This article contains spoilers for episode 6 ofLoki, “For All Time. Always.”
Lokiclosed out its first season with a big finish. The finale found the God of Mischief stranded in a timeline where he apparently has never been to the TVA before, and Sylvie’s fate was left hanging in the balance as the choice she made essentially created the multiverse.
Thefinal episode ofLokiseason 1 is also packed with references to Marvel Comics and previous films. The opening credits sequence contains multiple quotes from other MCU heroes throughout the years, as well as public figures like Maya Angelou and Alan Watts. Beyond the more obvious revelations, likeintroducing Kang the Conqueror(or at least one version of him), episode 6 is full of easter eggs that have serious implications for the past and future of the MCU.
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The Apple
He Who Remains is the most powerful character Marvel has introduced to date, since he is (or was) the only person to have ultimate control over time and space. When he met Loki and Sylvie, he was eating an apple and many fans have pointed out the Biblical connotations this scene has. However, it also nods to the moment inDoctor Strangewhere Stephen realizes he can use the Time Stone to bend reality. Strange uses the Time Stone to “bite” an apple, then restore it to its original, uneaten state.
Loki also came in contact with Kang and the TVA as the result of his actions in New York City, commonly referred to as “The Big Apple,” so perhaps Kang’s fruity snack was also meant to remind fans that the battle of New York is what started the destruction of the sacred timeline.
Loki 1130
When Kang showed his script to Loki and Sylvie, Loki was dubbed “L1130” on paper. The number 1130 holds some Biblical significance, like the apple mentioned above. Supposedly, when the number 1130 appears, it signals change and growth. Whether or not Marvel chose this number intentionally, deeming Loki variant L1130 seems fitting,because his journey in the serieswas mainly focused on his self-discovery, as well as reinventing himself and his purpose amongst the multiverse to be more than just a catalyst for destruction.
The Shape of the Multiverse
Upon Loki and Sylvie’s entrance to the Citadel, the shape of the multiverse timeline appears to be a continuous loop, with no real beginning and end. Although this detail might seem unimportant, it could be a reference to something fans have picked up on since the release ofLokiin early July.
Mobius is supposedly named after the Mobius Strip, which is a one-sided mathematical phenomenon that functions as a single, never-ending spiral. Tony Stark used the Mobius Strip to crack the time-travel code inAvengers: Endgame, proving that the passage of time isn’t a linear path.
The shape of the timeline intheLokifinaleconfirms Tony’s findings in the Infinity Saga conclusion and could also be a tribute to Mobius himself, who has played a crucial role in Loki’s adventures with the TVA.
Kang Variants
In Marvel Comics, Kang the Conqueror was just one of many versions of himself to exist within the complicated multiversal timeline, and that storyline will now be continued within the MCU. During the finale, He Who Remains told Loki and Sylvie that his death would unleash his variants on the timeline and create chaos amongst the universe. Now that Sylvie killed He Who Remains, other versions of him should pop up inLokiseason 2 andother upcoming Phase 4 films.
Miss Minutes
Fans have been skeptical ofMiss Minutessince she was introduced in theLokiseries. At first glance, she seems like a rather harmless cartoon hologram, but her presence at the Citadel in episode 6 makes her character much more complex. When Loki and Sylvie entered the place beyond time, there were statues present in the building.
Upon a closer look, it seems as if the faces of the statues are clocks, closely resembling the design of Miss Minutes. She obviously knows all of Kang’s secrets and is most likely working at the TVA to make sure everyone fulfills their purpose and keep the agents from discovering the truth about the Timekeepers.
It’s Been A Long, Long Time
Obviously, the opening scene for episode 6 is overflowing with Marvel references and popular quotes as it takes fans on a journey through time in the MCU. However, it’s the choice of music that makes this scene so interesting.
Earlier in the series, fans noticed that a woman who looks awfully similar toPeggy Carter appeared during episode 1. Steve Rogers traveled back in time to be with her once the Avengers won their battle against Thanos inAvengers: Endgame, and the two danced to the song “It’s Been A Long, Long Time” by Harry James. This same song was used during the intro for episode 6 ofLoki, and could be a reference to Steve’s relationship with Peggy.
Steve was extremely vague when he returned to the present as an old man to pass on his Captain America mantle to Sam Wilson, and evenThe Falcon and the Winter Soldierwritersdon’t know what exactly happened to Steve. Peggy’s TVA arrest and the return of the popular song inLokihints at the possibility that Steve and Peggy are now multiverse criminals since they were never supposed to be together. Perhaps these two will make another appearance in future MCU projects as heroes struggle to maintain balance while the multiverse continues to run rampant.
