Loki pulls off an Eren Jaeger as Marvel copies Attack on Titan in latest episode
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.
What
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.
Loki levels up
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.
The tears of a man losing everything #Loki pic.twitter.com/QKLMsuwtLJ
— Rose ✪ ४ Loki era (@RoseBarnes94) November 6, 2023
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.
- While Ke Huy Quan’s OB encourages Loki to focus on the "why" of his desire to control time-skipping, it's Sylvie who prompts the more profound revelation, and the Norse god admits that he doesn't merely want to save the TVA for the sake of the organisation itself; his primary motivation is to rescue his friends and avoid the crushing loneliness he feels.
- A substantial portion of Episode 5 revolves around Loki's introspection and self-discovery and the emotional epiphany becomes a pivotal moment for the character and plays a crucial role in unlocking his newfound ability to control time-skipping.
loki time slipping 4 times to where mobius was is my roman empire #loki #LokiS2 #LokiSeason2 #lokispoilers #lokius #phoebebridgers pic.twitter.com/gDUpeR8R1F
— mizumono211 (@mizumonocandy) November 5, 2023
The new power
Loki's ability to control time is a game-changer in the Marvel Cinematic Universe.
ke huy quan as a.d. doug aka "o.b." ouroboros getting scared by loki timeslipping in his room in loki season 2 pic.twitter.com/0lziakZvPp
— mcu reactions & clips (@reactmcu) November 6, 2023
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.
- As Loki himself declares at the end of Episode 5, he has become a master of rewriting the narrative.
- He holds the power to manipulate time and space, shaping timelines and events to his liking.
- This newfound control over the fabric of reality is an unprecedented development in the MCU, setting him apart from other characters who have dabbled in time travel.
"loki learned how to control his time slipping for his friends" the first time he ever controlled it he made sure it was to bring her back. he didn't know if it was going to work but if it did he needed to make sure sylvie was the one to come back... im sick guys. pic.twitter.com/QfaYfVaVc6
— sarah ⧗ (@tayxwidow) November 4, 2023
Loki pulls an Eren
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.
- In Attack on Titan, Eren's ability to send memories through the Paths to other holders of the Attack Titan allows him to shape the future based on the information he gains from his predecessors.
- This power gives him the ability to shape the narrative and fight for the freedom of his people across generations - similar to Loki's newfound ability to control time and rewrite the past, present, and future to his liking.
— MrOtaku (@MrOtakuOfficial) November 1, 2023
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The parallels between Eren and Loki's abilities are striking.
- Both characters are motivated by a desire to protect their loved ones and reshape the future, using their unique powers to achieve these goals.
- Loki's newfound mastery of time-skipping allows him to alter the course of events and manipulate the narrative, much like Eren's ability to influence the future through inherited memories.
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.
#Loki
— Jordan Jones (@jordnjnes) November 3, 2023
[SPOILERS]
Loki officially being able to control his time slipping is an INSANE ability to have. There’s so many moments he can now alter at PURE WILL. Next week’s episode can go so many ways—we’re not ready for this finale at all. pic.twitter.com/aB9N7PCc0c