The following article contains spoilers.
Disney Plus’ Loki has been offering Marvel fans one treat after another in its four-week run so far. Every episode throws a new curveball, which seems impossible to escape. But, the God of Mischief has made it out, largely unharmed, so far. However, episode 4, “The Nexus Event,” has put the fan-favorite anti-hero in a new pickle, one that might be harder to run away from.
Last week’s episode saw Loki and Sylvie stranded on a planet that faced imminent destruction and the two lead characters bonded in the process of trying to escape. But, by the end of the episode, it seems like there is no way off Lamentis-1 and it is the end of the line for the two Loki Variants. This leads to an emotional moment between the two, which causes a Nexus Event so large that the Time Variance Authority is able to track it despite the apocalyptic setting. Has Loki finally found true love?
Throughout his appearance in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, Loki has been well known as an extremely narcissistic character who only cares about his own agenda. He has faked his own death, lied multiple times and even back-stabbed many to get what he wants - a place on the throne. But, despite all that, love and emotions have always been a part of his story. His relationship with his brother Thor and adoptive mother Frigga weren’t the most perfect ones, but it became obvious over time that he did care for them. However, there has never been a romantic angle, until now.
When Sylvie was first introduced as a Loki Variant, fans immediately assumed that the two characters would have some kind of camaraderie. Their constant banter and attempts to prove themselves as the smarter one in episode 3 was looked upon as sibling rivalry by many. It was reminiscent of the unique, love-hate relationship between Loki and Thor. Despite their constant fighting, many believe the two to be the best sibling duo in the MCU.
After Loki died in Avengers: Infinity War, fans were devastated as they wouldn’t be able to see the two brothers fight it out together moving forward. But, the alternate version of Loki seemed to have found somebody equally strong-headed and ambitious to lock horns with. While the God and Goddess of Mischief didn’t seem to get along at first, by the end of episode 3 they are seen working together in an attempt to get onto the Ark and get off Lamentis-1 alive. But, as it turns out, the series had different plans for the two.
Feeling dejected after all their attempts to get off the apocalyptic planet fail, Sylvie’s sentiments about surviving and living at the “ends of a thousand worlds,” but then dying on Lamentis-1 strike a chord with fans. “Do you think what makes a Loki a Loki is that we’re destined to lose?” In the past, fans have seen Loki try and lose several times, and finally even being killed by super villain Thanos. Not only has he failed to succeed in life, but he has also never succeeded in finding true love. But, in that moment, his feelings for Sylvie become apparent.
Loki is seen telling Sylvie how she is “amazing” for managing to survive despite all the difficulties thrown her way. The look on his face is enough for fans to understand that even though he has only spent a little bit of time with her, Loki already admires Sylvie. This moment is so powerful that it creates an entirely new branch on the sacred timeline. Clearly, the two Loki Variants are not meant to fall in love with each other, but when has the God of Mischief ever followed the rules?
The emotional moment between the two characters has not been received well by many fans, though. After episode 4 premiered, many fans shared their thoughts on social media, with a lot of them feeling furious by the sudden Loki and Sylvie romance. Loki is narcissistic, sure, but having him fall in love with another version of himself? That did not sit well with many. Unfortunately for them, the love story was always a part of the plan. In a recent interview shared by Marvel.com, Loki head writer Michael Waldron revealed that it was his plan all along to have the series look at “Loki’s first real love story.”
While many are complaining about the romance angle, they need to keep in mind that it isn’t just about the love story. In that moment on Lamentis-1, Loki is able to express his feelings for another person, something he hasn’t been very good at in the past. Some would argue that by falling in love with Sylvie, he is essentially just adding to his narcissism. But, Sylvie’s words also lead to Loki accepting his own flaws and shortcomings.
The entire crux of the series is about self-reflection, with a constant focus on people not being fundamentally good or bad. And to have Loki, an anti-hero who is responsible for mass destruction, finally accept that he has done “bad things” in the past is a big step. Loki’s character development in episode 4 has been huge, and the budding relationship between the two is a comment on Loki’s growth and self-acceptance.
When talking to Agent Mobius M. Mobius at the TVA headquarters, he repeatedly asks about Sylvie. When Mobius lies about Sylvie being pruned, Loki is visibly emotional, which goes to show that he is finally capable of loving and caring about someone other than himself. She may be an alternate version of the character, but she is still another person with different experiences. Their journeys are poles apart and their memories of their home and families aren’t the same either. So, even though Sylvie is “difficult, irritating, and tries to hit [Loki] all the time,” she might just be the right person to bring the God of Mischief back on track to redeem himself.
Loki is now streaming on Disney Plus.