Why Loki Blinks So Weird In Episode 4

Screen Rant

By Brynne Ramella

Published Jul 2, 2021

At various moments in Loki episode 4, Loki blinds in a strange way. We break down why that is and what it means for his character moving forward in the TV series.

Warning! SPOILERS for Loki episode 4.

During a few moments in Loki episode 4, "The Nexus Event," Loki blinks in a weird manner, which hints at him breaking character. Loki always prides himself on being the God of Mischief, and his actions towards Lady Sif certainly prove that, but above all, he's simply vying for as much control as possible. It's why he's always in character, being someone who exudes power and a certain personality, but perhaps isn't truly that person. His blinking is a reflection of that.

"The Nexus Event" is a direct follow-up to Sylvie's (Sophia Di Martino) reveal that every employee in the TVA is a variant. Despite Ravonna's (Gugu Mbatha-Raw) best efforts, the God and Goddess of Mischief get to Mobius (Owen Wilson) and Hunter B-15 (Wunmi Mosaku). Just when it seems like Loki and Sylvie have the upper hand, they make the most shocking discovery of all — the Time-Keepers are just mindless androids. Someone else is in charge of the TVA.

In between these shocking events, there were moments that took even Loki by surprise. For example, before Mobius tries to help the Lokis before his supposed death, he falsely tells Loki that Sylvie has been pruned. Loki acts as if he doesn't care, but he blinks rapidly. The action is a crack in Loki's façade. In every prior appearance in the MCU, Loki typically has the upper hand on everyone he meets, but in Loki, he is constantly bested. It's proof that Loki is finally out of his element in the Disney+ show.

As the God of Mischief, Loki is usually the one deceiving people, but "The Nexus Event" was full of moments that took him by surprise. For one, he's forced to confront his feelings about Sylvie. While the TV series has brought Loki's bisexuality into the MCU, he's never had an on-screen love interest. The existence of the TVA has continually thrown Loki by surprise as well. Their power and the things they know about Loki have caused him to question everything he understood about himself. Loki typically puts on the "cool guy" façade when he's around others. The events of Loki, particularly "The Nexus Event", caused that to crumble.

This will likely spur a character development journey for Loki that is completely different from his original path in the MCU, specifically one that's more heroic. In the movies, Loki moves from a traditional villain to more of an anti-hero. But the events of Loki provide him different motivations - he's found an honest friendship with Mobius and a potential romantic relationship with Sylvie. Those relationships make him more vulnerable, as demonstrated by the cracks in his persona in Loki episode 4. But at the same time, it gives him the opportunity to become a hero because he now has something worth fighting for. As Loki continues on, audiences can still expect a little mischief mixed in with his heroism.

More: Loki Episode 4's Credits Scene Continues The MCU's Young Avengers Setup

Loki releases new episodes every Wednesday on Disney+.