Warning! Spoilers ahead for Loki season 2, episode 2.

Two years after he lost it, Marvel Studios finally gives Loki back his edge in Loki season 2. Tom Hiddleston's fan-favorite Marvel Cinematic Universe character continues his journey to understanding the multiverse in his own series. Uniquely poised to be the only character in the MCU that has the capability to stop Kang the Conqueror's nefarious plans, Loki re-teams with Mobius as they travel through time and space to get a sense of the villain's ultimate plans. As Marvel Studios' most successful Disney+ property, there was already intense anticipation for Loki season 2, but Marvel Studios makes it better by also reversing one key character mistake from 2021.

Putting Loki at the center of the Multiverse Saga is an unexpected and inspired decision for Marvel Studios. The character played an integral role in the Infinity Saga, but despite his popularity, he remained an auxiliary character. Now, he is one of the very active players in the franchise who is aware of the burgeoning threat brought by Kang. From an anti-hero, Loki is now set up to become the Multiverse Saga's biggest hero. However, just because the God of Mischief has tamed down his villainy, it doesn't mean that he should fully do away with his edge — something that he has lost but has now found again.

Why Loki Lost His Edge In Season 1

For context, the Sacred Timeline version of Loki remains dead after he was killed by Thanos at the start of Avengers: Infinity War. The version of the character who is gallivanting through the multiverse is a variant but has a knowledge of the life that he eventually lives had he not been arrested by the TVA. Regardless of the iteration of Loki featured, Loki season 1 noticeably stripped his mischievousness. Aside from some of the occasional snide remarks and quips, the show's freshman year featured a more restrained Loki. This creative move may seem puzzling at first, but it was a necessity for the story.

Loki mellowed down in season 1 because of the introduction of Sylvie. Making him a tamer version allowed Marvel Studios to differentiate him from his more complicated variant. As seen in Loki season 2, episode 2, "Breaking Brad," the God of Mischief softens up when he reunites with her. The pair has such a complicated dynamic, and it's difficult to say what relationship they will have moving forward. Regardless, it's clear that Loki has a soft spot for Sylvie; he tends to be more careful and caring when dealing with her. This resulted in him losing his edge when she is concerned.

Related: The MCU Has Officially Killed The Best Original Avengers Theory

Loki S2 E2 Brings Back The God Of Mischief’s Devious Side

Sylvie will still be integral in Loki season 2. However, separating her from Loki allows the series to bring back the Asgardian Prince's devious side — something that fans haven't seen since the early episodes of the Disney+ project. In Loki season 2, episode 2, Loki and Mobius travel to the Sacred Timeline to hunt down Hunter X-5, who is tasked to find Sylvie. Instead, he opted to start a new life by becoming a successful actor. The whole chase is action-packed, but arguably its best moments are when Loki leans on his ruthless side and confidently struts towards Hunter X-5 with a determined look on his face.

It has been a while since the MCU has seen this version of Loki — confident, maybe even cocky, and with a glint in his eyes. The way he doesn't get riled up when Hunter X-5 disappears in front of him and uses some merciless tactic to capture him is really fun to watch. Loki was mostly out of his element in season 1. Everything he did was done out of desperation. In Loki season 2, while he still needs to learn about so many things, he seems to have regained his bearings. Loki has returned to his old conniving ways, only this time, he can use them for good.

Why Being Villainous Is Key To Loki’s Character

Loki has always been very interesting as a character. A big reason why he has become very popular is that even in his villainy, he is charismatic. He reveled in his mischievousness, and Hiddleston plays it brilliantly, making him more fun to watch. It's understandable that he lost his edge in Loki season 1, considering his circumstances, but Marvel Studios cannot fully transform him into a mellow character. Being devilish is his signature trait, and stripping him totally out of it is detrimental to him in the long run. It's almost as if Iron Man stopped being a genius or Captain America losing his strong sense of moral compass.

The God of Mischief's edge also effectively separates him from the MCU's biggest heroes. Amid its interconnected storylines and biting humor, the franchise's backbone has always been its interesting characters. However, after 15 years, it's tricky to come up with characters who are different enough to stand out. Loki being mischievous and wanting to do good is such a unique combo. The MCU has other anti-villains such as the Scarlet Witch and Bucky, but they are far less fleshed out than the God of Mischief.

Related: Loki Explains The Real Reason He Invaded Earth In The Avengers

The Multiverse Saga Needs Mischievous Loki Back

It's already a given that Loki will be integral to the Multiverse Saga's culmination. While Marvel Studios lays out the specifics for its resolution, the God of Mischief's experience in his own TV show will make him a key component in its end. At this point, he's even more important to the universe compared to MCU's premier heroes just based solely on what he knows about the multiverse. However, on top of his narrative significance, Loki is also crucial in making sure that people are invested in the Multiverse Saga. It is no secret that the MCU is having some issues, but putting an established character like Loki at the forefront can keep fans interested.

Despite initially being a supporting character, Loki has always been very popular even before Disney+'s Loki. In his first few years in the MCU, he outshone Thor, although the God of Thunder was a founding Avenger. Marvel Studios recognized how important he was to the franchise that they altered Loki's fate in the MCU, and brought him back despite his supposed permanent death in Thor: The Dark World. Aside from the hallmarks of the character, Loki also has strong ties to the Infinity Saga, something that fans are seemingly nostalgic for. Anchoring MCU's new chapter of storytelling on him may be a great way to tap into that.

Loki season 2 airs new episodes every Thursday on Disney+.