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Managing editor & film and television critic with a Bachelor's of Arts in English Literature with a Writing Minor from the University of Guam. Currently in graduate school completing a Master's in English Literature.
Marvel Studios and Disney Plus’s Loki takes an interesting turn of events. The third episode of Michael Waldron’s series is titled “Lamentis”. Bisha K. Ali is this episode’s writer, while Kate Herron once again serves as the director.
In this review, I will discuss this week’s episode. As always, there will be no spoilers here, as the title of the article suggests. Nonetheless, minor story development details lie ahead.
Plot Summary
Following last week’s final scene, Loki (Tom Hiddleston) chases the Variant through time. Stalling them from taking down the Time Variance Authority, the two land in Lamentis-1 during an impending apocalyptic fate in not-too-distant future. They must fix the broken TemPad device that took them there before it is too late.
Sasha Lane makes an appearance as Hunter C-20, while Gugu Mbatha-Raw plays Ravonna Renslayer. In a much larger role, Sophia Di Martino portrays the Variant who goes by “Sylvie.” (Although, Marvel Studios and Disney Plus officially refer to her as “Lady Loki.”)
Discussion
This week’s episode runs at a good 41 minutes, which is a dozen minutes less than the previous two episodes of the series. “Lamentis” has Calum Ross as the editor, rather than Paul Zucker, who had the role in the first two episodes.
The CG effects seem a bit awkward here and there throughout the narrative, albeit not so much as one would think. However, they’re pretty much made up for by the episode’s writing aspect. British screenwriter Bisha K. Ali’s teleplay is worth commending, as it serves as a test run for an upcoming Disney Plus series. She currently serves as the head writer for Ms. Marvel. I particularly liked the development between Loki and Lady Loki without really telling the viewer so much about the latter.
I specifically like their blend of comedic and dramatic dialogue, and there are moments where either gets somewhat poetic in speech. While the action does take place, the way they exchange lines and topics of discourse reminded me a little bit of Linklater’s Before Sunset. Indeed, this episode of Loki includes a train scene and a one-shot sequence, but that could be a little reach.
Final Thoughts
Watching “Lamentis” made me feel like I was watching Rick and Morty in the way that it felt primarily like a bottle episode. I like that they discuss concepts of love and even information about their personal backgrounds, such as family and sexual preferences. Although, we probably won’t get much from Sylvie, especially since she’s the antagonist. There is one thing that Hiddleston’s character does that reminded me of Thor (2011). Even though he’s a child of the Frost Giants, it reminded me that he is a son of Asgard as much as his god-of-thunder brother is. I think that is something worth ruminating on.
Overall, this third episode of Loki allows us to sit back from the mystery and take in what is right in front of us.
Michael Waldron’s Loki is now out on Disney+!
Have you seen the episode yet? If you have already, what are your thoughts on it? Let us know! For more action, adventure, comic book, drama, fantasy, science-fiction, and superhero-related news and reviews, follow The Cinema Spot on Twitter (@TheCinemaSpot) and Instagram (@thecinemaspot_). You can also catch us on Facebook (TheCinemaSpotFB)!
Managing editor & film and television critic with a Bachelor's of Arts in English Literature with a Writing Minor from the University of Guam. Currently in graduate school completing a Master's in English Literature.
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