Surprising parallels: How Loki is similar to "Brave New World"

Article:In the latest episode of Loki, titled "Ouroboros," the thrilling and mind-bending narrative takes a leap forward, delving deeper into the secrets of the Time Variance Authority (TVA) and the nature of time itself. As the story unfolds, it becomes evident that there are striking similarities between this episode and Aldous Huxley's dystopian classic, "Brave New World." Both narratives explore themes of control, manipulation, and the consequences of tampering with human lives.In "Ouroboros," our mischievous protagonist Loki finds himself arrested by the TVA, an organization responsible for maintaining the Sacred Timeline. However, as the episode progresses, Loki discovers that the Time-Keepers, the supposed creators of the TVA, are not real and that he has been kidnapped from his original timeline. This revelation sends shockwaves through the TVA, leading to a chaotic unraveling of the truth.Similarly, in "Brave New World," the citizens are manipulated and controlled by the World State, a totalitarian regime that dictates every aspect of their lives. The citizens are genetically engineered, conditioned, and euphorically drugged, all in the name of maintaining stability and order. However, just like Loki, there are individuals within this controlled system who begin to question their reality and rebel against the oppressive regime.One of the central themes explored in both narratives is the idea of free will and the dangerous consequences of suppressing it. While the citizens of the World State in "Brave New World" are content in their predestined roles and lack of individuality, characters like Loki and his allies in "Ouroboros" refuse to conform. They believe in the power of choice and the ability to shape their own destinies. Their defiance sets them on a collision course with the authorities, leading to a thrilling battle for freedom.The revelation that everyone working at the TVA in "Ouroboros" is, in fact, a Variant kidnapped from their original timeline echoes the manipulation and loss of identity experienced by the citizens in "Brave New World." In both stories, the characters are stripped of their individuality and forced to conform to an artificial reality. They are easily replaceable pawns in a grand scheme designed to maintain control.Furthermore, the existence of the Time-Keepers in "Ouroboros" parallels the Controllers in "Brave New World." Both entities hold immense power and manipulate the lives of countless individuals. They paint a picture of benevolence and order, but underneath the facade lies a web of deception and manipulation. As the truth begins to unravel, the characters in both narratives are faced with the choice of accepting their predetermined fate or challenging the system.Interestingly, "Ouroboros" introduces a character named He Who Remains, whose purpose is to prevent the emergence of a dangerous figure. This figure, much like the Controller in "Brave New World," represents a threat to the established order. Both stories explore the fear of a disruptive force that could shatter the carefully constructed society.As the episode progresses, Loki and his allies try to expose the truth about the TVA, just as the characters in "Brave New World" attempt to reveal the dark underbelly of their dystopian society. They face resistance from those in power who are more invested in maintaining control than embracing the truth.The episode concludes with a surprising scene set in a McDonald's restaurant, where Loki orders various menu items. This seemingly insignificant moment serves as a poignant reminder of the mundane and manufactured world the characters inhabit. It elicits parallels to the World State's love for standardized mass-produced goods and the superficiality of their existence.In summary, "Ouroboros" and "Brave New World" share thought-provoking themes and explore the consequences of suppressing free will and manipulating human lives. Both narratives challenge the concept of control and urge us to question the nature of authority. As the story unfolds in "Loki," viewers are left pondering the implications of a world without individuality, where fate is predetermined and rebellion is the only means of salvation.