Key Takeaways
- Arcane delves into complex character dynamics, such as the conflicted relationships between Cait and Vi, Ekko and Powder, and Viktor’s evolution.
- The show portrays nuanced themes like sacrificing for loved ones, seeking redemption, and embracing technological evolution.
- Arcane highlights the importance of familial ties, unity, and growth, emphasizing how relationships and choices shape the characters’ paths.
Netflix’s Arcane grapples with complex, nuanced topics, whether it be familial relationships and mental illness or existentialism and scientific advancement. Set in both Piltover and Zaun, the plot of the series focuses on a multitude of different stories, having moments mixed with drama, action, romance, and even comedy.
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Arcane’s characters are just as complex and nuanced as its plot. Each have unique insight, culture, perspectives, and goals that often differ from one another’s. All of these factors influence the way the characters think and communicate, offering an abundance of well-crafted dialogue and quotes.
10
“You Really Think I Needed All The Guards At The Hexgates?”
Cait: Season Two, Episode Eight
One of the main conflicts Cait and Vi have involves Jinx. As her sister, Vi still has hope for her. However, as the child of one of Jinx’s victims, Cait despises her. Though Jinx is what tears the couple apart, she’s also what brings them back together.
In this moment, Vi believed she was going behind Cait’s back when she released Jinx. Unbeknownst to Vi, Cait already knew she would try to free her sister, so she actively helped her do it. This line reveals how much Cait is willing to sacrifice for her relationship with Vi.
9
“Can We Pretend Like It’s The First Time?”
Ekko: Season Two, Episode Seven
In Season Two, Episode Seven, we finally get to see a version of Zaun that’s thriving. Though there are a lot of positives in this alternate universe, the highlight is Powder and Ekko’s romantic relationship.
The pair seem happy together. This relationship allows Ekko to see Powder/Jinx in a different light. Still, this Ekko is new to their relationship, so he understandably wants to take things slow. It makes sense that Ekko would want to “pretend like it’s the first time” kissing Jinx, to make the experience more authentic for him.
8
“I’m Always With You Sis, Even When We’re Universes Apart”
Jinx: Season Two, Episode Nine
The line is memorable for two reasons. One of these reasons is because it implies Ekko told Jinx about the alternate universe, where her life as Powder couldn’t be more different than her life in this universe. The other reason is because Jinx finally accepts her place, fighting alongside her sister.
Despite the conflicts they’ve faced against one another, nothing can keep the two of them apart. No matter what, Jinx and Vi are family. They’ll always be attached to each other to some extent—even if one is no longer living.
7
“A Wolf Has No Mercy”
Ambessa: Season One, Episode Eight | Mel: Season Two, Episode Nine
It’s been clear since Season One that the Medarda family, and the Noxians in general, are a cutthroat group of warmongers. We first see this in Mel’s flashback in Season One, in which she remembers Ambessa beheading a prisoner of war. Ambessa explains to her that “a wolf has no mercy,” and that making difficult decisions is the only way to win.
Because of the culture in Noxus, it only makes sense that Ambessa aligns herself with the “wolf” rather than the “fox.” To Ambessa, Mel embodies the “fox,” especially when she opts for peace rather than war. However, in Season Two, Mel subverts her mother’s expectations.
In the finale, Mel becomes her own version of the wolf, defeating her mother. At this moment, Ambessa finally sees her daughter as the leader she truly is. It also shows a potential glimpse into Mel’s future in the Arcane universe.
6
“Evolution Has A Destination. Not To Combat Nature, But To Supersede It. The Final, Glorious Evolution.”
Viktor: Season Two, Episode Six
Since Arcane is based on League of Legends, the writers find moments to reference gameplay and/or in-game dialogue. In the game, one of Viktor’s primary abilities is called “Glorious Evolution,” which allows him to grow as he kills enemies.
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Since it’s literally the name of the show, arcane magic is very important in Arcane.
Viktor also believes that “only by embracing a glorious evolution of technology can humanity’s full potential be realized.” In Season Two, we begin to see Viktor’s glorious revolution come to fruition. His perspective has shifted to something more akin to his game version.
5
“It’s Not Enough To Give People What They Need To Survive. You Have To Give Them What They Need To Live.”
Ekko: Season One, Episode Nine
Ekko has been a consistent voice of reason throughout both seasons of Arcane, so it’s no surprise he has his fair share of memorable lines. One of these many lines can be heard in Season One when Ekko brings Heimerdinger to his sanctuary in the undercity.
Impressed by all he’s achieved, Heimerdinger remarks how the people seem to be thriving here compared to the other parts of Zaun. Ekko’s quote at this moment shows that his goals for the community surpass survival. Beyond natural light, fresh air, and clean water, Ekko’s hidden village is a safe space for the community, giving hope to all who live there.
4
“We Lost Ourselves. Lost Our Dream. In The Pursuit Of Great, We Failed To Do Good.”
Viktor: Season One, Episode Nine
Since the beginning of the series, Jayce and Viktor strived to use hextech to improve the lives of the citizens of Piltover, especially those living in the undercity. However, Viktor’s perspective toward hextech changes throughout the season.
He realizes that though their invention has forged progress for Piltover and Runeterra as a whole, its purpose hasn’t truly improved the lives of the less fortunate people living in Zaun. Despite being an incredible feat of scientific innovation, Viktor sees that hextech creates problems rather than solving them.
3
“If Dangerous Ideas Didn’t Excite The Imagination, We Would Never Wander Astray.”
Heimerdinger: Season One, Episode Two
Ever the innovator and scientist, Heimerdinger loves to see new technology and inventions, but his old age has shown him the dangers that often come from these advancements. He’s quick to shut down anything he deems a potential threat. However, he still empathizes with Jayce and Viktor’s desire for progress.
Though he wants to support and motivate his pupils, his fears for the future are too great for him to ignore. While he appreciates innovation, he’ll always express caution as he’s seen powerful technology end up in the wrong hands.
2
“Is There Anything As Undoing As A Daughter?”
Silco: Season One, Episode Nine
This line has a split meaning. It initially comes across as though Silco is willing to sacrifice Jinx to realize his dream of Zaun. He’s strived for Zaun’s independence his entire life, and now only one thing stands between Silco and his ultimate goal.
However, we realize later in the episode that he was actually thinking the opposite. Though Silco was certainly one of Season One’s main antagonists, his affection for Jinx, his adoptive daughter, is undeniable. He’d rather protect his daughter than achieve his goal.
1
“I Grew Up Knowing I’m Less Than Them, That My Place Is Down There. I Want Powder To Have More Than That, And I’m Willing To Fight For It.”
Vi: Season One, Episode Two
Like many Zaunites, Vi has always been vocal about her feelings toward Piltover and the discrimination and neglect the people of the undercity face. Even as a teen, Vi is eager to join the fight to forge a better future for her sister, Powder.
Though Vander understands her point of view, he still needs to guide her in a more productive direction. He shows Vi that there are other ways to find peace. This guidance doesn’t always stick with Vi, but it does help her in some conflicts between topside and the undercity.
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