With a 9.0/10 on IMDB, rated at #15 on the most popular shows, a 100% on Rotten Tomatoes, and a second season currently coming out, Netflix’s Arcane is one of the most talked about TV shows today.
Based on the video game League of Legends (don’t worry, you don’t have to know anything about the game to watch the show), the adult animation tells the story of two cities divided. On the topside, the city of Piltover prospers, filled with incredible inventions and enormous amounts of money. While on the other side, the undercity Zaun struggles to make ends meet, filled with crime running rampant and a drug crisis.
The story features many characters from both cities, but the focus is primarily on two sisters, Vi and Jinx, who have been separated due to a multitude of circumstances and find themselves on opposing sides of the war between the cities. They both struggle with choosing between their blood family and the families they have found, and their conflicting views of each other.
The first season is kind of a setup for the upcoming war. Piltover continues to prosper while Zaun suffers, and we see some characters from both sides begin to challenge that injustice, though this only leads to more tension between the two cities. We watch characters grapple with their morals and react to their situations, which eventually brings us to the end of season 1 where the breaking point is hit and the war begins.
The most incredible element of the show that makes it a true standout when compared to other great shows is its writing. The worldbuilding and character development is insanely well done and you find yourself connecting to everyone on the screen. The writers truly do an excellent job making all the actions taken justifiable for that character, they write “good characters” doing bad things, and “bad characters” doing good things. It is excellently portrayed how the world isn’t black and white, and while you might not agree with the actions taken, you can see why it was done.
Another reason why the show is so good is the animation and voice acting. It is an absolutely gorgeous show to watch, the colors are captivating and the fight scenes are so fun and entertaining to see. The voice acting is on another level, though, the actors really make you feel like you are there. You can feel their grief, their excitement, their anger, and this is the case for every single character. Though the true standouts (to me) are Hailee Steinfeld as Vi and Ella Purnell as Jinx, being the two (arguably) main characters, they are given a lot to work with and they absolutely steal the show.
Currently the second season of the show is premiering: it is coming out in 3 acts. Act 1 on Nov. 9, act 2 on Nov. 16, and act 3 on Nov. 23. Each act is a week apart, which gives fans ample time to dissect everything in each episode. Because there is so much detail in the animation, people are constantly finding new easter eggs and details.
Whether you are interested in great animation, cool fighting styles, incredible acting, or an amazing storyline, you will find it in Arcane. It is truly an incredible show and based on the first act of season 2, the second season will live up to the first and maybe even surpass it. It is 100% a show to check out.
