I watched the first episode of Disney and Marvel’s new TV series Loki last night, and I loved it. It continues the really exciting trend of innovative and daring shows on this streaming network. Also, I have a giant crush on Tom Hiddleston and on Loki. Honestly, I’m a bit schizophrenic in my crushes when it comes to Marvel. Favorite Avenger — Captain America, but for a fun and undoubtably crazy time on a date — Loki. But enough of my fantasy romances.
I was musing about how villains are ultimately more interesting to write than heroes. But only if they are done well. The mustache twirling “I am evil for evil’s sake” villains are boring as hell. I mean, every villain thinks they are the hero in their own story, and the ones that are acting out of deep emotional and psychological pain are the most interesting. Not the over-the-top serial killer types, but the ones who’s flaws feel familiar and understandable to a reader or viewer.
I love the Thor movie because it felt so magnificently Shakespearian in its feel and tone. I often use it when I teach to illustrate theme versus plot. Because really at its base the film Thor is about an abusive father, Odin, who destroys his children and ultimately his entire family by pitting his two sons against each other. Odin’s line in the opening scene to his two young sons sums it all up. “Only one of you can ascend to the throne. But both of you were born to be kings.”
SO HERE ARE SPOILER IF YOU HAVEN’T SEEN THOR. YOU HAVE BEEN WARNED! SO PLEASE DON’T COME AND YELL AT ME ON SOCIAL MEDIA. WARNING WILL ROBINSON!!!! — SPOILERS!!!!!!!! SPOILERS!!!!!!!!!!!
Okay, with that out of the way — there are three gut punch moments in Thor and they all revolve around Loki. The first is when he’s in the treasure room, and realizes he’s not like his brother or the other Asgardians. He accuses, Odin, the only father he has ever known of viewing him as nothing more than one of his spoils of war. Hiddleston is fabulous in the scene.
Then there’s the scene where Loki lures his real father, who coincidentally happens to be the king of the Frost Giants, into the palace so Laufey can kill Odin. Except that Loki really did it so he can kill his actual father to try and win the love and approval of his foster father. I mean, how seriously messed up and dramatically cool is that?
Loki has spent his life feeling like he’s “less than”. He’s thin, agile, quicksilver, relying upon guile and magic while Thor is this golden figure, all brawn and power which seems to be qualities that are more admired by the people of Asgard.
And then there’s the final scene where Loki thinks he’s choosing death when he refuses to allow Odin to pull him to safety. But he doesn’t die, he goes away to lick his wounds and plot his vengeance and when he returns he is fully set on a path that will lead to massive death and destruction. Again, none of his pain and insecurities are meant to excuse his actions. He is a villain, he does grotesque and terrible things. He kills Phil Coulson in Avengers which was just a gut punch moment for me because I love Coulson. But he’s fascinating because he is driven by emotions that are explicable and understandable.
And now in this Loki series he is the “biter who has been bit and this is going to be a really run ride.
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