Why Loki Won’t Betray Sylvie (Despite His Past) | Screen Rant
Warning! Spoilers ahead for Marvel's Loki episode 5, "Journey into Mystery"
The very nature of the God of Mischief is to stab people in the back, but Loki has revealed that Sylvie is the first exception to that rule. One characteristic that defines Loki and all his variants, regardless of how uniquely different they are, is that they all are "burdened with glorious purpose." Loki has always believed this glorious purpose is to conquer, but a crash course in self-examination, courtesy of Sylvie and Mobius, has shown Loki that his thirst for power is only a symptom of his fear of loneliness.
Now a changed god, Loki is driven to unveil the truth about the TVA and free the brainwashed variants who serve as their employees. This change of attitude is a first in Loki, who survives the brawl between variants during episode 5 precisely because he doesn't intend to rule over anybody. With Sylvie by his side, Loki is ready to enter the castle beyond time, and although he could double-cross Sylvie if things go awry, it's safe to say that he would never dare to let down the one person who truly understands him.
Parting ways after sharing some moments of chemistry and bonding helped Sylvie and Loki confirm that they really need each other. Despite being arrogant, deceitful, and aggressive, Loki and Sylvie have experienced a deep connection in the short time they've spent together, and therefore feel driven to reunite after what they thought was a definitive death at the wrong end of a pruning stick. But apart from the feelings they clearly have for each other, the fact that Sylvie helps Loki understand he's not alone anymore and that he doesn't need to rule has eliminated any possibility of him betraying her.
Main-timeline Loki faked his redemption multiple times. He suffered and learned from his ill-advised decisions but still kept breaking his family's trust. Loki's impulse to conquer in order to compensate for his lack of self-confidence led him to constantly betray Thor, Odin, and all of Asgard, paving the way for tragedies like Frigga's death and the Battle of New York. Now, variant Loki has found the only person who has succeeded in making him accept his mistakes and he won't let her go that easily.
Sylvie's own flaws have caused Loki to reflect on his past behavior. Loki sees himself in Sylvie's insecurities, and supporting Sylvie in her moments of self-doubt has helped Loki take control of his own. Whatever awaits the couple at the end of Loki, regardless of how dangerous it might be, it won't be enough reason to undo Loki and Sylvie's inner transformation from tragic villains into redeemed heroes.
Marvel's Loki releases new episodes on Wednesdays on Disney+.