JINX's Most Mysterious Line EXPLAINED (2 Theories) | ARCANE

#LeagueOfLegends #Netflix #Vi
“I thought you could love me like you used to. But you changed you.”
This pivotal line Jinx says in the final scene of the show is difficult to understand. It seems like Vi is perhaps the one character in the show who changed the least! She comes out of prison wanting nothing more than to find her sister and care for her. This line can’t refer to Vi going after Sevika and Silco, that’s not a change. It can’t refer to her refusing to kill Caitlyn, which she would never do. It can’t refer to her caring for people other than her sister because she always cared for and fought for the rest of her family: Vander, Mylo, Claggor, Ekko. So what does this mysterious line mean?
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[@theforgetfulalchemist]

the "are we still sisters?" line is extra heartbreaking considering powder declaring "she is NOT my sister!" in episode 3

[@GhostPandaStorm]

Yes. You have to love when powerful things like that circle back again later on in a show or a game.

[@Cheshire5174]

powder was a survivor. as a survivor, her first instinct was fight/flight. Jinx was pure chaos and emotion, which means she had time to understand the difference between instinct and reality. despite the fact that her view of reality may be clouded, Jinx was more accepting of the fact that she still wanted Vi as her sister. sure, she had her rants about "my sister is gone," but that was mostly before silco "Killed" Powder

[@tonyambakk8313]

(Jinx: "...but you'w changed to.") the young Violet would never have worked with or for the people that killed there original parents and yet she will eventually become an enforcer for Piltover, and betray the streets she grow up in. Jinx is in the right to leave VI and attack the counsel. (Jinx embraces Silco's dying word, Vi betrays Vander's dying word: Jinx is not the tragic villain, its VI that is the fallen hero.) Jinx kills Silco to save VI but VI will not kill Catlin to save Jinx. so are they still sisters? and the peace that the council is voting for requires that Jinx is made an example of, even though they admit to have failed in there duty towards the city. so in the end Silco is right; Jinx is "perfect".

[@Cheshire5174]

@@tonyambakk8313 you just figured out the plot of the entire show.

[@tonyambakk8313]

@@Cheshire5174 a plotline more or less, but there are more champions in lol then just them.

[@matthewhinoporos1340]

I agree with the second theory mostly. However, I do believe a lot of it has to do with Vi’s relationship with Caitlyn. For powders entire life living with vi, vi has hated topside and enforcers with all her heart(remember the look she gave to enforcers in episode 1 when they lost their parents). However vi in prison realized that enforcers aren’t the only cause of her problems as she thought before, as her most painful memory was caused by people from zaun(powder, silco, her own actions). In this way she did change and her accepting Caitlyn and in a way accepting and helping top side. I think Jinx sees that and the fact that vi cannot unconditionally love her anymore as vi changing too.

[@Orapac-ln5jd]

Im thinking thats why Jinx dressed Caitlyn (or had her dress before knocking her out) in the Enforcer outfit. Trying to get Vi to remember that she hated Enforcers.

[@recep36]

I agree with you. This also explains why Jinx sees Caitlyn as a devilish figure in her mind. She even wanted to make Vi to kill Caitlyn. These are all because Jinx sees enforcers as her enemy.

[@GhostPandaStorm]

@@Orapac-ln5jd Yup, absolutely. Jinx is very smart and that was a psychological approach to get Vi to hate enforcers again. Jinx never had the chance to see the light that not all enforcers are bad unfortunately but VI’s eyes opened after meeting Cait.

[@GhostPandaStorm]

Well said. And with Powder being a little girl who was so close to her sister, seeing Vi show the hatred she did for enforcers was very influential. Although they had Vander, Vi in some ways was both a big sister and a motherly figure to Powder. She looked up to Vi and was attached to the love and care she showed her before everything came crumbling down sadly. Although Jinx did change, she still carried that element of her past as if she now holds a piece of Vi of the past within her while Vi moved on and changed her view on things.

[@jc_illustrates_]

Agree I think her issue is with what caitlyn represents. Vi learned the world isn't zaun vs piltover. When jinx was younger she wanted to go to war for zaun and vi did too, they both thought it was an us vs them situation but after vander dies vi learns that it's not as black and white while jinx lives with silco who is an extremist and would do anything for zaun and is further pushed into her us vs them mentality. I don't think politics is the main focus of jinxes character but I definitely think she has an us vs them mentality (which silco encouraged) and to see vi "betray" zaun and by proxy jinx too she has "changed"

[@bonesmadeofjelly]

I took the "You changed too..." line as a reference to the pre time skip. Vi's goodbye to powder is a change. Vi abandoned her, hit her, something Vi hasn't done before. Vi changed when Vander died, at least in Jinx's mind, cause Vi never came back. She left her and left for good. Vi changed first, so Powder became Jinx. Kind of in connection to the "He didn't create Jinx, YOU did."

[@EsseaJayk]

I agree with that !

[@TimTamSlam7]

I think its less of the fact that the Vi she knew never came back and more of the fact that the Vi on that day confirmed and made reality all of Powder's fears. Vi ended up using what she was most afraid of against her, it was the fear of being the cause of disaster, of actually being a jinx. When Vi calls her a Jinx and leaves, Jinx isn't seeing the incredibly amount of pain and suffering that she caused by recklessly tossing unstable magical bombs into a group of people- she is only seeing her own suffering. Powder starts to develop PTSD upon realising what has happened, and its simply too overwhelming and too much for a small girl's mind to handle. She can't hang onto her state of mind, only starting to process what really happened. We see past the time skip that she is missing some parts of her memory, omitting the worst parts. This is something the brain does in defence of trauma to protect itself. I think what Arcane tries to imply is that the main thing that held Powder together was the fact that she had Vi, her only blood relative, always protecting her and by her side. Vi suddenly is reprimanding her and abandoning her because of her actions. In Jinx's mind, this is a confirmation that even when she succeeds at a task, she is a "jinx". She can't be herself- an engineer, she has to be more like Vi. We see the teaser scene of Jinx using Vi's training. Even after all those years, Jinx can't beat her score. Even though Jinx is so different, she isn't and won't ever be physically stronger than Vi because of their difference in build, workout routines and personality. This is further confirmation in Jinx's head that her differences DON'T make her stronger (taking the literal meaning to heart). I think one of the most tragic parts of this that people miss is that its mostly a misunderstanding. Both Vi AND Jinx cannot see the trauma the both of them uniquely have. Vi will never know the trauma she inflicted on Jinx by blaming her for their deaths when she was just a child caught in the middle of it all. Vi will never see that her decision to leave Powder in that state ended up condemning her to a life underneath Silco's tyrannical extremist rules. Jinx will never see that Vi regretted what she said and tried to go back for her, but ended up being locked up for years, unable to reconcile or see her. Powder/Jinx will never be able to recognise what Vi witnessed as her father figure and mentor turns into a monster and then dies, as the explosion causes most of her foster family to die while she is powerless to stop it. Never sees the amount of burden and pressure that Vander puts on her to protect their family, and the one time she loses her temper at her sister at her lowest moment in her life, she loses the ability to see or contact her sister for years. The anger and sadness that Vi feels at their foster family's deaths causes her to momentarily put aside her unconditional love for Powder/Jinx because of what she has done. This is a fact and theme of the entire series. Its also a play on how much Vi is burdened with responsibility- she crumbles under the idea that she did not have enough power to prevent their deaths and wants to hurt the perpetrator of it in any form. Vi struggles to excuse Powder/Jinx's actions because she still blames her and herself for not being stronger. One of the most heartbreaking things about the story is the fact that both Vi AND Jinx never really get a chance to address their trauma, and keep letting their unresolved feelings influence their actions. I may be wrong, but Jinx never learned that Silco was the cause of the attacks on Vander did she? Or his death? She always blamed herself, and Silco let her.

[@MALICEM12]

"hit her, something Vi hasn't done before" Judging at how much Vi struggles not to punch her friends/sister when they made her mad and how Powder flinches so hard when Vi moves when she was angry I think Vi actually did hit Powder more than the one time. Vi was after all, characterized as being a violent hot head who wanted to take her anger out in the world.

[@eberlix]

@@MALICEM12 you forget that Powder was a small child back then and possibly even a bit of a scaredy cat, kids usually flinch / become scared when someone in their surroundings become angry, even if that's the parents

[@MALICEM12]

@@eberlix perhaps, but with the way Vi can barely contain herself and her hot headed ways, I wouldn't be surprised if she did hit her prior (sense we are talking about how kids really behave in real life now, kids are rowdy and often hit each other) so it's still a possibility. Vi definitely had anger issues and liked solving everything everything with her fists. Still does as an adult, but of course has more self control.

[@void-creature]

I think the scene (or perhaps even show) as a whole challenges the *"I KNOW YOUR STILL IN THERE!" trope* in a really interesting way, by showing how reductive and ultimately harmful it is when applied to real people (or realistic characters). Anyone should be able to accept that a person suffering from YEARS of accumulated and repressed trauma cant just "SNAP OUT OF IT!" as Vi demands of her sister, and PAINFULLY reminds her of all the guilt and trauma she suffers from by forcing her to "Picture Milo!..." It's clearly only serving to hurt her more and more, only to be rescued by Silco, who, seeing his daughter in absolute AGONY goes beserk, freeing himself to attack his daughters tormenter: Vi. The show repeatedly demonstrates that Vi's fatal flaw is having an overly simplistic worldview, one where she simply needs to fight everything to make it right; Or as Silco puts it: "You don't know your limits girl..." And ultimately, that is what drives her sister away...

[@TimTamSlam7]

Agreed, but lets be real here. Vi is not equipped to deal with extreme psychological trauma. She hasn't had the chance to see Jinx fully for who she really is, and she hasn't fully registered the effect that she had on Jinx's trauma. I agree that Vi has too simple of a mindset and the old "punch first, ask questions later" approach is kind of a trait her and Jinx share. A big theme from the series is "how we deal with trauma", relying on old habits, and also the development of toxic and harmful mentalities. Vi's harmful mentality is that she doesn't completely think things through and this prevents her from being able to sympathise with Jinx or see her as what she has become rather than who Powder was. Jinx's harmful mentality is us vs them (in regards to enforcers) and also a mixture of toxic validation for her toxic behaviours and traits (which she has now associated so much with her character that any rejection of those behaviours she has now associated with a rejection of her character, Jinx, as a whole).

[@MissSweetie]

The thing is, it is not about the trauma itself, it is about killing people. Jinx kills people now with no regards. It is not about accepting Jinx with her mental illnesses and difficulties, it is about accepting that Jinx murders people with no regards for anyone. Would you be able to accept if a loved one simply went berserk and killed everyone? Even if you knew that before that, that person would never be able to do that? It is hurtful to not be accepted as you are. But being a killer is not a personality trait.

[@MALICEM12]

This is also apparent in how she solves things, she just tries punching everything in the face. When she had her second fight with Sevika, it was practically, pointless. And her scream after her victory shows that she realized beating up Sevika didn't actually achieve anything. You can't just solve Jinx by punching her in the face. But that's all Vi really understands.

[@jojiitta9612]

​@@MissSweetie THIS, EXACTLY¡! thank you for saying that.

[@jinxxx_03]

@@MissSweetie killing may not be a personality trait but without proper treatment for trauma or severe mental illness people can act on the action of taking someone’s life or even just being violent in general.

[@Syncratci]

After Jinx says "Even though I'm different" the camera pans to Silco. Then it pans to Caitlyn over which Jinx says "But you changed too". I think the implication there is that Jinx is different because of Silco and Vi is different because of Caitlyn. We know how Silco changed Jinx but there's pretty profound ways that Caitlyn changed Vi too. The Vi of part one would have never worked with enforcers, or anyone from topside. But this new Vi has an enforcer partner, raids an undercity factory with enforcers, and makes deals with a councillor. I know you rejected this as an option because Jinx doesn't seem to fixate on this after episode 6 but to me I think it definitely plays a part.

[@schnee1]

i like this interpretation! great pickup on the camera pans!

[@zahrulexe]

I agree. "We aren't monsters, we're people, just like you." - Vi being with Caitlyn sure have taught her so much about life on the other side. "This city needs healing." and we see the change on Vi's face when Cait said that. I think she sees the bigger picture there. Heck, she even tell Jayce that the bomb was made by her sister, which leads up Jinx being wanted by Jayce. That part was and still confusing to me; did Vi think that maybe they could capture Jinx and she can then talk some sense into her? Or that was to further solidify the second theory that Vi don't love Jinx, only Powder,.

[@lockekappa500]

But again, this isn't a change from who Vi was, simply a change of what Jinx's MEMORY of who they were. Because even old Vi would have been ok with an enforcer who was as motivated to help the Undercity and help the city heal. Nothing about what we know about Vi implies that her and Powder hated people unconditionally. And like another commenter said, Powder was never shown to really have malice for the enforcers. Yet all of her trauma and bitterness has molded her perspective of who she and Vi were when they were younger. Again, we're using Jinx's flawed memory to rationalize her side. It's a vicious cycle.

[@KongFuzii]

@@lockekappa500 vi didnt think good piltover citizen existed before meeting cait.

[@AetherTales]

@schnee This. It’s how I’ve read it pretty much from the first watch. Note also Jinx KNOWS how much she herself has changed. She basically blurts it out at their reunion in ep 6, like a confession she knew she would have to give Vi. “Things changed when you left. I changed” is the same throughline to “I thought you could love me like you used to. Even though I’m… different.” So it’s the same convo Jinx has braced for for years, to reunite with a sister who vanished in anger. Caitlyn’s appearance at the reunion in ep 6 is what instantly shatters her expectation: “You’re with an enforcer!?” And that is the throughline to Jinx’s verdict in ep 9, with the camera cast over Caitlyn’s prone form. “Things changed when you left. I changed.” “But you changed, too.”

[@selfsabotagingbanana0451]

I think Jinx is just sabotaging herself here, as she always does. She did that test just to see if Caitlyn actually replaced her because she couldn't tell whats real any more, especially not after those hallucinations on the lab table. She sees Vis reactions to her interactions with Caitlyn pretty much as a confirmation of her suspicion, because she always assumes the worst. Vi doesn't know that of course, because she can't look into Jinxs head, so she stays silent when Jinx says her mysterious line. Jinx basically broke her own heart with that test, she "jinxed" herself.

[@antares3030]

Totes

[@senpairaijin7079]

@@antares3030 mcgoats?

[@sweetgreenlettuce]

Damn.....

[@shinsuohitoshi2336]

Well I did something similar to my ex...it was painful knowing the truth but I came out that bubble of doubt so sometimes breaking your own heart is beneficial to know the truth sometimes....

[@allmigthygoddess939]

I honestly hate Powder/Jinx. Like Vi is trying so hard...it's not her fault she's been imprisoned for years and needs time to figure out who Powder/Jinx is now. And Jinx is just so ungrateful. The line "I thought you could love me even tho I'm different." Like Vi has been showing her nothing but love. Vi's outburst of anger was justified, like damn, her entire surrogate family died after she lost her parents too. And why does she have to be Powder or Jinx? Why not both? Humans are complex beings you don't have to go with just one or the other.

[@lynn__1113]

I always thought of it more as, Vi didn't change in their years apart, she changed in their initial final moments together. When they were younger Vi protected her and took care of her, but everything changes when Jinx messes up too much. When Vi calls Powder a Jinx and leaves her, THAT is where she changed. In that moment she stopped being the big sister who loved her and turned into just another person who hurt her. That moment was her catalyst for becoming Jinx. So that line of "you changed too" is a slap in the face to Vi. Jinx is saying, basically, "yeah, I changed, but you changed first. I changed because you changed. It is partially your fault I'm like this". THATS why Jinx can't accept Vi, she can't understand that the moment when Vi left isn't who Vi is. Because of this she will always see Vi's love as conditional. Of course Jinx's view is going to be skewed and incorrect but thats how her character works. This is just my thoughts on the topic.

[@data4385]

Speaking of conditional love, Jinx was probably right tho. Cuz Vi was trying to bring the old Powder back instead of accepting who she became

[@riyanasalwahafiza4011]

Yoooo this might be right

[@ABSTREKT]

This is actually a really good version. First of all, the line "I am a monster you created" from the song makes total sense now. Second, it makes both versions from the video correct. Basically, VI didn't change, because she wanted to come back and save Powder from Silco, but Marcus stopped her. This makes this scene not about ambiguity, but rather about DUALITY. Man, I love Arcane.

[@DLxxx]

​@@data4385 Vi literally said she wanted to run away with her forever. She explicitly said nothing was ever going to stop her from loving her sister. She's willing to accept her for who she is, but she's not willing to accept unnecessary bloodshed. It's only when she's about kill Caitlyn that Vi pleads for her to "wake up."

[@data4385]

@@DLxxx yes, you're right

[@pujaharikumar]

You guys when Jinx says "I thought you could love me like you used to" she's not referring to back when she was Powder. She's referring to the days before episode 3 when vi continued to enable her and shield her from the consequences of her actions. The way Silco did. Think about it. When Vi realized that Powder killed Mylo and Claggor, she finally realized the problem with enabling her and lashed out. In comparison to Silco, who upon shooting him still doesn't blame her for it. He assures her that he still thinks she's perfect, allowing her to avoid the accountability she's grown to quietly dread to the point where it overtakes her fear of being a Jinx. In other words, Jinx chooses to nuke the city over leaving with Vi because she knows that Vi won't enable her anymore the way Silco did right up until the moment of his death. And in terms of the guilt of her actions, staying Jinx allows for her to deflect blame onto the council and the excuse to lash out at them in retaliation (she doesn't give two shits about the well being of Zaun. She just wants an acceptable target to project her guilt onto.) Meanwhile, remaining Powder in her mind means shell have to own up to the fact that she's a Jinx and continue suffering under the weight of her trauma like she has over the course of act 2. .... but by taking up Silcos mantle and waging war on Piltover, her actions are no longer her fault. It's the council whose to blame for everything. Not her.

[@savvysavster5262]

I agree wholeheartedly. Its not so much that Vi has changed, but that in the time skip both sister's understanding of how to love, how to care for each other, diverged. Vi never stops loving her sister, but Jinx (as you stated) wants enabling. Her and Vi against the world, come what may, embracing the worst of each other. And Vi can't. The cruelty and violence Jinx enacts goes against Vi's morality, and Jinx sees it as a betrayal.

[@JCArules13]

She wasn't enabling her though. She was protecting her sister and she tried to learn how to do this shit. She was the youngest, the least experienced, so Vi knew she would likely cause a lot of problems on the job, but knew she had the potential to be better if given understanding and space. However, when they went to save Vander, she didn't want any risks of mistakes, and told Powder to stay, but that was a mistake because she was a part of their team, and of course she'd try to save her family! If Powder were allowed to come along, and help, she wouldn't have fucked things up because she wouldn't get a skewed view of the fight and would be in the action like Milo said she should be. It was actually Vi's lack of trust in her abilities that led to this accident.

[@Arcaryon]

Very interesting take. I think you are right although I also think that the complete answer to this question probably involves a lot of different answers, like Jinx accepting Silcos plans for Zaun and also the ones mentioned in the video itself.

[@soccersinger101]

I think I can also agree and see that perspective also. Its a fair point. Honestly overall though Jinx needs therapy.

[@ellencoleman4604]

@@JCArules13 It's enabling an 'all or nothing' mentality. Both Vi and Powder are stuck in the past, but Vi was the older child and had a better understanding of the grey areas between right and wrong (partly because of her exposure to Vandars actions and past). Jinx still thinks in the extreme ways of her child self i.e. being left behind was a complete rejection rather than a difficult ask, Vi was angry at her forever rather than for now. Child Vi found it harder to show this to her kid sister because she wasn't an adult herself, and therefore 'enabled' the attitude. Silco was slightly different, in that his experience with his brother was more extreme, and he found it hard to recognise the nuances of family relationships, but he enabled Jinx the same way to more extremes. And Jinx refused to acknowledge her own nuances and instead created a good and bad identity for herself to make things easier.

[@dohjoe5747]

I would say the answer is simpler than most of us would think: Remember the scene in Episode 2, when Vi gave Powder her stuffed animal bunny and literllay says "What makes you diffrent makes you strong." That's what it's all about. On an emotional Level Jinx still is this little girl. She still is Powder because the trauma she lived through made it impossible for her to grow any further. Those words from her sister meant the world to her and kept her alive. But now as Jinx she is more different than she ever was before, and her big sister is afraid of her, of what she has become. Believe me its one of the worst and devastating experiences to see someone close to you, who you love and who you admire truely getting afraid of you. This Pain will break you. And this Pain is what Powder/Jinx can't handle. It's a betrayl for her. In her shattered mind her sister lied to her. The Idea of being different as a strenght gets brutally destroyed and reversed to its core. For her it was never the choice of being Powder or Jinx. Its the choice of beeing herself that tears her apart.

[@schnee1]

Really excellent interpretation

[@dohjoe5747]

@@schnee1 Thanks a lot, and thank you for the viedeo. Otherwise i would not have made up my mind on this one. This show amazes me more and more the longer I think abou it.

[@schnee1]

@@dohjoe5747 couldnt agree more

[@arceusinsanity301]

That actually goes really well with a theory that Jinx didn't want Vi to kill Caitlyn and go back to being Powder and Vi, but for Vi to accept her as Jinx. Jinx is grown up, but not in the same way Vi or most people are, she knows that, most grow up to be more reserved while Jinx is a lot more animalistic than she was as a child

[@SCharlesDennicon]

Excellent interpretation.

[@Mumpermgm]

I think the Vi teaming up with an enforcer and one of the richest people of Piltover is a bigger issue than you give it credit for. When Jinx is hallucinating while being operated on by Singed, she sees Caitlyn in an Enforcer uniform despite seeing her in a different outfit in their previous interactions. Then she forces Caitlyn put on the uniform before abducting her for the tea party. As for leaving her alive, I think she is acknowledging that despite Vi saying nothing will change the fact that they are sisters, if Jinx kills Caitlyn, that would finally destroy any hope of rebuilding their relationship.

[@BeGo127]

I agree.

[@K-J-A]

Yeah

[@redroseibarahime8755]

I agree. For Jinx the enforcers are monsters (see ep1 first scene where you can see the typical Jinx trauma scripples around that enforcers faces). And Vi always used to chase away the monsters but now she is even friends(!) with an enforcer -with a monster in Jinx's eyes. The enforcers are the reason their parents are dead (and therefore giving her the first trauma). TBH Marcus, as an enforcer gave her the second traume because if he didn't take away Vi, Powder wouldn't have felt abandonned in ep3 (she learns about that in ep6 from Vi [assuming it] and immediately kills him of for that in ep7 on the bridge- this was revenge for taking away her sister back then, as well). So her sister used to drive away her monsters but not anymore- instead she even brings a monster with her- I think this is what Jinx means when she says that Vi changed.

[@keith9864]

I'd add, that even though killing Caitlin would obviously damage hope of rebuilding I also don't think would actually want to cause her pain. At the end the bridges are effectively burned but she's not going to want to cause her such an intimate pain on top. Even though she, herself, is hurting from silcos death.

[@eianfederle2715]

she doesn't hallucinate. All that stuff you see is what's going on in Powder's mind. They are symbolic of her schizophrenia and ptsd

[@autisonm]

It seems you missed HOW Vi loved Jinx. In Jinx's eyes Vi was always the one that supported Powder/Jinx, her family, and Zaun. Who Vi supports is what has changed. If you look at act 1 Vi she supports Vander and his ideals because he's the leader of Zaun and essentially is doing what he thinks is best for it too, however after the timeskip she's only ever been against Silco AND supporting the Piltovans. (Caitlyn is the most apparent, but also Jayce) To Jinx, she went from helping her family and Zaun to helping Piltover.

[@MoRPho151]

I think is in part becuse of that... But all what she did at the end (the tea thing) was to prove if Vi could accept Jinx the way she was, because Vi already had proven she hated Silco and what Zaun had become, and that now was neutral to Piltover, so the tea meeting would be useless to prove that. It is to prove if they can have a future toguether, and decide who to support or go with: Vi or Silco. Because she decides to do this when she has doubts of the loyalty of Silco to her, when she is hearing him talking with the Vander fountain talking about the deal. At the end Vi is willing to renounce to Caitlyn and Piltover to go with her to other place and start fresh, and Jinx likes to hear that, but deep down she knows Vi would not accept her the way she is now.

[@anjhap]

yeah agreed, vi does change... vi's rage for silco at this point has become even greater than her desire to protect her family or her hatred for piltover.

[@yukiandkanamekuran]

She loves her, but she's horrified at the horrible things she's done. And that's not unconditional love, to condemn the bad parts of someone. We aren't discounting Vi's love, but showing how much Vi hasn't accepted that Jinx isn't a made up fairytale monster, but that Powder is the idealized version of Jinx. Jinx isn't Powder, she's both.

[@lazyjelly.8991]

This might actually be the case since from what Jinx knows, Vi HATED topsiders and piltover itself, so seeing Vi doing a quick change of heart like that might have caused a little overreact in her which will soon grow even more when she saw Caitlyn and Vi hugged. In Jinx's perspective, Vi had change as well, meanwhile from others, Jinx was the only one who change

[@Arcaryon]

It’s interesting to notice that Jinx had accepted Silcos answer for Zauns problems. For her, the end justified the means.

[@hawleyolsen170]

A third interpretation: Until this moment, Jinx has been painfully aware that she isn't the child Vi remembers. She has worried and suffered over whether Vi can love her anyway. When she says, "But you've changed, too," maybe she's shifting her attention to a question she hadn't thought to ask before: What if Jinx can't love Vi? The sister she is reuniting with doesn't make sense to her anymore. Vi, as Powder knew her, would never be running with an enforcer. Now she's behaving in ways that Jinx can't predict or understand, and has attachments and experiences Jinx can't see herself being part of. If the two could relax into their old dynamic, where Powder is the little sister that follows Vi around, then they might be fine, and this is what Vi is hoping for. But there is no Powder anymore. Too much has happened, there's only Jinx, and she can't imagine herself in Vi's new life. Vi's imagination fails her as well. Her big idea is to go be sisters in a vaccuum, amputated from the world that shaped them both. It takes Silco only five seconds to explain why this isn't a solution. So can Jinx love the adult version of Vi? The one that doesn't know what to do with Jinx and has no answers? And it's no. However Vi feels, Jinx can't trust herself to someone who has no room for her.

[@crisnmaryfam7344]

Jinx's lore / Biography in game - Jinx’s bombastic spree seemed endless, with the wardens’ attempts to catch the culprit thwarted at every turn. She began tagging her works of destruction with vivid graffiti, and other taunting messages directed at the city sheriff’s newest ally in the fight against crime, Enforcer Vi. Jinx’s reputation grew, leaving the people of Zaun divided as to whether she was a hero for sticking it to the arrogant Pilties, or a dangerous lunatic for escalating existing tensions between their two cities. After months of ever-increasing carnage, Jinx unveiled her biggest plan yet. In her trademark electric pink, Jinx daubed the walls of the Ecliptic Vaults-one of Piltover’s most secure treasuries-with a very unflattering caricature of Enforcer Vi, and the details of her own intention to rob the stores within. An uneasy sense of anticipation settled on Piltover and Zaun leading up to the promised date of the heist. Many doubted even Jinx would have the guts to show up and risk almost certain capture. When the day arrived, Vi, Sheriff Caitlyn, and the wardens prepared a trap for Jinx outside the treasury. But Jinx had already smuggled herself inside by way of an oversized coin crate that had been delivered days before. When Vi heard pandemonium erupt from inside the structure, she knew the wardens had been outclassed once again. She burst into the treasury, and the ensuing confrontation left the Ecliptic Vaults a smoldering ruin, and the merry mischief maker Jinx nowhere to be found. Jinx remains at large to this day, and is a constant thorn in Piltover’s side. Her schemes have inspired copycat crimes among the chem-punks, as well as numerous satirical plays lampooning the incompetence of the wardens, and even a smattering of new colloquialisms throughout both cities-though no one has yet had the courage to call Enforcer Vi “Pretty-in-Pink” to her face. Jinx’s ultimate endgame, and her obvious obsession with Vi, both remain a mystery, but one thing is certain: her crimes are continuing and growing in sheer audacity.

[@crisnmaryfam7344]

you can tell this takes place after season one, as Caitlyn is not sheriff yet, Vi also not an enforcer. You can see though how Vi changed quite obviously... she was 100% the punk anti establishment renegade her sister grew up with, then after getting out of prison and having the realization that the world is not just Zaun Vs Pitolver, she matures a bit, and in the process falls in love with Caitlyn.

[@Emy-sh1lo]

Okay so far 4 interpretations....maybe it's all of these :)

[@svscrib8922]

powder = idealized LOVE vi = idealized STRENGTH I could not have phrased this better, I think that really encapsulates the underlying tension between the two. Love it

[@jorgealberto8544]

I can do it better Powder = idealized present Vi = idealized past

[@S_E_N_S_E_nmann]

What´s even more strange/glorious about this concerning the progress of the two is that Vi idealizes strength (and not love like Powder) and Jinx has BECOME strong (and less loveable perhaps ^^ ) ; but Vi loves weak Powder more than strong Jinx...

[@Anti_Social_Bean]

Powder doesn't exist anymore

[@liamailiam]

Interesting when shes playing with her grenades in her lair on episode 4 then. Perceiving herself as weak in the eyes of Silco

[@jorgealberto8544]

@@S_E_N_S_E_nmann Vi wants Powder to be weak to protect her, but Silco wants Jinx to be strong to protect herself.

[@sabrina0013]

If we're going down the "corrupted memory" idea, I think it's very likely that Vi only has an idealized memory of Powder being an innocent, ineffective girl whom she had to protect. But in truth Powder regularly sat in on Vi's melee-fighting lessons, and Vi deliberately encouraged Powder to keep trying to get her explosives to work. So, to Jinx, she probably feels like this ultra-violent ultra-capable person is who Vi was always encouraging her to be, and she's thrilled to finally be the competent fighter her sister encouraged her to be. But then Vi being mortified by Jinx's violence flies in the face of that, so I'm sure that's a large part of what Jinx feels is different.

[@schnee1]

i like that! jinx is still stuck in powder's 9 year old understanding of what vi was, basically the bigger monster who would chase away the other monsters, not the more nuanced strong-but-principled vander type that vi was actually becoming

[@yukiandkanamekuran]

THIS! It's like a deadname, all Vi sees is the little sister that could've been, not her actual sister

[@crisnmaryfam7344]

@@schnee1 There is also that Vi did change, she was 100% "Zaun" and against the enforcers, then falls in love with one, and eventually (after season one) Joins the enforcers (Enforcer Vi Skin in game) and in Jinx's biography - "Jinx’s bombastic spree seemed endless, with the wardens’ attempts to catch the culprit thwarted at every turn. She began tagging her works of destruction with vivid graffiti, and other taunting messages directed at the city sheriff’s newest ally in the fight against crime, Enforcer Vi. Jinx’s reputation grew, leaving the people of Zaun divided as to whether she was a hero for sticking it to the arrogant Pilties, or a dangerous lunatic for escalating existing tensions between their two cities. After months of ever-increasing carnage, Jinx unveiled her biggest plan yet. In her trademark electric pink, Jinx daubed the walls of the Ecliptic Vaults-one of Piltover’s most secure treasuries-with a very unflattering caricature of Enforcer Vi, and the details of her own intention to rob the stores within. An uneasy sense of anticipation settled on Piltover and Zaun leading up to the promised date of the heist. Many doubted even Jinx would have the guts to show up and risk almost certain capture. When the day arrived, Vi, Sheriff Caitlyn, and the wardens prepared a trap for Jinx outside the treasury. But Jinx had already smuggled herself inside by way of an oversized coin crate that had been delivered days before. When Vi heard pandemonium erupt from inside the structure, she knew the wardens had been outclassed once again. She burst into the treasury, and the ensuing confrontation left the Ecliptic Vaults a smoldering ruin, and the merry mischief maker Jinx nowhere to be found. Jinx remains at large to this day, and is a constant thorn in Piltover’s side. Her schemes have inspired copycat crimes among the chem-punks, as well as numerous satirical plays lampooning the incompetence of the wardens, and even a smattering of new colloquialisms throughout both cities-though no one has yet had the courage to call Enforcer Vi “Pretty-in-Pink” to her face. Jinx’s ultimate endgame, and her obvious obsession with Vi, both remain a mystery (not anymore as we know they are sisters) , but one thing is certain: her crimes are continuing and growing in sheer audacity."

[@ms.mangamonster2324]

Vi did change! As a youth she was a hot-headed, vengeful, hated any and all Topsiders, and could only resolve conflict by physically fighting (as she did with the enforcers) , direct verbal arguments (as she did with Vander after the raid and with Powder when she explains that she can't afford mistakes in saving Vander), or walking away in worst-case scenarios (when she realized she was out of control after hitting Powder). But Vi's gone soft-- which is to the betterment of her character but also makes Jinx fearful. Now Vi is someone that fights with her fists but also with her head, is willing to bargain with Topside, and has empathy for all of Piltover rather than just the Lanes. Young Vi loved her family and her people and was willing to fight for that. Vi now still holds those same ideals but after Vander's death she also embraced peaceful resistance and cooperation, something Jinx hasn't done. Vi thinks of Topside and her first thought is of Caitlyn. Jinx thinks of Topside and her first thought is of her parents and all the people the Lanes have lost and how they deserve to burn for treating the Lanes poorly and how everyone Topside is culpable for having too much... Just like Vi used to think. Additionally, people blame Powder WAY too much for what happened with her family. They forget that Silco still had them trapped because Claggor hadn't broken through the wall yet and Vi was strong but a young girl. There was no way she was beating a shimmer-fueled monster. The explosion is what changed the battlefield and leveled it in a way. There was an exit, the monster was distracted, and Vander could get free. If Powder had known to use 1 or 2 crystals to distract and give them an out, she would've. But Powder DIDN'T know. All she knew was that these powerful blue crystals could get the monster and Silco away from Vi and her family. Ironically, Powder putting her all into saving her family is what killed them. Powder put all the crystals in the monkey to give it the most power-- she was LITERALLY putting all she had into saving her family. Had she conserved some, the explosion might not have been as powerful and things might've resolved differently. But they didn't. And you could see Powder thought she had succeeded in saving her family. The monster was blown away from Vi and the building was broken while Powder fell. The next time we see her, she's seeing Vi and Vander (she doesn't know he's fatally injured yet) and has no idea what's happened to Mylo and Claggor (she didn't actually see them die). In her mind, she's done it. Her invention actually worked, she was actually useful, and her family was safe. She has proven that she is NOT a Jinx. That's why when she proclaims that her monkey bomb finally worked and Vi asked why she "did this" (Vi obviously is overwhelmed with grief and looking for reason in the chaos and isn't thinking logically that Powder would never injure her family on purpose), Powder says "I was saving you." Then Powder repeats "I only wanted to help" after seeing Claggor's goggles. Powder instantly recognizes that she her family is dead, that she failed, that everyone was right about her and she is a Jinx. Most importantly, she sees Vi has given up on her. Vi isn't a rock seeing her potential and kindness in that moment, she's seeing her as a screwup who messes everything up because she wants to run with the big kids before she's ready... just like Mylo did. That's what breaks Powder. Then in that void of no longer knowing who she is without Vi to ground her and truly thinking Vi is never coming back for her because she's a Jinx, Silco appears and she latches on for any affection because she just needed someone who didn't think she was a Jinx. But clearly, the fear and trauma won out and Powder/Jinx truly accepted that she was someone whose efforts always result in chaos, that she inevitably hurts the ones she loves, that she is destined to be abandoned and lied to after hurting loved ones, and that she can't change that even though she wants to.

[@sydneygorelick7484]

You're misremembering the explosion scene. Claggor DOES break through the wall, he's gotten a few bricks out by the time the explosion happens. They could have gotten out, had Powder done nothing. Also, Powder DID only use one crystal. The multiple explosions were from the monkey repeatedly hitting the same crystal. The explosion did nothing but obliterate the battle field, not level it.

[@drakephysecron6775]

@@sydneygorelick7484 she used 3

[@drakephysecron6775]

@@sydneygorelick7484 i also thought that she only used one byt tgen i rewatched a clip of it and she put 2 more crystals inside of the monkey

[@junrobin9335]

@@sydneygorelick7484 It doesn't really matter what was happening with the crew. The situation from a bird's eye view is still everyone is in danger and time is running out. A child at Powder's age would always look for a way to copy the people she views as an adult, Aka. Vi, and try to help out in the situation cause it's what Vi would do, is actively doing in that moment. However she miscalculates like a lot of children that age do. And ends up blowing everything up. It's no different than kids trying to help their parents out in the household and creating more work for the parents. The only difference is that Powder's situation was a lot more hardcore than the average kid. At her age it'd actually still be difficult to know and see the consequences of your actions. None of her bombs have ever worked before. She wouldn't know how far it could go and what it'd do. All she has is a guess from what happened topside but nothing concrete. All she wanted was to be strong and protective like Vi. How she got there wouldn't matter as long as everything went right. And she couldn't envision failure because the crystals blew up in Piltover anyways. It's a sure fire way that the bomb would work. It's similar to how kids sometimes see their parents do chores or cook and they go, I can do that too. And then make a bigger mess than intended. It's how my parents ended up with me making tomato catterpillars on a bed of veggies for breakfast. I just didn't use baby tomatoes cause we didn't have those. So they got a massive catterpillar each existing out of three massive tomatoes. Or how I tried to do the dishes and broke like four plates and two glasses and cut my feet open trying to fix the mess and be a good child to help out. At the time I didn't really learn how to think of what consequences my actions have simply cause my brain hadn't developed that yet. It's fairly normal. Powder's situation is just a lot more extreme than the average child wanting to help.

[@JulienJeagal]

I think it's also important to mention Vi's line in the 3rd episode about playing to your strengths. Jinx used her own talents, like Vi told her to, but it's not appreciated by her sister

[@snowwhite5887]

Good point!

[@DLxxx]

No, Vi always appreciated her strengths. She literally said, in the same scene that she has first, and Powder has her gadgets. She always respected her sisters ingenuity. She just doesn't respect her kidnapping and murdering people for no justifiable reason. I'm sure Jinx is smart enough to understand something that simple.

[@TwitchyTopHat1]

"What makes you *different* makes you strong" "I thought, maybe you could love me like you used to... even though I'm *different* " Marvelous writing

[@fr8964]

Brain asplode. Good callout!

[@percydarkox7894]

seeing this scene as a person with abandonment issues is HARD, I can relate a lot to Jinx, how after Silcos death she really is just, numb, tired of everything around her, tired of the life she has lived, of the demons in her mind she can't control. When she tells Vi that she has changed she doesn't mean it like "omg you came back as a completly different person, i dont know you", no, Jinx knows her sister loves her (Powder) as we see in that scene where she uses the smoke thingy Vi gave her (I don't remember the name rn sorry). Vi came in to hug Powder, and I could feel every bit of emotion within Jinx in that moment, how she completly dropped the crazy Jinx to be that little helpless child again, Powder, getting hugged by the most important individual in her whole childhood or life at the moment for that matter. But after all shit went down, Vi kept calling her "Powder" the name Jinx associate with bad memories, Vi was desperate to bring the little vulnerbale girl she knew before, even thought everyone spoke about "Jinx is that or Jinx did that" Vi still calls her Powder, not aknowledging the changes Jinx have been through, nor all the trauma she endured for most of her childhood believing that her sister just turned her back on her without any explanation, any regrets (something I've been through and honestly destroyed me). And well, add Caitlyn into the mix and we have the reason why Jinx says Vi changed, Caitlyn is key, because Jinx thinks that she is getting replaced with her, an enforcer, blue haired, pretty girl. When you have abandonment issues you surely know this feeling that when someone other than you gets close to someone so important to you (in this case Vi) you start feeling paranoid that they're going to replace you, and as someone with low self-steem, you also start to think that they're better off without you, and you start isolating yourself and hurting yourself because of this. Thats why Jinx left Caitlyn alive, "If my sister is better without me and she loves her as much as she loved me, then i'll let them alone, so they can be great without my presence" and this shows how much Jinx keeps loving Vi, she knows Cait is dear to her and she doesn't want to see her sister hurting because she killed Cait, because Jinx ADORES and ADMIRES Vi, and will probably for the rest of her life, even if she does''nt care about Caitlyn herself, she sees Vi do really loves her. I do agree that all of this set up is exactly what you said, a test for Vi to see if she really keeps loving her even if she became a real monster, something unlovable and repulsive in everyones eyes. Sorry for this bible, I just really needed to explain that this wasn't really a "Logical" thing or explanation to this, but more of a "Feely" thing, how a broken mind works and how it affects your emotions.

[@Let_Toons]

Trust me, there's an audience for youtube comments bibles XD Excellent insight.

[@kikithebunny5182]

These abandonment issues really ressemble borderline personality disorder, Jinx probably suffers from it

[@uma-piba]

@@Let_Toons yeah, i assure as a reader

[@christophergirardi8145]

I thought this was a really good breakdown of their relationship. Vi doesn't see Jinx's trauma, therefore can't accept the person Jinx is. Vi names the family Jinx killed, hoping to reach to Powder, not realizing SHE'S the one causing Jinx's breakdown.

[@MrZonehawk]

Dude i totally felt your explanation. Keep on writing because you sound alot like me. And it helps other people to see were not alone. Hang in there because you are worthwhile.

[@TheRawrnstuff]

"How do you interpret this line?" To me, I thought the "change" mirrors Vander and Silco's relationship. They used to fight for the cause, together. Just like Vi and Powder. Before their last "job" however - saving Vander - Vi told Powder she's not ready. Powder then spent years to become ready, turning into Jinx in the process. She became strong. She became ready. (And she's miserable for it) She can even almost match Vi's punching game high score from years back, despite being a ranged techie. But Vi doesn't want to fight anymore. She's even urging Jinx to spare an enforcer - a member of a faction that Jinx has _always_ considered nothing but an enemy. Opposition. I don't think Jinx considers Caitlyn as even a person. I think _the change_ was that now that Jinx is "ready" (or at least ready to prove she's "ready"), Vi is telling her that _not being ready_ was somehow better or prefereable. And Vi insisting in calling her Powder is undermining all the training, pain and sacrifice Jinx put herself through to get there. And Jinx knows that Powder is no more. She fell into a well, and cannot be brought back.

[@Spicket]

This show is a roller coaster of emotions, it feels like I'm seeing 100 stories at the same time happening in one show. It's great!

[@logandavis7528]

Something I love about this scene is that it shows us Jinx is the one making her own fears come true. During the shimmer torture / healing scene in E8, we see Jinx's hallucination of Vi shooting Powder in the head and replacing her with Caitlyn. So what does Jinx do? She asks Vi for the opposite, to shoot Caitlyn and replace her with Powder. She even hands her the exact same gun she hallucinated to do it with. Of course Vi would never even think to "replace" either of them with the other, the whole thing is totally a construct of Jinx's mind. But for Jinx, when Vi isn't willing to "disprove" her fear by shooting Caitlyn, it "confirms" her fear of being replaced.

[@moanapooh9726]

wow, well-said

[@thestruggler776]

Good point. I might add that she also knew that a war with the topsiders was coming because she won't give herself over to the topsiders as she still sees them as her enemies. Jinx wanted to test vi if she would be fighting with her against the topsiders or fight with caytlin against the under City. Jinx projected the negative past of the topcity onto caytlin and wanted vi to decide in an symbolic way to kill the enforcer that stands against them.

[@twrciv]

I would like to add something to option 1: I believe when Jinx said that Vi "never left", she meant it literately. Vi is also one of her hallucinations. Vi's voice has supported her all these years. In those hyper instinct moments during a fight, it was Vi's voice saving her life. When they were young, Vi was the role model who taught her to use violence to solve problems. Exaggerate that to a pathological level, the Vi voice in her head could very well be the one who encourages her to kill murder and destroy. So when Jinx said that Vi made Jinx, she didn't mean Vi abandoning Powder made Jinx, she was saying Vi's voice in her head taught her to be Jinx. Meeting her sister in real life was reality shattering for Jinx.

[@sabrina0013]

This is my understanding as well. In the Enemy music video we see that Vi apparently regularly trained kids in the neighborhood how to fight, and this was something Jinx desperately wanted to learn to do. She eventually develops some amount of melee combat proficiency (even if she still prefers guns/explosions). And I think it was the same with Ekko, who explicitly reminds Vi that she taught him how to fight. And even taking the "I want to be like Vi" out of the picture, Vi literally encouraged Powder to make explosives. Powder gets upset that her nail grenade didn't work, when if it had it would have eviscerated that street kid. And Vi doesn't seem to think this a problem, encouraging Powder that she'll get one of her nail bombs to work eventually. So as far as Jinx is concerned, Vi was always telling her to go down this path.

[@jorgealberto8544]

Yes thats because Vi's voice is like the mylo an claggor one that jinx heard sometimes just to tell her trash about herself. That never happen with Silco's voice, that talk good about him

[@nox8600]

@@jorgealberto8544 she didn’t think silco was dead

[@jorgealberto8544]

@@nox8600 Vi isnt dead but jinx say she heard her voice tho...

[@nox8600]

@@jorgealberto8544 she _thought_ she was dead

[@silvaries9884]

One thing that could further cement that duality between Jinx and Powder might lie in her minigun. I was quite surprised when Vi called her Pow-Pow, as it is also the name of Jinx's minigun.

[@mm-gk6xg]

ohhhhhh that reminds me of that line from the chorus of get jinxed "Let's blow this city to ashes And see what Pow-Pow thinks", arcane gives a whole other meaning to that

[@certifiedlevi]

Maybe she named the minigun Pow-Pow in memory of what her sister used to call her, indicating that she still loves her sister? (Assuming we go with the first theory)

[@rajhaze]

I think it was that jinx didn't see Vi's vulnerability before, only her strength. Jinx looked up to her sister as a strong, fearless mother role. So when Jinx saw that she was causing the fear that Vi was feeling it made her look at Vi differently, she couldn't see the love from Vi anymore...in a sense.

[@chazjohannsen]

I think it’s way more simple, more in line with the latter theory: Jinx wants Vi to accept her for what she is now/has become, not an idealized version she wants her to be.

[@BigAlCodes]

I think shes willing to revert to powder in her mind (she gave vi the "choice" of if she would be powder or jinx)

[@idkman2633]

@@BigAlCodes Yea but what she'd done as Jinx would probably haunt her for the rest of her life then. I agree that Jinx wanted to be loved - not in spite of her atrocities but maybe even because of them. The one thing she was good at

[@Raven_Black_252]

@@BigAlCodes she always wants to revert back to powder and will still do in future. That is deeply rooted in her traumas as well, by her acting in a more childish way and whenever she has breakdowns she can't control her emotions and it's like the way she used to cry and breakdown in her childhood. Ironically, she is also the first character in the show to embrace change.

[@ipsnagi9442]

Vi has never rejected her, Jinx is making assumptions (hallucinations will do that to you). It is *not* simple, it's way too complicated. Vi doesn't really know how to get through to Jinx/Powder and is worried if anything she says might set her off and result in more people dying. She's trying to figure out how/what Jinx thinks but it's pretty much impossible under the circumstances they meet and Jinx's mental condition. What they needed was to just sit down and talk to each other, pour their hearts out without any distractions but that option was never available. People keep blaming Vi for not 'accepting' Jinx when she has never been anything but welcoming to her post time-skip. Jinx has too much going on in her head and Silco and Sevika planting those anti-Vi thoughts in her head didn't help things at all. So she jumps to weird conclusions that Vi wouldn't be able to even think of. So sum it up, it is not simple, it should be but it has become very complicated thanks to the circumstances.

[@maem7462]

My thoughts abt this line is that Jinx has changed so much that the way she sees Vi has changed a lot as well and maybe bc she could tell that with the “I made your girlfriend a snack” moment Vi looked away which indicates she doesn’t see Jinx as this sweet innocent little girl and Jinx notices that which can be one reason why she says she has changed. Also the fact that Vi is working with an enforcer someone they had considered to be the bad guys so much of their life but Vi is now working with the enemy

[@apoorvkaushik4061]

VI did change she is now working with an enforcer, a council member and she sells Jinx out in the council when she says "her name is Jinx" that is not something the old VI would have done. also there is no one in this world or our own who can spend their teenage years in the middle of criminals and monstrous prison guards and not change. This guys whole theory of VI was in a time capsule is wrong PRISON IS NOT a time capsule it changes people for the better or for the worse.

[@apoorvkaushik4061]

The second theory is more accurate and now all we can do is wait for the next season. The amazing animation of Arcane is just the tip of the iceberg and there is so much depth to this show that it is easily the best animated show ever !

[@slsthewriter1299]

Honestly? I find that it's something in-between, and it really falls with both of their contexts of Jinx. Jinx is a coping mechanism first and foremost. And that's probably how Jinx herself views it. Because it's always been Powder to push away/kill who she loved most. Killed Vander, Mylo and Claggor in the explosion. Pushed Vi away (even though she was taking some space to cool off; probably something she picked up from Vander to help with her anger issues). In Arc One, she mistakes Eve (the firelight) for Vi, and immediately goes to kill her; and I tend to see that scene as Powder breaking through and then once Eve is dead, Jinx takes over to cover up the emotional damage. And then there's Silco with his swiss-cheese moment, which I see as Powder trying to protect her sister given that he was just about to shoot Vi. Being Powder is what gives Jinx the most pain. So she used Jinx as a barrier from that. She uses chaos and all of Jinx as a distraction, as well as playing into "well if you call me a monster, I'll be one" kind of thing. Vi, though, doesn't see it like that. Vi sees Jinx as a mistake she called Powder in the heat of the moment. The one time she calls Powder a jinx is the one time where…it's kinda warranted given the situation, but something she immediately regrets, _especially_ since Marcus pulled the ol' snatch maneuver and took Vi away from her sister. So she's romanticized the moment where she gets to finally reunite with Powder and take all of her guilt away. It's natural for her to not want to call Powder Jinx. So…yeah. Where Jinx brings cope for Powder, Jinx is Vi's trauma. The two contexts of the name are at odds with one another, and obviously it's not gonna get solved easily with the wholeass council blown up. Lol

[@DefinitelyNotAMachineCultist]

It's a beautifully simple concept when you think about it. _One person's coping mechanism for trauma becomes another's source of trauma._ The showrunners mentioned duality being a recurring theme. Two different perspectives. The thing in question (Jinx, the coping mechanism) that's Powder's lifeline becomes a new source of trauma for Vi. Vi was already screwed up, but not to the same extent as Powder due to her greater maturity guarding her at least a little bit. Jinx's insane reaction to Eve basically foreshadowed with little doubt that Vi & Jinx were both screwed. It's like a car crash you know is coming but can't look away from. Jinx is a ticking time bomb. The whole “one's cope is another's trauma” thing is probably common in fiction, but I don't remember other examples (off the top of my head) where it was as much of a focus or this explicit. Really makes me want to play with the concept more myself. Seems like a ripe source of tension and conflict, the soul of fiction.

[@crisnmaryfam7344]

Vi changed, thats all there is to it. She used to be 100% anti enforcer and topside, then she falls in love with Cait, finds out the world is not all Zaun Vs pitolver but much much bigger, Jinx never grows past the hate for the topside/Well off people. This is further described in game LONG before arcane ever came about - Jinx Biography on the LoL website - "Jinx’s bombastic spree seemed endless, with the wardens’ attempts to catch the culprit thwarted at every turn. She began tagging her works of destruction with vivid graffiti, and other taunting messages directed at the city sheriff’s newest ally in the fight against crime, Enforcer Vi. Jinx’s reputation grew, leaving the people of Zaun divided as to whether she was a hero for sticking it to the arrogant Pilties, or a dangerous lunatic for escalating existing tensions between their two cities. After months of ever-increasing carnage, Jinx unveiled her biggest plan yet. In her trademark electric pink, Jinx daubed the walls of the Ecliptic Vaults-one of Piltover’s most secure treasuries-with a very unflattering caricature of Enforcer Vi, and the details of her own intention to rob the stores within. An uneasy sense of anticipation settled on Piltover and Zaun leading up to the promised date of the heist. Many doubted even Jinx would have the guts to show up and risk almost certain capture. When the day arrived, Vi, Sheriff Caitlyn, and the wardens prepared a trap for Jinx outside the treasury. But Jinx had already smuggled herself inside by way of an oversized coin crate that had been delivered days before. When Vi heard pandemonium erupt from inside the structure, she knew the wardens had been outclassed once again. She burst into the treasury, and the ensuing confrontation left the Ecliptic Vaults a smoldering ruin, and the merry mischief maker Jinx nowhere to be found. Jinx remains at large to this day, and is a constant thorn in Piltover’s side. Her schemes have inspired copycat crimes among the chem-punks, as well as numerous satirical plays lampooning the incompetence of the wardens, and even a smattering of new colloquialisms throughout both cities-though no one has yet had the courage to call Enforcer Vi “Pretty-in-Pink” to her face. Jinx’s ultimate endgame, and her obvious obsession with Vi, both remain a mystery, but one thing is certain: her crimes are continuing and growing in sheer audacity. Though now we know why the obsession with Vi... its her sister. (though most of us knew this from in game quotes/taunts/interactions/emotes)

[@DefinitelyNotAMachineCultist]

​@@crisnmaryfam7344 Honestly, it seems like she passionately hates enforcers because of Vi instead of the other way around. Gotta say though… even if the continuity is technically different, all the stuff in the game's lore hits very different now…

[@kirkistief]

It's also interesting that Vi chooses to call out the names of her and Powder's "family," which is kinda like an inner strength for Vi, but it's traumatic for Powder, because she caused those people to die. Vi is trying to help bring Powder back to the surface, but in reality, she's only bringing the trauma back to Powder. Throw into the mix that Silco tries to shoot Vi and Powder/Jinx reacts seemingly on instinct and shoots Silco, protecting Vi.

[@georgia5026]

As the oldest sibling, i was desperate- and I mean desperate - for vi to get back to Jinx. In my head, it was priority. Vi had to do back to Powder, that was where she needed to be. They way it ended was realistic to the situation, but it really broke me. In my family, I made some mistakes as the older sibling, which affected my little brother quite negatively. Then it became my priority to make up for it. And I know how important that was. When you become responsible for your sibling, they become your priority, and so I really felt Vi's need to get back to Powder. Vi never meant to leave Powder, and shes always going to regret no just taking g Powder and getting out of there after the explosion. But there isn't much she can do about it now, and that is soul-crushing.

[@JumpdeArt]

Same ❤

[@machinist1051]

"Do we still love each other unconditionally or are there conditions now?" What a great way to paraphrase it. Unconditional love is an immensely complicated concept as it is. In Arcane it hits even harder, considering the fact, that one is in desperate need of that unconditional love, and the other is absolutely willing to give that love, but they both know or at least start to understand that there ARE conditions, no matter if they want it or not. And that's truly heartbreaking.

[@EvanOfTheDarkness]

My interpretation was a *third* one: Vi didn't change, but what Vi was to Jinx changed. Because in essence, at that point Vi _has_ _won._ Silco is dead, and Jinx choose Vi over him. There is no reason why, Jinx should not just go home with Vi, if she *could.* That's the point (I think) where Jinx realizes that there wasn't a choice to begin with. That even choosing Vi, she cannot return to being Powder, that Vi cannot just replace Silco, in the way he replaced Vi before. She cannot be her whole world again like she was before - she has *changed.* I agree, that its a bit of a stretch, but so are the other theories, because just like you said, Vi did not change.

[@lilywhetsell8106]

Thats how i took it too

[@DarthBlaidd]

I don’t believe silco replaced Vi. I like to think he thought he did because he kept pushing the narrative of “she’s dead, forget her and move on” but she never did even though she ‘knew’ her sister was dead. She didn’t believe it, didn’t want to believe it because she held out hope that Vi would return, hence the flare that she kept. Silco could never replace Vi no matter how many ‘lessons’ he taught her. So I’m leaning more towards the first theory because jinx’s mind is fractured even before the surgery, the shimmer just made it worse.

[@jmjackson2041]

Not sure that Jinx could just go with Vi - without Silco backing her, Jinx is doomed to prison/execution at the hands of piltover. The chembarons would hand Jinx over in a heartbeat and Vi can't protect her from topside - Vi doesn't have the political clout required. What Vi would do though is fight topside anyway - that's how Vi has changed. Young Vi would make the smart play and hand herself and Jinx in - post prison Vi would always fight. Vi won't abandon her sister again. But that dooms them both. So... Jinx cuts ties with Vi to save Vi's life and starts a war so they can both stay free. Jinx has delusions but no decision she makes in the whole show is irrational. Jinx really is not that crazy, just troubled and much smarter than everyone else.

[@daelaenor]

I agree that it's Jinx's perception of Vi that changed, but I don't think that she chose anything. Or, the only thing she decided to do was to accept the change because of the catalyst that is Silco's death, which happened because Vi tormented Jinx instead of comforting her (although that wasn't her intention) like she did when they were kids. There's no way Vi can truly love her if she doesn't even understand her anymore. But Silco, who just died, showed her what true acceptance looks like. That's when she left the past behind.

[@DarthBlaidd]

@@daelaenor except that’s the thing, Vi couldn’t really understand jinx because she never got the chance to. Everytime there was an inkling for both of them to actually talk they got interrupted; Caitlyn (even though Vi managed to sort of diffuse that situation), firelights and finally silco. She never got a chance to understand just how broken her sister is. Silco could because well he raised her that way and never tried to help with her mental problems and trauma or atleast not in anyway significant that would’ve actually helped her

[@kindakool05]

I interpreted it as the second theory. I think Vi loves Powder, not Jinx. However, Vi is desperate to keep the only family she has left and the one she feels guilty for not protecting (specifically from Silco). Therefore, she offers the chance to "escape" Piltover and Silco, but Jinx doesn't see him as something to escape from. Also, the run away option serves a double purpose as it was Vi's attempt to save Cate. She was hopping Jinx would forget about killing her and focus on her sister.

[@Vasharan]

The camera deliberately pans to Caitlin when Jinx says (to Vi) " But you changed , too." To Vi and Jinx, the Enforcers were always their ultimate monsters. The Enforcers killed their parents, and the opening scene of Ep 1, when we see the monstrous scribbles being shown over the masks of the Enforcers, are Powder's perception of them, and perhaps the first hint at the mental trauma that embodies Jinx. By not only allying with an Enforcer, but falling in love with one, Vi has gone against one of the deepest shared traumas of the two sisters.

[@crisnmaryfam7344]

This. Also they add more details to what happens after season one , in jinx's biography. - Enforcer Vi, Sheriff Caitlyn, ect.. "Jinx’s bombastic spree seemed endless, with the wardens’ attempts to catch the culprit thwarted at every turn. She began tagging her works of destruction with vivid graffiti, and other taunting messages directed at the city sheriff’s newest ally in the fight against crime, Enforcer Vi. Jinx’s reputation grew, leaving the people of Zaun divided as to whether she was a hero for sticking it to the arrogant Pilties, or a dangerous lunatic for escalating existing tensions between their two cities. After months of ever-increasing carnage, Jinx unveiled her biggest plan yet. In her trademark electric pink, Jinx daubed the walls of the Ecliptic Vaults-one of Piltover’s most secure treasuries-with a very unflattering caricature of Enforcer Vi, and the details of her own intention to rob the stores within. An uneasy sense of anticipation settled on Piltover and Zaun leading up to the promised date of the heist. Many doubted even Jinx would have the guts to show up and risk almost certain capture. When the day arrived, Vi, Sheriff Caitlyn, and the wardens prepared a trap for Jinx outside the treasury. But Jinx had already smuggled herself inside by way of an oversized coin crate that had been delivered days before. When Vi heard pandemonium erupt from inside the structure, she knew the wardens had been outclassed once again. She burst into the treasury, and the ensuing confrontation left the Ecliptic Vaults a smoldering ruin, and the merry mischief maker Jinx nowhere to be found. Jinx remains at large to this day, and is a constant thorn in Piltover’s side. Her schemes have inspired copycat crimes among the chem-punks, as well as numerous satirical plays lampooning the incompetence of the wardens, and even a smattering of new colloquialisms throughout both cities-though no one has yet had the courage to call Enforcer Vi “Pretty-in-Pink” to her face. Jinx’s ultimate endgame, and her obvious obsession with Vi, both remain a mystery, but one thing is certain: her crimes are continuing and growing in sheer audacity"

[@bizzapandare1209]

As someone who dealt with very deep mental issues ( I didn't blow any buildings, lol) with a lot of paranoia like Jinx has ( Do they love me or use me? Im a burden? Should I show them what capable I am?) this scene hit me hard. I did idealize my sister, who now is a stranger to me, she didn't fought for me like Vi did for Powder - I was the one fighting for my sister, to notice how I'm struggling. It was a messy situation, where no one knew, what was going on in my head. This scene and Jinx " You changed too" hit me like a tsunami. Because, my " Vi" changed too, and I changed, but twice - first, from this happy, naive, shy kiddo, to this paranoid, angsty and closed teen, to now, an adult, experienced, scarred but strong and hopeful for the future. And my sister, changed, too. From an idol, strong woman to look up to, to this backstabbing toxic bitch, to now, an adult, stranger, who never loved me as much as I loved her. And I stopped. Maybe Jinx felt the same?

[@Fionacle]

I was thinking this sort of thing too, it wasn’t so much that Vi changed, but rather the way Jinx saw her changed

[@Fionacle]

Also I hope you’re doing okay, man That stuff sounds rough

[@scheimaa172]

As an older Sister that's really unfortunate. I hope you can reconcile one day.

[@garethlee7927]

You alright mate? That sounds really painful to go through

[@RonnieRoseSt]

Thank you for the insight! Point of view really matters when people try to make sense of interactions, i’m glad you joined the discussion with your xperiences- despite how traumatic they were to you. Keep safe! You got this.

[@biosignature1087]

I really do think it's the "Vi has actually changed" option, but not in terms of her love for Jinx. Act 1 Vi is a "Fuck the upper city, burn it down, I only care about the family" and even when she gets out of jail that's her default mode. Act 1 Vi would never work with an enforcer or walk towards Piltover with the gemstone to return it. Vi would never pick someone else over the family but that's what she does in episode 7 when she opts to get Caitlyn out of a situation where Jinx has shown clear intent to kill her. I see the choice to kill Caitlyn to get Powder back as a "prove that you are my family, not this new biatch's". That would also be supported by Jinx's fear of being abandoned. If Vi has found a new "family" then she might chose that over Jinx, as, from Jinx's perspective, she does in episode 7. My understanding of it is, "You will no longer do anything for the family, sacrifice anything for the family, and you no longer see the topside just as the enemy". And all of that is true, that's the change Caitlyn forces in Vi. Not all topside is bad, and Caitlyn is the only person outside her Act 1 family Vi gives a damn about.

[@BeGo127]

I think what you said is the reason that when Jinx says "but you chnged too" they show Caitlyn's face in the shot.

[@biosignature1087]

@@BeGo127 Yeah, agreed, Caitlyn is everything that is now "wrong" with Vi.

[@jessiecoastaliving]

@@BeGo127 aww good point 👍🏾

[@randylianabella4861]

Spoiler Warning: LoL Warwick's (who is theorized to be Vander) dialogue towards Vi: "Zaun needed you!". Vi's title in the game is "The Piltover Enforcer". I think Arcane will go with the route of Vi going topside which is the "change".

[@whosthere8658]

@@randylianabella4861 thats tragic considering vanders last words to vi as well. like she didnt evens stick around to help HER PEOPLE unlike ekko.

[@xXxChiefxXx]

I think the second one is spot on. If you listen to the lyrics of the song that plays during the end scene one of the lines is: "Why don't you love who I am? What we could have been" Ultimately she is a different person now and as long as Vi is trying to see the good in her and bring "Powder" back she's basically admitting she doesn't love Jinx. She is both Powder and Jinx and as long as Vi only wants one aspect of her she can't love all of her. She doesn't love who she is now and therefore she doesn't truly love her at all.

[@ChibiMalzahar]

This scene made me think of "what makes you different makes you strong" and why Jinx said "even though I'm different". Vi was trying to get her sister to return to being powder but didn't really accept Jinx in the way Silco did. Her trying to make Jinx remember the days shes was Powder actually caused a lot of pain for her and Silco freaked out because he recognized her distress. The whole series I sort of interpreted the struggle between sisters to mirror the struggle between sister cities, and its piltovers fear and lack of acceptance of zaun that prevents them from seeing eye to eye. At the same time Jinx realizes Vi isn't really fit to be her sister anymore, Jayce realizes the council isn't fit to govern zaun anymore. In a way, Caitlyn is right in that Jinx is too far gone but no that doesn't mean she needs to be killed. Jayce was the closest to understanding this but still felt like he needed to punish Jinx, piltover still needed its pound of flesh. Jayce wants to avoid war in the name of peace but not let Jinx off the hook for taking his gemstone, Caitlyn wants to help Vi find her sister right up until she finds out it's Jinx, who bombed her, and finally Vi will do anything for Powder but doesn't accept Jinx as her sister. *None* of the major protagonists accepted Jinx when all was said and done, at least not fully. They recognized what needed to change in the bigger picture (avoid war, help the undercity, stop silco, end the cycle of violence, etc.) but weren't willing to give up that which was personally important to them (gemstone representing Jayces life work, Caitlyns sense of justice, Vis sense of family) and in their own way neglected Jinx.

[@alphamorion4314]

I believe VI *has* changed. Not only in her way to have affection towards her sister, but as a person overall. It's a bit difficult to see, maybe, because on the surface she is still the same headstrong badass from Act. 1, but her actions through Act 2 and 3 reflect a deep shift in perspective and priorities. In Act 1, she was definitely more of a leader type. She was itching for revenge against Piltover, but was also willing to take in Vander's arguments when he was teaching her about restrain, and responsability, considering the outcome of her actions, etc etc. When 'managing' their little group of misfits, etc. From Act 2 forward, she is not only not itching for revenge against Piltover anymore, and shifting that itch towards Silco and Silco's men (by working with an Enforcer, and working with Jayce against "her own people"), but she is no longer considering anything in regards of consequences, acting many times right on the spot on her feelings. She knees Sevika right then and there as soon as she sees her, in the middle of enemy territory, for god's sake XD She even "blames" Caitlyn for letting her go, on the basis that "Now Silco is gonna know we're here", to wich Caitlyn rightfully points out that the fault of that was more on VI's recklesness than other things XD Even VI at that point doesn't argue, accepting the truth behind that. This comment is definitely not a judjement on wich version of VI was better or better morally aligned... but I think the time spent in prison DEFINITELY changed her. Maybe not so much the 'core' of her essence, but definitely changed her perspectives and priorities, while at the same time stripping her down to her bare core. She is ANGRY, the way she acts especially during ACT 2 reflects that. The only first moment when I personally saw her "thinking" a bit more, instead of just acting on instinct, is when she brough down the building on Silco's head. It's a bit confusing even for me to properly articulate, especially in written form, but I think the premise of VI having not changed at all is a very wrong premise. In my opinion, she DEFINITELY changed in more ways than one: poor girl has been through so much shit in prison that she is just under and over it all.

[@SCharlesDennicon]

This is the only issue I got with that brilliant show : it deserved flashbacks of what happened during the time jump. Arcane season 1 should have been ten episodes long.

[@TimTamSlam7]

???? I'm kind of confused about this comment. Why are you so confused that she is angry at Sevika and Silco? Silco murdered her foster father and caused the entire factory incident to even happen. Sevika was there to do it too. Silco and Sevika both took Powder away from her- at least thats what she believes at the time. She believes that Jinx is there against her will. She is angry they would pollute the streets with mind and body altering substances as a way to control the populace- to Silco, its not about independency or peace for the people. He only wants control over Zaun, and he doesn't care who it harms. He wants HIS ideology only, and Vi can see the harm its done to the entire undercity, where as Jinx mainly lays waste to a town much more fortunate. Vi attributes the damage to Zaun made by Silco, and Jinx associated it with the enforcers and Piltover.

[@LadyDoomsinger]

@@SCharlesDennicon Maybe not. It wasn't really relevant to the overall story, and would just needlessly have bloated the script. But I definitely would love a spin-off series focused on the years between episodes 3 and 4. Not only in regards to Vi's time in Prison. But perhaps more interestingly, how Silco handled raising the emotionally scarred, traumatized, and increasingly psychotic Jinx. How did he react the first time he realized she was hearing voices in her head? How did he talk to her about her role in his plans for the undercity and overthrowing Piltover? Did he encourage her violence, or do his best to teach her restraint? Seeing a single dad trying to run a revolution and a criminal enterprise would make for some damn good TV.

[@itecolote]

im not sure which of the two theory's are more accurate but this scene makes a lot more sense to me now, thank you!

[@rickwoods5274]

Oh man 8:55 . "Hoping for the future = condemning the present // accepting the present = giving up on the future". It's something that I think a lot of people believe, and -- perfectly in line with the theme of change in the show -- is the nail in the coffin for actually effecting positive change. It's a false dichotomy. Accepting the present *enables* hope for the future. You cannot change yourself without first understanding yourself. But neither character understands this; each sees one side of that necessary coin as being a sacrifice of the other side, rather than a necessary component.

[@alred555]

Powder/Jinx: "I thought maybe you could love me like you used to. Even though I'm... DIFFERENT. But you changed to." "Different" this word has been shared between VI and Powder/Jinx before in episode 2. VI: "You know, Powder, what makes you DIFFERENT makes you strong. Always remember that, okay?" This is the last positive thing that VI says to Powder/Jinx and shows that VI loves Powder/Jinx in spite of how different she is. Then we skip forward a few years and we see that Powder/Jinx's has gotten a lot stronger through the things that made her different. But VI doesn't want Jinx who has accepted and embraced the things that made her different and stronger. VI wants Powder. This is how VI has changed, she is horrified by what Powder/Jinx has become... how different she is. Powder/Jinx knows that VI can no longer love Powder/Jinx's in spite of different she is, therefore they can never return to the bond and love that they use to have. This is what I love about Arcane, pretty much every line mean something and links the story.

[@HxH2011DRA]

Genius catch. It what the "Vi shouldn't encourage toxicity" people don't get

[@crisnmaryfam7344]

@@HxH2011DRA there is alos a ton of in game lore people arent getting. IF we look at the events after season one that havent been in the show yet but are written in the game - Vi joins the Enforcers under "Sheriff" Caitlyn (see the Enforcer Vi skin). In the series shes not sheriff but a low man grunt, but in the lore available on the website and in game - from jinx's biography - "Jinx’s bombastic spree seemed endless, with the wardens’ attempts to catch the culprit thwarted at every turn. She began tagging her works of destruction with vivid graffiti, and other taunting messages directed at the city sheriff’s newest ally in the fight against crime, Enforcer Vi. Jinx’s reputation grew, leaving the people of Zaun divided as to whether she was a hero for sticking it to the arrogant Pilties, or a dangerous lunatic for escalating existing tensions between their two cities. After months of ever-increasing carnage, Jinx unveiled her biggest plan yet. In her trademark electric pink, Jinx daubed the walls of the Ecliptic Vaults-one of Piltover’s most secure treasuries-with a very unflattering caricature of Enforcer Vi, and the details of her own intention to rob the stores within. An uneasy sense of anticipation settled on Piltover and Zaun leading up to the promised date of the heist. Many doubted even Jinx would have the guts to show up and risk almost certain capture. When the day arrived, Vi, Sheriff Caitlyn, and the wardens prepared a trap for Jinx outside the treasury. But Jinx had already smuggled herself inside by way of an oversized coin crate that had been delivered days before. When Vi heard pandemonium erupt from inside the structure, she knew the wardens had been outclassed once again. She burst into the treasury, and the ensuing confrontation left the Ecliptic Vaults a smoldering ruin, and the merry mischief maker Jinx nowhere to be found. Jinx remains at large to this day, and is a constant thorn in Piltover’s side. Her schemes have inspired copycat crimes among the chem-punks, as well as numerous satirical plays lampooning the incompetence of the wardens, and even a smattering of new colloquialisms throughout both cities-though no one has yet had the courage to call Enforcer Vi “Pretty-in-Pink” to her face. Jinx’s ultimate endgame, and her obvious obsession with Vi, both remain a mystery, but one thing is certain: her crimes are continuing and growing in sheer audacity."

[@certifiedlevi]

Maybe Vi also doesn't want her to... grow up. Maybe she actually prides on being the big sister, the one who is depended on by everyone, and Powder becoming Jinx made Vi see her differently.

[@victorwallec2534]

PIN IT. its awesome

[@kirikakirikakirika]

The thing is, why _shouldn't_ Vi think Jinx is an absolute monster? She revels in violence and doesn't care who she hurts, and Vi got a taste of that while watching her fight. She tied up her own father-figure. She was willing to let Vi suffer by forcing her to choose her over Caitlyn. Jinx _is_ a monster. Even the _audience_ thought Caitlyn's head was on that plate, because that's the kind of person Jinx has become. I don't think Vi's wrong for wanting Powder back.

[@ajregalia1334]

True, but that's the whole thing. Like Ekko said people change, Powder changed. There's no going back to her old self, her experiences and suffering had a profound effect on her. But she still needs someone who loves and care about her through that unconditionally. Who accepts her as she is. That's in their eyes sees her as uncompromisingly perfect and supports her strengths regardless of how much she messes up. Vi DID that when they were kids. While her other friends saw her as a liability, Vi supported her talents and encouraged her endlessly. Always defending her even when she messed up. Until her mess up costed the lives of...everyone Vander, Milo, and Claggor Then Vi just couldn't anymore. In fact it's kinda poetic that's the ONLY time I think Vi ever called her Jinx. At that moment it probably felt to her that Vi couldn't love her anymore, that they were no longer sisters. In steps Silco, someone who feels deeply connected to Jinx having also been betrayed by a sibling. Someone who appreciated her gifts and talents in spite of her setbacks. Someone who valued her above any and all else, who loved her like she was his own daughter and was willing to give up every ambition he had struggled for all for her. But memories of Powder was still in there too, guilt over what she had done and become eating away at her, and confusion over if Vi had truly stopped loving her. If she ever could again since Powder was gone. In her heart Jinx probably wanted Vi to love and accept her as she had become. But there stood an obstacle to all that. Caitlyn A jealousy that Vi had simply replaced her, an insecurity that Silco had lied because he didn't truly trust her, she was being torn two places. But in the end she made her choice, she still chose Vi. But it was a choice she regretted, because unlike Vi even though Jinx had destroyed everything Silco had worked for and even ended his life He still loved her and accepted her faults and all, his dying words being "you're perfect" Vi couldn't, Vi wanted Powder back and not Jinx as she was. Like you said she has no reason not to see Jinx as a monster, and she absolutely is. But Powder is gone, long gone and if Vi can't accept jinx as she is...then she has no place in her life. Jinx hoped like the old days despite all her faults that Vi could love her like Silco did but...Vi changed too. She Saw Jinx differently.

[@kirikakirikakirika]

@@ajregalia1334 If people change, Jinx can always become a better person. She's choosing not to.

[@ajregalia1334]

@@kirikakirikakirika There are definitely ABSOLUTELY things people can change. How you manage stress, learning new languages, how you treat people. But who people are fundamentally isn't something they can just switch by their own decision. Like...I don't like oatmeal raisin cookies, if I had my choice of cookies I wouldn't pick oatmeal raisin cookies. If every other kind of cookie were to somehow magically vanish then I just wouldn't eat cookies anymore. If my friends made some darn good oatmeal raisin cookies, like the best in terms of oatmeal raisin flavor, even if I ate them it would only be to be polite to them. I still wouldn't like the cookie. And you know what? I used to LOVE oatmeal raisin cookies! Like I'd tear through a pack of 24 a week, but my tastes changed. I don't like em anymore. To Jinx, Powder is oatmeal raisin cookies. She might want to like her again, want to be her again, want to have the same relationship dynamics with Vi again. But she can't, that's no longer who she is. Even if she just pretended to be that's all it would be, pretending. I'm not saying Jinx shouldn't address her unhealthy tendencies, she needs BIG help for her mental issues. But that wouldn't undo everything she's done, everything that's happened to her, and how it shaped her. People can change a lot about themselves and how they approach things, but that gets harder and harder depending on how deep things go.

[@nox8600]

I want to point out a big reason that the “Caitlyn’s head on a plate” thing is believable: Jinx would be willing to do every part of it. She kills people in horrible ways for fun, and she’s willing to use that to horrify people. It seems like the only reason that she doesn’t is that she thinks it would be bad for her in this situation.

[@verdeamarillo4979]

@@kirikakirikakirika actually there are things that can not be changed with just choosing to change. It's like telling someone with depression to choose to be happy. It's way more complex and longer than that

[@mattau7857]

In ep7 on the bridge after Jinx sets off the bombs and injures Caitlyn, the smoke clears, and Jinx sees Vi. Vi seems surprised to see Jinx, and Jinx looks surprised to see Vi helping Caitlyn. To Jinx, Vi had just given a goodbye hug and already left, choosing to go back to find her. The fact that Vi returned to Caitlyn is a betrayal, as it means she's choosing Caitlyn over her. In that exchange of glances, Vi didn't immediately rush to Jinx, but still kept holding on to Caitlyn. This cements Vi's choice, and Jinx's feeling of betrayal, and hence she shoots both of them. If Vi didn't push Caitlyn out of the way, both of them would have been killed, so certainly Jinx is dead serious about this betrayal. Jinx also see a delusion of Caitlyn giving an evil grin, basically mocking her for "being played," which is how she put it in the first reunion. She always had doubts whether or not Vi was the same as before, from the point where Vi slapped her before the time skip, to when she asked "are we still sisters?" in the reunion. This is the first time she has been violent against Vi, so I see this as a turning point in their relationship. Truthfully Vi did choose Caitlyn here, since Caitlyn simply has a flesh wound and she was walking perfectly fine later in front of the council. She would have been picked up by enforcers if she simply stayed on the bridge. Jinx wasn't looking to kill her, but only to take back the gem. The old Vi would definitely have picked her sister, who I would argue at that point needed Vi more than Caitlyn did. Perhaps Vi was disgusted at Jinx's murders on the bridge, as she had always been about being morally right, but it's not clear if she realized so quickly it was Jinx who set off the bombs since she seemed surprise to see Jinx there.

[@Sturzfaktor2]

At first I found it hard to believe that Vi would not try to implore her sister to come to senses on the bridge. But maybe she feared for Caitlyn after the close call with the first volley of shots from Jinx and decided that further escalation was too dangerous.

[@K-J-A]

And I agree with everything you said.

[@dg.5076]

You notice how jinx sees those little drawings when she has those crazy moments well on the bridge scene when she imagines caitlyn with devil horns and a smile her mind is also scratching vi out of the frame she might've been disappointed with her sister but here i think she just wanted to kill caitlyn so bad that for one second she just forgets vi is standing next to her and if they hadn't jumped out of the way jinx probably would've immediately regretted shooting just like with silco

[@valentinepowell2516]

I always read it this way: The most pressing memory Jinx has of Vi is the moment when Vi made her who she is, gave her her name. That Vi is taking this moment to reach for Powder above all else, to deny that Jinx ever existed, would feel like a lie to Jinx. In this moment, Vi is denying a truth about the duality within Jinx that Jinx KNOWS Vi sees, she HAS to see it by now, with everything that has happened. And this is what's changed. Jinx can no longer trust Vi to be honest with her, its the last person in her life she could trust, and that trust is broken in that moment. The change is that Vi's idealism has become too much for Jinx to bear, Vi refuses to embrace Jinx' trauma and growth. Jinx not only wanted to find out a way to reconcile her own two pieces, but also Vi's two pieces, the loving sister and the the monster who turned on her. But she cant, Vi has chosen a side, and so Jinx has to choose a side.

[@_frodan_7750]

I initially took the scene as Jinx seeing that fear on her sister’s face(an emotion she has never seen on her sister or very rarely because of that idealized version of Vi she has) and saying “you changed” as a reason for why she thinks Vi doesn’t love her. Putting the blame on Vi instead of herself as many people often do. To not feel that guilt of making her sister feel that way towards her.

[@spoonspoon8842]

The second theory links to what vi said to powder in act one, “what makes you different makes you strong” - here she was telling powder that she was perfect the way she was, even if she was different and that she should embrace her uniqueness (note: something that did make her unique from the group was her ability to invent and use weapons as opposed to physical fighting like the others). Now, as jinx, she HAS embraced it, she’s furthered her talent in invention and has managed to get the things she makes to work the way that vi has always encouraged her to. What made her different did make her strong- it made her one of Silcos most powerful fighters and gave her the ability to create a hex tech weapon from scratch that for all we know could have destroyed all of piltover. Except, even though she has followed through with everything that vi told powder in act one (which also links to the line in episode 9 where she said that she’s always heard vi’s voice in the back of her mind and it’s saved her life)- vi now doesn’t accept her. Vi was the one that encouraged her to pursue this future and yet vi is now still desperately clinging on to the old powder and trying to force jinx to be something she’s not anymore. This is the way that vi has changed in my opinion- she encouraged powder to be herself, to break the status quo, all of which culminated in the creation of jinx (“he didn’t make jinx. you did.”). Yet now vi is unsatisfied with the way jinx is and wants powder back, her attitude towards the way jinx is different has changed. This also contrasts with the way Silco tells jinx that she is perfect and she should let powder die, which probably contributes to why she was so upset that vi didn’t accept her, because now she has killed the only person that did, she realised she made the wrong choice. Edit: typo

[@dohjoe5747]

Haha exactly the same thoughts here, look at my comment just a few minutes before. Great to see someone come to the same conclusion. Brother or Sister in mind! :)

[@whosthere8658]

bingo my man

[@squirlmy]

No. At least in the sense "Jinx" is a psychotic killer who doesn't care about collateral damage at all. I mean "Vi is unsatisfied" doesn't quite match "Vi knows her sister is severely psychologically damaged and wish that wasn't so". I was very much in love with a severely mentally ill person, so I can relate. Do you want to say I didn't love them because I wanted their mental illness addressed? Don't tell me that in person, anyways. You'll see a Jinx reaction personally.

[@tumarmaa2984]

I think this is the most accurate interpretation on here. You took the words out of my mouth. Of course Vi loves Jinx, that's her sister. But the idea that Vi is afraid of what makes Jinx/Powder different, is what makes her hypocritical. Jinx looked down on her old self because literally everyone else did. All people told her was how useless she was. And now that she's powerful, people (Vi) wants the old her. Never feeling appreciated even after Jinx fixed her "weakness" is probably what drove her further away from Vi.

[@rowanedmunds7574]

TLDR: I always thought this line has nothing to do with love or VI's personality changing at all but essentially says, who VI is has changed, not because VI changed but because everything else has. VI isn't a leader, a problem solver or a solution any more. I think Jinx realises this because she needs a guiding hand, to be stable VI and then Silco filled that role. In the early episodes Jinx's mental state is tied to VI. VI is there and powder can almost die and be fine, she doesn't make mistakes, she doesn't fear the monsters because VI will chase them away. Vi gives Jinx her purpose, her direction, has all the answers and is always right. When VI leaves her, Powder makes mistakes, blows up a building, throws the stolen items away, makes the bomb and jumps into Silco's arms etc. Mylo points this out to powder with the line "Why didn't you stick with us" even if that isn't what he meant likewise the line "You made Jinx" is Jinx saying that VI's absence and direction caused her to become Jinx. Just before Jinx says "you have changed" VI doesn't stabilise her, in fact, VI causes her to loose her cool and make a mistake. I think Jinx was hoping VI would be able to make her confident, happy and mentally stable again, to metaphorically catch her as she started to fall off the roof and her sitting on the Chair was her realising that that is no longer possible. When VI says "We can run away together" she is confident, self assured, assertive and sounds like she has a plan, the kind of plan she proposed in the past to escape from enforcers and avoid other problems, exactly what Jinx needs. Silco's response is unsettling to Jinx, not because Jinx believes what he is saying about VI not caring but because he unknowingly points out the massive flaws in the plan to "Just run away", what about in a few days time, will the problems go away, where will we be staying etc. and proves that VI is no longer that confident leader. In this case, Jinx is right. VI has changed. Not because VI doesn't love Jinx unconditionally, nor because VI has changed as a person but because VI was, in many ways defined by those around her. VI's identity as a protector, a leader, even her being a sister (since their "Family" wasn't blood related) changed because she fell out of sync with the world not because the world fell out of sync with her.

[@Let_Toons]

🔝

[@jaspersbutler2784]

0:55 okay but this art was adorable

[@TorManiak]

I think there could be something to explore here. I've thought of 11 POVS of Jinx and Vi between each other based on your videos and my understanding of the show: -Violet's Powder, or _how_ she saw Powder in Act 1(ep1-3) -Powder's Violet, or _what_ she saw Violet as in Act 1 and 2(ep1-6), and how she portrayed her in her traumatized mind -Jinx's Vi, what Jinx has constructed in her mind on who Violet is now (yknow, Vi being allied and even caring for an enforcer) around ep6 -Vi's "Powder"(from her denial of _what_ Powder is now) -Who Vi sees herself as - _What_ Jinx sees herself and Powder as -Vi's new view on Jinx, still being in denial but not as much as she starts to see what has changed in her "Powder" to become what she sees is Jinx, as you slowly see in ep9 -Vander and Silco's POV of them, their relationship and how they changed it with their actions(and how they both care too) -Ekko's POV of Powder and Jinx, since he also saw the former change to latter as they grew up, but in an old friend's eye and his experience and resolution as a protector of the present -Everyone else's POV of Vi, Violet, Jinx and Powder (A spectators' pov instead of the omniscient's, like Sevika's for example). I feel like those lenses could be explored in a future video to get a deeper understanding of the important characters in their circle. And that applies to the unseen characters too, since we most likely will have more of crossovers between Piltover and Zaun later down the line, with maybe other Champions from those locations, especially Camille and Warwick(since he might be Vander yknow).

[@dylan.8801]

I think Jinx's request for Vi to kill Cait shows that she still is very much bothered by Vi's relationship with an enforcer (and one who appears to replace her in companionship) in Ep9. I think the Ep. 7 bridge scene shows that as well (Vi even leaves with Cait, allowing Ekko to attack Jinx). As such, I think your initial thought that Vi's relationship with Cait is what makes Jinx say this more than anything else. Also, I don't think Vi loves Jinx like she used to. Vi is clearly horrified by what Jinx has done and cannot accept who she now is (and as such begs her to turn into Powder again, even though this is not possible). I also find it difficult to believe Jinx thinks Vi had no love for anyone else when they were together. Vi's distorted view of Powder's strength is an interesting observation though; thanks for the video.

[@FredrikHaugen]

Theory no 2 makes more sense. Especially if you remember that the last time Vi saw Powder was a heartbroken little girl that screamed after here. That image and scream was with Vi every night in the cold, dark cell in Stillwater. The image is still burning in her mind when Caitlyn gets her out. So the grown woman she meet, who casually shoots to kill is nowhere near the Powder she last saw. Remember though, Vi changed in prison too. The Vi before was headstrong, quick to solve things with her fists. But she was more optimistic about life. She thought that they as sisters had a chance and that someday the city would respect them. All that positive vibe was beaten out of her on a daily basis in all those years in prison. Yes she was a tough, technical proficient fighter. But being around 16 in a prison wouldn't have been a cake walk. The hard shell that Caitlyn seems to cut crumbles out of was a result of those days in prison. And by reading between the lines between the jail officer and Caitlyn, that was a recurring occurrence of her getting into trouble and beaten severely for it. Growing up in Europe and quite experienced by French and Belgian comics the way to tell the story is really following their way of telling it. It doesn't use the massive info dumps of most American comics and usually half the dialogue. It has much more innuendo, hinting and implicit storytelling. Not to rack down on American comics. It's just different ways of telling it.

[@uma-piba]

Do you have any recommendations of some of these "French and Belgian comics"? Because I love this type of storytelling

[@caramel9600]

Wow. I’ve been watching your arcane analyses and this one is my favorite so far. beautiful work.

[@divonchy]

I love how straightforward and concise your videos are. I usually skip through these kinds of videos but I watch through yours keep it up

[@mathies3598]

I think it's definitely the second one, and I have to just say I think Vi's definition of uncoditional love is exactly what it should be. I could never accept my family being a homicidal murderer, even if it's caused by heavy trauma. I would always hope that there is yet a chance for them to change. I think Mel has the same principles: "my family cast me out and yet part of me still loves them" BUT: "I stopped being part of this family the moment you cast me out". clearly she reluctantly agreed to try to reconcile with her mother, but once she confirmed nothing in her had changed she firmly rejected her mom. On Silco I am torn, but I'm inclined to say he purposefully molded Jinx to be the person he wanted her to be, and therefore he could only really love the jinx that was most like himself. Ruthless. Homicidal. The same kind of unconditional love where he doesn't blame her for shooting him, in fact, willing to do that to save Vi is what makes her "perfect".

[@pikaeevee4182]

The second theory hits really hard. For me it is heartbreaking to realize that Vi really does love Powder, but does not know what to do with Jinx. It is hard to imagine a good resolution to their current relationship issues. Jinx has changed so much to the point where the person who loved her the most now fears her. Your theories are so good! Keep it up!!!

[@kolvis6626]

You knocked this vid out the ball park. Well done.

[@Elizabeth-hc3mi]

I think Vi definitely changed. Her character went from wanting to fight, to trying to keep the peace after Vander gave her the whole, "Violence is the reason your parents are dead" pep talk. I think that is the change Jinx is referring too. She barely spends anytime with Vi between the pep talk and the teaparty, so she doesn't realize it until then. In my opinion, Powder vs. Jinx isn't about sweet little girl vs. Phyco monster, both Powder and Jinx wanted to fight for Zuan. I think the difference between the two, is that Powder fights along side Vi, and Jinx fights along side Silco. She always planned on blowing up the council after the teaparty, she just wanted to know who would pat her on the back as she did it. When she realized Vi no longer wanted to fight, (evident by her refusing to kill Catelyn, and offering to leave with Jinx) Powder died for good. When she fires the rocket she hears Silco's voice, symbolizing that she would for ever be fighting for him now.

[@L0stwitn0nam3]

first time commenting /watching your videos and I'm impressed. Definitely align with the second theory of Vi has changed by being incapable of changing/ adapting to the new Jinx. Part of the reason I perceived the line "you changed too" was her regard to Cait. That the old Vi wouldn't have put new connections over her old relationship. Vi, was determined to fight the enforcers so much so she was willing the drag all of the lanes into the conflict. Vi no longer sees the conflict as black and white and realizes that there are good/bad forces on both sides of this conflict. Jinx adopted that fight first in her own way. It's definitely a combination of several realizations but leaning heavily on Vi inability to love Jinx "as she used to" love Powder. As seen in the scene with Silco attempts to shoot Vi, He truly accepted Jinx for full person She has become. Vi attempt to diminish Jinx to "powder" not only showed how little Vi understood Powder but how little she loves Jinx. Silco had the most contempt for Vi more so than Vander in the end. Not just because she poses the biggest threat to his must beloved and trusted ally, but her memory haunted and tormented Jinx as much as her own mistakes. Then to see Vi try to manipulate Jinx inorder to "disarm" her regardless the emotional and mental pain Vi was clearly putting Jinx in only infuriated Silco. It was at the moment of his death it all made sense to Jinx. Silco could forgive and even accept and love Jinx even though she shot him, Violet, the sister she believed who loved her even as a child, couldn't even accept nor forgive Powder for trying to help. She is Jinx and always apart of Powder but Vi love only came with conditions. Something that regardless of how decent of a person Vi is and her own growth to fix her past without her fist, Vi is still immature. In her advocating of "not negotiating with Silco" and her willing to fight Jayce when he realized "dead children" is a line he doesn't want to cross. He could be ruthless and even stated so to Silco, but he rather sue for peace than more bloodshed. Vi couldn't. She is still caught between trying to mature by finding compromise and punching her way to a solution no matter who dies in the process. There are no real heroes in Arcane, everyone is flawed. That is the truth and beauty of Arcane. But Jinx, is perfect.

[@schnee1]

love the contrast between silco and vi you're highlighting here, from the extreme of vi's non-acceptance of jinx even without jinx being a threat to her vs silco's total acceptance even though she kills him, that's a really meaningful parallel they set up

[@L0stwitn0nam3]

@@schnee1 I believe many people understood that moment if only through sentiment. Many reactors expectations was to cheer at the death of Silco but the mind already processed the authenticity of his love and loyalty despite the manner he approaches his goals. This only layers how exactly Jinx is not only his daughter but his parallel. Many would blame Silco as evil for creating fiends and using child labor. However, he kept those kids off the street and gave them work and income to help their family while showing them the dangers first hand of simmer. Silco is our Jinx that we want to see his actions as evil even though he's an "ends justify the means" type to the liberations of the mistreated. Even though topside/piltover knew the air was bad for zaunites as seen with the standard issue ventilators under heimerdinger watch, not one of the Piltovers wanted to fix that for them. Even Vander rather settle for peace and maintain the status quo despite the terrible treatment and air quality. He tried brought Zaunite "fresh air."

[@3numa3llis]

The relationship of Vi and Jinx follows the theme of duality in the show; their duality of past and future. It also shows us a cycle. In the show, the conclusion shows the fallout of the sisters' relationship. in your 2nd theory, you discussed how Vi actually doesn't love Jinx anymore and only wants to get Powder back, seeing the idealized version of her in the past to cope with her trauma. Episode 5 shows her misremembering the past, saying stuff like Powder can do parkour at 7 to Cait, even if the first scene of the show contradicts this. The scene where Jinx opens the tray with the cupcake illustrates how terrified Vi currently sees her sister. You can go further and say Vi only wants to fix her mistakes and guilts, seeing the moment she hit and abandoned Powder as the reason everything went to shit, externalizing a problem for her to focus on rather than solving her internal problems and trauma, which I hope Cait will help her in the 2nd season. Clearly, Vi is stuck in the past and her prison time only makes her delusionally attached to an idealistic vision of it. To her, getting 'Powder' back is her salvation, and most likely a disingenuous coping mechanism. She loves Powder, and seeing Jinx hurts her. For Jinx, she wants to move forward, to leave the past behind. However, Vi prevents her from doing so. She has doubts about her sister and uses the dinner scene to confirm her suspicion. Perhaps, she was correct: Vi no longer loves her for who she is/wants to be. She loves Vi, but seeing her love Powder hurts her more. Throughout the show, we have seen many dualities, such as progress vs. the status quo, ideal vs. stability, etc. They are viewed through the lens of social and personal constructs, in world-building and characters. In many works, the cycle is an important part of duality. It's not just the big bad vs. the big good, it can also be present in characters and relationships, their FOIL. Unlike the cycle of violence that is often depicted in the show and other mediums, Vi & Jinx's cycle is a cycle of love (and pain). Vi represents someone who wants to maintain an idealistic fantasy of the past while Jinx wants to move forward. However, their conflict prevents them from seeking a compromise in the present. Their scene from Episode 3 and Episode 6 also mirrors this. Ep3 shows Vi hurting Powder and gripping her face with hatred, abandoning Powder when she needed her most. Ep6 shows Vi caress Jinx's face during their reunion, showing up when Jinx wanted her the least; remember that Jinx wanted to move on, and having that flare going off can also represent her will to move forward from her past, from Powder. Both are present physically in both scenes, but not mentally ready to solve their problems. They also need time apart, and Vi's hot-headedness and Jinx's indecisiveness are responsible for their pain, too. Their cycle was founded on genuine, unconditional love, now twisted by disillusionment and trauma. However, they still need each other, but they will need time away from each other to solve their own problems before confronting each other again. Jinx is changed by Silco and Vi by Caitlin - which is also supported by the shots from Ep9 - showing that both are drifting away from this toxic, co-dependent relationship by obtaining individuality; to show they are more than just the sum of their trauma. I think the best direction for Season 2 is to split them up and let them solve their own issues and explore their own identity. When they are ready to confront each other, it shouldn't be because they need each other, but because they want to; because they finally want to present the version they choose to each other, the most honest and true display of vulnerability to a ghost from their past.

[@vbit32]

Third theory that I personally believed when I first watched the show, and I think it aligns with your second theory mostly: Vi changed in that, Vi moved on from the tragedy of losing contact with her sister, and the deaths of her friends. Shes still the same person but matured and stronger, whereas Jinx didn't move on, Jinx is traumatized and mentally stuck in those memories, to the point where that's everything she is now, Jinx is a personification of that trauma. So when Jinx sees that Vi doesn't share those same views and feelings, and Vi doesn't love the way Jinx wants her to, she sees that as Vi essentially giving up on her.

[@clopez6768]

i swear your analysis just blew my mind, thanks for the upload

[@jalcome4201]

Pointless to mention post-this-video, but 2:13, yh i think its interesting that Jinx never harboured any strong feelings towards topside, at least not more than is expected for a regular citizen? Ep1 Vi is the one that does the death glare towards Piltover, and its Vi that looks upon the death of her mother and cries, whereas Jinx just turns to Vi, seemingly more upset that her sister is crying, than the cause of it.

[@nonuvurbeeznus795]

I think she definitely hates enforcers. A lot. When she kills them on the bridge, she is humming the same song she was singing as a child when they were killing people such as her parents on the bridge. She remembers what they did to her and was getting revenge on them. The vast majority of the people she kills in the entire show are enforcers. With the only exception being the Firelights, who she calls 'wannabe street trash' which I find interesting.

[@jalcome4201]

@@nonuvurbeeznus795 I definitely read that more along "look she is so detached from violence that she can even enjoy it". And "only" enforcers being her target might just be because statistically thats what her violence will affect? But sure, i wouldnt be *suprised* if she does hate their guts. She's got enough reason to

[@colpul2103]

The way I took that scene: Vi did change, or better said perhaps is that her refusal to changed makes her different than what she was before: her acceptance of her sister is no longer unconditional. Vi cannot accept Jinx, Silco is 100% spot on. Vi would always be trying to get her remembered Powder back and would never unconditionally accept who Powder has become. In a way she reminds me of Spike in Cowboy Bebop, really the whole crew of the Bebop (the Anime not the crappy Netflix live action). Stuck in place holding on unable to accept a past that has long since moved on without them. You have to take her whole monologue and not just the last sentence: "I thought maybe you could love me like you used to... " - Unconditionally no matter what "even though I'm... different" - Even though I'm not who I used to be "But you've changed too." - but you are not that person anymore "So here's to the new us" - I'm not waiting on my Big Sisters anymore, I'm moving on to whatever this means for 'us' This is so powerfully echoed in the closing theme 'What Might Have Been'; 'I had to kill the part of me that needed you more', 'Why can't you love who I am?', 'I want you to hurt like I hurt when I play what might have been.' Vi's change is that she can no longer lover her like she used to. This is kind of apparent at the end of episode 6 when Vi see Jinx fighting the Firelights and seems shocked by what Powder has become. From that point on Vi wants to 'kill Jinx' to get Powder back, the same way Silco wants to 'kill Powder' to save Jinx. Neither are able to recognize that Powder and Jinx are the same person.

[@ak_mini160]

Excellently crafted video, Arcane was so much more than I ever thought it would be, watching it is always a joy and I love to see well thought out break downs of character interactions.

[@thedog2375]

i always figured the 'but you changed to' was referring to way back when she though Vi had abandoned her; it was Jinx coming to 'terms' with the fact that (in her eyes at least its a fact) Vi isn't the same source of unconditional support and love she can depend on, the same sister she can lean on. it was the moment she realized that things couldn't go back to the way they were, her very relationship with her sister had changed, and therefore the person she had known had changed in her eyes

[@josegash9378]

To me it means that vi is putting an enforcer between both and that is something that vi in act 1 would never do and she attacks her own people with jayce which is something that vi pre time-skip would have never done. She like vander did understand that the enemy is not piltover, the enemy is the idea of both part of the city believing that are two cities.

[@SauronGorthaur01]

But Vi does not put Caitlyn between any of them, she makes it clear she would actually go away with her and in turn also not see Cait ever again. It's just that she won't actually kill her.

[@KongFuzii]

@@SauronGorthaur01 vi left the bridge with cait...

[@lemarcash]

@@KongFuzii yea after jinx nuked it lets be realistic

[@lzmunch]

Vi literally attacks fellow zaunites in act 1-Silco’s goons

[@SauronGorthaur01]

@@KongFuzii After her sister nearly killed her lmao.

[@cinder8151]

Vi absolutely changed. She's not the same revolutionary punk teenager she was before being thrown in prison. She's lived in Still Water for years with the knowledge that she is partly in this position because of what Powder did. Even if she won't admit it, there's a part of her that deep down hates Powder/Jinx a little bit. A small part of her that blames her for destroying their family. Vi's love for Powder and Zaun in general has absolutely waned since they were separated. We see this multiple times like how she chooses to save Caitlyn over talking it out with Jinx and Ekko when they're about to murder each other. She lets them fight to save her. When Ekko gets shot by Marcus, what does Vi yell out? She yells out "Caitlyn". Not even a mention of Ekko, a childhood friend that she cared for and that looked up to her. At the council meeting, Vi's the one that gives up Jinx DIRECTLY TO THE COUNCIL OF PILTOVER'S FACES. Someone that has first hand experience of the abusive horrors of prison, yet she would doom her sister to that same fate so willingly. She then advocates for a war against Zaun when the rest of the council tries to shun the thought away. She has no problem sacrificing undercity children all for her vengeful crusade against Silco, stating that they're simply casualties of war. When presented with the option to kill Caitlyn and be with Powder once again, she doesn't even hesitate to refuse it. She chooses to spare an enforcer that she's known for like two days over her own sister. I could believe that this wasn't evidence of change if she had at least pondered the offer a bit more or had shown any sign of conflict over the decision. Contrast this with Silco's more firm decision to give up his lifelong dream to keep his daughter, and it is clear that Vi absolutely does not love Jinx like she used to. If anything she cares more about seeing Silco lose than getting her sister back. This isn't a bad thing. It's simply who she is now.

[@hxhchimeraantarc2268]

I agreed. I was surpised by the scene of the bridge attack one. She acted totally different then what I thought she might. I mean she can let ekko go with catilyn and she can confront jinx. She already knows ekko and jinx are totally not on the good terms too.

[@KajiinSkyrim]

Vi did change, she stayed in prison for probably 15 years given jinx's looks afters the time jump. When she got out the baseline of piltover and zaun (rich and poor) was always the same but everything else was different. she started hanging out with an enforcer in the chance to find her sister, something that the young Vi would have never done. She went to the council in the high city to discuss about silco when in reality she would ve done it by herself without the need of those rich guys, she never trusted strangers, now she goes to the people that she always hated to discuss an issue about zaun. she became more trustworthy, caring about people that she would have never cared before, the change happened only after she went out of prison tho. Jinx saw that her sister stood beside an enforcer loving her as her girlfriend, caring about the people in the high city and she also thought that Vi was stabbing her in the back. especially when Ekko and his fireflies took Vi away when they finally saw each other again reinforcing the last trauma she had when they parted away years before. "I guess you changed too" means "you now care more about the high city and that enforcer than you care about me and zaun" therefore Jinx chooses to remain jinx instead of going back to powder because as you said they are too far apart from each other and that's crazy because Vi is actually not the crazy one of the family but she could not see that.

[@praised1745]

It’s 10 years she spent in prison

[@KajiinSkyrim]

@@praised1745 i mean, ten years is a long time, especially for young people, when she got out both of them were fully grown adults.

[@bwclaw8005]

such good takes!!! I initially only thought the second and had trouble putting it into words but you do it here perfectly. but the first is also super thought provoking and honestly I feel like even tho you said they were kind of opposite, I reckon they definitely both play into how Jinx is feeling

[@Redymare]

Ok, before watching this video: As Jinx says "But you canged too", Caitlyn is shown. So I assume she is referencing how Vi doesn't see all enforcers as evil monsters anymore, wheres Jinx still does. Vi even teams up and (assumedly) falls in love with one. And ultimately Vi refusing to kill an enforcer is what cements Jinx' personality.

[@schnee1]

Ooh curious about your thoughts after viewing! Also, why you think Jinx didn't kill Cait in the end if that was what bothered her so much?

[@mkmc94]

@@schnee1 because it's about her sister choice not her.

[@schnee1]

@@mkmc94 I hear that for my theories, but if the issue comes back to her own hatred of enforcers and her view of them as monsters, then she'd still kill cait once vi refused.

[@Redymare]

@@schnee1 Guess I agree with Chap VII, as Jinx also didn't kill Caitlyn on every other occasion where she could have. And there's many of them. Yeah, maybe Jinx doesn't hate the enforcers as much, as I thought. But then asking Vi to kill Cait would be asking for A LOT, when even Jinx wouldn't do it. Also, Fortiche have been very subtle about how they show/convey things. So showing Caitlyn as Jinx says her line could very well have meaning behind it. But yeah, after watching the video, I think I'd lean more towards your second theory. The entire table scene being a test for Vi has always sounded very reasonable to me. On a side note; I love how Jinx' reaction and the facial animation show how smart she is: As Vi suggests for them to leave the city, Jinx immediately switches from being angry to contemplating how exactly that would go down. You can really see how she's playing out the scenario in her head and 2 seconds later asks where they would go.

[@schnee1]

@@Redymare yeah her reaction is really interesting, i think it's clear that she's never even thought about leaving before and she just can't grok it

[@briellekohler480]

Is it just me or that line “ Nothing ever stay’s dead. “ could mean more than just one thing. I’m wondering if jinx might be referring to powder never really dying, which could lead to leaks for season 2, however I, myself, don’t even know if I’m anywhere near being right.

[@TimTamSlam7]

i think its more the fact that Jinx is referencing that Powder will never be able to die for her, as its a recurrent trauma. She could also be referencing the fact that Silco's death is now immortalised in her mind. Vander is now Warwick, and the many faces of Mylo and Clagger are a source of her trauma that she sees everyday

[@crisnmaryfam7344]

@@TimTamSlam7 Most people havent read the lore and you blew their mind with the warwick thing haha.

[@shadowclaw8607]

I think you hit the nail on the head. I LOVE this show. Your breakdowns are very comprehensive

[@hebe_lia]

this is such a great video, thanks

[@bluwrenn]

The first time I watched it, I came to the conclusion that it was answer #1, since so many of Jinx’s actions and her anger up to that point had seemed to be fueled by Vi’s relationship with Caitlyn, but answer #2 is super interesting. I almost think that I settled on answer #1 just because it’s super heartbreaking to think that Vi can’t and won’t ever be able to love her sister again as long as she’s Jinx and not Powder. Jinx still only wants her sister’s love but she’s changed so much that her lack of morals and empathy will never allow Vi to love her, even though all Vi wants is to love her sister again, which is really so heart wrenching and intricately written. I also almost feel like the it might somehow be some combination of answer #1 and answer #2. Love your videos!

[@commissarluke2898]

If you listen closely to the ending song then you can tell that they're referring to theory 2, it's why the song is so impactful and moving. Because it's about VI and Jinx. I am referring to: "Sting - What Could Have Been" "Why don't you love who I am?" "I couldn't care what invention you made me , Cause I was meant to be yours" If it isn't and the song is just fitting then fair enough.

[@crisnmaryfam7344]

They are referring to the fact that Vi (in Jinx's eyes) was 100% against the topside and the enforcers for the death of their parents, Vi grows up in prison, and after, realizing the world is not just Zaun and pitolvers issues, She then falls in love with Caitlyn, a mortal sin to Jinx at this point, loving the enemy. This is how Vi "changed" in jinx's eyes. This is further elaborated in the lore that takes place right after season 1, mind you this was written long before "Arcane" came about Jinx's biography - "Jinx’s bombastic spree seemed endless, with the wardens’ attempts to catch the culprit thwarted at every turn. She began tagging her works of destruction with vivid graffiti, and other taunting messages directed at the city sheriff’s newest ally in the fight against crime, Enforcer Vi. Jinx’s reputation grew, leaving the people of Zaun divided as to whether she was a hero for sticking it to the arrogant Pilties, or a dangerous lunatic for escalating existing tensions between their two cities. After months of ever-increasing carnage, Jinx unveiled her biggest plan yet. In her trademark electric pink, Jinx daubed the walls of the Ecliptic Vaults-one of Piltover’s most secure treasuries-with a very unflattering caricature of Enforcer Vi, and the details of her own intention to rob the stores within. An uneasy sense of anticipation settled on Piltover and Zaun leading up to the promised date of the heist. Many doubted even Jinx would have the guts to show up and risk almost certain capture. When the day arrived, Vi, Sheriff Caitlyn, and the wardens prepared a trap for Jinx outside the treasury. But Jinx had already smuggled herself inside by way of an oversized coin crate that had been delivered days before. When Vi heard pandemonium erupt from inside the structure, she knew the wardens had been outclassed once again. She burst into the treasury, and the ensuing confrontation left the Ecliptic Vaults a smoldering ruin, and the merry mischief maker Jinx nowhere to be found. Jinx remains at large to this day, and is a constant thorn in Piltover’s side. Her schemes have inspired copycat crimes among the chem-punks, as well as numerous satirical plays lampooning the incompetence of the wardens, and even a smattering of new colloquialisms throughout both cities-though no one has yet had the courage to call Enforcer Vi “Pretty-in-Pink” to her face. Jinx’s ultimate endgame, and her obvious obsession with Vi, both remain a mystery, but one thing is certain: her crimes are continuing and growing in sheer audacity." "Enforcer Vi" something that young Vi NEVER would have done... Also, Sheriff Caitlyn.. she wasn't sheriff in the series. I assume when season 2 kicks off, it will open with her in that position and Vi serving under her.

[@anmayo917]

Incredible how you still come up with new analysis every week

[@carlosbermudez537]

Your content never fails to deepen my appreciation for this masterpiece. Thank you.

[@Azakadune]

I generally agree with theory 2.

[@botmaster9000]

Jinx may have been referring to Vi originally wanting Powder to be stronger. After Vi sees that "Powder" is stronger, Vi wants for "Powder" to be the same as she was before. Vi wants the exact opposite of what she wanted before the timeskip.

[@george-by]

Such an interesting video, thank you.

[@rangerlovee3324]

wow i never thought i could love someone i dont even know but the way you pick this apart and your use of language and understanding is amazing!

[@sabrina0013]

I love it when you present these "paradoxical" counter-arguments. It's such an interesting way of looking at things holistically and come to a grander realization instead of trying to dogmatically nail down one specific truth

[@cosmicklutz1675]

"Here’s to the new us" followed by her blasting the council to kingdom come was just the most gripping thing in this entire show

[@LyanneNinac]

I guess there are a few hints of changes on Vi that are quite subtle, but to Jinx means a lot. Jinx didn’t view Caitlyn as just an enforcer, but as one of the monsters Vi would chase away when they were little in their games (how Jinx views Caitlyn as a demon and her torturer), and Vi refuses to chase away her demons; how Vi’s desire to fight the upside were a lot more aligned with what Silco wanted, rather than Vander (which made her confront him constantly in front of Powder), but she was willing to work with one of them and make an agreement with them; and most importantly how Powder was always her first priority (even if she did care for other people), but not only Caitlyn felt like she COULD be turning into someone more important than her sister, this whole fight against Silco and to save the undercity, to do what was right and moral, became more important than saving her sister, having in mind Vi did out Jinx to the council, she did leave her again in the bridge to help Caitlyn and go to the council, so Vi was putting her moral, the fact that there were other people to fight for first, when in the past Vi did fight to give Powder a better future, it isn’t the same anymore.

[@sn1p3z54]

Jesus man. The way you articulated your cases was fantastic and the way in which you developed your explanations was incredible, it was like you were saying things as I was realising them based on the sentence prior. 10/10

[@9000Will]

so I'm remembering a line Jinx says during that scene something along the lines of Vi always being with her, guiding her, helping her to be strong. I think the Idea that Jinx's memory is been reduced entirely to strength is so on the money. Like the scene where she goes the boxing game to beat Vi's high score. Jinx may get her craftiness and manipulation from Silco but her strength and brutality comes from a Vi that never existed.

[@InfernoFoundry]

There is a much simpler reason. The series opens from a very clear perspective... Hazy around the edges as if someone is looking between their fingers... It's from a little girl's perspective. Powder's perspective. The very first figure we see is an enforcer brutally killing someone... The smoke clears and we see this mechanical face mask, emotionless.... cold heartedly killing the citizens of Zaun... This is different to how the citizens of Piltover see enforcers.. They see them with little top hats and frilly skirts patrolling events or buildings.. This establishes the villain of the story... just like stormtroopers and Darth Vader in Star Wars at the beginning of that movie... and the makers of the series have just shown us who the evil of the series is... See, from Powder's perspective, the enforcers are the root of all her pain... they killed her parents.. they came and dragged Zander away... Marcus and his enforcers imprisoned Vi.. The enforcers are nothing but pure evil to Jinx... and even Vi looks at the enforcers with hate when Zander first carries the two of them off the bridge in the beginning... Even when Silco rages at Jinx about killing enforcers... her eyes light up.. They have caused her so much pain and suffering.. so why not return the favor? Vi has changed in Jinx's eyes for one very good reason... She is collaborating with and protects an enforcer, Caitlyn. That is like going over to the enemy... So.. to Jinx, Vi isn't the same anymore. Vi has softened, where Jinx has only gotten harder. She sees Vi's ability to see beyond her own pain as a weakness... She takes the hex gem from the cupcake and looks at Vi with sadness... her eyes saying: "I'm sorry sister.. but this has to be done." To Jinx, she has to show the council that the citizens of Zaun are no longer afraid to fight back.. something her sister seems incapable of. Vi's compassion for the enemy is something that Jinx can't reconcile... All her pain ... all the problems of her life have been caused by enforcers and the council that oversees them.

[@TheAngryLibrarian]

I really love this video. You always have such unique and challenging perspectives, and I appreciate it. The thought that Jinx was the reason she and Vi couldn't be sisters makes me really sad, and thus I'm inclined to believe the second theory more, but I honestly I wouldn't be surprised if it's a bit of both. The fact that Vi would show any amount of fear or disgust towards Jinx for supposedly cutting off Caitlyn's head would not only contradict the idealized version of Vi that loved her and ONLY her, but also solidify in her mind that Vi *doesn't* love HER, but only Powder. I just really love thinking over both of these angles for what "You changed too" really means for Jinx.

[@Demon-mt7zd]

Thank you for this video! I was actually so confused when Jinx said that Vi had changed and both theories make a tone of sense!

[@dartxni]

This is really good. I really loved the take on how both Vi and Jinx's memories had degraded over time

[@lukeari8777]

I absolutely adore these videos! Super happy i stumbled across your page

[@clopez6768]

woah, thanks for explaining the table scene

[@HarryWizard]

You talk very quick. I love it.

[@amgadmigo2788]

I actually understood her line differently, In my mind I always thought that Vi has really changed because after the time skip she was accepting the people of Piltover going as far as to take their side and to also befriend Caythling who is one of them, I think Vi before the time skip would never has done that as she hated everything about Piltover back then.

[@crisnmaryfam7344]

NOT only befriending Caitlyn, an enforcer and pilty, but falling in love with her.. Whom Jinx is vehemently against. But yeah. This is further detailedi nthe in game lore and biographies for the characters. "Enforcer Vi" - Sheriff Caitlyn" from jinx's bio - "Jinx’s bombastic spree seemed endless, with the wardens’ attempts to catch the culprit thwarted at every turn. She began tagging her works of destruction with vivid graffiti, and other taunting messages directed at the city sheriff’s newest ally in the fight against crime, Enforcer Vi. Jinx’s reputation grew, leaving the people of Zaun divided as to whether she was a hero for sticking it to the arrogant Pilties, or a dangerous lunatic for escalating existing tensions between their two cities. After months of ever-increasing carnage, Jinx unveiled her biggest plan yet. In her trademark electric pink, Jinx daubed the walls of the Ecliptic Vaults-one of Piltover’s most secure treasuries-with a very unflattering caricature of Enforcer Vi, and the details of her own intention to rob the stores within. An uneasy sense of anticipation settled on Piltover and Zaun leading up to the promised date of the heist. Many doubted even Jinx would have the guts to show up and risk almost certain capture. When the day arrived, Vi, Sheriff Caitlyn, and the wardens prepared a trap for Jinx outside the treasury. But Jinx had already smuggled herself inside by way of an oversized coin crate that had been delivered days before. When Vi heard pandemonium erupt from inside the structure, she knew the wardens had been outclassed once again. She burst into the treasury, and the ensuing confrontation left the Ecliptic Vaults a smoldering ruin, and the merry mischief maker Jinx nowhere to be found. Jinx remains at large to this day, and is a constant thorn in Piltover’s side. Her schemes have inspired copycat crimes among the chem-punks, as well as numerous satirical plays lampooning the incompetence of the wardens, and even a smattering of new colloquialisms throughout both cities-though no one has yet had the courage to call Enforcer Vi “Pretty-in-Pink” to her face. Jinx’s ultimate endgame, and her obvious obsession with Vi, both remain a mystery, but one thing is certain: her crimes are continuing and growing in sheer audacity"

[@Panoptes100]

Excellent analysis here; I like both interpretations, and I LOVE the fact that Arcane leaves it unclear. But I feel like the "hope for the future vs settle for the present" idea you present is a false dilemma. There has to be a way to accept the facts of the present while still holding on to hope for a better future - in fact, I think that in order to change things for the better you HAVE to start from accepting the way things are now. What this means specifically for Vi and Jinx is still a question, and it's possible that the show is deliberately exploring this false dilemma ("I love you, and I know you can do better," vs "That means you don't love me the way I am"). This kind of false dilemma or opposition appears throughout the show, like in Jayce's growing pragmatism vs Heimerdinger's untethered idealism, where we can clearly see how Heimer's lack of understanding of the reality of Piltover has hurt the people of the undercity and makes him an ineffective leader, but we can also feel uncomfortable with the things Jayce does in the name of practicality. The fact that the writers put such effort into the theme of duality (I forget which interview they said this in) while still also tearing down that very duality (or at least the notion that these different sides are truly opposed) shows the level of craftsmanship that went into the story. My dream would be to see all these dualities and false dilemmas gradually evolve into a bunch of Fichte-esque syntheses (as in thesis-antithesis-synthesis) - I say, having never studied Fichte in any kind of depth. :/

[@beatpclove4978]

Hey I think it's pretty cool I actually listened and enjoyed this, you're a smart, wise speaker.

[@vividratsculpordwarf]

Brilliant analysis.

[@danidsds]

That's a bloody great interpretation!! Makes a ton of sense, and yes, I agree that it's likely both theories combined. Although Vi cannot admit it, she doesn't love who her her sister has become and if she were to ever realize that Jinx will never change (for example, if Jinx were to kill Caitlyn), then Vi would probably try to put her down with a thought process of something like "I have to stop you before you cause more harm." She doesn't admit it, but she doesn't love the current "Powder". And, Powder/Jinx sees and knows this. In a way, Jinx has a clearer picture of the situation than Vi. They've drifted apart too much, their values are too different, there's no way their bond can endure this.

[@jalcome4201]

Dmn. Another great video. Definitly believed Theory 2 before going into this. But yeah, we can be so brave and claim that both are true at the same time - intentionally. Great stuff

[@d15p4tch6]

Impressive analysis!

[@Niggel56]

Great Video. But I think you could have also included the Song at the end in your theories, a lot of great phrases in there about their relationship. Especialy the line "Why dont you love who I am?" fits your option 2.