The following article contains spoilers for episode 5 of Loki.
Another episode of Loki has landed on Disney Plus, and similar to previous weeks, it has left a lot for fans to think about. While it answers a few questions, it has raised a whole bunch of new ones in fans’ minds regarding the future of the Loki Variants, the Time Variance Authority, and the comical clock mascot Miss Minutes. But, episode 5, “Journey Into Mystery,” does deliver a fan-favorite moment from the initial trailers of the series in a brilliant manner.
In the first few trailers released to promote the Disney Plus series, fans had spotted Loki dressed in a suit and sporting a horned helmet, while wearing a badge that read “Vote Loki.” Comic book lovers immediately recognized him from the Vote Loki comic book series, which was released in 2016 before the American presidential elections. At the time, they assumed that he would have a bigger part to play in the plot and he would finally become the ruler that he wanted to in the comics. However, the show had different plans for this President Loki Variant, and it was absolutely hilarious.
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In the Vote Loki comics, the God of Mischief sets his sights on becoming the president, and even further as the ruler of the free world. He is seen using his trickery to run for president of the United States, claiming he can use his lies to deceive the public into voting for him. While the series completely negates the fact that he isn’t even an American citizen (relax, it was satire), Loki obviously doesn’t win the elections. When he showed up in the trailers for Loki, along with a team of bandits, fans assumed that he had finally become a leader somewhere and gained a status of power. They were completely off the mark.
In the latest episode of Loki, President Loki shows up in a more villainous avatar, trying to take over the “Loki Palace,” a refuge for some of the other Variants. While ruling America might seem like a bigger threat than occupying the Loki Palace to some, it is quite the opposite. The Palace is located in the Void, which the episode established to be the end of time, and helps keep the Loki Variants hidden from Alioth, the big purple monster killing anyone in sight. So, if President Loki were to take over the Palace and kick out the current occupants, they would be left at the mercy of Alioth, which wouldn't be pretty.
When President Loki tricks his way into the Palace, he turns out to be the most arrogant Loki Variant, and with the help of Boastful Loki, almost topples over Kid Loki’s rule. As if it wasn’t confusing enough to have four extra Loki Variants introduced in the post-credits scene of episode 4, which includes an alligator, it is revealed that the team of bandits with President Loki are all Loki Variants. At this point, keeping track of all of them becomes a bigger challenge than figuring out who rules the TVA (insert Oprah’s “You get a…Loki” meme).
Loki is the God of Mischief and what he does best is, well, mischievous things. On his own, he creates enough havoc to have the Avengers unite to protect the world. Put a whole bunch of such Loki Variants in a room together and, as President Loki says, “what did you expect?” The events that follow are utter chaos.
It seems like Boastful Loki struck a deal with President Loki to double-cross his companions in order to help him gain access to the Palace, and in turn rule the gang of misfits. However, President Loki had similar plans of cheating Boastful Loki and becoming ruler himself (not at all shocking). But, just then, his team of bandit Variants turn on him and a fight breaks out, which is equal parts chaotic and hilarious. What could be more entertaining than a bunch of Loki Variants fighting each other? Well, Alligator Loki jumping up and biting off President Loki’s hand seems to fit the bill.
Amid all the chaos, Classic Loki manages to create a projection of himself, Kid Loki, Alligator Loki, and the original Loki, which helps the four of them escape. But, before that, Kid Loki is seen carrying Alligator Loki and throwing it onto the bandits, which is a clear nod to the “Get help” scene from 2017’s Thor: Ragnarok wherein Thor pretends to help a seemingly unconscious Loki before launching him onto the enemies. It seems like Kid Loki used to play the same prank with his brother, before apparently killing him.
While this entire scene offers the perfect comic relief in the otherwise stressful episode, it also works as a great commentary on Loki’s true personality. Over the past decade, fans have come to learn that Loki is great at telling lies. He has faked his own death several times and lied to his brother Thor on several occasions. It is expected that anytime he is saying anything remotely philosophical that it will end up being a scheme, and he is well aware of his own trickery. As someone who is constantly deceiving those around him, how could he possibly believe that another version of himself would be trustworthy?
While President Loki’s presence in the trailer might have led some fans to believe that their favorite anti-hero was finally going to be able to rule in some form, his appearance in the series works brilliantly to highlight a key factor that fans might have forgotten over time. Loki is truly a trickster at heart. While he has had a redemption arc in the movies, and now to some extent even in the television series, he isn’t a typical Marvel superhero.
The scene is a quick reminder of all the wrong he has done in the past, and how it has affected those around him. His deception has consequences, and is one of the main reasons he is always so alone. While backstabbing seems common for the God of Mischief, the President Loki scene is a reminder that things rarely work out for him, and he is usually to blame for it. It takes fans back to the moment from episode 4 when Sylvie asks the crucial question, “Do you think what makes a Loki a Loki is that we’re destined to lose?” President Loki lost the elections and now, his chance to rule Loki Palace simply because of his deceptive ways.
Loki is now streaming on Disney Plus.