Yes, Yes, Loki’s Dead
So, Tom Hiddleston has stated recently that Loki did indeed die in Avengers Infinity War. However, unless the Russos decide to change things up (which I would not put pass them), we will see Tom don the character at least one more time in a time travel/alternate universe scene in Avengers 4.
Quite frankly I never expected to see the Hiddleston version of Loki beyond A4. Perhaps a Young Loki, Lady Loki or androgynous Loki down the road, but Tom’s contract is up and the MCU is getting a rebirth of sorts. And I was and am completely okay with that.
My disappointment and sadness is ground in the fact that Marvel loved the interest generated by the character Loki, but they just never really got a handle on the character. Tom did a great job making the most of whatever script was thrown at him. He, himself sorta twisted and turned the inconsistent characterization into a redemption arc, but he really had to work it in the performance.
After all what exactly are Loki’s powers? Illusions obviously, but are they ever tangible? Is he able to transfer himself between them? What’s up with the magical muzzle? Does he do spell work or no? Does he have telepathic attacks? Valkyrie sure thinks so. Magical/telekinetic attacks? With and/or without a magical/infinity stone powered staffs? After all, Loki is the only one besides Odin to wield the magical powers of Gungnir, both with an energy blast and as a Bifrost key. Both Thor and Hela had it in their possession and only used it as a blunt object. Walking between realms, now there is some geography involved there, but he apparently/maybe can find them using his senses. Summing items from a pocket universe, say the Casket of Ancient Winters? Wouldn’t that have been nice weapon against Thanos instead of a dagger? Ah the dagger, and for that matter why not an ice dagger? Why not Jotun up when someone has their hand wrapped around your neck?
I just found Loki’s death to be such an anticlimactic way for him to go. He’s so clever, yet dagger was the best he could do on short notice?
On a side tangent, I actually found the character to be grossly underpowered in Thor Ragnarok as well. Completely unfettered, no mind control, chains or powered prison cell, yet no magic beyond illusion and the never seen before one off telepathic touch attack.
So thank you Tom Hiddleston, for making a completely inconsistantly written character still worth watching and loving. I would say good-bye, but I just can’t completely let go until Avergers 4. Here is hoping Loki gets a true moment in the sun, he so richly deserves.
