Three years after the first season’s release, “Arcane” season two returned, ranking second on Netflix’s top ten for three consecutive weeks and number one in the top search action shows on Google. The second season features three acts venturing through the classicism of Runeterra and an odd cult produced by the Arcane.
The season opens with the city in shambles and growing tension between the two cities of Piltover and Zaun. Jinx, with her “heroic” actions throughout season one, begins a rebellion in Zaun with the people of the undercity beginning to fight back against the dictatorial rule of Piltover. In an attempt to prevent the uprising from getting out of hand, Piltover declares martial law. The two worlds are in shambles as people fight to survive in a democracy-turned-dictatorship.
During season one, the two aspiring scientists split ways and produce a dangerous phenomenon known as “The Arcane.” This anomaly drives a wedge between their scientific findings and puts them into two different places. Jayce, the bold, bright, wonder boy is transported to a time where Piltover is decimated by “The Arcane” and has been turned into a barren wasteland. The other, Victor, a quiet man who has been disabled his entire life because of a disease, uncovers a secret power within “The Arcane” and heals hundreds of people using its power. This starts a cult-like following to celebrate the miracles he’s accomplished. After a long period of being trapped in the apocalyptic Piltover, Jayce manages to escape back to his time to stop Victor from destroying everything he loves.
The rest of the season dives into the importance of imperfections within society. Ever since he was young, Victor has been trying to find a way to fix his leg and save himself from his inevitable death. In the final episode of the series, Jayce says in a multi-dimensional space to Victor, “There is beauty in imperfections. They made you who you are.” This statement is so relevant to society today where everyone wishes for perfection but our impurities are what make us human. Thanks to the pair’s sacrifice, Piltover is saved from devastation. The series concludes with the once heavily guarded Zaun borders being torn down, ending a cycle of prejudice and cruelty throughout Runeterra.
The creators of “Arcane” have stated this will be the final season of this amazing show with a total run-time of 12 hours and 19 minutes. However, creators Alex Yee and Christian Linke have stated that more series based around the characters within Riot’s vastly popular game, “League of Legends,” are already in their early stages of production.
