Loki Episode 6 Pulls Its Strings For One Incredible Time-Twisting Finale

Loki Episode 6 “For All Time, Always” Review

The time has finally come. The third Marvel Cinematic Universe show on Disney+ has met its inevitable end — at least surprisingly, for now, that is. In a first-time announcement for the comic book titan’s lineup of new streaming series, Loki will be the only show (so far) to continue onwards as it closes on a productive cliffhanger. Loki may not be shutting its doors permanently with the final episode of season one, but “For All Time, Always” only raises the high bar for what possibly awaits in the distant future. The season one finale this week only adds more to the thrills of its complex enigma that has continually evolved into something greater and unexpected. As the story of the time-traveling variant and his cast of confused allies wraps up its loose ends and branches off into more questions, it is impossible not to be bewildered, shocked, and crushed by the powerful might of Loki’s (hopefully) first of many yearly conclusions.

“For All Time, Always” may have just helped Loki seal its place at the top of Marvel’s currently released slate of streaming shows. As Loki and Sylvie make their triumphant walk towards the end of time after slaying the cloud beast Alioth, the pair of lovers are finally able to receive closure to some of their long-desired questions. Focusing on the two lead Asgardians and Agent Mobius’ continued mission to find free will, the main cast steps forward to confront their greatest threats in one time-twisting rip-roaring sixth episode. “For All Time, Always” is one massive achievement for Loki that quickly makes itself quite possibly the most important piece of Marvel content to watch since Avengers: Endgame and WandaVision both hit the spotlight — it seriously does contain a nonstop flow of critical scenes to the universe’s ongoing tale.

For the final episode of the season, Loki utilizes all its build-up during the closing entry. The payoff for “For All Time, Always” is simply commendable. Perhaps it does heavily focus on structuring the future conflict of the Marvel Cinematic Universe, but the series is constantly supporting its personal goals and aspirations until the very end. Loki does not forget to provide audiences with a true ending to its run as it multitasks creating a future while also forging the Marvel Cinematic Universe’s upcoming major opponent. On top of its gorgeous cinematography, wonderful computer-generated effects, and killer drama, it importantly does what it needs to by answering the show’s biggest question with satisfaction and promise.

Who runs the TVA? It may not be a character viewers are familiar with as he never appeared in any live-action Marvel show or movie so far, but Loki and Sylvie finally uncover the existence of Kang the Conquer (played by Johnathan Majors) who was pulling all the strings. “He Who Remains” himself finally answers all the audiences’ questions by explaining what the TVA is and how he exactly came to his god-like power. If there was one moment Loki had to stick the landing with, it was in answering its overarching question. The result is nothing short of spectacular. Not only is the answer believable for the show’s mythology, but it does not treat audiences as if they are dumb as it flaunts complexity. The answer to who runs the TVA and how the organization was created is flowing with depth and simplicity as it ushers Marvel into its next phase’s plan: to open up the multiverse. The Conquerer’s first appearance falls perfectly in line with the tone of the TVA’s agents as Majors’ performance clearly reflects what the show has established. Loki’s final answer feels earned and appropriate as it masterfully ties itself into its lead cast.

“For All Time, Always” is marching with emotion as it continues to build upon the themes of Loki and Sylvie. As the two gods come to a standstill on the truth of their reality, it is impossible to want to take a side in their contrasting fights for the future. Episode six is blooming with new conflicts and it is never afraid to dive into committing what the characters would most likely do in their given scenarios. The drama of the Lokis was strong in episodes three, four, and five, but the final entry hits home with how “glorious purpose” can be manipulated and used for either greed or glory. Without spoilers to its final few minutes, Loki and Sylvie’s relationship shines most in episode six due to how it excellently unfolds into what you would expect from two variants of the god of mischief. On top of pushing the Loki variants’ stories further, the finale also aims to set up the futures of its other original characters.

One character who surprisingly gets some notable moments in the finale is Judge Ravonna Renslayer. While the troubled TVA pawn has appeared often throughout Loki’s run, her importance to the story has always been shrouded in mystery. Pairing her with Mobius has always resulted in some great scenes, but “For All Time, Always” continues to reap the rewards of the show’s build-up. Not only does actor Gugu Mbatha-Raw pull through with the best performance she has provided for the series yet, but she gets the chance to really shine with her co-star Owen Wilson. The amount of tension and revelations in Renslayer’s scene leaves viewers with a satisfying note to end off on. Out of all the characters Loki has brought into the Marvel Cinematic Universe, Renslayer is by far one of the most fascinating key players audiences have gotten in years — and the same can be said for Mobius, however, it is a shame we did not get to see more of him in the episode. The two agents of the TVA have certainly solidified their important futures with their final moments.

“For All Time” is an absolute triumph for the god of mischief’s season finale. As Loki brace’s itself for another chaotic year, there is no doubt that its long future presence on Disney+ is only just getting started. Hiddleston’s character may have died at the hands of the mad titan on the big screen, but there is no doubt that his starring show has left an opening for the fan-favorite trickster to return every week — and perhaps even with some notable cameos in Marvel’s upcoming phase four slate of movies. Between the mystery of the TVA and the cast of newcomers whose actors are giving it their all, Loki is charismatic, heart-wrenching, and most importantly, intriguing until the credits roll. For all time, Loki season one will always be a highlight of the Marvel Cinematic Universe no matter what direction it takes in the future. As it goes out on a high note, audiences will only be shouting “another!” at the mouse and their comic book empire.