Arcane Season 2 picks right back up where the first left off, leading to a tense and emotionally resonant end to the storyline.
Creators: Christian Linke & Alex Yee
Genre: Action, Adventure, Animation, Fantasy, Steampunk
Number of Episodes: 9
Global Release Date: Act I on November 9, 2024, Act II on November 16, Act III on November 23.
Where to Watch: on Netflix
The first season of Arcane was a tough act to follow, but Arcane Season 2 manages to be a worthy follow-up. The action, spellbinding animation, and compelling character drama that made the first season such a marvel are all on display here, leading up to a grand finale to this segment of the “League of Legends” lore. The characters’ relationships and stakes of the past season are continued here, with explosive effects. Also, we finally get to know what the “Arcane” is, though to explain it would be a massive spoiler. In reading this review, some events will have to be spoiled, so please tread lightly.
After the attack on Piltover at the end of Season 1, Jayce (Kevin Alejandro) survives but Viktor (Harry Lloyd) does not. The experiments to bring Viktor back drive Jayce to insanity, leading some surreal images as Jayce has to reconcile with his new foe. This is the most compelling storyline of the new show as it gives Jayce a more dynamic character and ties in with the relationship between these two characters in the game. It shows how Jayce still has the possibility to escape his shackles, but the past keeps coming back for him.
Meanwhile, sisters Vi (Hailee Steinfeld, Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse) and Jinx (Ella Purnell, Fallout) continue to grow apart. Vi is taken under the wing of Piltover survivor Caitlyn (Katie Leung) and the two form a strong bond. Jinx however is seduced by the legacy of Silco (Jason Spisak), further succumbing to his brainwashing powers. Later, when the two encounter Warwick (JB Blanc), their stories come together and they must team up to set right the forces that separated them in the first place. There is also the appearance of the mysterious character Isha (Lucy Lowe), whose arrival foreshadows the backstory of the two feuding sisters and provides clues to the fate of their parents.
While the first season of Arcane featured a convoluted plot spanning several years, this season includes several tales happening at once. The stories do converge, but seeing the two play out feels like two shows. “League of Legends” builds a deep, intricate world, so attention is necessary to absorb all the information. New characters are introduced from the games, and their interconnected relationships and beliefs are tied together throughout this season. But like with the previous season, the effort you give will be rewarded.
A surprising addition to Arcane Season 2 is the emphasis on popular music to underscore important scenes. A back alley shootout scene with Jinx tearing up a street gang is intense enough. When underscored to “Renegade (We Never Run)” by Stefflon Don, it becomes even batter. Arcane was already known for its compelling soundtrack, but the songs were usually able to “blend in” with the story, going unnoticed. Season 2 turns them up a notch and makes them an integral part of the experience; every song from the soundtrack is a winner.
All these storylines come together quickly, which leaves many unanswered questions headed forward. While the disjointed stories may seem confusing at first, they do unite and the two series become one in a satisfying manner. As the characters’ fates are driven by the unseen hand of fate, suspense is kept throughout the show’s run. You will be on the edge of your seat seeing how it unfolds. As of this moment, only the first six episodes have been given to Loud and Clear Reviews. The final three episodes will drop on November 23, which will make for a resounding, impactful finale to this masterpiece of animation. Until then, we are only left to speculate how this series wraps up.
Season 2 of Arcane will be available to stream on Netflix from November 9, 2024 as a three-week event. Act II (ep. 4-6) will premiere on November 16 and Act III (ep. 7-9) – the final act – on November 23.
