The Boy Savior
Ekko reveals himself to be the Firelights’ leader, and Caitlyn and Vi are brought before him. He removes his mask, revealing himself to be Ekko. They go way back of course, and after some initial hostilities, they manage to patch up their differences. Caitlyn gives him a big hug, as tears betray Ekko’s gruff exterior.
Ekko takes Vi to their main base of operations, where they discuss the descent of the Lanes. Silco flooded the place with Shimmer, which caused everyone to descend down a dark path of addiction. It’s eerily similar to the opioid epidemic in parts of the US, and Arcane has done well to juxtapose real-world events with its fantastical ideas. ..
Vi still thinks she can save Powder from becoming Jinx, but Ekko is convinced it’s a lost cause. When Caitlyn is released, she’s faced with the horrible truth that Silco is paying the Enforcers to hunt down the Firelights.
Caitlyn refuses to believe this until Ekko shows off the gemstone and offers a solution. He believes he can use this to turn the tide of battle, fighting fire with fire. However, Caitlyn has an alternate, more peaceful, idea. She wants to give the gemstone to the council and broker a peaceful solution.
Viktor is at a cross-roads, trying to decide what’s best for his future. With a vial of shimmer in hand, he contemplates whether to take it or not.
The border shutdown is causing everyone to grow restless and angsty. Mel visits Jayce, who’s hiding out from the masses. With no sign of Caitlyn (for obvious reasons) and needing to find Viktor, Jayce struggles to hold up the weight of the world on his weary shoulders.
When he eventually heads up to the bridge, he speaks to Viktor. He also learns that his old friend has been conspiring with those in the Undercity. The trouble is, there are far greater concerns at hand than that, given Piltover teeters on the brink of war.
Silco and Sevika are flustered and remain determined to find Jinx. Finn is convinced he’ll show up on his own accord and urges Silco to keep focused on the Undercity. The trouble is, it’s a lonely place at the top. Silco’s coveted position is challenged by Finn, who makes a play for his throne.
It’s not long before Silco learns of this and starts exerting his will on the others. He gasps out the room and leaves them all gasping for air; a reminder that he’s in charge here.
Jinx confronts Silco about his lies, but Silco manages to talk her around. Silco points out the massive job ahead of them and how he “needs her now more than ever.”
Piltover is feeling the strain of the recent border closure, the descent of Piltover’s rival city, and the Undercity’s restless inhabitants. This creates a sense of vulnerability in Piltover’s governing body, which is concerning for them all. ..
Viktor and Jayce are struggling to keep the Hextech together as they try to defend themselves from a possible attack. They’re encouraged by Mel, but their agreement with her is starting to unravel. This sets up a dramatic few episodes in which their relationship will be tested.
The Hex is a powerful artifact that can be used to control and manipulate energy. It was discovered by Viktor, who used the Shimmer to inject himself with the vial and reach out to the Hex. ..
Ekko and Caitlyn head to the council intending to plead their case. Vi, however, has an ulterior motive for being there- she wants to find Jinx. The thing is, she’s already there- she just happens to be watching from the top of the bridge. ..
Ekko is shot by an Enforcer when the guards show up, while Caitlyn is held up at gunpoint. A massive attack then ensues, as a whole swarm of mini bombs show and surround them. Only, they’re not actually mini bombs, they’re gemstones. As the whole bridge erupts into brilliant green light, the survivors – including Ekko, Caitlyn, Vi and Jinx – all fight over the gemstone. ..
Ekko encourages Caitlyn and Vi to leave, while Jinx and Ekko square off together. It’s a beautifully poetic moment as these adult faces pave way for a montage of bright colours and childish innocence.
An explosion from Jinx’s bomb sends a brilliant blast of purple across the bridge as both Jinx and Ekko are caught in the blast.
The Episode Review
Arcane has been an incredibly stylish, well written romp through League of Legends lore. ..
Arcane is an excellent adventure game that manages to appeal to those not familiar with the games through its well written, nicely paced story. The worldbuilding and ideas have both been excellent, and the visual design is exemplary here, typified by that final montage right at the end. ..
As Jinx’s persona dissolves away in favor of Powder and Ekko as kids, we’re reminded of how far she’s fallen. It’s a great way of showing the passing of time and how far they’ve come from their lowly origins in the Undercity. ..
The finale leaves things open for the next two episodes. We’ll have to wait and see how this one ends! ..
