The Things Arcane Season 2 Does Better Than Season 1

Summary

• Emotional depth: Season 2 delivers heightened emotional stakes with impactful character deaths and powerful storytelling.
• Location expansion: Season 2 explores new regions beyond Piltover and Zaun, showcasing diverse backdrops and settings.
• Symbolism and depth: The second season is filled with rich lore, hidden meanings, and references, enhancing the narrative’s complexity.

With the final season of Arcane coming to a close, many hearts were broken and fan-favorite characters were given their rightful send-off in the finale. The first season set the bar incredibly high, breaking new ground in the animation space and destroying the negative perception of video game adaptations.

When season two hit screens, there were a lot of questions about whether it could live up to the heights established and improve upon what was considered one of the greatest animated shows ever released. Fans were not disappointed, as the writers’ room, along with the talented team of artists at Fortiche, delivered a breathtaking cinematic masterpiece that at times runs where season one could only walk.

Spoilers Ahead For Arcane

8

Emotional Payoff

Tears, Tears, And More Tears

If season one ended with a short crying session, then the second season’s conclusion is a full-blown waterfall. Every single character experiences some level of loss and pain. Some are romantic, as with Ekko and Powder in one of the best episodes of the whole show where Ekko is shown a world of what could have been. While others lose the family they cherish the most all over again, like Vander.

The stakes are far higher, which makes deaths not only likely but almost guaranteed, and viewers are kept guessing as to who will make it out alive right up until the end title card. All the storytelling and build-up are elevated by the gorgeous visuals that show the character’s emotions in all the right ways.

7

Location Variety

More Than Meets The Eye

Piltover and Zaun were perfect introductions to League of Legends in an animated series format and showed the range of characters from the universe, both good, bad, and anything in between. Season two expands the universe, showing glimpses of Noxian battlefields and more abstract locations like the twisted universe Jayce is transported to in episode seven.

While most of the show takes place in the same familiar city streets and underground caverns, there are a few mix-ups and deeper dives that make the locations feel more alive and complete.

6

Symbolism

Everything Has A Deeper Meaning

With so much rich lore and backstory, there is no shortage of hidden meanings and references to established LoL lore or characters and the writer’s intent. Viewers can sit for hours scouring for patterns in haircuts or small frames of subtle detail, particularly in the more abstract shots.

Things start getting trippy fast as the world of Runeterra is transformed into barren, lifeless wastelands and there are more than a handful of similar-looking bodies and references to past and future events that make the whole narrative feel alive with meaning and purpose.

5

Side Characters

Not Just In The Background

Jinx, Vi, Jayce, and many more take the forefront of the action and story in Season 2, but that does not mean the background has to be barren and empty. Far more of the smaller roles introduced in Season 1 become pronounced and impactful, and there is a new cast of supporters on both sides of the fight who make more than one appearance, which impacts the outcome of the plot.

There are even some subtle nods to existing characters and the potential to adapt others into full-blown champion releases in League to take over the Rift. And, in signature Arcane fashion, some significant plot twists are revealed that directly tie side characters to crucial story arcs that many never saw coming.

4

Game Fan Service

Just Like In The Game!

For any fans of League of Legends, there is a whole new set of references and nods to champion abilities, skins, and a few voice lines as well. Also, being a League fan comes with its ups and downs, as sometimes game knowledge can act as a spoiler, and other times, it deepens the appreciation for subtle details and decisions.

Though the Jinx ultimate in the original finale is iconic and extremely memorable, watching Vander/Warwick tear through the prison while on the hunt and finally getting to witness Ekko’s rewind sends plenty of goosebumps down the arms of avid fans of the franchise.

3

Soundtrack

More Than Just My Enemy

Sometimes it’s a banger stuck on repeat and others it’s a reminder to love those around us; Arcane’s music selection is second to none. Another entirely original score filled with high-octane, head-pounding anthems, coupled with some sincere and emotional tracks like “Ma meilleure ennemie,” is present in Season 2.

Each song is paired with a just as impressive music video that mirrors the feelings of the beat, and with so many genres, artists, and styles all meshing and blending into a vinyl masterpiece, the second season perfectly delivers on a musical front.

2

Set Pieces

Wallpaper After Wallpaper

Fortiche really knows how to draw. Jaws hit the floor and minds are blown as fight sequences are set to extravagant backdrops, and taking any screenshot from the series spawns an array of beautiful screensavers and unmatchable beauty.

Viewers will want to pause to admire the craftsmanship and effort that goes into each individual pen stroke and, paired with the music, certain moments can only be described as awe-inspiring.

1

Character Integration

Dialogue With Purpose And Payoff

There was a lot of setup done in terms of characters both new and old in Season 2. Mel and Ambessa played smaller roles at first but took prime positions to deal some real damage and create some awesome moments later on.

With a cast this expansive, it’s important that each character has a purpose and a place, and Arcane breaks both of these barriers with its intricate dialogue and improved character interactions from the first season. Growing fan-favorite characters into powerful leaders and gentle lovers is all expanded upon and concluded over the course of the nine-episode Season 2 run and, by the end, there are very few questions left as to why a character was there.