Why Loki Was Endgame’s Only Timeline Issue

Warning: SPOILERS for Loki episode 1.

As Loki was arrested by the Time Variance Authority for messing with the Sacred Timeline through Avengers: Endgame, why was he charged while the Avengers weren't? Tom Hiddleston is back in the MCU as the God of Mischief, but with a twist. Despite being killed by Thanos in Avengers: Infinity War, Loki's journey in the franchise was far from over. When the remaining Avengers managed to travel back in time to retrieve the Infinity Stones at various points, Loki was able to escape with the Tesseract. But this caused the Asgardian villain to screw with the timeline, so Loki was taken in by the Time Variance Authority.

The series premiere of Loki established the organization's place in the larger MCU as the Time-Keepers are in charge of keeping the Sacred Timeline intact. But because Loki was never supposed to survive, him escaping from being murdered by Thanos caused damage to the timeline. When Loki was standing trial, he questioned Judge Ravonna Renslayer why the Avengers were not being charged for going back to multiple periods. Aside from the fact that Loki and the Avengers were on different sides, there was a specific reason why the Time Variance Agency arrested him.

During Loki's introduction of the organization, the animated presentation, narrated by Miss Minutes, expanded how the Time-Keepers exist to preserve the fabric of time. From their point of view, Loki getting away from the Avengers in 2012 was not in favor of the Sacred Timeline. Ravonna explained that the Time Variance Agency had no reason to go after the Avengers because their actions in Avengers: Endgame were always meant to happen, whereas Loki's actions weren't. He wasn't trying to avoid impacting the timeline - rather, he immediately tried to conquer the people he came into contact with after being transported by the Tesseract.

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In addition to that, the Avengers going back in time temporarily to use the Infinity Stones to undo Thanos' deadly snap benefited the Time-Keepers. Unlike Loki, they did not do it for selfish reasons but for the greater good of the entire universe as half of its population turned into dust thanks to Thanos. With Loki's track record, had he not been caught by them, there was a huge risk in him complicating the Sacred Timeline even further. At that point, Loki was also in possession of the Tesseract, making his stunt in Avengers: Endgame an even bigger deal.

Furthermore, the Avengers made sure they weren't caught so that the timeline would remain in tact; it was one of Tony Stark's stipulations when he discussed it with Steve Rogers, because he wanted to return to his wife and daughter. All they wanted to do is essentially borrow the Infinity Stones; grab them, get out, and return them after they undid Thanos' snap. This is in stark contrast to Loki wanting to continue being a god-king wherever he went.

While time travel is still relatively new to the MCU, the Time Variance Agency's rules were logically explained in Loki's first episode. Given how the premiere ended, it is just the first step of demonstrating the damage the many Lokis have caused. The Avengers certainly took a massive risk by traveling to all those past timelines; there is no denying that. It wouldn't be shocking if Phase 4 actually unveils some consequences, even despite defeating Thanos and restoring the population that was snapped. But for the time being, Loki season 1 will tackle it from the titular character's perspective.

Loki releases new episodes every Wednesday, only on Disney+.

Next: Loki: Every MCU Easter Egg In Episode 1