If you haven’t watched the latest episode of Disney+’s Loki, you missed a magnificent twist that changes all we have learned about the Time Variance Authority (TVA) thus far. According to Esquire, the third episode, entitled “Lamentis,” found Loki uniquely teaming up with the Loki variant, Sylvie (Sohpia Di Martino). As they journeyed to a new nexus event, Loki’s female companion divulged a hidden secret about the mysterious organization.
Owen Wilson’s (Night at the Museum, Marley & Me) Mobius originally informed Tom Hiddleston’s (The Night Manager, Avengers: Infinity War) Loki the TVA’s innumerable army and staff were created by the Time Keepers. But following Sylvie’s invasive session with Chasseur C-20, played by Sasha Lane (Utopia, Hellboy 3), it is revealed these armed time troopers are kidnapped variants. According to Sylvie’s account, variants were regular humans who were taken into TVA custody, but never returned to their timeline. Instead she alleges they are somewhat recruited – by force – to join the time-chasing fleet.
Following this theory, Esquire poses many questions against the current reality the God of Mischief is witnessing. If the TVA agents are variants plucked from obscurity, will that make Mobius one? It would explain his affinity for jet skis, as if he is clinging to a memory from a past life. The same way C-20 recognized the restaurant Sylvie had illustrated in her mind. And if Mobius – who seems to have a semblance of control in the TVA’s ranks – is being manipulated, what greater power could be at work? This turn could also explain the origin of Sylvie’s grudge against the TVA.
We learn from this episode that Sylvie has been strategizing her plan for years, ultimately seeking the whereabouts of the Time Keepers. As she questioned C-20, Sylvie learned she must take the golden elevators to find them. Now that the Sacred Timeline has been obliterated, sending every single TVA agent to the field, Sylvie was presented the perfect opportunity to explore the TVA and find her prey.
What a tangled web we weave when we first decide to deceive. And it would appear Loki – the master of deception – has quite possibly met his match. New episodes of Marvel’s Loki air every Wednesday on Disney+.