Morally grey characters are fascinating as they reflect that people can be bad and good. For example, the classic tale of Robin Hood follows a man who steals from the rich for the poor. Although stealing is considered unethical, Robin Hood steals with good intentions. The Netflix hit series, Arcane, follows a group of morally grey characters like the Robin Hood tale. Arcane is an animated series Fortiche created in partnership with Riot Games. Although the story is entirely original, the characters and world are based on the video game, League of Legends by Riot Games, hence the partnership.
The show came out in 2021, but the second and final season just released in November of 2024. After being left on a cliffhanger in the finale of season one, fans were thrilled for the second season and couldn’t wait. Like the first season, Arcane’s second season was released in three acts, each containing three episodes. When season two came out, fans were not disappointed. The story, animation, and music production were done so well that it left no doubt as to why it took three years to make. A huge problem with original series’ is their later seasons don’t do well. This is often because of their story. Either it’s too confusing, or it’s just not executed correctly. However, Arcane ensures their story for the second season is nothing of that sort.
Arcane is about two divided cities; a flourishing metropolis, called Piltover, and a poor city, called Zaun. Piltover is rising in wealth, leaving Zaun in the dust, resulting in tension between the two cities. Several of the main characters are trying to stop this warfare and bring peace back to this area. One of the amazing aspects of Arcane is the complex and well-developed main characters. For example, two of the characters, who are arguably the most interesting, are Jinx and Vi. Jinx and Vi are sisters from Zaun, who are great examples of morally grey characters. Although Vi used to steal and hated Piltover, she grew up to become a flawed hero, who wants what’s best for both Zaun and eventually Piltover. Jinx, however, grows to become an infamous villain to Piltover yet a savior to Zaun. This is due to her unstable mental state, and the bad influences she had while growing up. These two are interesting, as they hate each other, due to their different proposals for Piltover and Zaun’s conflict, but still cannot deny their care for each other. Another character that plays a role in this storyline is Caitlyn. Caitlyn is an officer from Piltover who meets Vi and forms a bond with her. This bond is how Vi starts to care for Piltover and not just Zaun. However, the conflict between the two cities isn’t the only problem in the show.
The second conflict in Arcane involves Mel, Jayce, and Viktor. Jayce and Viktor are two men interested in bringing back Arcane-like the title-which is the concept of controlling magic. They are being told it’s dangerous, yet they still do it through Hextech, their invention. The second season focuses on the consequences of their actions, and how dangerous their Hextech really is. Now, Jayce, alongside a few returning characters from season one, is learning about the problems arising due to Hextech. Mel is a noble who is interested in Hextech in the first season and supports it. In the second season, however, she starts to learn more about who she truly is, as her family’s complicated backstory starts to unravel. Arcane gives all of these plotlines to viewers to keep them intrigued and engaged through all episodes. The story and characters from Arcane are very unique and have qualities that make the show worthwhile. Another thing that makes the show different from other shows, is its animation and music.
Whether it be an action-packed fight or a scenery shot, Arcane’s art style is beautiful. The show is animated, allowing free will to creatively include features that make a bland fight scene seem exciting and visually appealing. This includes glitches, luminescent trails, symbols appearing, and many more. Since the show is animated, it also makes the atmosphere more aesthetically pleasing. Zaun is coated in dark blue and green, to resemble a poor, unhealthy city, while Piltover is painted with yellow and gold to resemble the opposite; a rich and thriving metropolis. Arcane also excels when it comes to music.
The music is thrilling and unique for whatever scenario it is meant for. During a fight scene, a plot-changing scene, and during the intro of each episode, music is often played to help set the mood. For example, a fight scene with Vi and Jinx against each other was played with the song “To Ashes and Blood” by Woodkid. The song alone was very engaging as it had an intense chorus designed for a fervid moment. However, having played it during a monumental fight scene among two major characters, made the scene altogether perfect. Without its music, Arcane wouldn’t have the same charm it has for many fans.
Morally grey characters are not foreign to people, and being morally grey doesn’t necessarily make them bad. If anything, these characters are what give famous stories their shine, as they leave for debate on whether their intentions are noble or not. Take Robin Hood for example. Many people love the classic tale of a man who steals from the rich to give to the needy. Arcane demonstrates this idea through its characters. Many of the main characters in the show are morally grey characters that have their flaws and strengths. When Arcane season two was released, ending the saga of an amazing show, many fans were satisfied with the final season and found it a perfect ending. The second season’s story, animation, and music, are just a few of the reasons why it has done so well. Although Arcane is officially done, there are spin-offs planned for the future, leaving many excited for what’s to come. If somehow possible, it may end up being better than the last.