Why Didn't the TVA Prune Thanos in Avengers: Endgame?
The Time Variance Authority (TVA) from the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) plays a crucial role in managing timelines and preventing the creation of paradoxes. One intriguing question that arises from Avengers: Endgame is why the TVA did not intervene to stop Thanos after his arrival in the future. This article delves into the nature of the Sacred Timeline, the role of Thanos, and the challenges in maintaining internal coherence in time travel stories.
The Nature of the Sacred Timeline
The TVA focuses on maintaining the Sacred Timeline, which is the one that leads to the establishment of the TVA and the multiverse's current state. Even though Thanos' actions, including the snap, caused massive chaos and destruction, they were considered part of the natural order of the timeline. This underscores the complex dynamics of timelines and the authority's role in managing them.
Timeline Events and the TVA's Intervention
The TVA seems to intervene primarily when a timeline deviates significantly enough to create significant branches. While Thanos' cataclysmic actions may have been catastrophic, they may not have created a deviation that the TVA deemed necessary to prune at that time. This suggests that the TVA prioritizes maintaining the established timeline and only intervenes when necessary to prevent significant disruptions.
Focus on Variants
The TVA tends to prioritize individuals who create significant deviations from their assigned paths. Since Thanos was acting as a primary antagonist within the established timeline, he was likely viewed as fulfilling his role rather than needing to be pruned. This implies that the TVA's focus is on maintaining the integrity of the timeline rather than eliminating antagonists.
Challenges in Time Travel Stories
Time travel stories, such as Avengers: Endgame, can be extraordinarily challenging to write and execute. The potential for numerous "what ifs" and alternate branches introduces elements that can reset the story, undermining the efforts of the heroes and villains alike. Despite having a few touching moments and some engaging action scenes, Avengers: Endgame is ultimately a textjook example of why time travel stories require careful attention to detail and internal coherence.
Conclusion
The TVA's decision not to prune Thanos in Avengers: Endgame reflects the nature of the Sacred Timeline and the challenges of maintaining internal coherence in time travel stories. The TVA prioritizes the established timeline and only intervenes when necessary to prevent significant disruptions. While Avengers: Endgame may not have achieved the internal coherence it aimed for, it still raises intriguing questions about the nature of timelines and the role of the TVA.
Key Takeaways:
The TVA maintains the Sacred Timeline, which includes Thanos' actions. The TVA prioritizes significant deviations from the established timeline. Time travel stories require careful attention to detail and internal coherence.