Loki's Missed Opportunity to Deploy the Tesseract for the Asgardians

When reflecting on the Avengers: Endgame storyline, it's fascinating to consider why Loki, armed with the Tesseract, did not use it to aid Thor and the Asgardians in their dire situation when facing Thanos and his army. The Tesseract is a powerful, versatile device, first introduced in Captain America: The First Avenger and later explored in The Avengers and Captain Marvel. It is a source of incredible energy and can be used to create portals and manipulate space, as demonstrated by several characters with the appropriate mechanisms.

The Complexity of the Tesseract's Usage

The Tesseract, much like other powerful artifacts, requires specific tools or mechanisms to be utilized effectively. Characters like Herr Zola's reactor, Dr. Carell Selvig's navigational apparatus, or Mar-Vell's light speed engine play crucial roles in channeling the Tesseract's power and ensuring its proper operation. In Captain Marvel, we see how Selvig's device is necessary to navigate and control the Tesseract when opening portals. Similarly, in The Avengers, when handling the powerful Stones, characters require specific systems to stabilize and utilize them.

Loki's Lack of Experience and Preoccupation

Loki, though a powerful Asgardian, had just acquired the Tesseract and had not had the time to practice controlling it effectively. To open a portal and use it to facilitate Thor and the Asgardians' escape, Loki would have needed to gain the necessary experience and understanding of the Tesseract. Furthermore, the circumstances of the moment did not allow for such preparation.

The Immediate Threat and Loki's Loyalties

The primary threat to the Asgardians was the presence of Thanos's men, who were highly skilled and vigilant. Loki was surrounded by Thanos's most trusted enforcers, including Ebony Maw, who would not let Loki out of his sight without interference. This environment made it nearly impossible for Loki to execute any plan involving the Tesseract.

Plan Hulk: Loki's Sole Opportunity

The brief moment when Thanos was distracted by the Hulk presented Loki with a fleeting opportunity to act. Loki's strategy was to drop the Tesseract into the confusion, drawing the attention away from himself and pulling Thor to safety. Plan Hulk could have potentially led to the Hulk delivering a 'Royal Flush to Thanos's straight Flush.' This plan had a slim chance of success, given the chaotic and unpredictable nature of the Hulk's appearance. However, it is debatable whether Loki could have pulled it off, as Ebony Maw appeared to never take his eyes off the Tesseract.

Loki's Conflicting Motivations

Ultimately, Loki's decision was influenced by his conflicting motivations and the complex situation he found himself in. Loki's loyalty to the Asgardians may have prevented him from abandoning them, especially since he had recently joined them and felt a sense of heroism. Additionally, the absence of Asgard made it an unappealing option for any heroic efforts or quests.

Loki's true intention was to ensure the survival of the Asgardians, but the immediate circumstances did not allow for him to implement his plans. In Endgame, Loki's resolve to kill Thanos was a last resort, indicating the deep desperation and frustration he felt in the face of overwhelming odds.

While the idea of Loki using the Tesseract to save the Asgardians is intriguing, the numerous challenges he faced due to the mechanics of the Tesseract, the immediate threat from Thanos's men, and his personal motivations make it a highly improbable scenario.

Conclusion

Loki's decision to not use the Tesseract to help Thor and the Asgardians in their desperate situation is a testament to the complex decision-making process that comes with bearing such a powerful artifact. The Tesseract's potential and the complexity of its usage, combined with the immediate threat and Loki's own conflicting loyalties, highlight the multifaceted nature of the character's choices in Avengers: Endgame.