Arcane cements its status as a singular masterpiece with transcendent Act III series finale (Episode 7-9 review)

I absolutely agree with your analysis and appreciation for the final episodes of Arcane. The series has indeed showcased its love and dedication to quality, which cements it as a singular masterpiece that can stand up against the best fantasy or science fiction shows.

Today marks the premiere of the final three episodes of the hit animated series Arcane, produced by Fortiche Productions and Netflix, which is set in the world of League of Legends video game created by Riot Games. So far, Arcane has been a tremendous success, amassing numerous awards, including the first-ever Emmy for an animated streaming series, for its groundbreaking first season. Although fans have had to wait for season 2, it’s clear that the wait was worth every moment, as the show has solidified its place as a must-watch series.

The second and concluding season of “Arcane” was divided into three parts, each surpassing its predecessor in intensity. Act I found us revisiting the twin cities of Piltover and Zaun, where the long-standing feud between sisters Jinx (Ella Purnell) and Vi (Hailee Steinfeld) reached its peak. Act II saw the return of a seemingly deceased character, Vi and Jinx’s father Vander (JB Blanc), who transformed into the monstrous Warwick. This act ended with a catastrophic clash at the commune of Viktor (Harry Lloyd), a scientist who has been empowered by Arcane forces, using his abilities to heal but also ensnaring individuals within his enchanted network.

In the third act, “Arcane” skillfully ties together all the long-standing storylines for an unforgettable conclusion. Going into these episodes, my anticipation was already high, but as consistently throughout its entire run, “Arcane” surpassed my expectations. The last three episodes are a powerful emotional journey, wrapping up the narrative elegantly. This series solidifies its position as a groundbreaking masterpiece of contemporary storytelling, distinguished by its visionary artistry, impressive production values, and ability to strike a deep chord with viewers. I’ll surely miss this show, but am grateful it ended on its own terms with a fitting finale.

Read on for our review of Arcane season 2 Act III. There will be SPOILERS.

Arcane Episode 207: “Pretend Like It’s the First Time”

In the second season of Arcane, I’ve often found myself yearning for the story to pause occasionally. There have been numerous time leaps, which at times make the series feel like it’s racing forward at an incredibly fast pace. It was delightful to see that the initial episode of Act III, titled “Pretend Like It’s the First Time,” provided exactly that desired moment of respite before the climax.

“As If It’s Brand New

In this captivating narrative, I find myself following Ekko’s journey, a character I admire deeply yet who was somewhat underutilized in season 2. However, that all changes dramatically in this installment as Ekko awakens in an alternate reality where Zaun has achieved its dream of prosperity and peace. This tale tugs at the heartstrings, transporting me back to Powder, now known as Jinx, who is a charming nerd, always found hanging around Vander’s bar and in a relationship with Ekko’s counterpart from this alternate universe. Remarkably, Vander himself is still alive, witnessing his vision of a better Zaun come to fruition. Even the once conflict-ridden bridge connecting Zaun and Piltover, where significant events such as the memorable duel between Ekko and Jinx during our first season unfolded, has been transformed into a breathtaking marketplace, embodying the unity between these two cities.

The flaw in what appears to be a perfect alternate universe is the character named Vi. It’s been revealed that the event which caused this dramatically different timeline was her death during the initial episode of the series, when her and Powder’s plan went wrong, leading to the discovery of the mystical fragments known as Hextech. In this universe, their plan also failed, but on this occasion, Vi perished in the ensuing explosion. This unfortunate event set off a chain reaction that altered the sequence of events.

“As If Anew: Ekko’s Journey” revolves around Ekko’s attempt to return to his original world, enabling him to aid those he previously left behind. The narrative seamlessly intertwines this quest with glimpses of a serene alternate realm. What stands out is the exquisite manner in which it portrays Heimerdinger’s story – a character who spent three additional years in this other world, awaiting Ekko’s emergence. In this alternative reality, Heimerdinger has learned to play the guitar and is granted a heart-wrenchingly poignant song, beautifully performed by actor Mick Wingert. Ultimately, Heimerdinger sacrifices himself to facilitate Ekko’s return to their own world, marking the first significant casualty of Act III.

In an alternate, gloomy rendition of Zaun, Jayce was transported to a future where the overuse of Hextech led to the devastation of both Piltover and Zaun. These once bustling cities were now inhabited by grotesque mutants and Arcane puppets that resembled robots. This explains Jayce’s background prior to his emergence during Act II, where he assaulted Viktor’s commune. The scene is chilling and features some breathtaking visuals as Jayce ascends the tallest tower in Piltover, only to discover his own enchanted remains at the top. A mysterious figure then provides him with a new hammer and sends him back to his original reality; their identity is further explored in the series finale.

In a heartfelt farewell for Arcane, we are advised to act as if it’s our first encounter. The upcoming episodes promise violence, a premonition hinted by Jayce’s descent into darkness. However, this episode centers around Ekko and Powder, with their dance and the kiss that inspired its title offering a tender moment of tranquility before the impending chaos. Regrettably, these peaceful moments are temporary…

Arcane Episode 208: “Killing Is a Cycle”

In “Killing Is a Cycle,” there’s a significant shift in focus compared to “Pretend Like It’s the First Time.” Instead of following Ekko, Heimerdinger, and Jayce in their alternate dimension adventures, it delves deeper into the stories of other characters, preparing the stage for the climax. Unsurprisingly, it handles this task skillfully, beginning with a pivotal moment for Mel (Toks Olagundoye). After her confrontation with the Black Rose, she transforms into a powerful mage, adorned with golden patterns. This scene also introduces Minnie Driver’s character, the Illusionary Sorceress, who warmly inducts Mel into their sisterhood.

In the course of this season, Mel was out of commission following her capture by the Black Rose. However, in Act III, she makes a significant return to aid in the decisive fight against Ambessa and Viktor’s enchanted army. Interestingly, Mel serves as a symbol of my initial concerns about how Arcane season 2 would wrap up. Given that characters like her and Ekko were absent for much of the storyline, I worried if the series could effectively reunite its extensive cast in a way that was fair to each character. To put it mildly, those apprehensions were decisively quelled by the conclusion of Act III.

In this episode, there’s significant attention given to characters like Vi, Jinx, and Caitlyn (Katie Leung). Following the deaths of Isha and Vander during the battle at Viktor’s commune, Jinx appears to have lost hope. Fortunately, Caitlyn is now prepared to resist Ambessa’s Noxian soldiers, with Vi having returned to the enforcers.

“A Cycle of Destruction” serves as a thoughtful precursor to the final chapter, offering many characters a moment to contemplate the impending brutal conflict. Notably, Jinx’s exchange with Silco’s specter is particularly poignant as he hints at the episode title, musing that sometimes, the best way to halt self-destructive loops is by stepping away from them. Interestingly, this idea clashes with Jinx’s perception of herself, who feels there is no redeemable version within her, despite the display of a more benevolent side in the previous episode featuring Ekko. She harbors deep self-doubt, disregarding any reassurance that she can overcome her darker instincts.

Once again, credit is due to Vi and Caitlyn, whose long-awaited romantic encounter unfolds when Jinx traps Vi in her prison cell. Vi assumes Caitlyn will be angered by her accidental release of Jinx, but Caitlyn admits she anticipated Vi freeing her sibling. To set the stage for their confrontation with Jinx, she intentionally summoned guards away from the scene. This moment results in a heartfelt and passionate reunion between the two women. The scene is skillfully executed, resolving years of romantic tension while offering insight into their characters at the same time. Fans of Caitlyn and Vi will undoubtedly be overjoyed by this episode and its finale.

In the final arrangement of “Killing Is a Cycle,” Jayce makes an appeal to citizens from both Piltover and Zaun, asking them to stand united against Ambessa and Viktor’s troops. Although not everyone decides to participate, minor characters like the waitress who featured in Ekko’s dimension in the previous episode, now a blue-haired supporter of Jinx, are effectively introduced. This character struggles to leave the city and instead chooses to join the fight. In this way, Arcane skillfully sets the stage for its grand conclusion.

Arcane Episode 209: “The Dirt Under Your Nails”

At last, we reach the final episode of Arcane. Titled “The Dirt Under Your Nails”, this installment primarily focuses on the battle within Piltover. Ambessa orchestrates an influx of Noxian soldiers into the city in a bid to obtain the Hexgate for Viktor, hoping that his magic can render her troops invincible and immune to death. This would enable her to realize her ruthless dream of commanding an unrivaled army.

Put simply, “The Dirt Under Your Nails” stands out as one of the most exceptional animated TV shows I’ve ever witnessed. It’s hard to find any flaws, if at all, in it or Act III specifically. “_Arcane_” is a bold and well-directed production that effectively balances its creative elements. This balance culminates in a series finale that is nothing short of breathtaking, offering a thrilling viewing experience that leaves you on the edge of your seat. The end of the episode left me utterly astonished, not just for the sheer brilliance of the character development, visual aesthetics, and narrative, but also for what the show has accomplished overall.

The battle itself is thrilling, and filled with tons of standout moments. It goes straight for the throat right from the jump, showing Vi carry a wounded Piltover enforcer across the scenic bridges of the city as Ambessa’s fleet launches its attack. It’s visually stunning, and emotionally visceral, as we immediatley discover that the enforcer is actually that same undercity Jinx supporter who we saw join up at the end of the last episode. There are a lot of deaths in this finale, and it’s a credit to Arcane that the minor characters hit just as hard as the major losses.

In this significant turn of events, Ambessa faces her long-awaited reckoning. When Maddie, once linked to Caitlyn, deceives Ambessa to the Noxian general, Mel employs her sorcery to make Maddie’s bullet rebound fatally upon herself. This sequence unfolds into a confrontation among Mel, Caitlyn, and Ambessa, during which Ambessa is ultimately defeated by their joint efforts, as well as a strategic intervention from the Illusionary Sorceress. Ambessa, an exceptional antagonist, receives a fitting end that matches its quality. Her death, with a smug smile on her face, as Mel demonstrates her cunning, is a deeply satisfying moment. Although Ambessa embodies villainy, she’s so captivating that it’s hard not to admire her.

In the grand spectacle, Jinx’s entry adds another thrilling moment, while Ekko’s resurrection and the ensuing pandemonium when Zaunites engage in combat are equally captivating. At the pinnacle of it all, a philosophical clash unfolds between Jayce and Viktor, who, under Singed’s guidance, has been transformed into a formidable, unsettling magical entity with a mask bisecting his face. For fans of the game, this version of Viktor is reminiscent of League of Legends, but with Arcane’s unique touch on his appearance, much like how Warwick was portrayed. We won’t delve into every detail, but it’s safe to say that Arcane hit the mark in every aspect, particularly in the poignant finale where Jinx makes the heartrending choice to sacrifice herself, falling to her death so that Vi might survive.

This episode remarkably kept uncertainty throughout, avoiding the predictable outcome of good triumphing over evil. Although we anticipate their success, there were instances that made us doubt, and losses so significant that it seemed like the outcome could have gone either way. The most nerve-wracking moment for me was when Jayce fell to his knees atop the Piltover tower, mirroring his frozen corpse’s position from Episode 207 in an alternate universe. In the end, Piltover and Zaun’s victory was a nail-biting thrill to witness.

The animation, soundtrack, script, voice acting, and other production elements in Arcane have always been exceptional, but the series finale, titled “The Dirt Under Your Nails,” takes it to a whole new level. Several scenes in this episode are truly mesmerizing, and the dialogue between Viktor and Jayce, particularly, sounds like beautiful poetry. The music is enchanting, and the climactic moments feel well-deserved. This finale feels like a fitting conclusion for the show, although it’s sad to see it end after just two seasons. However, I don’t think there’s any question that it’s ending on its own terms. It seems clear that this was the ending Fortiche and Riot intended for the series, and they executed it beautifully, elevating the entire show. Arcane has been one of my favorite fantasy or sci-fi shows of the year, leaving me with the soul-deep exhaustion that only the best stories can bring about once they have come to an end.

Arcane Bullet Points

• The poetic beauty of these final episodes really can’t be understated. One little detail I loved in Episode 207 is that Jinx has led a happy life…but both Ekko and Vander comment on how she should be more than she is, considering her genius. By remaining Powder, she got to be happy, but she never soared to the same heights of inspiring others as in the main timeline, because she didn’t live through the same adversity. Arcane handles these sorts of deeply introspective ideas so well in its final episodes.
• One character who survives the final battle is Singed. In a brief scene at the end of the show, we see that Viktor’s magic brought his daughter back to life, infusing her with Arcane magic that makes her similar to the magical robots Viktor controlled. League of Legends players will probably recognize her as Orianna, a champion from the game.
• We find out in the finale that the person who sent Jayce back to his own world to stop Viktor is…Viktor. Yes, Viktor was the white-hooded person Jayce saw in the alternate dimension, the last person still living in a ruined Piltover. The bit where Jayce shows the villainous Viktor this truth is a highlight of the show.
• Caitlyn losing her eye was brutal. I like that Arcane didn’t actually show Ambessa cutting it out, but rather just some blood hitting the ground as Caitlyn tore the runes off Ambessa’s sleeve that protected her from Mel’s magic. We only find out later in the heat of the battle that Caitlyn’s eye is ruined and leaking blood.
• There are a ton of callbacks in this episode to earlier episodes in the show. For example, the final shot of the series is a blimp flying away from Piltover. In the opening minutes of the series premiere, young Vi and Powder watch a blimp fly over the city, with Powder proclaiming that one day she’ll ride one.
• Related to that, Jinx does arrive to save the day on a hot air balloon. The full circle moments of the finale have me wanting to do a full rewatch!
• One of the more intriguing scenes of the finale was when Mel confronted the Illusionary Sorceress of the Black Rose, freeing her mother Ambessa before her death to keep this otherworldly figure from claiming her. Mel says she figured out the Illusionary Sorceress’ true identity, but the show doesn’t spell it out. However, there is a League of Legends champion who specializes in illusion magic and has strong ties to the Black Rose: LeBlanc. If an Arcane sequel series gets made, I imagine this is a storyline it will explore.
• Speaking of Ambessa, this finale has me even more excited for the upcoming novel Ambessa: Chosen of the Wolf, which will presumably fill in a lot of the blanks about Ambessa’s power struggle with the Black Rose.
• An aspect of Arcane that I find amazing is how it pays homage to the game without being overbearing about it. League of Legends is a PVP game where story elements are tertiary at best. Arcane is all about the story, but it does still manage to sneak in some clever nods to the feel of the game, such as the fact that Caitlyn fights Ambessa with Mel’s support; in League of Legends, Caitlyn is a damage-dealing character who often needs a mage or tank to support her in order to fight at her best. There are a number of clever references like this in Arcane, and they always add to the drama rather than distract.
• These final three episodes had a pretty insane body count, making true on showrunner Christian Linke’s tease that season 2 might have a comparable amount of deaths to Game of Thrones. Let’s pour one out for: Heimerdinger, Viktor, Jayce, Ambessa, Maddie, Vander, and Jinx. It’s a credit to Arcane that even though many of these characters are from the game and fans have expectations attached to them, the show didn’t shy away from killing them off when it was right for the story.
• Sevika (Amirah Vann) now has a seat on the Piltover and Zaun ruling council. While the clash between the two cities took a back seat with the threat of Viktor looming large, Arcane still gave closure to that plotline by giving Zaun a voice on the council for the first time.
• The series ends with Vi and Caitlyn cuddling up in front of a fire. These two have had a tumultuous road, and I love that the show gave them a happy ending together, however bittersweetly it’s tinged by their various losses.

Verdict

The last three episodes of Arcane were nothing short of extraordinary. From its grandiose animation style to its intricate storytelling, sharp dialogue, well-developed characters, superb soundtrack, and unexpected plot twists, this first League of Legends television series truly excelled in every aspect. In a time when we’re flooded with countless stories to choose from, it’s hard to find one that radiates the same level of passion and commitment to quality as Arcane. With Act III, Arcane has solidified itself as a unique masterpiece that can stand tall among the best offerings in fantasy and science fiction genres.

Episode grades: A+

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2024-11-24 02:42