Arcane Review
Back to writing, I couldn’t help but start with a review of Riot Games’ big Netflix hit, Arcane. I was a huge fan of the first season and eagerly looked forward to seeing what season two had in store. While I can’t say I was as impressed as I was with the first season, it was still an incredible show. Let’s dive in.
Spoiler warning: If you haven’t watched Arcane yet, proceed at your own risk. The series is available on Netflix.
Season One
Starting with the original season, Arcane was, without a doubt, the best adaptation of a game to date. This came as a pleasant surprise, especially considering the limited lore Riot’s Runeterra world provided at the time. It’s true that the League of Legends Universe offers plenty of content, but not enough to build a fully fleshed-out story for a single champion. This gave the creators a unique opportunity to craft an origin story with a lot of creative freedom.
The plot of Arcane was simple but beautifully executed. It revolved around the conflict between two cities, Piltover and Zaun, with no clear-cut good or bad sides, just shades of gray. The characters weren’t perfect heroes or overpowered figures. Instead, they were deeply human, with their own strengths, flaws, and goals. Familiar League characters like Jinx, Vi, Caitlyn, Jayce, Viktor, Singed, Heimerdinger, and Ekko were introduced alongside new ones.
One standout among them was Silco, who stole the show. Initially portrayed as the villain, Silco became one of the most complex and well-written antagonists I’ve seen. His political maneuvers, struggle for power, and emotional evolution, especially in his relationship with Jinx, made him an incredibly compelling character.
What truly made Arcane special was how everything came together. The stunning animation, the impactful soundtrack (Sting was an incredible surprise), and the attention to detail elevated the series. It managed to appeal to both League players and newcomers. For fans, there were subtle nods to the game, like Jinx’s Fishbones as an homage to Silco, or Ekko’s time manipulation hints during his fight with Jinx. It was a masterful blend of storytelling and fan service, with an epic finale that left room for the characters to grow into their in-game counterparts.
Season Two
After the success of the first season, season two was highly anticipated. Returning to Piltover to continue the story was a choice I didn’t fully agree with. The first season had a perfect ending, leaving the characters poised to become the legends we know from the game. That said, I understand the writers’ desire to complete the characters’ transformations and follow through on their arcs. From a commercial standpoint, it also made sense to capitalize on the first season’s success.
While I would have preferred to explore new regions and characters, Riot’s announcements suggest we’ll eventually get there. Season two almost lived up to the hype. Episodes one through seven were outstanding, with improved animation, emotionally charged storytelling, and strong new additions like Ambessa and the rise of the Black Rose. However, episodes eight and nine felt rushed. There was simply too much going on, with not enough time to fully explore the subplots.
For example, Mel Medarda’s sudden transformation from politician to overpowered character felt jarring, reminiscent of Rey Skywalker’s rushed progression in the latest Star Wars installments. Viktor’s arc also felt off. While his twist was predictable for those familiar with the lore, his evolution diverged so much from the game’s Viktor that it felt like an entirely different character. The multiverse twist, the idea that “this was all part of Viktor’s plan,” came across as lazy writing.
On the bright side, many elements still shone. Jinx’s reluctant role as a resistance symbol, Vi’s internal conflict between Piltover and Zaun, Jayce’s ethical dilemmas, Caitlyn’s power struggles and final sacrifice, and Ekko’s rise as the true Boy Savior were all brilliantly handled. These moments made the season worth watching. And of course, Jinx’s healing process, only to have her heart, and ours, completely crushed.
Ultimately, season two doesn’t surpass its predecessor, but it does meet expectations. Personally, I think the story would have benefited from being split into three seasons, allowing more time for character and plot development. Budget constraints (reportedly around $250M for the series) and a shorter production timeline, two years compared to six for season one, likely influenced that decision.
That being said, here’s my favorite moment from season two: