Loki Episode 3 Review

~note SPOILERS~

Loki episode 3 was a surprising, very welcome new turn for the MCU, full of a mysterious love and connection between these two characters, Loki and Sylvie. The chemistry between these two individuals, played by Tom Hiddleston and now Sophia Di Martino respectively. Ever since Loki episode 1, I don't think any of us really knew where the story would go with an already confusing situation with this 'original' Loki. Somehow the story doesn't feel as far stretched as it might seem and the dynamics between the pairs of characters - Mobius and Loki or Sylvie and Loki - hold the focus of each scene much stronger than any of the narrative. And that isn't saying the narrative is weaker but just sits in control but slightly behind. Loki is a familiar face in a place out of time, a new planet, the fact the future was 'planned', and a lot more. Apart from the flashbacks, this is all new content, great exciting content for fans of the MCU. Small details get their place to shine such as Loki's daggers or Sylvie's horns, and the glances into the other's eyes make for glorious scenes.

The flashback in this episode that got my attention was how Loki spoke fondly of his mother - a piece of her lives on in him. Touching for a character who has only been shown in fleeting moments across the recent MCU. This character progression feels intense and richer than ever, especially as it's like 9 years of character development for the Loki in Thor Ragnarok squeezed into a weekly series for us. It's so good that each week still feels too far away.

Going back to the scene on the train between Loki and Sylvie, we learned a lot about Loki. And it wasn't as a result of a loss or a vain speech to Thor, but the new curiously, mysterious and superior Loki. Or Sylvie. Who she is, right now we won't know, but as herself or a Loki variant, has pulled on Loki's heart strings and made him vulnerable. This vulnerability opens Loki to talk about a tough memory for him, his mother Frigga, ever since he watched the file on his life at the TVA. Loki feels safe in the company of Sylvie and gets a moment of personal therapy amongst friends. Duo, grief, and stellar performances; ah it's a Marvel TV series. For now, but I personally find these stories more relatable as do many others.

Yet even as a TV show, the cinematography is outstanding and it feels as real as it can be. The other-worldly feel and the Asgardian song Loki sings are pictured as intriguing rather than too abstract. And we get a sweet and loving Loki who has slightly fallen in love with a being as chaotic as him. The story of this duo is incredibly engaging and it really could go in any direction. Where from their current impending doom we shall see. But we are dealing with Loki so it feels right for his story. But this moment in the present is worth staying in.

Loki and Sylvie are incredibly witty, powerful and complicated. So I made an edit between the two in a slightly different dynamic that was pictured in this episode, but I enjoyed it and it made me feel warm inside. It went well with the song, 'till forever falls apart' by ashe and finneas and I'd love for you to check it out if you like. Super short and I've been developing my editing skills and pacing so hopefully you enjoy it.

Until Episode 4.