The reviews are in and the second season of Marvel Studios’ “Loki” series sits at a 78% (6.9/10) on Rotten Tomatoes with 32 reviews counted. That’s notably lower than the 92% (7.9/10) of the first season.
The new season picks up in the aftermath of the first season finale when Loki finds himself in a battle for the soul of the Time Variance Authority in the wake of Sylvie killing He Who Remains which has destabilised the multiverse and sent ‘Loki’ into uncontrollable time-slipping.
Along with Mobius, Hunter B-15 and a team of new and returning characters, Loki navigates an ever-expanding and increasingly dangerous multiverse in search of Sylvie, Judge Renslayer, Miss Minutes and the truth of what it means to possess free will and glorious purpose.
Here’s a sampling of review quotes:
“Characters with compelling issues, high existential drama, quirky comedy and world-threatening action are blended better than in any other Disney+ show to date.” – Bob Strauss, The Wrap
“With the multiverse teetering all around it, Loki is one strand of the timeline that is sustaining its originality and intention — and actually thriving. It’s about time.” – John Nugent, Empire
“There’s so much to like here you almost forget it’s a Marvel show.” – Brian Tallerico, RogerEbert.com
“With Tenet levels of timeline layering to try and unpick, Loki season two wades deep in the weeds of the MCU even as it pokes fun at its own earnestness.” – Paul M. Bradshaw, NME
“The plot is so convoluted that the sense of fun rarely breaks through, but thanks to the sterling cast and some of the best production design on TV, there’s almost always something to hold your attention — if not to trigger any emotional investment.” – Dan Fienberg, THR
“Sometimes you feel like you need a theoretical physics degree to understand it all. Strong character work makes up for some of that, as does a knowing sense of humor.” – Brian Truitt, USA Today
“Instead of digging into what makes Loki fun, the show’s second season doubles down on Season 1’s worst tendencies… It’s a drag when it should be thrilling, an exposition-filled trudge when it should be an exciting romp.” – Belen Edwards, Mashable
“The enviable cast clicks, yet they’re largely squandered. The story never stops moving, yet it’s going in circles.” – Ben Travers, Indiewire
The new season sees the return of Tom Hiddleston as Loki, Sophia Di Martino as Sylvie, Owen Wilson as Mobius, Gugu Mbatha-Raw as Judge Renslayer, and Wunmi Mosaku as Hunter B-15.
In addition, Ke Huy Quan, Rafael Casal and Kate Dickie are also set to appear, whilst Jonathan Majors will appear in multiple episodes as Kang variants.
The second season hails from head writer and executive producer Eric Martin and is directed by “Moon Knight” helmers Justin Benson and Aaron Moorhead. They replace head writer Michael Waldron and director Kate Herron from the first season.
“Loki” returns with its second season on October 6th.
