Loki: Who is X-5 and what is his new identity?
In episode 2 of Loki titled "Breaking Brad," the elusive character X-5 is finally revealed. X-5, portrayed by Rafael Casal, has taken on a new identity as a movie star named Brad Wolfe. In 1977 London, Loki, Mobius, and B-15 are on a mission to find Sylvie, but instead, they stumble upon X-5, now known as Brad Wolfe.Brad Wolfe is a famous actor, famous for his role in the film Zaniac, an elevated horror film. He is living the high life, dating Brigitte Bardot, and basking in his newfound fame. Unlike his comic book counterpart, who eventually becomes possessed by the real Zaniac and becomes a serial killer, X-5's new identity as Brad Wolfe seems to be that of a pompous and arrogant celebrity rather than a menacing villain.When Loki and Mobius confront Brad Wolfe, he initially tries to escape, but Loki uses his illusion magic to trap him, ultimately capturing him and bringing him back to the TVA. However, Brad Wolfe proves to be a difficult character to obtain information from, taunting Loki, Mobius, and B-15 during their attempts to interrogate him.During their interaction, Brad Wolfe provokes Loki, calling him the problem and blaming all the issues on him and Sylvie. He also goads Mobius, belittling him and telling him to wake up. These interactions reveal the underlying tension between the variants and the complexities of their relationships with each other and with themselves.Despite their difficulties in extracting information from Brad Wolfe, Loki and Mobius come up with a plan. They pretend to torture Brad Wolfe, with Loki embracing the villainous side that Brad accused him of and Mobius locked outside the cell, seemingly pleading with Loki to stop. This act successfully leads them to the 1982 branched timeline.Overall, X-5's new identity as Brad Wolfe showcases his desire to escape the life of a hunter and instead pursue a glamorous career in the entertainment industry. While his character does not exhibit the same dark tendencies as in the comics, his arrogance and reluctance to cooperate with the TVA team add depth to the dynamics between the characters.As the episode progresses, it becomes evident that X-5's transformation into Brad Wolfe is just one piece of the puzzle. The appearance of He Who Remains' unique TemPad in Sylvie's hands raises questions about the device's true capabilities and its potential impact on the future. With each episode of Loki Season 2, the plot thickens, leaving viewers eagerly awaiting further revelations and developments in the unfolding story.