Warning - This article contains spoilers from Episode 5 of Loki.
Ever since Loki debuted on Disney+, audiences have watched the God of Mischief come to terms with himself in many ways and forms. But, who knew that confronting one's self would include an alligator?
The Episode 4 post-credits scene not only revealed that Loki was alive but also the existence of other Variant Lokis, including a reptilian God of Mischief sporting mini-Loki horns.
Then, in Episode 5 titled "Journey Into Mystery," Loki teams up with Classic Loki, Kid Loki, and Alligator Loki to survive. But, despite the gator's usefulness in a fight, it seems that the Lokis aren't so sure if their gator companion is, in fact, a version of themselves.
It's an identity crisis that Marvel writer Michael Waldron and Loki star Tom Hiddleston have a few thoughts on.
TOM HIDDLESTON WEIGHS IN ON GATOR LOKI DEBATE
Loki's own Tom Hiddleston told Marvel that the great gator debate stems from the fact that "Loki loves to be right. And they all have a different opinion about this alligator:"
“The question is, ‘Is he really Loki? Or is he just green? It's such a funny question that [the Lokis] all bicker about. One thing about Loki is that Loki loves to be right. And they all have a different opinion about this alligator."
Even Mobius who has considerable experience with Lokis isn't sure and had no recollection of the TVA having brought in a gator version of the God of Mischief.
Granted, the whole question hinges on the ridiculous. But, the debate provides a little levity while still managing to contribute to the premise of "What makes a Loki a Loki?," which Loki head writer Michael Waldron totally owns:
"It's so stupid, but it also makes total sense. You almost have to take it seriously, like maybe he is [a Loki]? Why shouldn't there be an alligator version of Loki? For all we know, that's an alligator universe or whatever. It's just the sort of irreverent thing that, in this show, we play straight and make the audience take it seriously. I love that little guy.”
Waldron isn't the only one who appreciates the alligator. Hiddleston actually referred to the gator as "Very, very, very cute. I'm sure a cuddly companion for those lost Lokis.”
So, is Alligator Loki a Loki? Fans aren't likely to get an answer; and, according to Waldron, that's intentional:
"I know, but I want people to wonder. I want that to be the next great Marvel debate. Is Alligator Loki really a Loki or not?”
CRIKEY, IT'S A LOKI?
Since Marvel fans love to speculate and debate, Waldron's wish is practically guaranteed. Fans are likely to assemble on the internet for days about this issue. In fact, Alligator Loki just may become this MCU series' Ship of Theseus.
It's also worth noting that while the other Lokis seen in The Void were lifted from the comics, Alligator Loki (if he is a Loki, that is) is a completely original Loki created by the MCU for the MCU.
But, if that's not enough to win him acclaim, his fighting skills and having bitten off the hand of President Loki is sure to generate him a fan following in the days to come.
Episode 5 of Loki is now streaming, exclusively on Disney+.
