Based on the cult comic created by Ben Edlund in the 1980s, The Tick is a big-hearted, blue-suited, almost invincible hero who embodies the ridiculousness and wonder of classic superhero tropes.
Unlike the morally grey antiheroes dominating the genre today, The Tick’s childlike optimism and comedic bombast offered a gentler, yet equally sharp critique of superhero idealism.
The show centered on The Tick’s adventures with Arthur Everest, an anxious accountant-turned-sidekick whose grounded fears contrasted perfectly with The Tick’s over-the-top heroism. Their dynamic satirized everything from superhero clichés to modern social anxieties, all while celebrating the core themes of justice and friendship.
This heartfelt approach distinguished The Tick from the brutal cynicism seen later in The Boys, which takes a more violent and politically charged dismantling of superhero culture.
The Tick’s early cancellation frustrated fans who recognized its forward-thinking satire, feeling it deserved a longer run to develop its clever social commentary and character-driven humor.
Setting the Stage for The Boys and Invincible
The Boys , which launched in 2019, fully embraced the darker side of superhero deconstruction, putting a spotlight on corruption, celebrity culture, and unchecked power. While The Tick approached satire with humor fused with hope, The Boys opted for gore, sharp political critique, and raw cynicism.
Both shows, however, owe a debt to that early groundwork laid by The Tick, showing audiences that superheroes could be reinterpreted in ways that reflected modern cultural issues instead of simply glorifying heroics.
Together, these shows helped popularize a new genre of superhero storytelling that merges adult themes with genre savvy, something The Tick kicked off on Prime Video years prior.
The Tick’s absurdity and heart remain a standout example of how superhero satire can be smart, warm, and genuinely funny.
Why The Tick Still Matters Today
In a streaming era dominated by superhero content, The Tick represents a vital piece of the genre’s evolution. It proved that superhero satire does not have to be grim or nihilistic to be effective. Instead, it showed that well-crafted humor and sincere storytelling can offer deep commentary while also enjoying heartfelt moments.
The Tick (Credit: Prime Video)
This approach allowed The Tick to mock superhero tropes, affectionately laughing at the absurdity of overpowered heroes and shadowy villains, while still exploring what it means to be a good person in a complicated, often flawed society.
Its mix of slapstick and social satire made it accessible to a wide audience, influencing how later shows like The Boys and Invincible framed their narratives.
It was a pioneer, mixing humor and warmth to challenge superhero mythology long before it was trendy.
Loki’s debut on Disney+ was a landmark moment for Marvel, introducing audiences to a mischievous antihero exploring time and identity.
Two years on, the first season retains a unique charm that blends quirky humor, sharp dialogue, and strong character work, chiefly thanks to Tom Hiddleston’s magnetic performance and a clear directorial vision.
The entire season was directed by Kate Herron, which gave the story a tight and focused feel. Loki’s uneasy alliance with Mobius, played by Owen Wilson, remains one of the show’s highlights, mixing wit and depth in equal measure.
However, revisiting the series reveals some underlying issues that viewers might overlook in initial excitement. The time-travel mechanics come off as under-explored and occasionally inconsistent, making some plot points feel shoehorned rather than natural.
Fans have pointed out that the show “scratched the surface” of its multiverse potential without fully capitalizing on the complexity it teased. Certain characters, like the various Loki variants and even Sylvie, deserved more screen time and development to feel less rushed or one-dimensional.
The first season finale, while visually arresting and emotionally satisfying for some, sowed seeds of bigger story arcs that never quite blossomed as expected.
What made this season stand out originally was how it balanced classic Marvel spectacle with a fresh psychological angle on Loki’s identity crisis . Yet on closer rewatch, the pacing occasionally suffers from dialogue-heavy scenes, slowing momentum.
Plus, some viewers now critique Loki’s character arc itself, questioning the speed of his redemption and emotional shifts. The fun of rediscovering the series comes hand-in-hand with recognizing these storytelling choices that don’t hold up as gracefully the second time around.
Season Two’s Visual Buzz and Narrative Sprawl
Moving into season two, the improvements and setbacks become more apparent. The show’s budget and visual effects were ramped up markedly, presenting stunning sequences that look more like small blockbuster films rather than traditional TV episodes.
Yet much of the season still unfolds in relatively intimate dialogue scenes, which contrasts spectacle and conversation striking. Unlike season one’s single directorial vision, season two saw four different directors at the helm, resulting in a less cohesive tone and style that can jar the viewing experience.
A frequent criticism from fans and critics alike involves the storyline wandering in circles, “wheel-spinning,” as some have called it, where plot progress feels minimal despite high stakes. The threat of Kang the Conqueror was set up as a multiverse-defining villain, designed to enhance the series and tie it to the broader Marvel universe.
However, recent MCU plans reportedly sidelined Kang in favor of another villain, leaving much of the show’s major buildup feeling futile in hindsight. This disconnect between Loki’s narrative ambitions and the MCU’s evolving direction undermines the tension for those watching with hindsight.
Despite the narrative clutter, season two delivers an emotionally resonant finale. Loki’s journey to become the “God of Stories” offers one of the MCU’s richest character moments, intertwining loneliness, sacrifice, and self-acceptance.
It marks a culmination of Loki’s growth from self-serving trickster to a hero willing to bear immense responsibility.
However, this same ending also renders much of season two’s intricate plotting irrelevant, undercutting earlier developments with a sweeping reset that some find unsatisfying on rewatch.
Rewatching Loki: Lessons for Marvel and Its Fans
For Marvel loyalists and TV enthusiasts, revisiting Loki offers a mixed bag of delight and frustration. The first season’s fresh, witty approach stands as a strong foundation, though some storytelling shortcuts and missed opportunities become more obvious over time.
Season two’s ambition to blend blockbuster visuals with deep multiverse lore sometimes falters due to uneven direction and a changing MCU roadmap that devalues certain plot points.
Loki Season 2 (Credit: IMDb)
Critics and fans have noted the show’s uneven handling of character arcs, particularly how some relationships felt rushed or underdeveloped, including the contentious dynamic between Loki and Sylvie.
These elements, combined with pacing issues and narrative detours, make for a viewing experience that’s rewarding but imperfect. Yet, the show’s emotional beats, especially Loki’s personal sacrifice, still strike a chord, proving Hiddleston’s portrayal remains a highlight that anchors the series amidst its flaws.
Looking ahead, Loki’s rewatch prompts discussions about how Marvel can better balance ambitious universe-building with satisfying, standalone storytelling. Despite its bumps, the series helped revolutionize Marvel’s TV presence by offering a hero-centric show that’s introspective and genre-blending.
In that sense, Loki’s legacy is secure, but its rewatch also reminds audiences about the challenges of managing sprawling, interconnected narratives in an evolving franchise.
