and it definitely pays off a lot of the teases that have been sprinkled throughout the first season. Renslayer's character is also expanded, with the exception of writers abandoning the character’s comic book origin to make her more tangible, interesting, and fit well with the version of the character we meet in this show. A new addition in Ke Huy Quan as O.B. is great. Luckily, he has a larger role than expected and is honestly, the MVP of the ensemble. 

Unfortunately, I think Sylvie might be the weak point of the show, as her importance dwindles. There is no arc to this character, even if the consequences of her actions and the people dealing with it make it clear that what she did was a problem and she does not admit it. She clearly does not care nor does she regret her actions. Her purpose was fulfilled. Her relationship with Loki does not develop either so her presence on the show was to fill up the screen which is sad since Sophia Martino is a great actress. Jonathan Majors, also a great actor, feels a little wasted with his prominence this season as Victor Timely. His choices to portray this short-lived comic book character feel more like a short-lived side character plucked from an episode of DC’s Legends of Tomorrow, which is a step down from his iconic monologue from the season 1 finale. 

Speaking of monologues, season 2 definitely relies a lot more on exposition that is done through dialogue. There is less action which might not be everyone's cup of tea but the writing for this season is very well done. There are a lot of interactions between characters that hit hard. It also does not abandon the MCU’s trademark humour which helps with the morose tension that the characters handle with with each episode. Runtimes are also better, as each episode is close to an hour, allowing these storylines to breathe and not feel rushed. 

The cinematography and shot choices are also different with Kate Herron being replaced by Moon Knight directors, Justin Benson and Aaron Moorhead. There is a more grainy look to the show, and it definitely fits well with the tone of the show. With Benson and Moorhead at the helm, they could show off their abilities as filmmakers with this show. Moon Knight, as good of a show as it was (despite its plot choices) it was definitely easy to tell the change of directors of the episodes. With the duo working entirely on the 6 episodes here, their style and choices not only work but become almost stylistic so that audiences can appreciate it the same way Herron's direction was very much present in the previous season. Natalie Holt returns to score and does more excellence than anyone ever expected. The first season's score was iconic, especially with the incorporation of the theremin. This season, there are a lot of bombastic choices and variations made that remind you that this score is memorable while new things are done.

Marvel is taking a lot of risks with storytelling and inclusivity these days. Loki is no stranger to that with the liberties it took this season which makes this show very much on the right track to pleasing fans who want the top-tier storytelling we are so used to from the franchise. Loki is yet another step in the right direction with how Marvel wants to gain momentum in being the franchise it is known to be.