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So you are probably not wondering at all what I think about part one of the Loki series, so guess what? I’m going to tell you anyway.
I have to admit, I was pretty worried before I watched. I had that awful feeling you get in the pit of your stomach when you really really want to hope for something totally amazing like a new puppy, but you’re actually afraid that you’re just getting lured into the room so your brother can jerk back the rocking chair you’ve been lounging in so you see your short unfulfilling life flash before your eyes (not that I’ve ever had that happen—no way).
I have to say, however, that even though there are bits that I am pretty uncomfortable about, I remain cautiously optimistic.
I’ll start with the squicky stuff (and some things that actually tick me off).
I really really hate the slo-mo punch. Sorry. I just don’t think it’s funny. It’s unfunny. Off-putting in fact. I hate it. I’ve never enjoyed humiliation humor, and slapstick only works for me if it follows the Bugs Bunny Rules of Comedy (which I will explain some other time if anyone is interested). It’s just mean.
I’m also not a fan of a post-cranial-recalibration Loki still insisting on the whole “I will be king” schtick. The fact that the MCU continues to ignore Loki’s torture (and perhaps other forms of coercion) while under Thanos’s thumb absolutely hacks me off.
On top of that, Mobius’s manipulation and borderline gaslighting are also disturbing. His statement that, “you only exist so other people can become their best selves,” is the worst sort of objectification, and he sounds very much like some man-baby in an MFA program explaining why the girlfriend in his novel has to be sexually assaulted and murdered.
And another thing, how have we all forgotten that the Kursed did not actually go right from the dungeon Frigga’s rooms? He went to destroy the shields first, and then went to seek out Malekith. Loki did not send the Kursed to kill Frigga. End of story.
Why do I remain cautiously optimistic despite all of that?
First, Loki’s introspection did not result from a single epiphany in the episode. There were a lot of little pieces that added up to his break. His insecurity shows up as early as the “are you a robot” scene. He really isn’t sure who he is. And yeah, Mobius shows him his disturbing home movie. But the really brilliant scene is the one with Casey. Loki asks who he is—Casey is a really person to him. Loki has to work himself up to threaten him—he doesn’t really want to and probably doesn’t intend to follow through with it. He is deeply unsettled by the pile of infinity stones, “oh yeah, some of the guys use them as paperweights.” When the enforcers show up, they interrupt some serious introspection. Plus, when he f*cks around with what’s her name, it’s clearly because she’s been bullying him and enjoyed causing him physical and emotional pain. She deserved it.
Secondly, I am hopeful that what we see of Mobius’s character here is the Mobius who will become a better person over the course of the series. How boring if Loki is the only character who experiences any growth over the course of the story. Yes, Mobius is a bit of a dick. He totally lacks empathy, and he “saves” Loki because he sees him not a a really person but as a potentially useful tool. But he also respects Loki’s intellect and versatility. He is attracted to Loki’s ability to play (god of mischief—life at the TVA looks really damn boring). And Mobius recognizes that Loki is probably pretending to be something he is not. So maybe as they work together, Loki and Mobius will learn stuff and grow as caring, empathetic beings.
So, I think the show has potential.
Plus, goddammit, Loki is hot.