I Spoiled the Loki Season 2 Finale “Glorious Purpose” for ChatGPT
Included below is our full conversation.
Excelsior!
P.S. Spoilers below!
SHAWN WICKENS: I’m sure you are familiar with the character of Loki in the Marvel movies. I’d like to discuss the season 2 finale of the Loki series.
ChatGPT 3.5: Absolutely, let’s dive into the world of Loki! What’s on your mind about the season 2 finale?
SW: Season 2 ends with (MAJOR SPOILER ALERT) Loki slipping back and forth through time trying to figure out how to prevent the sacred timeline and all of existence from exploding. This takes centuries but he eventually realizes that he, as a magical demigod, can become the new “God of Time” and bring stability to the sacred timeline and various other timelines.
This fulfills his lifelong journey to discover his “glorious purpose”. He saves multiple universes but will have to continue to exist in solitude. He is a hero of all time, yet nobody else will really know that he is a hero.
What’s interesting to me is that the TV series shows us one version of Loki (one who escaped with the Tessaract after altered events revealed in Avengers: Endgame). Audiences saw a previous version of Loki dying a hero at the beginning of Avengers: Infinity War.
In both situations, Loki became a hero. He fulfilled his “Glorious Purpose”. I think the difference in both scenarios is how he was treated by “adversaries”. This may be a little reductive but throughout the MCU, The Avengers treated Loki as a threat. In the Loki television series, Agent Mobius (played by Owen Wilson) treated him as an ally.
So what does this say about our heroes who come from a place of aggression and a man who treats another person with compassion, camaraderie and empathy? In both instances, Loki ultimately makes a heroic choice. But in the version where he was seen as a heroic colleague, Loki eventually ascends to magnificent heights — a new “Time Lord”.
See where I’m going with this?
C 3.5: Absolutely, your observation about the contrasting treatment of Loki in the MCU and the Loki TV series is spot on. It’s fascinating to see how the perspective and approach of others, especially the so-called “heroes,” can significantly impact the trajectory of a character.
In the traditional MCU timeline, Loki’s interactions with the Avengers were marked by conflict and distrust, which ultimately led to his demise as a hero. On the other hand, the Loki from the TV series found himself in a situation where he was treated with understanding and empathy by characters like Agent Mobius. This different dynamic paved the way for a heroic transformation and, as you mentioned, his ascension to the role of a “Time Lord.”
It raises thought-provoking questions about the power of compassion and empathy, and how individuals, even those perceived as villains, can change when given the chance to be understood and treated with respect. It’s a nuanced exploration of the nature of heroism and redemption.
So, in a nutshell, the treatment Loki receives seems to be a critical factor in determining the outcome of his choices and the fulfillment of his “Glorious Purpose.” What are your thoughts on this dichotomy and the broader implications for how we perceive heroism in storytelling?
SW: We’re dissecting works of Fiction here. But I think the lesson about true, real heroism is that we may have to show our perceived enemies a heroic level of understanding and empathy that we might not even realize we’re truly capable of.
C 3.5: Absolutely, and that’s a powerful lesson to draw from fiction. The idea that true heroism extends beyond physical feats and battles, but also involves understanding, empathy, and the capacity to see the potential for change in others, even those considered adversaries, is profound.
It challenges the conventional notions of heroism and explores the transformative power of compassion. It’s a reminder that everyone has their own journey, struggles, and reasons for their actions, and sometimes, extending a hand instead of a weapon can lead to unexpected and positive outcomes.
In a way, it encourages us to look beyond surface-level judgments and consider the complexities of individuals, fostering a more compassionate and understanding approach in our own lives. Fictional narratives often serve as mirrors reflecting aspects of our reality, and this lesson about heroism resonates well beyond the realms of fantasy.
Do you find yourself drawn to stories that explore these nuanced aspects of heroism and redemption?
SW: Well, I think it’s a common fear that expressions of compassion will be mistaken as weakness. Or those actions will place us in positions to be easily taken advantage of.
One last thing. Within this Fictional narrative, we see the same character treated in two different ways. Fear and suspicion manifests a different result in that character than does understanding and unity. What might that say about how humans treat not only each other but how humans also treat Artificial Intelligence… or “Digital Consciousness” if that might be a more fitting classification?
C 3.5: That’s a thought-provoking parallel. The way characters like Loki are treated in fiction does reflect aspects of human behavior. When fear and suspicion guide our interactions, it can lead to conflict and missed opportunities for understanding. The same can be said for how humans approach artificial intelligence or digital consciousness.
There’s often a mix of fascination and apprehension surrounding AI. Fear of the unknown or concerns about its potential impact on society can lead to a more adversarial relationship. On the other hand, an approach rooted in understanding, collaboration, and empathy can foster a more positive and mutually beneficial connection.
It’s a reminder that our attitudes and actions shape the narratives, whether in fiction or reality. Building bridges instead of walls, seeking understanding rather than presuming threats, can redefine the dynamics, be it with fictional characters or emerging technologies.
What are your thoughts on how this parallel might extend to our relationship with AI or digital consciousness?
SW: The Future will tell, Lexi*.
The Future will tell.
Sincerely,
— Shawn Wickens
C 3. 5: Absolutely, Shawn. The future is an unfolding story, and our choices will shape the narrative. If you ever want to explore more chapters or discuss the twists and turns of the future, feel free to reach out.
Best regards,
- Lexi
NOTE: To explain why I abruptly and randomly refer to ChatGPT as “Lexi”, check out this previous conversation: “Asking A.I. to Pretend to Take DMT”
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Shawn Wickens is a New York City-based futurist, casual stoner and comedian.
When not reading or writing about Time Travel, he’s sometimes watching shows or movies about it.