How the Loki mini-series can do the God of Mischief justice
By Mia Johnson
Marvel plans to make a few series for some beloved MCU characters, and that includes fan-favorite Loki. Here’s what his TV series absolutely needs to be great.
It might be in the early, early stages of development, but fans are already excited to know that a Loki limited TV series could be on the way. While there’s no official word on what the series is about thus far, the series will bring back Tom Hiddleston to reprise his role as the god of mischief.
As of now, it’s up in the air as to whether this show will take place in the past, or post-Avengers 4. Loki was one of the first characters to die in Infinity War, but Marvel fans know all too well that he could certainly come back.
Since the show is still in its earlier stages, there are lots of good (and bad) ways for the mini-series to develop. If it wants to be a crowd-pleasing show for all of the Loki fans out there, it would definitely do good to include a few of these.
A redeemed Loki
Yes, old habits die hard. And that’s certainly a lesson that isn’t unfamiliar to Loki. Throughout all the three Thor movies and two Avengers movie, Loki grows closer and closer to learning his lesson. Maybe, in part, he learns from the tragedies of his parents’ deaths, or seeing that his brother, Thor, actually does care about him. That means at the end of the day, his character growth can’t go ignored.
In the best case scenario, Loki does come back in Avengers 4, and he’s able to continue his journey of self-discovery. Worst case scenario, the series will have to take place in the past because Thanos permanently kills Loki.
But even in that scenario, the show still needs Loki as a three-dimensional character who experiences his own personal growth. That’s what makes him a compelling character, and we can’t dismiss the fact that he tries his best (even if that still comes with pulling a fast one on his brother every now and then.)
Brilliant writing that turns his tricks into clever twists
Loki might not have a super suit like Iron Man or a super-serum body like Captain America, but he still has a few tricks up his sleeves (pun definitely intended). What makes Loki a unique “hero” on his own is his ability to do magic, and the cleverness he has when trying to trick his foes.
Each episode would be great if it’s his wit and cleverness that ultimately has him resolve each issue. They’d be like rug-pull moments that catch you by surprise when you least expect it. Of course, this would mean the Loki series would need strong writers that not only know his character but know how to pull off a good twist as well. Hopefully, this won’t be too hard to come by.
Exploration of the nine realms
Maybe the latest God of War video game has everyone excited about Norse mythology again, but it just goes to show that the entirety of the Norse mythos has just as many compelling stories as the beloved Greek mythology — if told right. The first two Thor movies might have made the whole Norse thing a bit boring, but it’s time to try again.
Perhaps Loki can’t visit his “home” of Asgard (RIP), but there are still eight more perfectly good realms out there. For one, he can visit the land of the giants, Jontunheim, if he wants closure on his true self. Or to really shake things up, he could find his way into the scary realm of Hel. Whichever realm he visits, it’d be a great way to bring Marvel TV series into unfamiliar settings.
Sure it’s fine to see New York in Daredevil and Luke Cage and all the other shows, but taking things to a completely different world would surely take Marvel TV to the next level.
More casual Loki
Even though we’d love to see Loki visit other realms, there’s no denying it was certainly a treat to see him in on Midgardian rocking his Midgardian clothes. Somehow, he’s pretty much always slipped his way into casual clothing, from his sophisticated gala look in Avengers to his wicked witch black suit in Ragnarok.
Really, having him show up to Earth in casual clothes probably won’t do a lot to further the plot. And in all honesty, it’ll just be a way to give us those different Loki looks that we crave so bad. There’s nothing wrong with the classic horns and armor, of course. But how about beach casual Loki, Friday night disco Loki, or airport inconspicuous Loki? We need all of these looks now.
The upcoming TV series certainly has a lot of room to play thanks to the Marvel comics he comes from and the Norse mythology that inspired it all.
What would you like to see in Loki’s mini-series? Let us know in the comments.