The smash hit Netflix series, “Arcane,” returned to the platform on Nov. 6 with its first act of the second season. Fans have been eagerly awaiting this new season with high expectations. And, now that it is here, fans can all agree the start to this season was a success.
Don’t hesitate to dive into the world of “Arcane” even if you’re not a fan of League of Legends or know much about the game that the show is based on. The storyline is crafted to be accessible to all viewers, so audiences with a lot or little knowledge of the game can still fully enjoy the experience.
“Arcane” has a unique visual style, crafted by Riot Games and Fortiche Productions. It is one of the most expensive animated series, with the soon to be total of 18 episodes roughly costing $250 million, according to Variety. Although people tend to gear away from shows that are animated, “Arcane” truly makes the world of Runeterra come alive. Capturing the gritty charm of the underworld, Zaun, and the elegance of the high society, Piltover.
Setting the emotional and narrative stakes even higher this time around, the story picks up after the explosive Season 1 finale, with Jinx’s attack on Piltover’s capital starting a fire underneath the already growing tensions between Piltover and Zaun. Returning characters, such as Vi and Caitlyn, confront the line between the themes of loyalty and betrayal as they draw closer to the war.
For those who love a character driven story, the newest episodes of Act 1 bring audience members back to the dynamic characters within the council who were victims of Jinx’s attack. Mel, Jayce and Ambessa, all beloved characters from Season 1, fight for power over Zaun while tensions rise over the invention and application of Hextech in the wake of Viktor’s questionable health.
The brilliance of “Arcane” also lies in its seamless blend of disorganized chaos and detailed storytelling. Each twist and turn is intentional if you watch close enough, every detail has been crafted to serve a greater purpose. This attention to detail deepens the emotional impact, making each moment in the show meaningful.
What sets the writing apart is its character development. With a diverse lineup of characters, the show wastes no time telling you who they are and what they’re motivated by. The story doesn’t follow the normal hero-villian binary, making it nearly impossible to completely despise any character–everyone has moments of both darkness and redemption.
Whether you’re a fan of League of Legends or new to the storyline entirely, “Arcane” offers a universally enticing mix of emotional appeal, stunning visuals, and thought-provoking storytelling that sets it apart from any show, animated or not, that is out today.
