Official Review
While the first season explored the simmering tensions between Piltover's residents and the long-standing oppression that fueled resentment, the opening two-thirds of this season depict an all-out conflict. Battle lines are drawn, and the situation intensifies with each episode, illustrating how brutal leadership can lead to a radicalized population. Arcane continues to weave multiple storylines into its compact runtime, exploring various aspects of Piltover and even venturing beyond the city's limits this time.
The narrative remains character-driven, focusing on individual journeys, which prevents the episodes from feeling overcrowded or confusing. Hailee Steinfeld delivers a powerful performance, conveying Vi's anger and vulnerability. Her portrayal captures Vi's internal struggle to find her place in the conflict and decide between aligning with her parents' killers or allowing Jinx (Ella Purnell) to continue her reign of terror. Caitlyn (Katie Leung) faces tough decisions during turbulent times, highlighting the challenge of maintaining one's principles while holding onto power. Leung shines in the season's first arc, subtly portraying how Caitlyn's perspective has been shaped by her experiences in the Undercity and with Vi, clashing with her ingrained prejudices and external influences from the Noxians. Purnell's portrayal of Jinx continues to impress, layered with conflict and grief. Jinx undergoes the most significant transformation in Acts I and II, becoming a symbol of Zaunian resistance and grappling with whether she's a force of chaos or stands for something greater.
While Arcane may not offer the most nuanced commentary on inequality and systemic oppression, the second season demonstrates improved writing, particularly in its thematic presentation. The show avoids broad "both sides have valid points" arguments, resulting in a more focused narrative. However, the character of Ambessa Medarda remains a weak point, appearing as a simplistic antagonist with predictable actions and motivations. That said, without knowing her full arc in Act III, it's premature to heavily criticize this aspect of the show.
Despite the strength of its story and characters, it's the animation by studio Fortiche that continues to elevate Arcane to a once-in-a-generation TV event. This excellence is evident not only in action sequences but also in quieter, emotional moments. For instance, the portrayal of Caitlyn's breakdown after the council attack is masterful, with subtle facial expressions and body language conveying her bottled-up pain and true feelings. Fortiche deserves high praise for their ability to create characters that move and emote in ways that are both realistic and impressionistic, a unique quality of animation. A prime example is Heimerdinger's comically surprised reaction, with his eyes darting around in confusion and panic – a moment that borders on cartoonish yet remains emotionally grounded and visually stunning.
Fortiche's approach extends to the entire world of Arcane, incorporating live-action filmmaking techniques that set it apart from other animated projects. By imposing limits on camera movement and positioning, they enhance the visual realism and groundedness of the show.
Action remains a cornerstone of Arcane, and season 2 builds on the exhilarating sequences of its predecessor. As the show expands from street-level brawls to superpowered duels between titans (introducing more fan-favorite League of Legends champions), the impact of each blow is palpable. The sound design emphasizes crunching bones and bodies slamming against hard surfaces, lending a weight to the action often missing in 3D animation and even many live-action fights. Simultaneously, the fluid motion captures the superhuman abilities and larger-than-life presence of characters like Jinx.
The show continues to delight longtime fans with numerous callbacks and Easter eggs rooted in the game's lore. There are even meta-references designed to please dedicated followers – keep an ear out for a particular theme song.
In essence, Arcane's second season builds upon the strengths of its predecessor, refining its storytelling while maintaining the exceptional animation that sets it apart. The show continues to balance its appeal to both League of Legends enthusiasts and newcomers, crafting a rich, immersive world that transcends its gaming origins to become a standout piece of television.
The second season of Arcane takes a giant leap forward, particularly in its musical approach. While Riot Games has always used music videos to promote their games and give characters unique identities, this season elevates the soundtrack to new heights. It's almost a musical, with songs like "Renegade (We Never Run)" and "Cocktail Molotov" expressing what dialogue alone cannot. Though occasionally distracting, this musical emphasis proves its worth in delivering exposition alongside striking visuals.
Many episodes open with montages set to carefully chosen songs, efficiently explaining how the champions' actions impact Piltover or providing backstories without slowing the show's pace. This technique is crucial given the dense plot and extensive worldbuilding, especially regarding the magical aspects of hextech and the consequences of tampering with natural forces.
The expanded focus on magic significantly broadens Arcane's scope, adding depth to an already rich narrative. While the musical elements might sometimes overshadow other aspects, they ultimately contribute to a more immersive and emotionally resonant storytelling experience, setting this season apart from its predecessor.
