ARCANE SEASON 2 ACT 1 BROKE MY HEART!

[@julio1148]

7:40 Netflix doesnt have anything to do witht the production. All creative decisions were Riot's and Fortiche's. Netflix is a partner as a distributor, but the decision to make this the final season was Riot's edit: Shoutout to Nadya in the chat for explaining in real time!

[@adambirch6466]

Yep, one of the reasons it was so good is they worked on season 1 for like four plus years. Riot has tons of cash and just produced everything out of pocket.

[@thirdcoinedge]

@@adambirch6466 Well, a third of that production time for Season 1 was apparently just waiting for the higher-ups to approve going ahead with the story they wanted to tell. Many executives were very much cautious about whether Arcane was a good idea or not, considering they hadn't really branched out to other mediums like that before, and were skeptical putting $80 million into what could be a big flop. Fortunately, it's become one of the most successful series in the last five years, so it's safe to say there was a return on investment.

[@kravenite]

Fun note: Heimerdinger's name is actually a mash up of two scientists names- Oppenheimer and Schrodinger

[@rafaela00002]

it's also a german surname

[@Squeekysquid]

Incorrect, his real name is The Donger.

[@jaredhumpherys8335]

I guess Oppenschro just doesn't have the same ring to it

[@Problemsolver434]

​@@jaredhumpherys8335 Schrodenheimer 😂

[@keem2k]

Regarding Victor walking out, it was shown in the scene. It was the fact that Victor told Jayce to destroy the hexcore, which he didn't, and the promise to not weaponize it, and how the Skye vision, guides Victor to the book in the lab, which conveniently lay on top of Jayce's blueprint for the weapons.

[@_Aarius_]

1:40:40 vi also had the moment early on in season 1 where vander told her shes responsible for what others do, you say start a fire and they show up with oil thing. The kid is dead because she convinced jayce to go down and attack the shimmer factory

[@DearxMyxSongs]

So from what I’ve seen in interviews, while Jinx and Vi are having their 2 season story in arcane, the creators want to do other basically limited series for other stories they want to tell, so we’ll likely get the next installment from them in a couple years, which I’m excited for!

[@Squeekysquid]

I'd argue for Bilgewater if they want to slowly bring in more of the fantastical elements, or Ionia if they want to just go full tilt into it. At least those are the 2 regions I think would be interesting to have stories around. Or they could go into the deep end of the Runeterra fantasy elements with either Shadow Isles, or Mount Targon. Honestly I just want to see the entire world of Runeterra animated. They better get my boy Ezreal some screen time.

[@francesccampos1343]

@@Squeekysquid My guess would be Noxxus, since they are introducing that faction to the audience already with Ambessa and the Black Lotus. Since Noxxus is so active as a faction i see 3 possible stories to be made: -Noxxus (game of thrones style) faction wars and politics, there you can use Darius, Swain and Leblanc, and maybe Katarina as the main character with Talon as the new Vander. Then via Katarina they can introduce the Demacia conflict (although an straight romance is not the trend), and via Darius/Swain they can expand to Ionia conflict. -Noxxus vs Ionia, introducing Ionia for future stories of beloved characters like Shen/Zed/Jhin, Yasuo/Yone, Ahri and many more. -Noxxus vs Demacia, introducing Demacia for future installments like Lux/Sylas story and get close to Freljord. Apart from Noxxus i agree that the most interesting zone would be Bilgewater and also Shurima, but they are less interconnected to other stories.

[@gokbay3057]

1:31:47 One could make the argument that what Cait said was not "I won't (change)" but in fact "I won't (promise (not to change))"

[@adambirch6466]

The way they constantly hammer home the stark differences in what life is like in Piltover Vs. Zaun and how it makes me rage every time some topsider starts talking shit about Zaun is absolutely incredible.

[@masonguthrie1257]

All I got to say is it sucks to suck.

[@Of_infinite_Faith]

Sure it's bad, but the Zaun people aren't trying to improve, they want independence but it doesn't mean they'll suddenly clean up their act. They'll just be one big cartel.

[@Erick-tv8oq]

​​​​​@@Of_infinite_Faith Doesn't change the fact that it was Piltover's negligence that lead things to where they are right now. And also, there's no "they" when talking about Zaunites, we have been shown time and again that while there are undercity people who thrive in the the misery (Silco and the Chem Barons), there are also people who choose a much better alternative for themselves and for society around them (Ekko and the Firelights). Y'know that one blonde counselor that is now wheelchair bound? Salo is his name. Take a look at the first scene where he's reintroduced in EP1, calling for war, with Ambessa pushing him around figuratively and literally. You'll notice that he forcibly descends the steps to the main council room, which are not adapted to his wheelchair. This is symbolic to how power structures work in Piltover: they are not adapted to people who have suffered or are vulnerable in any way, it's an oligarchy ruled by the wealthy. In Jinx's attack, Salo was put in a position of vulnerability and suffering likely for the first time in his life - he loses the ability to walk, much like some of the children born and raised in the undercity's pollution - and he immediately calls for the most violent retaliation possible. Do you see the irony? Much like Heimerdinger, Piltover's counselors sat in their ivory tower, content to simply ignore the festering pollution, corruption and brutality destroying the Zaun people. How many people have died to Silco's schemes? How many died to plain pollution or The Grey? We don't know, but there's one thing we do know for sure: it's more people than the number that died on Jinx's attack. But of course, Piltover's counselors are certainly worth more than the child who was murdered in Jayce's rampage to destroy Shimmer, right? Much like in real life events like the "War on Terror", the actions done by the dominant society/police force aren't proportional to the human cost of a particular retaliatory attack, they are dictated by what the dominant society thinks the punishment for breaking the power structure should be. Piltover isn't retaliating in search of justice, it is using justice as a cover to put Zaun in its place: deep in the festering underground where they cannot be seen.

[@masonguthrie1257]

@@Erick-tv8oq I mean you can claim that but at least looking at the retaliatory actions that Piltover has taken and the council in general I would say that they are quite fair in their actions with Cait’s team now that may change but two of the three surviving councilors saw the issue and their involvement and were looking for better ways to deal with the situation.

[@Gladissims]

​@@masonguthrie1257 How are the measures "fair"? One person with serious mental issues caused that destruction. But they immediately want to declare war on an entire city. "Fair" my ass.

[@AlbusPercivalWulfrykDumbledore]

When watching it after part 2 it's so funny when Daniel says Jayce is the closest to a typical protagonist character

[@kalez238]

As someone who loves to binge and hates weekly, I completely agree that 3 episode dumps works great for both sides. As an author, Arcane makes me question my abilities ...

[@Squeekysquid]

You're one person. Arcane has a team of writers. The lore has existed for the better part of a decade now. Plus the story has been in the works for years. Don't beat yourself up.

[@kalez238]

@@Squeekysquid While I very much appreciate the sentiment, my lore has existed for nearly 28 years, and I've been writing for almost 15 years ... and they are still so much better than me :P

[@becca_98]

Hey... from a still trying author, we all have out strenghts and weakness, is important to focus on what youre good and improve on whats necessary, the fact the we all are diferent is what makes stories interesting. What kind of story are you writing?

[@kyu2o337]

It's interesting that you mention the conversation with Cait offering the badge to Vi as happening too quickly, then later praaise the show for not hand holding and reiterating things... that's exactly why that conversation didn't need to be longer, Vi's feelings toward the enforcer's has been established. I imagine the only reason that conversation happened at all is because they thought it would be weird if Vi joined up without any protest.

[@francesccampos1343]

Cait/Vi relantionship is way too rushed, they could have used a timeskip or something like that because at the end of the day in the series they've just met, who in the world would hire as an enforcer an exconvict who you've just met and is btw the sister of the killer of your own mother? Not to mention have romantic feelings towards her... wtf is wrong with Cait, Vi just stopped you from firing at your mother killer just some days ago.

[@kyu2o337]

@francesccampos1343 I get what you're saying, but it's funny you say their relationship is rushed when the entire fandom has been waiting for that first kiss since the bordello scene. I think Cait tends to see the best in people, sometimes when others don't...she did the same with Jayce. So, to me it makes sense that she would go to bat for Vi, in spite of her red flags. She also has a lot of influence with her name and without Marcus there to hold her down. That said, Vi was right, she didn't think, she acted on impulse and an overconfidence in her judgement, which Cait herself acknowledges. Idk, the writing is still pretty tight if you ask me.

[@francesccampos1343]

@@kyu2o337 If you all are thirsty for romance it's up to you, but this romance is objectively rushed, and even moretaking into account how Vi is still acting towards Jinx. So yes, it is rushed, it feels artificial and forced to make the fanboys/girls shill.

[@kyu2o337]

@@francesccampos1343 Ok dude, take a breath. I was agreeing with you, it's rushed in the context of the story, my comment about the fandom was more about the amount of time that's passed since season one, and how there was romantic tension between these two from the start. You don't need to be condescending. But, rushed in the context of the story doesn't make it bad writing...that sh*t happens in real life all the time. They like each other and they're both somewhat impulsive, it makes perfect sense that they'd rush into a romantic relationship, not just in spite of the trauma happening around them, but because of it.

[@francesccampos1343]

@@kyu2o337 You forget the part that Caitlyn's org killed Vi's parents in front of her and that Vi's sister killed her mother in front of her. But nah, minor things, just 1 failed quest and we can be lovey dovey despite not knowing nothing about each other. They put so much confronted experiences and so little time to develop the relationship that only fanservice justifies the writing, and fanservice directed only to the shills and thirsty people.

[@insignificantdamage3446]

Tea is usually portrayed to be a cultured beverage, especially the green and more bitter ones. It's very likely that Ekko, a kid from the streets, wouldn't appreciate tea, while Heimerdinger, a highly distinguished professor, would. So it's not that one is a human and another is another species, it's their different socioeconomic difference. Adding to my own comment. I think a lot of people are to harsh with Jayce. He is a normal guy dealing with things as best as he can. Him putting Viktor in the mystery juice was reckless, but ultimately is what let him live. If he didn't take action, his friend would be dead, so maybe take that in consideration when criticizing him.

[@Gladissims]

I get why Jayce did what he did. But I also get why Viktor was angry about it. He broke his promise to Viktor, and saved a person that did not want to be saved, knowing the potential consequences of his meddling. It's a hurt that runs deep, for sure.

[@insignificantdamage3446]

@@VinniePaul91 He kind of stumbles through things a lot. A lesser capable person would just hit a road block at some point, but Jayce manages to barge through and it's not always a good thing. In the end, it all comes down to inmaturity. He's young and has been put in a position of power he wasn't ready for.

[@insignificantdamage3446]

@@Gladissims The issue is that Jayce didn't know that Viktor didn't want to be saved. Probably due to his personality, Viktor got a pass for a few things he shouldn't have by the audience. It was him developing the hex core to cure himself that got his assistant killed, but somehow that is overlooked by everybody other than Viktor himself.

[@Gladissims]

@insignificantdamage3446 I mean yeah, Viktor is no innocent angel. But he also went to Jayce, told him the Hexcore needed to be destroyed and said that he couldn't do it. So he asked Jayce to do it. He made him promise that he would do it, but he didn't. Jayce isn't stupid. Even if he didn't get all the details, he must have, from that context, realized that something was up with the Hexcore. He still did not listen. There is a certain amount of hubris to his actions, for sure. Though him destroying the hexcore isn't the only reason Viktor leaves. Right before he goes, he sees Jayce's blueprints for Cait's rifle. I think that's the last drop for him, which makes sense, because he's been against hextech being used for weapons since the beginning. Especially since he knows those weapons are going to be used against his own people. None of these characters are perfect, or flawless. But I think that the fact that they're so flawed and that you can understand why they act the way they do, even if you don't agree with them, is what makes this show's writing so good.

[@insignificantdamage3446]

@@Gladissims I agree with all that. The writing makes everything really clear. After the attack by Zaun, it makes so much sense that Jayce forges the Hextech weapons that it would be weird if he didn't.

[@ZackHeise]

The final battle of this act not doing a mirror match was excellent. Fists vs guns is not the expected dynamic and a nice contrast to how so many other franchises *cough Marvel* annoyingly stuck with "like for like" matches in fight scenes.

[@IguitarVreakI]

You talked about Zaun and Piltover not being cities where you can just sit and be and think about what's the best option. That is, interestingly enough, the kind of place that Ekko and his people have created/are trying to protect.

[@montenegroafro4454]

Then let’s make an antidote to get rid of the air poison and let Viktor heal the deformed addicts. Then swoop in, arrest all the gang members causing chaos and put em in the prison, then get people from pilltover and the good people of zaun to rebuild their fallen city and establish successful economic, healthcare and education systems. The End.

[@c.smidgeon2847]

I find it fascinating how people seem to forget that Heimerdinger founded Piltover and led the council for centuries. He is, perhaps more than anyone, personally culpable for the political situation that Piltover and Zaun are in. If not because of pushing towards it, then because of how utterly clueless he is about how his city actually runs. Like, he was in charge. From the beginning. For hundreds of years. And yet he seems genuinely shocked when confronted with the reality of the city that he created and managed for most of his life. I’m curious if they’ll develop that angle more, because so many of the problems come from the council’s negligence, which Is Heimerdinger’s negligence, but it really feels like people let Heimerdinger off the hook as a result of his fuzzy cute demeanor.

[@moe5020]

tbf to him zauns struggles must seem like small potatoes next to the things he's lived through and he's not concerned with just the problems around him his purpose is to help the whole world and secure a brighter future he founded piltover to do that through scientific progress. The only reason he took a leading role is to make sure politics didn't hinder progress and that dangerous science was kept in check he's a scientist first and foremost the best way he can help zaun and everyone is with his mind as a politician he's not that helpful he got outmanuvered like instantly by the council.

[@jalcome4201]

Christian Linke, the EP, is actually a music composer! In the "Sad Mummy" music video on Leagues channel, you can hear him sing too. That music influence is also why there are so many montages. Thats like his, and Fortiche's original schtick together.

[@manoshpaul3897]

1:33:07 I think Cait reacts that way due to Vi saying “ But you are the one who’s acting like her (jinx)” which kinda triggers Cait in a way like Vi is stating the truth but also how dare Vi compare her to someone who killed her mother.

[@th3lonef0x4]

Reminds me of the "Don't be like Sentinel." Line from Transformers: One.

[@SkullM]

Probably very late, but Smeech (the chem baron with the mech limbs) is confirmed to be a Yordle in the League client.

[@wave1090]

33:20 the guy on the Manhattan project that did the thing with the demon core was the only one who died from radiation poisoning. Everyone else in the room was fine, mostly because of his body shielding them from the worse of it

[@ChaunchoCYM]

Smeech is a Yordle, the same race as Heimerdinger. And now to get back to watching the video lol *edit* and chat mentions this 30 seconds later, I must learn to have faith in chat

[@thebrysmith3]

I'm 66 and know nothing about League Of Legends but loved Season one and this was just amazing! Now the wish that I have that I realize will never happen is that this amazing group of animators and storytellers try there hands at an adaptation of Malazan. And yes, I realize this is on Netflix.

[@VinniePaul91]

About the whole Jayce discussion. There's one line that really hit me hard. When he says "I didn't ask for any of this", that came from his *soul*.

[@taylorwalker7417]

Jace is the reason why Wisdom and Intelligence are two separate stats😂

[@royceshatzel]

I need to watch this show from the beginning again cuz I don’t remember season 1 well… I’m so fucking hyped, I’ve never been this excited to rewatch a whole ass show for a new season before

[@Emily12406]

i just finished watching season 2 part 1, I loved it!!!. I like how they don't hold back and keep up the stakes!!!! a lessen in perfection(in my opinion)

[@nitzeart]

Jace is an engineer. Engineers can totally be himbos 😅 speaking from personal experience. NOT saying they're not smart but the vibes are different from the scientists.

[@iateabagelonce]

The way Jayce is written is as genius as it is intentionally infuriating! He has the veneer of a good innocent person, but he never takes responsibility for his actions. He wants what he wants, and that's what he determines to be the thing to do, every time. It's why Viktor left him - every promise broken, his autonomy taken away, because of Jayce. It's why Jayce brought Renni's wrath to Piltover. He only wanted to give up politics and go back to the lab because all of his mistakes have piled up and he can't fix it. I can only see him as a villain, even though I really enjoy his character.

[@francesccampos1343]

You're out of you mind. One of the few characters that actually care about the people around him is Jayce, he IS naive because he is young, he IS a genius because he wanted to create a better world for the people to live in, and he did, however bad people do exist and even the purest thing in the bad hands can be harmful. Jayce and Mel are the ones trying to solve things, the rest of the cast only focuses on their own selfish desires no matter who gets hurt in the process. Cait doesn't give a fuck about anyone besides Jinx/Cait, Cait now doesn't give a fuck about anyone besides Vi and her revenge, not to mention Jinx who just doesn't give a fuck about everything in general. Even Heimmerdinger and Ekko don't give a fuck about the rest of the world, where was Heimmer all those years when Zaun was fucked and opressed?

[@stevenhedge2850]

What ar you talking about ekko is the only one who cares about Zaun he made a safe haven aqua from all the drug use and corruption while Jayce is wheeling and dealing and none of his achievers are ever seen by zaun

[@pattybatters2816]

The unambiguous evil of Caitlyn's tactics hit me like a truck. Being a cop is a decline to the dark side. Nobody is becoming better, nobody on a redemption arc. It's beautiful.

[@thirdcoinedge]

And it taints the previous depiction of her as the rookie detective from last season, where she didn't want to have to use her privilege as the daughter to the leader of a prominent Piltover house to get ahead. Now, she has come to terms with the power her privilege wields, and possesses the ambition to use it to its fullest extent. The opportunity was always there, she just lacked the motivation to take that path. "You see, power, real power, doesn't come to those who were born the strongest, or fastest, or smartest. No. It comes to those who will do anything to achieve it."

[@Guy811]

Yeah my complaints are basically the same as Daniel. It seems like they were trying to fit 2 seasons worth of material into 1. And they’re overusing the musical montages. Like the first season earned those type of scenes. But when you get a scene like Ekko v Jinx every episode, it feels less special.

[@BooksRebound]

Oh FUCK YEAH. Thanks for reminding me it premiered. Im gonna go watch it right now!

[@Yo0264]

Overall very solid start, surprized how little dailouge there was, told the story with music and shifts in art style, bravo. Like the little lore drops. Season 1 was amazing because of the "Fatherhood" theme and Silco being an S++++ teir written character I don't know if they will have that this season.

[@tylermoffe2144]

League of legends does have a novel, Ruination, and honestly, it’s better than I expected it would be.

[@julio1148]

I watch with close captions, they do tell you the name of the little girl

[@redghost1567]

I found your channel years ago when I was looking for the a review for the best fantasy series The first law. Then watched game of thrones reviews (books). Then you started reviewing one piece and now arcane. Am not a subscriber coz I don’t really subscribe to channels but i come back to channels when they cover things I have interests in but I really like your videos. And I also found Murphy’s channel and watched the same content e.g The first law.

[@None38389]

apparently arcane episodes are insanely expensive to produce, far beyond the average cost for animated series, which is why riot didn't want too many episodes.

[@montenegroafro4454]

Love the show so far. The songs are good on their own but I feel like some of them didn’t mix well into the scenes for dramatic effect. Like when Caitlyn was mourning for her mom and Vi was brooding around, they could’ve just played a sad instrumental over that instead of a song; the same thing with the start of ep.2 they should’ve played a rather slow-tempo dramatic maybe bass-heavy beat (like Prowler from Spiderverse) over the song at least, not make it poppy like the whole society is collapsing a sad fast-tempo poppy song isn’t gonna make me take that seriously.🥲 But there are moments where the song and beat made sense like the end of ep.1 when everyone was gearing up was badass, and ep.2 when Sevika’s new jinx-arm was going berserk, the music fit the moment. Also, the pacing of some character moments like in ep.1 Vi goes from rejecting Caitlyn’s offer to be an officer to ending up in the uniform with the badge and everything at the end of the same episode. Or Jayce going from being mournful at the destruction his hextech caused, to getting cut by a chainsaw in the back, to then a couple minutes later making more highly sophisticated weapons for the police force like what?😂 Then in ep.2 all of a sudden Sevika and Jinx are chill with each other now eh? But that’s just my comedic rant on the pacing but I understand because we’re getting movie quality animation right here with very well written characters and a beautiful story. Also….Daniel this whole time I had no friggin clue you were a Tyler The Creator fan like wut? All right we’re best friends now!

[@alihamer5099]

To clear up the if he was a yordle, he’s not. Yordles are literally immortal in league, they cannot die to the point one of them can’t off themselves despite being chronically depressed. He is quite dead so not a yordle. They’re also normally good aligned, other than veigar? But even then it’s grey, he was tortured for years and tries really hard to be evil but sorta just fails

[@EdoDave]

Veigar is hilarious. Kled is probably the only Yordle who's "goodness" can be called into question.

[@aidend8029]

He has a description on the league client that says he is "half yordle half machine"

[@kamakaarchangel9301]

The physical bodies of Yordles can be destroyed but since Yordles are spirits they can never really die, they just return to Bandle City. So yes their physical form dies but no they cannot truly die

[@LoveOlsson98]

All of that is 100% true in the "old" lore, aka what was the current lore when arcane came out back in 2021. Arcane was originally made as its own thing from the main league lore where they took a lot of inspiration from the main universe but also left themselves open to do changes were they felt necessary for the show to work. Things like the characters being very close to the main lore but with some pretty significant changes made to their backstories, magic being seen as much more taboo in piltover compared to before, what hextech comes from etc. After Arcane blew up Riot decided to announce that it, and a couple of other things as well, now was part of the main universe lore. This kinda blew up the entire lore of the League universe which lead them to announce that only stories released after that announcement + Arcane was cannon. I might be misremembering some details though so take with a grain of salt. This essentially means League has very very little canon lore now, as every piece of lore which hasn't been referenced after that is kind of in limbo. I think yordles being immortal and even things like Bandle city etc is technically non-canon for example. We'll most likely have to wait for more Arcane type series or for the mmo to come out untill we get any large pieces of lore back in canon. So for now old league lore is going to give you a good general idea of the universe but we can no longer rely on it to provide facts for anything. Maybe the guy was a yordle and died, maybe he was a yordle and died but later reforms in Bandle city, maybe he was just a funny looking rat.

[@JayStorm199]

We didn't know how yordle immortality works From Aurora's voiceline "where do yordles go when they die? Back to bandle city?" Teemo recent asu voiceline "see you back in bandle city" when he kills a yordle By killing smeech in arcane we now know yordles can physically die and from Teemo they go back to Bandle City.

[@wyvern723]

I set out to just watch one episode at midnight last night, because I wanted to know who survived the season 1 finale... And... I was up really late after watching the whole thing. The music is one of the best things that League does. I've played the game back before I had kids (one of my mains was Janna, so I squeed at the mention). I have kept up on the lore, so I loved the little things included. Amara... That scene... Hot damn.

[@jajohnek]

I had originally assumed it was Jayce who has saved both of them with some hextech stuff.

[@ArchimedesTheCat]

Just dropping in the chat to politely request a collab with Dylan is in Trouble, thank you and good day.

[@Danheron2]

27:35 fun fact sevika is Hindi it means female servant or servant of God, also, one thing you missed and I missed it to is, Victor walks over to the table after leaving the cocoon thing and sees the designs for the hex tech weapons, something he was vehemently against creating, that’s what he meant when he said “our paths diverged long ago”

[@Jam_Jon07]

Savika’s new gacha arm was one of if not the coolest fight so far. I do have to say the inclusion of the black rose irks me a bit because they are important but they gotta explain it more in the next acts or it feels like they brought something into the story which makes the world feel bigger but might ruin the narrative and the self contained nature of the show.

[@alastorcorvus]

Shhhh, let them cook

[@Jam_Jon07]

@@alastorcorvus I will say I am optimistic cuz they haven't fumbled anything yet. If there is one show that gives me confidence it is this one.

[@thirdcoinedge]

Honestly, I think it works if we (by which I mean people not in the know) just consider them as the representation of the mages and warlords that Piltover was built to provide sanctuary from. Combined with the Arcane taking more of a presence in the world, the larger forces at play foreshadowed in the last season are starting to rear their heads. And it's still contrasted well by remaining largely confined to the two story halves previously established: Vi, Jinx, & Caitlyn's drama that's dealing more with the growing Piltover v. Zaun conflict, and Viktor, Mel, & Jayce's drama that's dealing more with the nature of the Arcane & the Black Rose. Ambessa is the bridge between them, encouraging this conflict as a means to secure Piltover and her family against the Black Rose & other enemies. So the question remains: how are the two finally going to combine? Because if I know one thing from Better Call Saul, it's that when you push two previously mostly separate subplots together into one plotline, it creates some very interesting drama.

[@redghost1567]

The black rose, or Leblanc who rules it has her fingers in everything in league lore they probably should have put it in the season 1. Maybe it is in season 1 in some hidden ways but I think they putting in coz they are gonna do a new show in noxsus next most likely and I think his season or the next is the finale for arcane.

[@Kay-im6ht]

@@Jam_Jon07 Yes! You're the first person I see express this sentiment and I completely agree. As someone who knows nothing about League, the introduction of that storyline irked me rather than being intrigued. They only have so much time to spend on these stories, and now ANOTHER big element gets introduced? I hope they'll manage

[@gregperianayagam4522]

Has anyone mentioned to Daniel how Arcane is now the new canon. So even old League Lore nerds are learning what is considered canon along side the new viewers.

[@hexvictor]

1h and 38min of Arcane discussion? Yes 😍

[@Syzygy77]

I’m excited for Act II.

[@folkertdejong6974]

I wonder if more people made the Gaza/Israel comparison. I mean, an understandable and crazy terrorist act leading to an extreme response… complete with messianic figures being protected by the community, which the other side réally doesn’t get

[@golbez1583]

Can’t wait for Piltover vs Noxus; this Cold War setup is AMAZING!!! 🤩

[@francesccampos1343]

That can never happen, for Noxxus Piltover is nothing, from what we've seen so far Ambessa isn't even a high officer of Noxxus, like Darius/Swain or Leblanc. My guess is that the Black Lotus doesn't want Ambessa to grow in the political scale of Noxxus, but she is just one of the many factions/houses in the Noxxus empire.

[@NimmelTheGreat]

Heimerdinger is wrong in the first season. Ekko has never had the opportunity to be wrong. Nobody is a saint in this series. Jayce had Heimerdinger removed because Heimerdinger was failing in his role and was too stubborn in his ways to adapt to people who don't live for centuries like he does and so caught up in his perfect city that he totally ignored the problems it caused in the lanes. Jayce is young and struggling and learning, Heimerdinger did not have that excuse. Ekko, again, just never had the power to be corrupt or wrong in any meaningful way.

[@Frenzywonder]

Daniel saying about Jayce "and he picks up a big hammer and he's like 'imma solve the problem" after having watched Act 2 🥲🥲🥲🥲🥲🥲🥲🥲

[@vagandoporelmundo]

This is one of the greatest of all time

[@jackcaswell4188]

holy shitballs didn't know it was out thanks for the update gonna go watch then come back.

[@thatonedog819]

I am not sure I believe it, but I really hope Cait is recognizing ambessa's intent to manipulate and is playing along.

[@srcabalaza1581]

Great! Looking forward to this.

[@TheDiabeticGameMaster]

I feel like the dialogue (and even the voice acting) being "blunt", "basic", or "generic" has gotten a little worse this season and it's exactly cuz of what ya'll said. Their foots 👣 are on the Fucking Gas! ⛽ Lol. But, this has proven to me that you can have a life changing story even with mediocre dialogue. Luckily, it's not bad all the time but it's annoying when it happens in peak moments. Specifically in some of the conversations surrounding Kaitlyn. But, even so, since they are so quick to move on I don't get time to marinate it and it ends up being, if not forgivable, at least forgotten. The do such a great job most of the time that I can easily look past it when they do a bad job.

[@Omegateck16]

I really hope they move to other regions of runeterra after this season and not just end the show.

[@gabelarsen4375]

Arcane season 1 is the pinnacle for a animated series

[@MateusChristopher]

Arcane made me realize i love cartoon fascism

[@julio1148]

Rewatching this Act, Cait’s reaction is not just her disgust and anger against Jinx, but she is also quite radicalized against Zaunites (calling them animals since the attack on the memorial)

[@alphasword5541]

Is it radicalised if its just the norm

[@redghost1567]

League of legends has made little comic books on some characters, and they have also made a lot of events on the game it self over years with plot/lore in the league of legends client through websites and in client clips and evolving plot from week to week

[@frankasonka1589]

I would like to be on the committee when you begin to layout the curriculum please!!! 😭😭😭

[@pattybatters2816]

Daniel the title of the show is "Arcane" there gonna be magic

[@julio1148]

So sad how Jinx’s demeanor has been “I have nothing to live for so I’ll just do whatever”

[@MRHowley]

Like I said on WotL, Arcane and WoT need to have a baby.

[@littlebunse5]

There is no way schmee is a yordle. Yordles are rare in Runeterra and although you wouldn't guess it because of Heimerdinger's disdain for the magic of Runeterra, yordles are 1. Almost always smaller, and 2. inherently magical creatures. They come from bandle city, a magical plane that exists outside of/parallel to the world of Runeterra where most league characters live. Schmee is most likely some kind of vastayan, which are animal-human hybrids.

[@Wazzahn]

First of all: Lissan al Gear-ib. Secondly: It makes good sense that we're focusing on the sisters in Arcane as they broadly reflect the dicise between Piltover and Zaun. - In season one, Jace and silco discuss what united them in the past. Enemies from the outside. Which i suspect is going ro be the theme for s2 chapter 3. Either noxus or the arcane uniting people from all walks of light. Enforcers, trenchers, firelights. Thirdly: I also don't think Jinx is joker crazy. Shes massicely traumatized and this season truly reflected her grief and self hatred. I think she's a genious that has lacked the means that piltover has had. Given Jace's luck in life she might have been the inventor of the decade. Instead she was served poverty. Loss and abandonment. Her behavior leans more towards autism than insanity. Putting on a social mask when dealibg with people. While earnestly having lirtle interest in figuring them out because machines dont lie, they work. Humans dont.

[@royceshatzel]

Wait what recent joker movie? The one where the guy has the laugh tic thing?

[@sortilien2099]

Jayce no scientific restrain... Singed want a word with you. Jayce is just focus on the moment he just don't think about consequences

[@julie_marc]

Very happy Arcane is back! :) Just wasn’t sold on the 3 music montages right after the opening credits for all 3 episodes.

[@nitzeart]

So are revolutionaries terrorists now, Daniel?? I wonder what you think of current world events or indigenous people reclaiming their land. I think you're missing the point of a lot of these individual decisions and situations are rooted in system issues. It's not the issue with Jayce making bad decisions, or Jinx being chaotic, it's the damage the inequality of the system has done to the unprivileged esp for kids (Jinx, Vi), and the entitlement the system has given to the privileged (Jayce), and how even they can be manipulated by higher ups (Mel)

[@hiddenprankz09]

Heimer is a yordel. Schmeer is a vastayan

[@hexvictor]

Honestly, I think Ekko doesn’t like Jayce’s tea because it’s a Piltover habit/culture. They don’t have the luxury of having tea in Zaun, they barely have breathing air 😆 And coming from someone that haven’t drunk tea most of my childhood, when I first tried it was awful 😆

[@dylandesmarais3592]

SCHNEE IS THE GOAT

[@kyj6283]

Isn't the only Imagine Dragons song the opening theme? I'm confused to why you keep saying they keep playing imagine dragons songs.

[@Shanusm8]

To be honest this first act felt like they crammed 6 episodes into 3. So many random plot points get sprung up and resolved out of nowhere like The Grey, the black rose and the Chem Barons getting dealt with in a stylish music video. We also didn't see Vi have any qualms about gassing her own people but then lets Jinx get away because there is a 5 pound little girl clinging to her which is such a bad excuse to keep that plot thread going. I feel like the writers should have pused that confrontation off if it was going to be pushed off that lazily. We also have the enforcer squad with only one of the new characters really getting any meaningful dialogue. I really hope the next two acts slow down the pace so a scene can sit for like a single minute. The show looks better than ever but the pacing they are going for is making me really worried.

[@LinardsZ]

Leblanc is most cunning peace of S in the world.

[@derekmarshman6154]

I don't think the blue clouds are the flare.

[@KintzSince93]

Don't Play League of Legends. Do play the single player games like Song of Nunu and Ruined King.

[@burzum2649]

Not terrible but multiple moments in dialogue that felt forced or uncomfortable. They definitely did their best, art direction is absolutely stellar, but I still recoiled in cringe at just a handful of lines in the show. Will try to dial down my awareness for the next three episodes.

[@za-ir5ni]

@burzum2649 Can you actually give an example of this? I've noticed that the very few people trying to make these criticisms aren't doing that. These are the same type of comments that came early on in the first season.

[@burzum2649]

@za-ir5ni to be clear im still massively enjoying the series, but no, i cannot be bothered rewatching the three episodes to pick out the maybe four instances that i noticed slightly subpar dialogue. I have 12 hr shifts and a 2 year old to chase. If you have any free time feel free to keep an eye out for individual lines yourself.

[@davidd.d8041]

@@za-ir5ni one of many examples is when cait tells vi that "we've been training for this." As great as ep 2 and 3 were, ep 1 being uncooked had a rippling effect.

[@alphasword5541]

I mean thats the entire show. I definitely get what you mean though and it's more noticeable when people talk about this show like its a masterpiece

[@yiannis5972]

I completely agree about victor leaving. It would have been so easy to add a two minute conversation to excuse it. -jace did not destroy the hex core despite Victors request to do so - he created even more weapons - basically allowed the declaration of war between the lanes and pilltover -made victor into something barely human Just acknowledge all of that in a two minute conversation have Jace make a bad excuse and then victor can leave

[@CorprealFale]

I've yet to listen to the video. But saw this comment and I fully disagree. All of what you just mentioned? That was in the subtext. So why mention it? Would have made the moment worse imo. Victor felt that Jace ought to have known all of that. It shouldn't need to be said.

[@crimsoneclipse0618]

They did address all of that in the conversation they had though, the hex core and Viktor being inhuman is very obvious, and you can see him looking at the blueprints and deliberately picking up Sky's book that are set on top of them, which is very symbolic of choosing the dream over the weapons of war that Hextech has become.

[@francesccampos1343]

Arcane s2 is still great, buit s1 was much better for me at least for now. S2 feels a bit as a succession of unconnected "oh, look at this!" moments, also transforming Viktor from a logical scientist who thinks flesh is imperfect(source) to dark jesus of the shimmer is not my cup of tea, the same way as the Hextech being the responsible for shimmer? wtf? hextech isn't what originates magic, it is a way to control it and power things, magic in Runaterra isn't a finite resource like oil is irl... Also Vander/Silco rivalry is much better than Vi/Jinx since Vi is pathetic in this s2(at least for now) and she is just Caitlyn sidekick/lover, and the romance is way too rushed specially taking into account the short time they know each other and also that Vi's sister is the one who killed Cait's mother... Ambessa and Jinx are the ones carrying the show right now for me, since Viktor has been fridged, Jayce has done nothing and Cait/Vi are boring for now.

[@alphasword5541]

Strangely I'm finding this way more enjoyable. The writing was never amazing in the first place

[@francesccampos1343]

@@alphasword5541 The writing is still far better than 95% of nowadays productions, even the ones with massive budgets like Marvel, Star Wars, The Witcher or RoP.

[@j.s.t.6515]

The animation continues to be top notch. The rest is as mid as best. Maybe they can reach some of the great peaks of season 1 in what is left of the season, but I wouldn't hold my breath

[@toutankill]

As an active League player I was of course in time for Arcane, but busy playing during this live. I loved your thoughts on this first Act, and it was particularly interesting to see pov of someone who knows about the background lore and someone who doesn't. I hope I'll be here in time next week to chat with you guys. My dream is that at the end of Arcane, Daniel is charmed enough by Runeterra's universe to become a nerd of the lore too and we can have a 10H long video of you two enjoying the lore. (Also congratulations

[@applejackjk18]

So in regards to this being riot's first narrative venture. I know there are novels and comics around League narratives, along with the short stories hosted on riot's main lore site. I'm uncertain on the writing timelines across each though. Just wanted to point them out in case someone knows the timeline already Personally I feel like the writing of Arcane has been a C-, while the overall production has been a solid B.

[@ArnoVdVelde]

Weird, clearly there is still a lot of love and craft into it, but it was a solid step down for me. It kinda left me cold for a bunch of reasons

[@wingracer1614]

Haven't watched season 2 yet but that wouldn't be surprising. It took them 6 years to make season 1, they knocked 2 out in essentially less than 3. Granted, a lot of the groundwork for the production was already established for season 1 so I would expect they could do a second season quicker but still, half the time is a lot.

[@za-ir5ni]

@@ArnoVdVelde Explain how it was a step down instead of being vague.

[@folklorian4368]

you guys look like Vi and Jinx 😂 also i'm so happy that schnee is getting some acknowledgement

[@kevinwalsh9704]

Finally decided to start watching season 1 and wow what a terrible song for the intro. And whats up with that Billie Eilish knockoff welcome to the playground song? Music choices are strange so far.

[@stevenhedge2850]

You mean linkin park?

[@julio1148]

Pretty sure Jinx's blue smoke tattoo were already there in S1E4, and the flare happened in S1E6

[@Sl0thPriest]

This is correct

[@toutankill]

@@julio1148 yes but it was given to her by Vi in the first Act

[@kay12]

I like to imagine she got it tattooed because she only had that one flare, so she made her body into a permanent flare so Vi could always find her

[@edgarmarroquin4793]

Not a big fan of Arcane, I thinks it’s lazy. The soundtrack has more dialog than the actual episode. I’m tired of the soundtrack. Outdated song…..

[@sethbondi8479]

Factually not true

[@bigbigbigbigbigman]

This is the dumbest take I've ever seen.

[@stevenhedge2850]

Looks at the complicated animation and calls it lazy wow just because you don’t have taste in music doesn’t make it lazy

[@edgarmarroquin4793]

Riot should’ve spent more time on character development and less on music

[@Aeshta]

You guys should watch "Arcane: Bridging the Rift" 5 episodes on how they made arcane and what the process was.

[@AmandasBuns]

I LOVE this dissection you guys did of this act! I cant wait to hear what you guys think next week ☺️

[@cinnamonhope1]

Had to leave mid stream, but your conversation on this act was amazing, cant wait to watch you guys next week! Thank you for sharing your thoughts with us! 💖

[@SourBogBubble]

with Re:Zero season 3, Bleach TYBW, Dan Da Dan, Is it Wrong to pick up girls in dungeons season 5. Being released this fall Anime Cycle I kinda feel sorry for this LoL Anime when up against these greats.

[@nothinisworthit]

And yet it clears all of them

[@youtubeaccounter5900]

What are you saying lol... While there is some significant overlap the market demographic is very different. And arcane absolutely tops all the shows you mentioned above.

[@julio1148]

I ADORE Dandadan, Arcane tops it.

[@jurremioch316]

its not even close to an anime. Its a western animated netflix series and tv adaptation of a video game. Plus its 10 times better than any of the anime you mentioned.

[@SourBogBubble]

@@jurremioch316 as someone that's been watching Anime since Vampire Hunter D was first released states side. Good one.

[@YukalayleeGames]

Pacing and writing felt all over the place Way off

[@thebigsida6645]

im glad im not the only one that felt this. it felt really rushed and almost frantic with the cutting and editing.

[@golbez1583]

To be fair this kind of felt like a setup arc; they’re putting in the pieces to get a huge payout Spoilers; sort of…. (I’m talking about Victor, the Heimer/Ekko portion, the Black Rose and what I like to call Noxus’ silent invasion of Piltover; you can’t convince me that putting Noxus troops into a position of authority in Piltover streets would ever be a good idea).

[@julio1148]

maybe it's because I literally rewatched S1 to go into S2 right away, but pace felt like a natural

[@za-ir5ni]

It literally didn't. I love vague comments like this that don't even attempt to back up anything with specifics. Reminds me when random people would claim the first season was bad before everyone rightfully praised it.

[@tahunuva4254]

​@@za-ir5niVictor: wow, I'm alive! Hi Jayce! Bye Jayce. Jayce: w-wha? The Ambessa "reveal" was also very non-diegetic, though that might simply be a storytelling issue rather than pacing.

[@Elijah-mg7dq]

I want to hear from you both for Act 2 and again at the conclusion, this was so fun

[@Joenah5]

Congrats on both getting engaged and getting to watch Arcane (two big wins)!

[@astevenswrites]

Sign me up for Kayla's class! But seriously, master writing at its finest! I do agree that the pacing is a bit rushed, which is likely due to the fact that this is the final season for Arcane. It does make the pace feel breakneck, but it's still amazing and so much is happening. It's curious though that if Riot bought some of Fortiche, could we expect future shows in the same universe? Everything I see says the show was just too expensive, but maybe if they have more in-house production that could help cut some costs? The art, however, is friggin' outstanding. The way they're able to capture facial expressions and so many subtle details... it's just amazing. I could rant forever, but this needs to be the GOLD standard of how to produce a show. And it goes to show what can happen when someone is passionate about what they're creating and just creating to make something great and not catering to all these fake substandard media agendas that we've been seeing in so much other media created these days.

[@rafaela00002]

i need this channel to just be kayla talking about arcane

[@BrokenDarkFire]

I love this entire discussion, and yalls enthusiasm just makes this so much more fun. I am not usually a stream girly (structure doesn’t work for me), but this was fantastic. Also, it’s adorable how Kayla steps in to protect Daniel’s viewing experience from spoilers. That’s being a good partner!

[@lamentz27]

Kind of wish there was no chat replay on the video. It's really distracting and feels unnecessary since the replay is already there for people who want it.

[@kay12]

We’ll keep that in mind for next time!!

[@Kaladin0622]

Off topic but you two are so cute man. Glad yall are getting married

[@Homar30]

OK you need to make a podcast together. The chemistry is great ;)