We’re halfway through Season 2 of Loki with Episode 3, “1893” (time is an illusion that I don’t understand). This episode finally sees the reappearance of He Who Remains and introduces some twists and turns that left me stunned, shocked, and a little creeped out (we’ll get to that). This episode pushed the story forward interestingly with even more enjoyable moments with this entertaining cast of characters. And I would be doing a disservice if I didn’t mention the set design for this series that has improved every episode. But I’m getting ahead of myself; let’s start with a plot breakdown.
Episode 3 begins with Renslayer (Gugu Mbatha-Raw) finding Miss Minutes (Tara Strong) in 1863 Chicago. After a brief reunion, Renslayer drops a copy of the TVA handbook through a young inventor’s window (which won’t cause problems in the future). We then jump back to the TVA, where the temporal loom is on the brink of doing the big explode (hopefully, no one is allergic). After a brief discussion, Loki (Tom Hiddleston) and Mobius (Owen Wilson) decide to track down Miss Minutes to help save the TVA. After a brief stint in 1863 (not even a full minute), the buddy cop duo arrive in 1893 Chicago, just in time for the Chicago World’s Fair. After some sightseeing with a reluctant Loki, the pair stumble upon Renslayer and a variant of He Who Remains (Jonathon Majors), Victor Timely (the kid who got the book from Renslayer at the beginning of the episode). Loki has a PTSD flashback as Timely showcases his newest invention. Shenanigans ultimately ensue, and everyone begins chasing Timely through the streets.
Eventually, Sylvie (Sophia Di Martino) shows up at the Ferris wheel, and Timely escapes with Renslayer and Miss Minutes. Betrayal follows as Timely abandons Renslayer, instead opting to trust the creepy clock. This would be a calculated error because Miss Minutes is thirsty for Timely and wants to be his girlfriend (see, creepy clock). Timely is rightfully creeped out (and so am I) and deactivates Miss Minutes just in time to be ambushed by Renslayer, Sylvie, Loki and Mobius. After a scuffle, Sylvie realizes she’s no better than the TVA if she kills Timely and lets him leave with Loki and Mobius instead. She then kicks Renslayer to the end of time, where the decomposing body of He Who Remains is chilling, and that’s where the episode ends. This story was fun, even if it dragged a bit, but I’m glad the momentum hasn’t slowed down much.
This episode was filled with returning characters in one way or another. The Renslayer and Miss Minutes team-up was intriguing to watch change throughout the episode. It was a fun time, from being excited to work together to Miss Minute’s betrayal and even their eventual reunion. While this new (and slightly unstable) duo was fun, Loki and Mobius still stole the show. Their banter during the World’s Fair had me laughing more than once. Whether it was bickering over a snack or Loki being upset that there wasn’t a statue of him next to Thor and Odin; it was excellent. Sylvie was another standout this week, with her character becoming even more nuanced. Her realization that she would be no better than those she hates if she killed Timely was fantastic. I’m interested to see where the show takes her character from here. Does she return to working at McDonald’s, or does she join the TVA?
Jonathan Majors as Victor Timely was a joy to watch. I’ve enjoyed his more serious and goofy portrayals of Kang variants in Season 1 and Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania, but seeing this version was interesting. I enjoyed seeing what Kang is like without all the crazy powers and technology, and I think Majors pulled it off very well. His slight stutter did take me a bit to get used to, but it didn’t detract from the performance. I’m assuming that this version of Kang won’t last long, but I hope he at least makes it through next week.
The set design is one aspect of Loki that has been consistently great across both seasons. Being a series that deals with multiple eras and aesthetics, they’ve created some stunning sets. This hit hard for me this week because of the absolute eye candy that was the Chicago World’s Fair. I’m usually not a fan of the aesthetic of this period, but even I was taken in by the scale and detail poured into every aspect of the fair. I especially enjoyed how it looked at night, with all the lights looking just magnificent. And I can’t forget to mention the combination of past and future designs in the TVA or the otherworldly vibe of the end of time, which are both incredible. I hope the last three episodes of the season give us even more gorgeous locations to experience.
“1893” was an exciting mid-point for the season. The plot seems to be moving into its next phase, with some more puzzle pieces falling into place. The characters are still a joy to watch, and I’m excited to see other Kang variants maybe show up. With the stakes slowly rising, I’m hoping the second half of the season rides the momentum all the way to the finish line.
Have you watched the newest episode of Loki? What did you think? Are you also creeped out by Miss Minutes now? Let us know in the comments where we can discuss all things Loki.
