Were You Expecting the Loki Series to Be What It Is or Did You Expect Something Completely Different?

As someone who primarily lost interest in Marvel after the events of Avengers: Endgame, I didn't anticipate returning to the franchise with the same enthusiasm. However, both Falcon and the Winter Soldier and WandaVision set a high bar for the Disney MCU shows. Consequently, when it came to the Loki series, I had mixed expectations. Let's delve into what I expected from the show and how it turned out to be something entirely different yet equally delightful.

Expectations vs. Reality

Initial Expectations: Going into the Loki series, I hadn't watched or read too much about the show. Knowing that Falcon and the Winter Soldier and WandaVision had set high standards, I expected this series to be of similar quality. I had a vague idea from the trailer that I might see more alternate versions of Loki, interacting with different incarnations of himself. To my surprise, the show didn't only meet but exceeded these expectations, leaving me pleasantly-surprised and thoroughly engrossed.

Story Elements: I envisioned a narrative centered around Loki meeting numerous versions of himself, but the portrayal of these alternate beings was more nuanced than I initially anticipated. While we did see a handful of these characters, the way they were fleshed out was unexpectedly compelling. This narrative might expand in Season 2, thus promising even more intriguing storylines.

Character Chemistry and Dynamics

On-Screen Chemistry: Tom Hiddleston's and Eric Wilson's on-screen chemistry is one of the standout features of the Loki series. From the first episode, the relationship between Loki and Sylvie was incredibly dynamic. The finale of the season, in particular, showcased an emotional and intense interaction that left a significant impact. This chemistry ultimately piqued my interest in the series and left me eagerly anticipating Season 2.

Character Development: Initially, I had hoped for a slower development of Loki's character, delving deeper into his past and relationships within Asgard. However, the show took a different path, focusing on the wider concept of the multiverse, cosmic entities like Kang, the TVA, and the complexities of timelines. Despite this shift, I found the series incredibly engaging, largely due to the numerous "wtf" moments that kept me hooked throughout.

Overall Impression

Character-Driven vs. Plot-Driven: Coming into the series, I thought it would be character-driven, exploring Loki's psyche and motivations. However, the reality was far more plot-driven, dealing with the vast concept of the multiverse and how it impacts the characters. This shift in focus didn't cause any concerns, as I found the storytelling to be well-executed and highly entertaining.

Final Thoughts: The Loki series managed to surprise me in the best possible way. While I wasn't entirely satisfied with the absence of Tom Hiddleston, the overall experience was mind-blowing. The series excels in creating a complex, multifaceted narrative that balances its characters and plot equally well. If you're a fan of the MCU, particularly the Loki character, or if you're curious about the multiverse's complexities, this series is definitely worth checking out.

In conclusion, whether you had high or low expectations for the Loki series, its execution is a testament to the potential for rich storytelling in the MCU universe. Stay tuned for Season 2, which is likely to delve even deeper into these unexplored aspects of the multiverse.