Loki Season 2: How The Season Retroactively Enhanced the MCU’s Concept of Time

The second season of Loki is in full swing and while it remains to be seen if the MCU TV series sticks the landing. The first half of the series is certainly deserving of praise. Most notably for how it contextualises the franchise’s concept of time and time travel.

Which was first explored as far back as Avengers: Endgame.

The Ouroboros Effect

The Deus ex Machina [of sorts] the show uses to achieve more lucidity is known as Ouroboros or Uroboros.

This term has its origins in Greek myths but has overtime become a well recognised symbol all over the world. As many cultures have been known to derive meaning(s) about life from this term’s symbolism.

For the uninitiated, the symbol or graphical representation of Ouroboros is simply a snake eating its own tail. While that might not seem like much, what it implies however, is far reaching and universal. Because its meaning usually hinges on the eternal continuity of life or the cycle of life — which involves death and rebirth.

Within Loki S2, this is on full display specifically in episode 1 when Loki constantly time slips within the TVA.

By constantly reappearing in the past, the actions and interactions of Loki reverberate throughout the TVA’s existence. All the way to its present time. Effectively rewriting the history of the TVA in real time, as referenced by Loki’s past interaction with O.B (Ouroboros) which materialised in present day TVA as O.B interacts Mobius.

Then there’s also the fact that a character within this season also shares the same name as the terminology being used.

A character who I might add also fully understands the critical workings of the TVA, despite his unassuming demeanour. Unless it’s all for show, then O.B certainly has more stake in this endeavour than the audience is made to assume.

How It Compares

While there were hints of the timeline or a singular timeline branching if inadvertent events were to happen in Avengers: Endgame. This concept is never fully clarified. And as such, this can be counted as one of the major drawbacks of that film.

But given the fact that the movie had so much baggage. It’s allowed to skim over things that could have potentially added to its already voluminous runtime.

Though Loki S2 E1, gets the ball rolling with the Ouroboros rationale, it is the mid-point episode, E3 that really contextualises this for audiences. As it has been said right from season 1 that time works differently within the TVA. Hence, the reason why the infinity stones can wielded as mere trinkets in the TVA.

Essentially within the TVA, time is singular as is referenced by Loki’s time slipping in E1. But within the universe, time appears to be more fluid. Hence, the reason why branches are known to pop up every now and then.

This is especially referenced in E3. When Ravonna Renslayer and Ms. Minutes by order of He Who Remains weaponise a young Victor Timely with the TVA guidebook.

What’s to note is when they initially hand off the book to him, this happens in the Sacred Timeline. But by the time they return, 30 years later, the timeline has branched. Signifying the change in course that has now affected Victor Timely — who has now become an adult.

This concept of time as being fluid and open to public interpretation is in contrast to the perception of time perpetuated by a number of sci-fi endeavours. Including big time rivals of the Marvel brand, DC.

Simply put, when a deviation occurs in the timeline of other endeavours, such a deviation becomes the norm. Effectively resetting the timeline/reality. Unless such action is undone.

Even in cases where the action is undone, the timeline may still not be without fractures. And as such, certain unintended consequences can still happen. The timeline exist in a link and a disturbance to any of the connections is echoed across time.

For the MCU however, such echos birth branches/new realities that are independent of preexisting realities and if left unchecked. Could pose a problem in the form of incursions — a term commonly associated with Secret Wars.

Which is set to get a feature film adaptation that will conclude The Multiverse Saga. The same way Avengers: Endgame concluded The Infinity Saga.

Also by exploring time in this cyclic manner. It is possible that the season’s end may take audiences back to the moment Loki time slipped into the future of the TVA in E1. Which of course, could be a stepping stone for yet another season.

As it can prove challenging if Marvel should try to reconcile the current happenings and that of the future in this season alone. And moreover, with only 3 more episodes to go

Though the production slate is stacked with only few empty slots available, a season 3 should certainly be deserving of a slot. Since it’s been mostly this series that has been echoing the premise of Saga thus far.

With many of the other projects not aligning themselves at all or being conclusive in their explorations. Hence, with Loki bearing the brunt of the baggage this Saga is pandering. The MCU shouldn’t be in a haste to conclude the series. Especially when the episode count is factored in.

It goes without saying the setup for Loki Season 2 is commendable. But in a bid not to speak too soon. The climax will have to be just as compelling or even more than the setup. To fully justify the current high the season is riding.

Loki Season 2 is currently releasing its episodes every week.

Avengers: Secret Wars is for theatrical release May 7, 2027.