In 2021, the Netflix original “Arcane”’s first season wowed audiences with its groundbreaking animation and heart-wrenching story. Based on the popular multiplayer online battle arena “League of Legends,” “Arcane” masterfully weaves a tale of political intrigue through the lives of two sisters.
After the first season left audiences on a cliffhanger, the second season quickly became one of the most anticipated releases of the decade. Fans were eager to learn what would become of the sisters Vi and Jinx, and their patience was rewarded on November 9, when the first three episodes of “Arcane”’s second and final season were released.
When “Arcane” first released three years ago, I immediately fell in love. The jaw-dropping animation, fascinating political conflicts, and tragic characters immersed me in the world in a way few shows had been able to before. I awaited the second season as eagerly as anyone, and my expectations were met and surpassed by the first act of the new season.
The animation remains as stellar as ever. “Arcane” utilizes 3D animation complete with 2D detailing, making for one of the most visually interesting experiences of the 21st century. The opening sequence of the third episode embodies this experimental approach by abandoning the art style of the show entirely, opting for a brightly colored, lineless style that emphasizes the otherness the main characters feel on the endeavor they’ve embarked on. Every frame is a work of art, and each time I rewatch it I pick up on more minute details that enhance the visuals and plot.
The story picks up immediately where it left off after the season finale, opening on a near silent sequence. These sort of atypical musical decisions are frequent this season, with many action scenes occurring without any backing music leading to them feeling strangely empty. Rather than breaking the momentum, I find that these choices only build intrigue as you’re left with the feeling that something is missing.
However, when there is music, “Arcane” continues its tradition of utilizing both original songs and remixed music from other sources tailored to fit both the dystopian city of Zaun and utopian city of Piltover. An orchestral remaster of Linkin Park’s “Heavy is the Crown” is one of the most impactful songs used, closing out the first episode with a spiteful promise of revenge.
The characters are as vibrant and dramatic as ever. Caitlyn, an enforcer for Piltover, stands out in the first three episodes. Her arc was very unexpected, but her development is some of my favorite in the show so far. Heimerdinger, the runaway scholar, Viktor, the sickly scientist, and Ambessa, the militaristic matriarch, also stick out as some of the most interesting and dynamic characters.
I find myself with mixed feelings on the character of Jinx, who had previously been one of my favorites. Since the death of her dysfunctional father figure at her own hands, many parts of her appear to have been significantly changed and toned down. While this makes sense after such a major character moment, her unpredictable insanity was one of the most fascinating aspects of her character. I’m torn between a desire to see her heal and a grief for the violent maniac I’ve come to know and love.
The sapphic romance between Vi and Caitlyn is still a major focus of the story, much to the audience’s delight. Their on-again, off-again relationship continues to pull me into the story, and despite them both changing for better and worse, I find myself rooting for them in a way I rarely do in romances.
The plot continues to grow more complex with several new conflicts and characters being introduced. Unfortunately, since many of the conflicts from the previous season have yet to be resolved, the first episodes feel a bit overcrowded with a multitude of plotlines struggling to weave together cohesively. However, each of these plotlines are intriguing, and the confusion from an overload of information didn’t impair my enjoyment of the story.
“Arcane”’s second season is off to an incredible start, fully living up to the anticipation built around it. My feed is filled with people despairing over the tragedies befalling the cities and rejoicing over the victories won by the characters. The next three episodes will be released on Nov. 16, but until then, we can only wait to see what’s next.
