Caution: This article contains spoilers for Netflix’s Arcane seasons one and two.
With the stunning animation, bright color schemes, and gut-wrenching themes, it’s no wonder Arcane is one of Netflix’s top shows. Based on the popular online game League of Legends, the show tells the tale of two of the game’s characters, revealing the past that shaped them into the people that players know them to be.
Sisters Violet (Vi) and Powder (who later on is referred to as Jinx) live in an advanced, steam-punk world, filled with complex technologies and magic. The show mainly takes place in two cities: Piltover (also known as Topside) and Zaun (or the Undercity). The arcane, the magic within their world, is a force which has only recently been used by people within the two cities.
Season one follows the sisters as they navigate being on opposite sides of a brewing battle between Topside and the Undercity. It explores the intersecting plotlines of many different characters, relationships, and family history. Viewers discover how Powder became Jinx, and how Vi comes to the realization that her sister has changed from the kid she once knew to a manic, sinister young adult. Amidst the chaos of ensuing war, scientists Jayce and Vitkor explore arcane technologies, blind to the dangers of messing with magic. Season one ended on a cliffhanger that left audiences begging to know the outcome after Jinx fired a missile at the council of Piltover.
The second season immediately answers the burning question of whether or not anyone died in the attack. In short, many council members were killed, including Caitlyn’s mother. Caitlyn, lost in her grief, seeks revenge against Jinx, with Vi at her side, who has realized that Jinx is no longer her sister.
So far, Act I of Arcane season two continues the storylines started in season one. Jayce attempts to cure Viktor, who was injured in the attack, with the arcane. Mel battles with the chaos that has come from the deaths.
The second season of Arcane is just as promising as the first.The show’s writing continues to shine through its portrayal of complex emotions and the nuances of war. Every character’s relationship with another alters in this season; some for better and some for worse. The way the writers depict these changes within friends, lovers, and family strongly showcase their ability to captivate audiences and invest them into the lives of these characters.
Aside from the writing, part of what makes Arcane one of Netflix’s top shows is the animation and artwork. Arcane is a master at color; although it’s especially known for its use of bright neons, the show also demonstrates just how powerful simplistic color schemes can be.
For example, season two features a scene that perfectly showcases grief and pain through its art. Grief and pain are symbolized through color when Caitlyn, who is attending her mother’s funeral, shines against an entirely hand-drawn charcoal background while other characters are animated in the usual Arcane style. The creative juxtaposition of traditional and modern encapsulates the show’s creativity.
The second season of Arcane continues to showcase what made the first season so great. The unique artwork, bright colors, and masterful storytelling make the universe of League of Legends intersect beautifully with the themes explored in Arcane. Fans cannot wait to see what is in store for them in Acts II and III.
