Why Loki Episode 3 Was So Short

Warning: Spoilers for Loki episode 3.

The Loki series has just released its third episode titled “Lamentis”, and it is noticeably shorter than its predecessors — but why? Marvel Studios’ latest Disney+ series crosses the midpoint of its story, with just three more episodes to go. After the cliffhanger ending of episode 2 which unveiled the show’s supposed villain named Sylvie, the latest outing saw her and Loki jump from the Time Variance Authority headquarters and then accidentally, to a planet on the brink of being annihilated.

While the first two episodes of Loki saw the God of Mischief getting acquainted with Mobius and the whole of TVA, episode 3 saw him spent his time with the variant. After successfully escaping Judge Ravonna and her guards, the pair found themselves transporting to Lamentis-1. As the planet is hours away from being totally destructed and their TemPad not working, they had to develop an unlikely alliance in an effort to save themselves. Unfortunately, each of their schemes failed when the Ark — their last chance to get out of the doomed place — got unceremoniously destroyed, leaving them in an even more dire situation. But before the pair can even begin to plot new ways to survive, the outing was suddenly done, as the episode finished.

Like in Loki episode 2, this week’s offeringalso ended on somewhat of a cliffhanger, but with a much shorter runtime. Whereas the first two outings of the show clocked in at 51 and 54 minutes, respectively, its latest installment only ran for 40:58 minutes — a time that includes the recap at the beginning and the credits at the end, with no additional stinger. Given this, many were left understandably wondering why Loki episode 3 was shorter, as it also barely set up the narrative for the next episode. However, looking at the way its story played out, it seemed like a prime point to cut the story, with the rest of Loki and Sylvie’s adventures in Lamentis-1 continuing in episode 4. Despite the odd duration, this is most likely a case of the narrative dictating the pace and manner of the show’s storytelling. Perhaps, continuing the said offering for 10 more minutes would’ve made it more difficult to decide at which point to cut off the episode.

Backing this idea up is a shot prominently used on Loki‘s marketing that has yet to be shown in the actual series. In it, they peacefully sit down side-by-side as they watched the parts of the moon crashing down on Lamentis-1. Perhaps this is the moment where the pair decides to accept their fate on the planet; after all, they’ve tried everything to survive the nearing tragedy, and yet, they’re still left with no way out. But, it could also be the moment where the God of Mischief and Sylvie eventually figure out a plausible way to get out of there, sending them to continue racing against time for their safety. In any case, as also revealed through the Disney+ show’s promotional materials, they will ultimately be able to survive the looming doom on the planet.

When compared to The Falcon and the Winter Soldier, which also had six outings, Loki episode 3’s almost 41-minute runtime isn’t really all that odd. The Anthony Mackie and Sebastian Stan-led show’s first two outings both clocked in at 42 minutes, meanwhile, its penultimate episode was its longest at 61 minutes (that includes the post-credit scene). In any case, episode durations for Marvel Studios shows shouldn’t really that much of a big deal just as long as the show tells a compelling and strong story. 

Loki releases new episodes every Wednesday on Disney+.

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