The first act of Arcane Season 2 went firing on all cylinders as it ramped up the stakes of Riot’s critically-acclaimed series based on the world of League of Legends.
With tensions rising between the cities of Piltover and Zaun, and the tumultuous journeys of our favorite champions reaching fever pitch, it’s time to sit back and get ready for a wombo combo of excitement as we dive into our High Five review of Arcane Season 2, Act 2.
Spoilers ahead, so don’t act like you got ganked.
The Plot Is As Thick As It Gets
Stills from Netflix
Picking up a few months after the shocking conclusion of Act 1, Act 2 takes us back to Zaun—now under the oppressive grip of both the Enforcers and the Noxians. Amid the turmoil, Jinx emerges as a symbol of rebellion and anarchy for the undercity. But as Caitlyn and the Noxians under Ambessa continue their search for Jinx, this manhunt takes a backseat to Jinx and Vi’s complicated sibling relationship.
Act 2 is all about revisiting the past, and the mistakes that have led us to the present. This theme is heavily emphasized with the introduction of Warwick. Since Season 1, it has long been theorized and hinted that Warwick, the chem-powered feral wolf vigilante champion from the game, is actually Vander. While his transformation as Warwick was teased during Season 1’s epilogue, and in all of Singed’s scenes in Act 1, Act 2 all but confirms that Vander is indeed Warwick. His return sparks some of the most raw and beautiful moments in the show as Vi and Jinx grapple with the return of their deceased father. We also get to learn more about Vander’s past and his relationship with the sibling’s parents and Silco.
Still from Netflix
Aside from Hextech, the heart of Arcane’s story has always been the rocky and explosive relationship between Vi and Jinx. From killing each other, to embracing each other as they work to undo Singed’s work on Vander, it was fun and refreshing to get to see the sibling dynamic between the two sisters again.
While we also got to see more of Mel and Ambessa’s involvement with the Black Rose, glimpses into Caitlyn’s life as a military dictator, and Viktor’s shenanigans as Magicpunk Jesus. Act 2 was undoubtedly all about Powder and Violet in the best ways possible.
Memorable Character Moments
Still from Netflix
One of the things that makes Arcane truly exceptional is its ability to stand on its own without relying solely on its pre-established characters.
From Season 1, Arcane has excelled at introducing original, show-exclusive characters who not only enhanced the story, but also created meaningful, dynamic interactions with beloved League of Legends characters. This penchant for making us fall in love with new and unfamiliar faces continues to shine in Season 2. Some characters didn’t even need to speak to become instant favorites.
Stills from Netflix
The standout character for Act 2 is undoubtedly Jinx’s mute and adorable copycat, Isha. While she’s silent, she takes on a major and dynamic role as Jinx’s emotional rock and playful surrogate sister, as their relationship showed us a happier and brighter side of Jinx we haven’t seen since her days as Powder in Season 1, Act 1. Other characters that stood out in Act 2, were Maddie (we don’t talk about her), Ambessa’s Zangief-looking lieutenant Rictus and X/Twitter’s choice for favorite character of the series, Lest (seriously, there is so much love for Lest).
Fanservice at the Perfect Time
Image from Reddit user u/Songkolmae
Arcane is so good that sometimes we forget that it’s an animated adaptation of League of Legends—and like any good show based on video games, it isn’t afraid to show off its video game roots. Act 2 is full of fun references and easter eggs from the game that LoL players will instantly recognize.
From subtle references to jungle monsters Scuttle Crab and Vilemaw, to featuring mechanics from Warwick’s in-game combat kit and legendary items from the game such as the Kaenic Rookern playing a pivotal role in the series, to lines lifted directly from the game such as Jinx’s teasing nickname for Vi, and Viktor’s favorite iconic in-game line. And to bring more excitement to fans, Act 2 also featured a better look at more champions from the game, such as Singed’s daughter Orianna, and LeBlanc’s ghostly and sinister form.
A Feast For The Eyes
Stills from Netflix
A lot of praise has been given to Arcane’s art style and animation (shout out to Fortiche Productions), and you know what, let’s keep on giving those praises.
Act 2 featured some of the most beautiful frames from any animated show. From the divine bloom emanating from Viktor’s commune, to the ethereal expanse from Viktor’s inner consciousness, to LeBlanc’s shadowy crimson chain prison for Mel—the show went far and away to deliver some truly beautiful scenes.
The show was also bold for showcasing different and breathtaking animation styles for the show, as seen during Vander’s flashback scenes, and the montage of Jinx and Isha’s mischievous adventures, that elevates the visual storytelling of the scene to a whole new level. But this should come with no surprise when you consider that Arcane is the most expensive animated show ever.
A Soundtrack That Keeps On Giving
The soundtracks for both seasons of Arcane have played a crucial part in the storytelling of the series, with the lyrics of each song tailor-made for each scene, and the scene perfectly in sync with the song as if the scene itself was a music video. It’s an immersive experience that totally enhances the atmosphere of the scene, and coupled with the high quality animation and bold creative approach in telling the story, we get a truly legendary set piece that is on a league of its own.
Act 2 in particular featured several tracks such as “Paint the Town Blue” by Ashnikko, “Remember Me” by d4dv, and “Isha’s Song” by Hong Kong artist Eason Chan, which all truly stand out as songs that completely elevate the series into something truly amazing.
Still from Netflix
Season 2, Act 2 of Arcane once again creates a high bar for video game adaptations, delivering a well-thought out and mature tale of family and forgiveness that is all tied up neatly in a nice, heartwarming ball that suddenly explodes in our faces as Jayce blasts a hole through Viktor’s chest to put an abrupt end on what should’ve been a happy ending for a pair of siblings that have gone through so much misery.
With the beautiful animation, amazing art style, and a story that doesn’t miss a beat, Act 2 is the perfect follow-up to everything that was set-up in Act 1, bringing more action, and memorable moments that will make you get up from your bed and scream expletives at your phone as you are left reeling from the emotional hole that Act 2 has left you.
In other words, Act 2 was absolute cinema and is probably the highest peak of the series since the explosive season finale of Season 1. SEA Wave gives Arcane Season 2, Act 2 a rating of 4 out of 5 waves.
What was your favorite moment from Arcane Season 2, Act 2, share your thoughts in the comments below!