Jinx's WEIRD change in Arcane | therapist explains

[@mylittlethoughttree]

Use the code TREE for 51% off World Anvil with the link worldanvil.com/?c=mltt Or else try it out for free!! Patreon link: www.patreon.com/mylittlethoughttree Buymeacoffee link: www.buymeacoffee.com/mltt

[@MrViscious]

She takes all that with her because her home is the airship. Her lair is the airship so when she takes the airship into battle means she knew no matter what she was never going home again. Maybe to a new home or new adventures but she was making it so she couldn't go back.

[@ComingInFast]

Arcane really nailed what being on the brink of suicide feels like. When I started watching I wasn't expecting to be brought back there. Too many works of fiction think suicide comes from having the big sad, but Arcane properly conveyed the reality of it's origins in despair. Emotional pain can be used to grow, or used as a motivator. However the complete absence of hope, nothing to push through, is a wholly different darkness that most people, at least I'd hope, can't relate to, which is why I think so many writers can't quite get suicide down right. I especially like that Ekko has to find the right words to talk Jinx out of it, and it's not a simple "her friend told her to believe" situation. Her jumping instead when he says he's trying to talk her out of blowing them both up was a fantastic touch, as it shows the goodness in her that she can't see I think you're spot on with your take on Jinx bringing the dolls with her. To atone and change means accepting what's happened to you and what you've done have been woven into who you are. I do like the contrast of her changing her look from the symbol she'd become, but still carrying her past along for the ride. That's true growth, and not parading avoidance around as change. For me personally, I'm stuck with my self harm scars, which while it sucks to have a constant reminder of that dark time, as I become more bewildered by the fact that I was willing to do that to myself, I can see how far from it I've come. As the saying goes "Don't compare yourself to others, compare yourself to who you were yesterday". Arcane did a terrific job portraying the journey from hope to despair back to finding hope again Jinx is a masterclass in writing a troubled, damaged character. The writers struck it all. The mental and emotional turmoil, hope and despair, love and hurt, and ultimately healing and growth. Nothing about her character felt like a one dimensional character trait. They wrote what felt like a real person. It's refreshing to have a troubled character that isn't just their mental illness, but that mental illness is instead part of the character's journey

[@mylittlethoughttree]

Beautifully written comment!

[@carnagecookie]

I REALLY wish we got to see the full conversation between her and Ekko…

[@mylittlethoughttree]

It wouldn't help with the pacing of the episode but I'd have still loved it

[@quigsthevicious]

That's a tough one. It might diminish the balloon entrance if we knew Ekko had convinced her to keep trying. The cavalry coming to the rescue here is so exhilarating I'd hate to tamper with it.

[@timgray1664]

@@mylittlethoughttree We should have had either more episodes or extended episodes IMO. I liked the finale but it really felt like there was a lot missing, and that makes sense because apparantly they cut 60 minutes that would have been in the script

[@SteveJubs]

We had to make time for all those music video montages though!

[@peteryang5056]

I’m fine skipping the full conversation between Jinx and Ekko, as the scene where he convinces her not to kill herself conveys most of what that conversation would’ve been. And we can infer the rest from Jinx and Ekko’s appearances when they return during the battle. What I think the episode really needed, the scene that it’s really missing, is the subsequent conversation between a newly-rejuvenated Jinx and *Sevika.* They spent so much time in Acts 1 and 2 building the burgeoning relationship between the two, but we never get what feels like the thematically appropriate payoff - that is, a scene where Jinx finally, willingly takes up the mantle of leadership that Sevika has been urging her to take this whole time. How poetic would it have been to see that, and to have *that* be what convinces Sevika to join the fight against Ambessa’s army?

[@LISA.WANG.]

“You’ve always meant the world anvil to me” love it, great sponsorship 😂

[@Paxility]

Spoilers man

[@mylittlethoughttree]

I won't say I didn't laugh at my own joke

[@haremking7256]

what do u mean not intimate???...in the deleted footage i saw in my dreams it was very much intimate

[@staLkerhu]

Also the art book is very telling...

[@thegoldman25]

I'm so glad you got around to covering this, because Jinx's "change" from season 1 has been on my mind. Keep up the great work!

[@1987Onslaught]

I don't know if you're doing these videos to help others see the potential they have in themselves, but you're doing a good job at it. Sometimes things are hard and I feel like giving up but listening to your videos do help. Thank you

[@mylittlethoughttree]

It's not my direct intention but I certainly like to discuss the meaningful stuff, so it's always nice when it leads into something people find positive. Glad it helped :)

[@montenegroafro4454]

⁠@@mylittlethoughttreeplease please keep discussing the meaningful stuff, even on top of your own personal favourite topics. You’re really helping people on this platform.🙏🏿

[@ToasterMan58]

2 Arcane Videos from My Little Thought Tree and schnee in the same day 🔥

[@wolfnoir730]

And both talking about Jinx :D

[@mylittlethoughttree]

Seems I've got a video to watch, then!😂

[@sophiefuldauer]

I actually thought this was my absolute favourite video of yours I've seen! This is some very practical advice, clearly illustrated.

[@mylittlethoughttree]

Thanks! That means a lot actually. Sometimes when a video gets low views it can feel a little like I did something wrong, but I really enjoyed making this one and I'm proud of it ☺️

[@SchnibbiSchnipfelBibsl]

I really appreciate the way you talk about these characters. It feels like you talk about a friend of yours, who you spent a lot of time with and who got close to you. Fictional characters never are just fictional, they are more than moving images on our screens. Similar to the point you made about Vander in this (26:29) and a previous video, our relationships leave traces on/in us. Their fingerprints stay with us. Relationships with fictional characters can develop, they can feel real, which is reason enough to me to treat them with respect and dignity (even though they arent of flesh and bones). And I feel understood in this by you. There is intimacy in watching characters like Jinx and Vi on screen for several hours. Besides other things, your videos show me that I am not the only one wondering about them, thinking of them sometimes, maybe feeling like there is something special about them? That there is something they want to tell me about life?

[@coffeeaddictedwriter]

I really enjoyed this analysis. And I totally agree that "leaving a few things behind" isn't about cutting these things off completely. I have a lot of things to say about this, but at the same time, you already said everything I was thinking. Thanks for the video!

[@ayuminor]

This was really beatifully structured and explained! Especially loved the exploration of what kind of language it takes to reach someone stuck in shame as well as the philosophy detour on how to move forward in life. Which is basically the whole video, so yeah, good job 😅

[@mikaelaslaveykova2102]

Listening to your videos is like very much needed therapy.

[@crowleytn]

If, in the alternate universe, Vi and the boys never had to save Vander then did AU Powder ever realize that the hextech gems caused the explosion? Powder only realized their explosive power when she went "stir crazy" and dropped the bag containing them. So in my mind Powder tucked them away because they were a reminder of when Vi died and not because she knew their power and that they killed Vi. I do not think that AU Powder even realizes that her actions killed Vi. She never built anything with them because the building (maker) part of her has yet to be more fully engaged. There is potential here for her interactions with main Ekko kick starting that maker part of her.

[@peteryang5056]

I think she probably knew by the time “our” Ekko shows up, although it’s certainly ambiguous. My reasoning is twofold - first, in the aftermath of the explosion, the authorities would almost certainly have figured out that the hex crystals were the cause of the explosion. Especially if Jayce survived the explosion himself. Viktor was called in to investigate the explosion even in the prime timeline, after all, and helped confiscate the remaining crystals. Since Powder would’ve actually stayed in the apartment in the AU timeline, she would have had front row seats to the discovery of how the explosion occurred. Secondly, our Ekko returns to the apartment and finds the shards of the crystal from the explosion embedded in the walls. He shows them to Powder and Heimer and enlists their help in building the Z-drive. We don’t see any indication here that Powder is shocked by this discovery, nor by the clear implication that it was the crystal that exploded and killed Vi. Powder’s no fool - even if Ekko didn’t tell her outright what caused the explosion, she would have put two and two together once confronted with the broken pieces of what turns out to be a magically potent crystal taken from the very site of the explosion. The logical takeaway then is that she already knew that the Hextech crystal was the cause of the explosion, and had already long since processed the guilt and grief that knowledge would have created. Otherwise I think she would have been far more horrified by the reveal of the crystal shards than she appeared to be.

[@crowleytn]

@@peteryang5056 - That seems possible. One thing I wonder though is if Powder stayed with Vi, until the enforcers showed up, then would they not have searched her and found the gems? Thus taking them away from her. I cannot imagine a scenario where the enforcers show up and not search all of them to return all stolen items. We see Powder hugging and crying over dead Vi but do we see the enforcers apprehending them? Did they all bug out of there before the enforcers came into the room and thus Powder still had the gems in her belt pouch? I definitely think that Powder is putting things together with main Ekko but then that is also the time that her "maker flame" is starting to spark. Main Powder's "maker flame" was sparked by the desire to build bombs and weapons to protect herself. But a Powder that did not have to protect herself would not have had that maker part of her come to life yet. If main Ekko kicks starts that "maker flame" then would she build something with those gems or do you think she would never touch them from the fear of what they did to Vi?

[@peteryang5056]

@crowleytn That’s a fair point! I suppose Powder might have just been better about hiding the crystals than she was in the prime timeline, but that’s admittedly speculative (and probably unrealistic). I still think that AU Powder’s lack of surprise at Ekko bringing her the crystal shards is only really explicable if she already knew the crystal caused the explosion, but I’m not sure how to square that with her getting away with the other crystals. Food for thought! As for her “maker flame,” I totally agree with you that AU Powder’s interest in science and engineering was dormant or latent until main Ekko sparked it anew in her. As for what she’ll do with that spark? I tend *not* to subscribe to the common notion in the fandom that she’ll try to recreate the portal to seek out out main Ekko. She clearly loves her own Ekko and didn’t seem to me like she was super torn up about the realization that main Ekko was leaving. Instead, I read her reactions as a form of loving acceptance - she knew that main Ekko wasn’t her Ekko, and although she held his memory with affection, it was not at the expense of her own. Instead, I feel like it’s more likely that she simply becomes inspired by main Ekko’s memory to blaze her own path of innovation in her own universe. Whether that includes developing Hextech is an open question. Certainly she now has the means and background knowledge to do it. But I read her closing the drawer on both the crystals and Ekko’s pendant at the end of the episode as her closing the door on those parts of her life - locked away, with love for Vi (the crystals) and main Ekko (the pendant), but to be left in the past as she moves on with her own life. “Sometimes, taking a leap forward means leaving a few things behind.”

[@crowleytn]

@@peteryang5056 - I agree with you that AU Powder will not seek out main Ekko as she seems to be mature and understanding about who she is and what she wants. I also feel that she will not develop Hextech. She seems to be able to put things away and move on from them. Thank you for sharing your thoughts.

[@mochii813]

Its still so sad how we only get to see glimspes of what shes thinking in the finale through canon outside material 😔

[@txbiaz]

you should do a video analysis on why some jinx fans can’t watch a video on her psychology without tearing up :) but fr thank you for always covering our girl

[@eunminji2994]

I find the concept of fate to be despairing recently as the year ends, and I relate to Jinx as I find it relatable to feel utterly hopeless of not being able to escape from one's same tendencies and repeating situations, despite how the recent years had helped realize that there will still be people who'll stand by my side believing of the potential to rewrite or leave it all in the past. These potentials to be better have haunted me as much as the actions of my past, so it is comforting how you thread the subject and how it relates to Arcane. It really made me appreciate Ekko's shift in outlook by the near end of Arcane as I think he was able to trace a line between what was and what could have been all while doing so in service of the present (giving an opportunity to others like Jinx and Viktor to see beyond their own beliefs of humanity and have their chance to grow and take accountability of their selves). Might understood it wrong but I liked the analysis and it did get me to think :3

[@mporkchop6663]

Thanks for the Arcane videos! I can't tell if these have been helping or hurting my current obsession with Arcane, but it's definitely moving me in some way, so I think that's something good. I'm very interested in psychology and why people do what they do and what causes this, which I think is a part of the reason why I love Arcane so much, because there is so much to the characters. I have also recently gotten into film/tv as an art form and a way to express a story and say something unique or interesting about life. The problem that I find myself having with this is that while I find it very interesting, I feel unqualified to say much about it and I find it difficult to pinpoint what my thoughts are on things without feeling like I'm regurgitating other people's words and opinions or like I can't get to/am missing the true message. I guess I'm just wondering what your journey has been to be doing something like this or if you have any advice for someone who finds something cool and feels moved to do something (I have no idea what though) but is feeling stuck with what to do with that.

[@mylittlethoughttree]

I think there's a few points there. On the one hand, there's nothing wrong with regurgitating other people's thoughts. Sometimes that's the best way to start figuring out your own. Secondly, art is often so open to interpretation that either there isn't a true message, or how it feels for each of us personally can be more important than what it was trying to say, so I wouldn't be afraid to say or think ideas that other people might consider "wrong" or inaccurate. If it feels a certain way to you, then you'll at least partly be onto something. Thirdly, don't expect to understand easily or immediately. Often, I just have a vague thing that interests me when I sit down to make a video. I have no idea what the hell else to say but as I work on it, more parts slowly come together like a puzzle. When you don't understand, don't let it daunt you or make you feel stupid: it's part of the process. Fourth, it doesn't always have to be about what the meaning is. Sometimes you can explore "how" the art presents that meaning or presents it's story. Artistic decisions that do that very well or sometimes make it weaker. Sometimes that's a good first way in

[@mporkchop6663]

Thanks, I really appreciate your response!

[@quigsthevicious]

The gas this show pours on wishy washy thinking is why it's unforgettable. 1+ month later I still can't decide if Jinx trading art with Ekko is heartfelt optimism or a Union Jack, a symbol of unity among former rivals, that she uses cynically to help save Vi.

[@pinosaddam]

from episode 7 and jinx artbook i would argue ekko and jinx had a sweet and romantic moment too before the fight😅

[@BrentODell]

What struck me in the scene with Cait and Jinx is that Cait says "no amount of good deeds can undo OUR crimes". I think Cait needs to forgive Jinx in order to prove that she can also be forgiven for the things she's done.

[@claudiaborges8406]

Troubles me that the text kinda implies Jinx still ended with a _spuk_ from her relationship with her family, not really knowing how else to resolve it (as if the sacrifice was meant to be cathartic for her) Like her trauma was still in the driver’s seat and she didn’t understand imaginary-Silco’s lecture on “prisons of the mind” 15:40 I interpreted that as her lacking the self-steem that Vi had given her on the original timeline alongside the whole “welp we shouldn’t have brought her”. In the AU it’s “you can’t do this” while in the original is “you can but it always ends badly”. One had “you never left, always a voice in the back of my head, pushing me forward” while the other one never did 17:40 my thoughts of Ekko are almost 100% in line with what Schnee said in one of his recent videos. Ekko just kept moving forward, sorta stuck in the present, stressed, but not thinking about his past outside of what related directly to his present situation. He was struggling against Silco, not just avoiding, as we can see from his forward approach to tech and resistance + the whole “surviving isn’t enough”. Then he forgets what else could be, struggling *against* the present, which is just gonna burn him out. This is why I interpret this whole episode as him at no point wanting to stay, and when he contemplates that, Powder encourages him not to. He never sounded resentful to come back, but in the process he also brought back an important lesson Didn’t sound like he dwelled much about on his past in the original timeline, in fact we see the opposite: “thinking like that will drive you crazy” or smth along those lines; and the exact shape of his conflict is revealed on the bridge, we see there that his thinking is missing some pieces. Jinx sounded fine in arc 2 of s1 until her past was brought up, she too froze when faced with her memories. There’s a parallel here even if barely. Jinx unfortunately had a much larger and convoluted problem to deal with and was only able to imagine anything outside of it with Isha

[@madpostman]

Amazing analyis of Powder/Jinx! I really like your insight that Powder/Jinx shouldn't erase the past, or wallow in it, but to use it to help her grow. To learn from it to do the right actions in the present, and hopefully build a better future. In my opinion, it's a lesson we should all live by. ^_^

[@elikanest6027]

she is not powder again cause she wanted to be jinx all the time without shame. this is why she made a big fluffy move to save everyone. and if you recognize it is just abondanment fear. when jinx is enough, she is not belong; when powder is belong, she is not enough. thats it.

[@elikanest6027]

i dont think she doesnt believe herself because she believes she is a curse. she doesnt want to believe her potential. she wants to believe herself. and only way is death. cause everyone else believe her potential. Are you aware of how viciously someone may be broken by that?? that potential is your mask. that potential is always better than you now. if you die, you will kill the potential which caused you a loveless life.

[@elikanest6027]

its like everyone shout you "do better, you can do better!" but no. i dont want to do better. cause i did all of this to be loved. i cant fight anymore to be loved more. cause it doesnt work. ekko changed it. ekko gave the love from nothing. zero. no condition.

[@belldandy_PZ]

Such a great video!

[@montenegroafro4454]

Although Jinx saw herself as fatalistic in causing destruction around her, I don’t think Cait was shaming her to admit her wrongdoings when she said “No amount of good deeds can undo our crimes.” Emphasis on ‘our’, Cait also acknowledges the bad things she’s done since the beginning of s2 act1 (i.e releasing the Grey in Zaun, establishing martial law and oppressing Zaunites for the actions of Jinx and her supporters). Cait doesn’t want Jinx to apologize and say her actions were wrong (or regret them) because 1) that would be very hypocritical of Cait considering the bad she’s also done, and 2) to get Jinx to acknowledge the negative consequences (negative results) of the actions she committed. She wants Jinx to empathize or at least understand that people were hurt and lives were ruined because of her actions (regardless if it was fate or not). So when Jinx says “I didn’t know your mom was there. It probably wouldn’t have made a difference but…I didn’t know”, she acknowledges Cait’s pain and suffering. Even though Jinx doesn’t necessarily regret her actions “..it probably wouldn’t have made a difference..” she still understands Cait’s pain of loss that she’s had to carry and project it onto Jinx; hurt people hurt people, it’s the cycle of violence. This was a beautiful video btw, I don’t mind the length, because it feels like listening to an informative helpful podcast while doing housework. Also, as a Timebomb fan I am glad you mentioned how Ekko and Jinx marked each other, implying an intimacy (possibly romantic feelings) between them. I love their relationship so much!!!

[@evahofbauer5939]

I read somewhere that she cut her hair because Silco always braided it and she doesn't know how so that's my headcanon now

[@gabbylikeskicks]

My thoughts when Jinx said "Worlds apart" was probably a jab at Ekko's story of the Alternate universe. Worls apart, as in different universes. Of how even in death, AU Powder still wanted Vi's memory to live on through her She says it sarcastically because initially they were at each other's throats, thinking killing Vi was the solution to free herself from her past, was false. That she will always be her sister, no matter how things turn out

[@tonichan89]

Those coloured 'pink' highlights aren't pink. Not like Vi, anyway. You can compare it to the big of pink she has in her hair in the alternate universe, which is very much Vi's colour. I think the difference is significant, especially if you want to ascribe meaning to it. (I do believe there is meaning to it, not dismissing that, I just don't think the pink she has in her makeover is a reference to Vi, or it would've been Vi's shade like it is in the alternate universe)

[@mylittlethoughttree]

Neither do I to be honest, it's something want to make a video all about though

[@icon4634]

I LIKED THIS!

[@qqq555-w6v]

I don’t think Caitlyn’s trying to shame Jinx. She’s posing rhetorical questions: we can’t undo OUR crimes, now what? What about Vi, caught between the two of us? Like Vi said, who has the right to decide who gets a second chance? It’s Caitlyn seeing how grief and trauma can bring out the monster within everyone. They were both unable to process in the aftermath of tragedies. That they were both victims and victimisers who continued the cycle. Caitlyn letting go of her hate, breaking the cycle and letting Vi be the one to decide what she and her sister want. In the end, Vi stayed because of Caitlyn’s love, just like Jinx’s love make her come back to save Vi.

[@mylittlethoughttree]

Not consciously, no. Most people who do shame others aren't intending to do that but it can still happen. Caitlyn has a desperation and an eagerness for Jinx to do the right thing and that boils into a level of frustration with the way she poses her questions and wishes for an answer

[@qqq555-w6v]

Valid point. I think Caitlyn saw Jinx as a mirror. She had an overwhelming shame and I think every question was also for herself. Everything she’s doing to herself was reflected onto Jinx too, consciously or not. She’s also trying to hold herself accountable. She didn’t think she herself atoned for her mistakes. She also didn’t think she’s suited to pass that judgment. She’s used questionable means to bring jinx to justice. Now that jinx’s surrendered, then what? I think Caitlyn’s innate empathy did return here. She saw was a broken human being. Before she was truly terrified of Jinx and had intense trauma response when it came to her. I think Jinx’s grieving process was arrested with Silco. She seemed to be healing again until almost lost everything again, she finally unravelled. It seemed like she hadn’t cut her hair since that fateful explosion. Somehow she might have externalised her trauma and expressed them outwards as it was hard to deal with it. Now internalising, she felt the full blunt of it and directed that energy inwards. I agree that though the last part was like a redo to save Vi, but her falling off like that was so tragic (even if she survived).

[@totalfree8740]

In stories, female figures such as Eve, Pandora and Powder were Curious which led to destruction and a beginning that we know of.

[@mirelaanghel6155]

You perfectly explained WHY I grew to like Jinx' character so much in season 2, as opposed to season 1. And despite this great analysis, I cannot help but feel disappointed in how Vi does not get to leave her past behind the way Jinx does. Amazing video, and I cannot wait to see what you're cooking for us next!

[@TomEyeTheSFMguy]

I don't think she has to have done it like Jinx does. Vi still gets to move on, fully into her relationship with Cait.

[@iza_2022]

For how long does the discount for World Anvil last? I'd love to subscribe it

[@reemelsennary9499]

I need to know what's up with the bunny ears

[@lenasilva9169]

❤

[@NotEHcop]

jinx has an enneagram type 4 fixation

[@NotEHcop]

talk about jayce or mel next. for the life of me they're the only 2 characters i can't figure out-

[@NotEHcop]

you are my new schnee, and i don't say that lightly-

[@mylittlethoughttree]

Oh damn, thanks!!☺️

[@nickl9461]

Bad writing. Done. There I did the video. Bye

[@mylittlethoughttree]

Even for a youtube short, that doesn't pack much insight 😆

[@Jack_c18GB]

Oh sweetheart how wrong you are 😂😂😂

[@honeyghost7917]

It was a weird change because the writers killed her character in order to fit the plot… what a disaster of season 2 that barely anyone acknowledges

[@pattamon9432]

She was killed and resurrected. Even Jinx acknowledged it

[@TomEyeTheSFMguy]

There's small scene that implies that she's not dead. I'm not talking about the pink streak. I'm talking about the scene moment where Caitlyn looks at the building plans and notices the air ducts. There's no other reason to show that part of the scene other than to imply that she escaped. Then there's the blimp at the very end.

[@honeyghost7917]

@@pattamon9432 was that jinx or powder? Or what is convenient for the plot? Because season 1 finale is all about her becoming and embracing Jinx at its fullest, even bombs the council… and then fucking isha appears literally fallen from the sky and all her mental issues are gone!! What a joke hahaha it’s laughable that mental health is solved just like that

[@honeyghost7917]

@@TomEyeTheSFMguy in mean character killed as in her motivations, her arc, her struggle, her mental illness and over all personality… is gone by episode 3

[@TomEyeTheSFMguy]

@@honeyghost7917 Her mental illness is not gone. Her motivations are changed by her circumstances. She still has an arc. Her overall personality is still there. I don't know what you're talking about when it's right there in the show. I can definitely say they really didn't kill her character like that.