Why Did Thanos Send Loki Instead of Ebony Maw as His Premier Commander in 'Avengers 1'?
Many fans have pondered why Thanos chose Loki as the leader of his elite army in the Avengers films, particularly in considering the power and potential of members of the Black Order, such as Ebony Maw. Here, we explore the strategic reasons behind Thanos's decision, the unique role Loki played, and the broader implications for the broader narrative and character arcs within the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU).
Why Did Thanos Chose Loki Over the Black Order?
Connection to Earth and the Avengers
First and foremost, Loki's connection to Earth and the Avengers played a significant role. As Thor's adopted brother and a key figure in Asgard, Loki had a personal and emotional stake in Earth that a member of the Black Order would not have. This familial and historical link allowed Loki to manipulate and deceive the heroes more effectively. His connections made him a familiar and relatable figure, which could be harnessed for his nefarious purposes.
Charisma, Manipulation, and Discord
In addition, Loki's cunning charm and manipulation skills made him a more versatile and potent ally in Thanos's larger strategy. Thanos recognized that Loki could destabilize the Avengers from within, turning them against each other. The fear and inner conflict that Loki induced among the heroes allowed Thanos to sow seeds of doubt and division. Loki’s ability to play on the heroes' insecurities and wounds was a strategic asset that the Black Order, made up of alien entities, might not possess.
Long-Term Strategy
More importantly, Thanos’s grand plan extended far beyond the initial conquest of Earth. He aspired to acquire the Tesseract and its Space Stone to further his ultimate goal of the Infinity Gauntlet. By using Loki, Thanos could leverage Loki's ambitions and resentment towards Thor. This strategy aimed to manipulate these dynamics for his own benefit. Loki’s personal and historical grievances provided a deeper and more complex basis for his betrayal, enhancing the narrative depth of the storyline.
Loki's Role in the MCU
From a narrative perspective, Loki’s involvement allowed for significant character development. His arc through the MCU is more nuanced and layered compared to a straightforward villain like Ebony Maw. Loki’s journey, from a misguided hero to a devious leader, reflects the internal turmoil and external pressures he faces. His complex relationship with Thor and the Avengers sets the stage for enduring conflicts and alliances.
Thanos's Strategic Choices
Thanos’s decision to reserve the Black Order for later confrontations makes sense from a strategic standpoint. At the time, Earth was merely a minor backwater, and conquering it was a low-priority task for a cosmic entity of Thanos’s stature. He entrusted smaller, lesser-known threats to lesser beings, like Loki, to handle initial engagements. It was only after his primary army's defeat by the supposedly inferior humans that Thanos began to take notice.
Thanos’s broader strategy involved multiple steps. He was primarily focused on retrieving the Infinity Stones, starting with the Tesseract and moving on to the Space Stone on Morag. Although he was thwarted by human beings who had seemingly acquired parts of Infinity Stones, he remained vigilant and alert. His late decision to send two of his heaviest hitters to retrieve the Time Stone in Avengers: Infinity War underscores his initial focus on other immediate targets.
Out of Universe: Addressing the Flaws in the MCU
From an out-of-universe perspective, the MCU has faced criticism for its planning and continuity decisions. It is evident that the MCU does not always plan ahead as seamlessly as it pretends. For instance, the Infinity Gauntlet in Odin's treasure room was retroactively explained as a fake, highlighting the sometimes ad-hoc nature of the plot developments.
Additionally, the MCU’s habit of wasting good antagonists is a common complaint. Figureheads such as Brock Rumlow/Crossbones, the Abomination, and other powerful antagonists could have been more fully utilized in earlier phases of the MCU’s narrative. These omissions and inconsistencies underscore the need for a more cohesive and forward-thinking approach to character development and villainous storytelling.
In conclusion, Thanos’s decision to send Loki instead of Ebony Maw was a strategic move that capitalized on Loki's unique strengths in manipulation and emotional connection. His role not only advanced the plot but also enriched the complex character development within the MCU. These decisions not only made narrative sense but also contributed to the broader themes of fate, ambition, and the delicate balance of power in the battle against cosmic threats.