Articles by Matt Poppe

It feels weird admitting that something as trivial as a Marvel movie thrust open theism back to my consciousness.

The Variant Lokis embody the literal thousands of branches the God of Mischief’s life could have taken.

Perhaps Loki’s moment of self-clarity all the way back in episode one was actually describing the TVA itself: “It’s part of the illusion. It’s the cruel, elaborate trick conjured by the weak to inspire fear.”

At the very least, even if you learn that much of what you loved was an illusion or enchantment, your pain is the grief of something real.

With the introduction of the Multiverse, this is the sort of plot device that will bring about resurrections and connect all sorts of stories that weren’t supposed to be connected.

And while Loki can’t articulate why he wants to rule, he is certainly attracted to power.

As a Black man, Sam Wilson carries the lineage of America’s broken promise, by both heritage and by lived experience.

“I owe you an apology,” the Winter Soldier tells Sam. “I’m sorry.”

It is not normal for those with power to lay it down for another’s sake. To those insecure in their power, this feels like surrender. It feels like shame. Humiliation. 

That’s the thing about this show. Unlike WandaVision, The Falcon and the Winter Soldier’s mysteries are probably the least interesting thing about it. 

If Steve was wrong about Bucky, then it means all the hard work of amending for his former murderous self has been a waste. And it’s only a matter of time before Bucky snaps again. 

Sam is, by every measure, the living embodiment of American excellence and all the ideals for which the shield stands. But he’s not just any man. He’s a Black man.

Agatha asked Wanda, “Do you think maybe this is what you deserve?” That’s the question that poisons all our hearts.

Wanda is no longer the picket fence housewife performing community magic shows. No. She’s the pajama-clad matriarch who knows her life is a mess.

Pietro doesn’t mind if he leads Wanda back to the moral question of Westview, so long as she never acts on it. 

If Wanda really is in control, then that means she’s more powerful than we’ve ever realized.