Disney+’s two season science fiction series that delves deeply into time travel, Loki, is a perfect example of the genre. Disney+ has quite a few great sci-fi shows, from Star Wars to The X-Files and more. As far as the streamer’s original series go, however, only one series can truly be considered a perfect sci-fi show, and it’s surprisingly part of the Marvel Cinematic Universe.
While the MCU isn’t traditionally known as a great source of science fiction, Loki is the franchise’s absolute pinnacle of sci-fi storytelling. From expert production value that makes so many disparate settings look and feel real to superb acting, smartly-written time travel elements, and one of the most unique takes on the multiverse ever put to screen, Loki is nearly perfect. One of the best parts of Loki is that anyone can watch it, not just superhero fans.
Loki Is More Sci-Fi Than Superhero
Though it does follow a Norse god and main character from the Marvel Cinematic Universe, a franchise that is unquestionably in the superhero genre, Loki is more of a science fiction show than a superhero one. Loki is primarily concerned with time travel and alternate dimensions rather than the fantastical villains, feats of strength, and big battles that define so much of the superhero genre.
Loki is one of the best time travel shows out there, and it’s absolutely dedicated to diving into the most complicated aspects of its sci-fi premise with absolute earnestness. Time travel isn’t some gimmick to Loki, it’s the structure of the show. The series follows Loki as he interacts with the Time Variance Authority, which is dedicated to protecting a “Sacred Timeline” by eliminating people who make choices that don’t coincide with the “right” path.
The MCU Has A Complicated Relationship With Science Fiction
Loki is a great science fiction show, and it’s so good that it’s actually odd it’s part of the Marvel Cinematic Universe. The MCU has a checkered history with science fiction. At times, it uses elements of sci-fi to great effect, like Hank Pym’s shrinking technology in Ant-Man or Tony Stark’s various suits and nanotech in Iron Man. In those cases, the MCU’s sci-fi is actually pretty good.
More often than not, however, the MCU treats science fiction like magic, and it uses it as a writing loophole. Vibranium, for example, can be as strong or as brittle as it needs to be depending upon the scene. The quantum realm, also, is basically just a playground for time travel and size shenanigans. On the whole, sci-fi in the MCU is much less carefully considered and thought-out than it is in Loki.
Loki Is The One MCU Show You Have To Watch Before Doomsday
If you needed another reason to watch Loki, it’s also conveniently the only MCU show you absolutely need to watch before Avengers: Doomsday. There are quite a few MCU movies to watch before Doomsday, but in terms of shows, Loki is the only required viewing. Loki is the single best story to use to familiarize yourself with the idea of the multiverse, of branching timelines, and of familiar faces with new names (such as Robert Downey Jr.’s Victor Doom).