Monthly (or there abouts) reminder that…
- My problems with Loki in Ragnarok have nothing to do with him being hedonistic, more overtly sexual, a tad ridiculous, and just more lighthearted in general. I didn’t buy into the characterization of MCU!Loki as a dark, twisted creature standing on the precipice above total psychopathy. That’s not who I think MCU!Loki was. Ever. My problem is with the implication that he’s just a trickster with shallow motivations, if any motivations at all, and with his legitimate issues and traumas being made into punchlines or brought up only to be shoved aside, left unresolved, as though they are unimportant.
- My problems with Thor in Ragnarok have nothing to do with him being smart, capable of the same tactics Loki uses, or even him being angry at Loki (it makes perfect sense to me that Thor would be upset–his father has just died and Loki did betray him for, from his perspective, no good reason). I didn’t buy into the characterization of MCU!Thor as a stupid jock who smiles, praises, and forgives Loki through every betrayal or attempted mass murder/genocide. That’s not who I think MCU!Thor was. Ever. My problem is with the way he derives enjoyment, apparently, from witnessing Loki in serious pain (he feels way more dudebro to me in this movie, and that’s exactly what Thor isn’t), that some of the jokes and dialogue sound more like Hemsworth than Thor, and the fact that he doesn’t have a character arc.
- I welcome all of the new and returning fans that Ragnarok brought in. Your talent is welcome. Your thoughts are welcome. I don’t think you’re wrong to enjoy the film.
I would also like to add (on a much less friendly note, sorry):
4. My (our) problem with Loki in Ragnarok had nothing to do with his being presented as more obviously gay/queer. It would have been great if they’d given Loki a semi-canon relationship with another man (I wouldn’t be surprised if he and Fandral had been involved at some point). Instead, they gave wink-wink nudge-nudge hints about a truly creepy “sugar baby” relationship with a murderous slave-trading monster and we’re supposed to be thrilled about the queer representation. And alongside the more overt but still not explicit gayness, they present Loki as petty, narcissistic, and incompetent. Way to subvert stereotypes, amirite?
5. I don’t just dislike Thor in Ragnarok because he’s mean to Loki. He’s also a complete asshole to Bruce and the Hulk, despite professing to be their friend. He’s self-absorbed and manipulative with regard to them as well as Loki. And while he is shown displaying cunning, most notably in that “tricking the trickster” sequence that culminates with his grotesque display of sadism, he shows no emotional intelligence whatsoever (except, perhaps, in his ability to manipulate Loki’s emotions). What the hell was that rambly speech to Valkyrie about how much he loves women? Is it supposed to be cute that in response to Loki’s concern about his reception on Earth, Thor says “Earth loves me,” indicating that he only ever thinks about himself? I have no problem with a little bit of humor at the hero’s expense – the Iron Man movies are full of it – but when the effect of the humor is to make him completely unlikable, you’ve gotta wonder what the point is.
Loki is the Philosopher King 