‘Loki’ Episode 3 Reveals an Unsettling History Between Timely and Renslayer

This piece was written during the 2023 SAG-AFTRA strike. Without the labor of the actors currently on strike, the series being covered here wouldn’t exist.

Loki Episode 3 takes a strong turn into the 1800s as Loki (Tom Hiddleston) and Mobius (Owen Wilson) head to Chicago in search of Renslayer (Gugu Mbatha-Raw) and Miss Minutes (Tara Strong). Jonathan Majors returns as a Kang variant Victor Timely, teaming up with Renslayer and leading to some interesting developments.

With the introduction of the newest villain, Victor Timely, chaos and havoc rain over Loki and Mobius while time runs out for saving the TVA. Loki Episode 3 is a whirl of emotions with some dangerous adventures ahead.

Right from the get-go of Loki Episode 3, the title card and soundtrack hint at the theme and location for the rest of this episode. The instant incorporation of this raises excitement for the return of He Who Remains, or an introduction to his variant as seen in the trailer. Episode three starts strong diving straight into the story whilst Renslayer heads to 1868 Chicago, after communicating with Miss Minutes via her tempad.

Although it seems like a strange time to return to, it is all soon revealed as part of their plan. Renslayer gives a young Timely the TVA handbook, setting him on the path to becoming He Who Remains. Although such a small detail seems like overkill during Loki Episode 3, this is actually a pivotal feature to establish the backstory of this new character.

Loki Episode 3 highlights just how intelligent and clever He Who Remains truly is through Renslayer’s journey. His plan when realizing that his time is coming to an end –– as after her all he sees everything –– he uses Renslayer and Miss Minutes to restart his journey.

With the recent news of a hit on Renslayer’s tempad in episode two, Loki and Mobius head to the place she was last reported, 1893 Chicago. Carnivals with the boys dressed in their best 1890s clothes truly are a great aspect of this episode. The attention to detail is apparent while enhancing aspects of time travel and historical accuracy.

Whilst they search around the carnival with no luck and snacking on some delicious-looking snacks, they come across a subtle reference to Loki’s family — a diorama of Odin, Thor, and Balder. Although this displeases Loki, it’s the complete opposite for audiences. Any reference to other plot lines, characters, or relationships is always welcome.

The more they search, the closer they get as they come across a sign marketing an upcoming show “Introducing his great invention, Victor Timely’s Astounding Temporal Marvels” and the lightbulb hits when they connect the dots.

Jonathan Majors returns for his theatrical show in Loki Episode 3, revealing the prototype for the temporal loom. Seeing the creation and history of the temporal loom is a much-needed feature within this episode. It reveals the history of He Who Remains and the mechanics of how the TVA controlled the timelines and kept them all together has been a mystery since season one. Jonathan Majors’ portrayal of Victor Timely deserves endless praise, his ability to depict such a character with complex physical and emotional traits seemingly so effortlessly is outstanding.

The more Victor Timely is on-screen in Loki Episode 3, the easier it becomes to sympathize with him. Ultimately, Timely is a variant of Kang and most definitely should not be trusted, but this variant seems so cuddly. Majors’ ability to portray two archetypes of the same character is magnificent, and for him to make audiences adore and feel remorse for a character is incredible. His talent is unmatched within the MCU, and he deserves much recognition for making an audience feel conflicted in their emotions so effortlessly.

The complex relationship between Loki and Sylvie reappears later in this episode demonstrating their inability to agree on a situation. The constantly repeated argument between the two about letting Victor Timely live is what drives the season and their relationship. Their stubbornness challenges their relationship in multiple ways and is one of the many consistent bumps in the road in Loki.

Miss Minutes is the artificial intelligence and brains behind the TVA in season one, yet we never really knew the truth about her. Throughout Loki Episode 3 there is a weird and uncomfortable flirting between Timely and Renslayer on Timely’s behalf; Renslayer presents herself as disinterested. This very much angers Miss Minutes to where she even convinces Timely to drop Renslayer into the lake.

This AI is cranky and bitter, but Loki showcases Miss Minutes more than just your normal AI but with real human emotions. Her loyalty to He Who Remains and his variant is unbreakable due to their history and his creation of her. Over the years, this has turned from a loving to a dark tone when she fell in love with him –– very peculiar.

After a crazy ride with Timely, Renslayer, and Miss Minutes, Renslayer goes off the rails towards the end of Loki Episode 3, ultimately getting herself pruned by Sylvie. Gugu Mbatha-Raw’s portrayal of Renslayer continues to improve in every episode, marking her presence so powerfully in Loki Season 2. Gugu Mbatha-Raw’s character is overshadowed during Loki Season 1 and not deemed as a villain despite her overpowering dark shadow throughout both seasons. However, it is evident that she will get her recognition as a villain sooner rather than later.

Loki Episode 3 establishes Renslayer, Victor Timely, and Miss Minutes as the newest challenges for the rest of the season. This episode ends on a concerning note, with Miss Minutes announcing that there is a big secret that will change everything, leaving audiences anticipating the next episode for it to be revealed. Loki Episode 3 brings alight the truth of creation of not only Miss Minutes, but also the mysterious relationship between Renslayer and He Who Remains.

Loki Season 2 streams exclusively on Disney+ with new episodes hitting every Thursday at 6 PM PDT/9 PM EST. Follow the Agents of Fandom socials to stay up to date with the latest entertainment news.