Marvel Studios’ Musical Switch-Up
“The version of the fanfare was used to reflect the earlier time period in which Loki season 2, episode 3 was set, similarly setting the tone for the Easter eggs to follow.”
Music nerds, you’re in for a treat. Marvel Studios usually kicks things off with the iconic Michael Giacchino-composed theme. But for this episode, they changed the fanfare to something that resembles an old-fashioned band, perfectly setting the tone for the Easter eggs that follow.
A Kang Variant Steps into the Spotlight
“Victor Timely is shaping up to be an important character inclusion, especially after the ending of Loki season 2, episode 3 going into the show’s final three episodes.”
Loki and Mobius walk through Chicago in 1868, deliberating why Ravonna Renslayer would choose this particular time and place. It’s at this moment that Loki asks, “Any major figure arises from here?”—a question that foreshadows the appearance of Victor Timely, a variant of Kang the Conqueror.
Tinseltown Shoutout
“During Loki season 2, episode 3, Loki and Mobius explore the Chicago World’s Fair. At one point, the duo is shown exiting a set of the Chinese Theater synonymous with Los Angeles.”
Fans of Iron Man 3 will recognize the Chinese Theater, where Happy Hogan was once injured by an Extremis soldier. It’s a low-key (or should I say Loki?) nod to the Phase 2 film.
Norse God Family Drama
“Why’d they include Balder? No one’s even heard of him.”
In a Norse mythology exhibit, Loki and Mobius encounter sculptures of Thor, Odin, and Balder. Yes, you heard it right, Balder! Remember him? Loki season 2 just served us some Norse mythology realness.
Ant-Man Gets a Nod
“Given that Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania first debuted both Kang the Conqueror and the first-look at Loki season 2 in the film’s post-credit scene, it is hard to imagine the name Lang being a coincidence.”
During their exploration of the Chicago World’s Fair, Loki and Mobius find a performer named Ferdinand Lang. Ring a bell? Yep, it’s a clear tip of the hat to Scott Lang, better known as Ant-Man.
It’s All About Time
“Timely’s demonstration is named ‘Victor Timely’s Temporal Marvels.'”
Victor Timely’s show at the fair isn’t just a nod to his time-bending abilities; it’s also a cheeky nod to the Marvel Universe itself. With a name like ‘Temporal Marvels,’ how could it not be?
That Familiar Tune
“The music being played by the band is an old-fashioned version of Loki’s ‘Green Theme,’ one of the most recognizable tracks from Loki season 1’s score by Natalie Holt.”
If you felt like you’d heard the background music before, you’re not wrong. It’s a reworked version of Loki’s ‘Green Theme,’ adding a dash of nostalgia.
The Egyptian Connection
“As Victor Timely is being chased through the fair, he hides amid an ancient Egyptian exhibit.”
There’s a subtle reference to Kang’s Egyptian variant, Rama-Tut, as Victor Timely seeks refuge in an Egyptian exhibit.
East Meets West
“It has long been an MCU theory that Shang-Chi’s rings connect to Kang in some capacity, which the Asian symbols found in Loki season 2 could be a subtle nod towards.”
Inside Victor Timely’s lab, some objects feature Asian symbols, perhaps hinting at a connection to Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings.
A Director’s Tribute
“Toward the end of Loki season 2, episode 3, Ravonna and Victor Timely board a ship to take them to Timely’s proper laboratory. The ship is named the SS Herron.”
In a heartwarming tribute, the ship that carries Ravonna and Victor Timely is named the SS Herron, after Kate Herron, who directed every episode of Loki’s first season.
So there you have it! Loki’s latest episode is a masterclass in fan service, deep cuts, and tantalizing teases. Catch new episodes of Loki every Thursday at 6 pm PT / 9 pm ET on Disney+.
