In the penultimate episode of its second season, Loki fans were treated to an exciting turn of events that not only set the stage for a thrilling finale, but also bestow the titular God of Mischief with a formidable new power reminiscent of a narrative technique employed in the beloved anime series, Attack on Titan.
Loki's new power in Season 2, Episode 5 draws inspiration from the complex and layered world of Hajime Isayama’s Attack on Titan, which came to a close this weekend after a legendary 10-year run.
The way Loki can now manipulate time and rewrite history is reminiscent of its lead character, Eren Jaeger's ability in Attack on Titan to see through past and future memories, altering the course of events to achieve his goals.
In the aftermath of the temporal cataclysm at the end of Episode 4, Loki finds himself alone in the TVA, with the organisation on the brink of collapsing out of existence. This dire situation sets the stage for his pivotal discovery: his ability to time-skip.
However, it's not just the newfound skill of time-skipping that's significant; it's the realisation that the key to mastering this power lies in understanding the "who" behind it.
Loki's ability to control time is a game-changer in the Marvel Cinematic Universe.
It defies the previously established rules of time travel. Unlike the Avengers, who were constrained by limitations and unable to rewrite their past, Loki can now effectively rewrite the story of his own life and the entire MCU.
The implications of this power are substantial.
The connection between Loki's newfound power and the people around him is a recurring theme in the episode. OB points out that it's his attachment to those he cares about that enables him to achieve the seemingly impossible.
This echoes a similar dynamic in the beloved anime series, where its titular Attack Titan can access the memories of its past and future holders, passing on knowledge and influencing the course of history.
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The parallels between Eren and Loki's abilities are striking.
With these newfound powers, Loki becomes not only the God of Mischief but also the God of Stories, shaping his own narrative and rewriting history to his liking. The season finale promises even more exploration of the limitless potential of this power and its implications for the Marvel Cinematic Universe.
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