i-like-arcane

[i-like-arcane]

ARCANE LEAGUE OF LEGENDS: 2x07 - “Pretend Like It's the First Time”

[i-like-arcane]

Arcane Season 1 Act 1 Review

As Arcane season 2 is coming out, I would like to post my thoughts on the series here as I have no one else to talk with about it. So here Goes

Episode 1: Welcome to the Playground

As a first episode, upon first viewing this appears to be a normal start to a regular teen/ YA fantasy show. It's well-animated, well-voice-acted, with good action and characterization for these characters we are getting introduced to for the first time. The soundtrack is great as well. In terms of story, we are introduced to these stones that will play a big role in the future of the series, as well as the main villain by the end of the episode, providing an intriguing enough plot hook, if somewhat ordinary. For this episode, I would rate it a 7 or 8 out of 10, with the animation providing a big boost. If you're not a first-time viewer, however, details that you didn't notice the first time around will pop out to you, such as Powder's hallucinations already being present in the intro, as well as other foreshadowings to future episodes and story points. On a second watch through with the context of the series, I would say it is a straight 8/10.

Episode 2: Some Mysteries Are Better Left Unsolved

The concept of Magic and what the stones are is made known to us in this episode, as well as introducing the other half of the cast that belongs to Piltover, with us spending a majority of the episode there, while still going back to the Undercity. We get more characterization for our "main" 4 kids, with Vi's boxing and Powder tech and Shooting skills getting further spotlight. For the villain, Silco we get 2 more scenes with him which are excellent, in my opinion. We also see Vander losing control of the undercity, showing us that people want change, as represented by Sevika. In terms of our topside characters, Mel, Jayce, and Viktor are great. I like Heimerdinger as well. The endings of the episode with the scene between Jayce and Viktor and the scene of Vi preparing to surrender are great scenes. Overall I would say this episode is an 8 or 9 out of 10.

Episode Three: The Base Violence Necessary for Change

A 10/10 Episode. The Jayce and Viktor storyline isn't as present but is well done. The meat of the episode is the Zaun Storyline, where things come to a head. Vander is taken by Silco, with Deckard killing all the enforcers except Marcus, and Vi sees it all. We see more signs of Powder's instability with her mental breakdown. And there is a conversation between Silco and Vander where we learn their backstory and relationship. But the most impactful part is the last 20 minutes or so, starting with the rescue attempt and ending with Vi being taken away. and Silco taking in Powder, creating Jinx. I can't describe the impact this episode had on me, but this is my favorite overall episode of the season, and the best episode of the show.

Overall: Act 1 gets a 9/10

The best characters in the Act are Vander and Silco.

Powder's and Vi's relationship as children is shown to us, allowing us to see where they will end up

The deaths of Clagger and Milo were impactful

Jayce and Viktor, though not present in a lot of Act 1, show the beginnings of compelling characters in this season at the very least.

The most consistent Act in terms of quality in my opinion.