Marvel Studios' Loki finally dropped on Disney+, and it’s getting a lot of streaming viewers talking about the MCU’s keen use of time travel. When Tom Hiddleston's Loki was apprehended by the Time Variance Authority, plenty of questions popped up about the organization's tactics for dealing with those who mess up the sacred timeline. While the episode did clarify that the Avengers avoided arrest by being on the correct path regarding their Time Heist in Endgame, there are still questions about whether Chris Evans' Captain America became a target for the TVA after causing his own ripples in the timeline.
When Steve Rogers returned the Infinity Stones to their rightful place at the end of Avengers: Endgame, the super-soldier chose to stay behind and live out his remaining years with his true love, Peggy Carter. The decision came not only as a shock, but it sparked confusion and wonder about what that act would have done to the timeline. In an interview with SUPES, Loki’s head writer Michael Waldron was asked if the TVA would have pursued Steve after he created the alternate timeline with Peggy, and although Waldron’s answer was vague, it does give fans some insight into what could potentially be happening behind Loki's curtain.
That’s a good question, man. I don't think I can answer that. I don't think I can answer that. I think maybe...I think maybe just keep watching.
When Steve went back in time and stayed with Peggy, it created an alternate timeline, and considering the fact that the TVA was formed to prevent that kind of thing from happening, no matter how small it might be, might the organization be looking to undo everything Cap did with Peggy? It's obviously possible, since Loki is putting all its MCU cards on the table, but since Chris Evans has mentioned before that he’s done playing the Star-Spangled hero, it’s likely the TVA will say that Steve's time-jaunting actions were supposed to happen, much like the Avengers’ Time Heist. Even if it's a load of hooey.
The TVA potentially targeting Steve and Peggy is all the more worthy of speculation given the fact that some fans believe they may have spotted Hayley Atwell’s famous S.H.I.E.L.D. agent at the Time Variance Authority in the first episode of Loki, indicating that she and Steve may have created a Nexus Event, turning them both into Variants, attracting the TVA’s attention. It would certainly be one of the biggest ways for the new Disney+ series to make a huge impact on previously established MCU arcs, especially if Chris Evans won't be around again to reprise the role.
However it was supposed to be, it doesn’t seem like this will be the last time the proposition will be brought up during this season. Will we soon learn about what else may have happened with Steve and Peggy following Avengers: Endgame? Catch new episodes of Loki on Wednesdays on Disney+ to find out.
