10 Ways the ‘Loki’ TV Series Aged Poorly

The ‘Loki’ TV series, a bold dive into the Marvel Cinematic Universe’s multiverse, promised a fresh take on the God of Mischief. With Tom Hiddleston leading the charge, it aimed to blend time-travel chaos with deep character exploration.

But a few years later, I’ve noticed the show’s shine has dulled. Some elements that once felt exciting now seem shaky, and I’m not alone in thinking parts of it haven’t aged well. Let’s break down the top 10 reasons why ‘Loki’ (2021-2023) struggles to hold up.

10. Overreliance on Multiverse Gimmicks

The multiverse was a thrilling concept when ‘Loki’ dropped, but it leans too hard on this hook. The show’s timeline-hopping and variant characters feel more like a setup for future MCU projects than a cohesive story. This makes rewatching feel less rewarding, as the plot seems more about laying groundwork than telling a tight tale. The endless branching timelines dilute the emotional weight of Loki’s journey, leaving me wanting a simpler focus.

9. Sylvie’s Underdeveloped Arc

Sophia Di Martino’s Sylvie, a Loki variant, bursts onto the scene with charm and grit. Yet her backstory and motivations remain thin, making her feel like a plot device rather than a fully realized character. Her romance with Loki also feels forced, lacking the depth to justify its centrality. I wanted more exploration of her life as a fugitive, but the show rushes past it, leaving her arc unsatisfying.

8. Pacing Issues in Season 2

Season 2 of ‘Loki’ (2023) struggles with uneven pacing, dragging in the middle while rushing its climax. Episodes often feel like filler, with repetitive Time Loom crises that don’t always advance the story. This choppy rhythm disrupts the tension, making it hard to stay invested. I found myself wishing for tighter editing to keep the momentum going.

7. Mobius Lacks Depth

Owen Wilson’s Mobius M. Mobius is a fan favorite, with his laid-back vibe and witty banter. But beyond his chemistry with Loki, there’s little to his character, leaving him as more of a sidekick than a standout. I hoped for deeper insight into his past or motivations, especially as a TVA agent, but the show leaves him one-dimensional. This flattens the emotional stakes of his role.

6. The TVA’s Murky Morality

The Time Variance Authority is a fascinating concept—a bureaucratic group controlling time itself. But its moral ambiguity, especially after Season 1’s reveal about its purpose, feels unresolved and messy. Characters shift from defending the TVA to questioning it without clear reasoning, leaving me confused about its role. This lack of clarity undermines the show’s stakes.

5. Visual Effects Feel Dated

‘Loki’ boasts some stunning visuals, like the retro-futuristic TVA sets. However, certain CGI-heavy scenes, like the Void or Time Loom explosions, already look dated, with clunky effects that pull me out of the story. Compared to newer MCU projects, these moments lack polish. I craved more practical effects to ground the fantastical elements.

4. Overstuffed Supporting Cast

The show introduces a slew of characters like Ravonna Renslayer, Hunter B-15, and Ouroboros, but many feel underused. Their arcs are often sidelined, making their presence feel like setup for other stories. This clutter dilutes the focus on Loki himself. I wanted fewer characters with deeper roles rather than a crowded roster.

3. Miss Minutes’ Uneven Tone

Miss Minutes, voiced by Tara Strong, is a quirky cartoon mascot with a dark edge. Her mix of Southern charm and menace is fun but feels inconsistent, swinging between comic relief and creepy villain. This tonal whiplash makes her hard to pin down. I found her less compelling on rewatch, as her role feels more gimmicky than essential.

2. Plot Holes in Time Mechanics

The show’s time-travel rules, like the Time Loom and pruning, are intriguing but riddled with inconsistencies. Why the Loom’s destruction is catastrophic is never fully explained, leaving me scratching my head. These gaps make the story feel less grounded. I wanted clearer rules to make the stakes feel real, not arbitrary.

1. Loki’s Character Arc Feels Rushed

Tom Hiddleston’s Loki is the heart of the show, but his shift from selfish trickster to selfless hero feels abrupt. While his growth is compelling, it’s squeezed into too few episodes, lacking the gradual buildup it deserves. This rush weakens the emotional payoff. I wished for more time to see Loki wrestle with his identity, making his transformation more earned.

What’s your take on ‘Loki’—do you agree it’s lost some magic, or is there a moment that still hooks you? Drop your thoughts in the comments!