Loki: Mobius Uses a Doctor Strange Torture Tactic | CBR - CBR - Comic Book Resources

WARNING: The following contains spoilers for Loki Episode 4, "The Nexus Event," now streaming on Disney+.

In the Marvel Cinematic Universe, it's no secret Doctor Strange is one of the most powerful characters around. It showed in his solo movie, where he fought off Kaecilius' forces of evil mages before eventually taking aim at Dormammu in the Dark Dimension. Now, come Loki, Strange's exploits are paid homage to as the Time Variance Authority uses the Sorcerer Supreme's best and worst weapon -- the time loop.

It was a genius stroke as Strange trapped Dormammu in the loop during the iconic scene where the Sorcerer Supreme bargained for Earth's safety. It frustrated the supernatural overlord, to the point that Dormammu conceded defeat and left the planet alone. By absconding from the realm forever, Strange also got a guarantee he'd never attack again, so it seemed like a smart deal. However, it did fall flat in terms of high-octane action and spectacle, as people expected Strange to use his mystical arsenal against the villain in a brutal battle to cap the movie.

The time loop now appears in Loki when the titular character is captured along with Sylvie and taken back to the TVA. Mobius is pissed because he trusted Loki and considered him more a friend than a partner, but when he realizes Loki won't divulge the master plan, he opens up a mysterious red portal and throws him inside. There, Loki finds himself facing the wrath of Sif for a prank on Asgard during its glory days.

Loki had cut locks of her hair off, so she'd approach him before verbally chiding and punching the God of Mischief. The crowning moment's a knee to the groin, which Loki relives multiple times in agony. This punishment surprisingly works, as Loki learns his lesson, remembering the sins of old, where he was arrogant and sought attention at everyone's expense. He even confesses this to Sif, but amid the apology, she continues her scathing words and reminds him he'll die alone.

It's a caustic yet effective move with results similar to the Dormammu affair, albeit this is more sympathetic in tone. It does fit the series too because the TVA's all about resetting and molding the Sacred Timeline, so it'd make sense they'd use chronological loops to hurt Loki via repetitive, painful moments.

After all, Mobius did something similar by showing Loki Frigga's death , but this intimate, in-the-flesh tactic is more immersive and hard-hitting, literally. This torture session also matches Mobius' style, as he's about quirky interrogations and punishments rather than torture, opting to break Loki mentally more than physically. Ultimately, it's better-received here as it works well mid-series rather than being the climactic end to a big battle, which, as seen with Strange and Dormammu, turned out a bit underwhelming.

Loki stars Tom Hiddleston, Owen Wilson, Gugu Mbatha-Raw, Wunmi Mosaku, Sophia Di Martino, Richard E. Grant, Sasha Lane, and Eugene Cordero. New episodes air Wednesdays on Disney+.

KEEP READING: A Loki Guide: News, Easter Eggs, Reviews, Recaps, Theories and Rumors

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I'm a former Chemical Engineer. It was boring so I decided to write about things I love. On the geek side of things, I write about comics, cartoons, video games, television, movies and basically, all things nerdy. I also write about music in terms of punk, indie, hardcore and emo because well, they rock! If you're bored by now, then you also don't want to hear that I write for ESPN on the PR side of things. And yes, I've written sports for them too! Not bad for someone from the Caribbean, eh? To top all this off, I've scribed short films and documentaries, conceptualizing stories and scripts from a human interest and social justice perspective. Business-wise, I make big cheddar (not really) as a copywriter and digital strategist working with some of the top brands in the Latin America region. In closing, let me remind you that the geek shall inherit the Earth. Oh, FYI, I'd love to write the Gargoyles movie for Disney. YOLO. That said, I'm on Twitter @RenaldoMatadeen. So holler.