SOS Bros React - Arcane 2x8 Reaction - Killing is a Cycle!

[@blumae1170]

As someone who focused on Jayce & Viktor plot in s1, (despite it being about Jinx & Vi story), the plot revolving around them plot is definitely planned and imo has the best pacing in arcane all throughout. I wouldn't mind it being more fleshed out, but there are hints. It probably helped that I didn't consider their story as some sort of side story to the sisters' story, which, understandably, majority of people who watched arcane latched onto and paid more attention in s1.

[@fijardim7]

Yeah, and the name of the show also 🤣

[@project5877]

I think the problem is people are used to A plots and B plots where they just assume that the Vi and Jinx stuff must be the main story instead of the idea that what all of the characters do has an impact. Hell the council wouldn't have even been meeting when the rocket hits if it wasn't for everything Jayce does in S1. Im shocked by how many people just seem to ignore the fact that the Hexcore is demonized by Heimer and he refers back to the allusion of powerful mages wreaking havoc on the world and that becomes an exact parallel for what is happening now. I think the main problem is that too many people have an idea for what the show must cover and so when it deviates from that it feels wrong

[@simo04gr38]

I don't know how you see Ekko basically possessing a time machine and think, yea that probably not gonna be important later on 😅.

[@jrlombardi5251]

Did I misunderstood them in the discussion or they said they believe Viktor/Jayce plot and Mel's plot weren't planned since season 1? Bc you can criticize the execution, especially pacing, but you can really really see on season 1 that those plots aren't stuff that they just came out with in season 2 out of the blue.

[@nanithefck6434]

Well I won’t say that the seeds weren’t planted in season 1 but I think this is the worse part of seasons 2 I still think it’s a 10/10 but the rose victors (in my opinion abrupt) change all of it needed more time to cook or be built up everything about this season was perfect just the rose and the hex stuff feels outta place to me

[@gigachad3925]

Yeah S1E2 has an allusion to the Viktor plot that can’t get any more explicit.

[@gamana6179]

I myself missed a lot with Season 2 because of how fast the pacing is. It probably hasn't sunk in yet. But, you are right everything that didn't have to do directly with Vi and Jinx in Season 1 set up the ending. They still haven't seen the smoking gun though that actually comes in the last episode and loops back to the first. Also if Caleb or Jacob actually read this, I know your trying to dance around KZbin monetization, but you can just say that Vi got to eat her Cupcake.

[@jo2362]

I also don't understand the framing of "S1 is 10/10, S2 is subpar". The story has been set in stone since prior to S1 release, with cut scenes of course, but you have to treat it as a complete product. Outside of Isha, there aren't any new subplots, everything was seeded in S1.

[@ikram-258]

​​@@jo2362just because the story was planed from the start doesn't mean that the two seasons are on the same level, this logic doesn't make any sense. Season two was good but it had pacing issues, season one on the other hand was perfect

[@АлинаКостылева-ф2ч]

"Jinx, Caitlyn and Vi stuff is what we here for" - hard disagree, my boys Ekko and Jayce stepped up as best characters this season

[@broadwaybroad]

Hard disagree, I’m here for Cait’s character arc this season.

[@MajorCrasher]

The Viktor and Mel plots were definitely rushed but the seeds for them were absolutely there in season 1.

[@ikram-258]

I agree when it comes to victor but there wasn't much in regards to Mel's powers. As someone who isn't familiar with lol's lore thoses gold tatoos on her back didn't mean anything to me

[@MajorCrasher]

@ikram-258 it was less seeded in Mel's tattoos and more in Ambessa's aggressive attempt to acquire hextech as fast as possible.

[@ikram-258]

@@MajorCrasher that doesn't hint at Mel being a mage at all. It just shows that Ambessa have some serious issues

[@Silent_Eric]

@@ikram-258 The first hint was only there at the end of the last episode of season 1. But it WAS in season 1. To the point that many non League fans I've watched reactions of said, "Why did her back glow gold? Mel is gonna survive, she has something that will help her survive."

[@jamesliggins891]

@@ikram-258 season 1 literally ended with a hint at her powers

[@RobClouds]

Oh no dude they’re still on the parallel universe train for this episode, that is unfortunate.

[@jrlombardi5251]

While it's true that Mel's plot was really rushed, it's also definitely not true that the black rose just went "well, you're one of us, we'll let you go" convenient kind of thing, it has everything to do with how they want to use her too and the ways they can do it, her power and position lead to that (and she's the only one who can actually do something about Ambessa in the whole mess she's helping with, which would affect everyone), and while they'll apprentice their sisters, they won't just let her go bc she asks to and that's shown, it wasn't just a convenience for the plot. Would this be expanded more and better to be more clear and deep if they had more time for the plot? Ofc, but at the same time it's not like it's something that isn't on the plot or can't be noticed, it is there and not even in subtext alone

[@slipstream5762]

I do feel that it's hard to grasp because Arcane really doesn't explain the Black Rose at all. In Arcane we don't get a lot of context as to what they really do within Noxus, or even what their purpose is besides "having powerful magic", so I can definitely see where a lot of confusion is for non-League fans.

[@alexwang3282]

@@slipstream5762 they definitelu save it for the futurn. as they already confirmed Noxus would be in the future shows.

[@jrlombardi5251]

@slipstream5762 arcane says enough to be aware of this, that's the only reason why I'm clarifying

[@nesqux7934]

After you finish Arcane, you definitely should check "Welcome to Noxus"

[@stancinatti8198]

I didn’t think Mel could get any hotter yet here we are

[@m..na.]

silco really got me this episdoe 😢

[@spinnerbron]

episdoe…

[@SmileytheSmile]

Oh no... when Jacob starts okaying, something bad's gonna happen.

[@lastthing8173]

I can't help but laugh everytime I see people not realizing and being proud of Jinx for deciding to leave in this episode. They didn't see the signs that I did. It goes to show why in the real world these things continue to happen. People just don't understand it, they don't see it. What do we need to do better to help them realize. Its not isolated to one reactor, its most of them.

[@jo2362]

You don't know what you don't know. What might be obvious to you, isn't to other people.

[@lastthing8173]

​@@jo2362 Yea thats what I'm saying. And im saying that Its a problem that people cant tell the signs and that somthing needs to change so they can. However it needs to change it needs to be done

[@Licentious_Fluff]

What you are saying in the end might be true but the way you bring up the topic and how you project yourself so egotistically takes away from the importance of anything you try to say for most people, if you really care for "doing better" it might be useful to acknowledge and bring up the subject without riding your imaginary high horse.

[@lastthing8173]

​@@Licentious_Fluff egotistically, im sorry if I came off that way. Genuinely not my intention. As someone who has been, perhaps I have a somewhat more emotional investment in this. I'm not insinuating im better because I can, I'm just sad that others cannot.

[@Licentious_Fluff]

@@lastthing8173 I understand how it becomes a somewhat personal investment when it's something one has gone through, as you mentioned it is a sad reality that many signs are easily missed or even ignored, however as the commenter before me told you what may be obvious to you can be completely alien for others who've never been affected or in contact with such topics, even those who have may not necessarily notice. Your phrasing in your original comment made it seem, at least to me, like it gave you an air of superiority for knowing when others did not, my intention was to not to attack or offend just highlight that it's possible perhaps even better, to express your displeasure with the fact that it's uncommon for reactors to notice or point out the condition of Jinx's actions, with better phrasing to get your point across better.

[@Viranna95]

i really really loved season 2 and im vary much in love with it but even i can see that this season would be soooo much better with one more episode to flush out some of the side stuff to give more meat to it but even with out it i feel like they did a crazy good work fitting this much in and still making it work

[@broadwaybroad]

Or use episode 7 to move the actual plot along and not just have it be 50% fan service. It definitely killed the pacing.

[@ladynoluck]

Enter two of the sickest character designs 🥰

[@jrlombardi5251]

Call me optimistic but I actually have a lot of faith on the next projects, not saying they all will be Arcane season 1, Jacob was very right saying that if it was so easy to make something like that then it would be everywhere and more normality than a masterpiece, otherwise it wouldn't be and it definitely is, but I'm confident all the projects will have a really high level and some get to season 1. I don't think they'll be sacrificing stuff from the show they are in for future ones, I think the downfall of Marvel also taught that to everyone who attempts a connected universe and Arcane writers aren't exactly the ones I see not learning from it. Now that they had this experience with Arcane and actually lived what it is, like actually having to make it all fit, release the show like that and hearing the audience's takes, I'm just sure they won't make a story that needs to be longer than what they actually will have to make it. A lot can go wrong in the middle ofc, it won't be as easy as getting told certain show will have certain number of seasons from the start and them just making a story that fits that, but with this experience, knowledge and their talent, I'm sure from now on they'll be able to build the story for what they have and handle inconveniences on the process better than with this season, and this season is already fucking awesome despite its problems, which already talks a ton about the level they have. So yeah, I have faith in this universe.

[@pichirandoms8301]

idk what you think but to me… Jinx breaking the cycle by leaving was very Anthy Himemiya leaving the Ohtori Academy of her.

[@poyo1619]

This season was absolutely undercooked in retrospect and this episode is the glaring example of that. So much jumping around and scenes with little to no lead up. There’s no real conversation between cait and vi about her actions as the general, no reconciliation in the piltover v zaun mess, caitvi just randomly gets together despite all the issues between them they should be discussing, no scene addressing how zaun is affected by any of the viktor stuff. It’s just everywhere and it’s sad for such a good show.

[@Raven-bythesea]

I think personally this is my least favorite episode of the season for awkward fast pacing, tying so many story lines together without the runtime to fit them together neatly. Then again I disliked ep 8 of season 1 a bit more compared to the others for a similar reason. I think they did good with what they have but most of the issues are better talked about after the final. That being said I'm a lesbian. I LOVED the direction of Cait and Vi getting together, very well shot scene with character mannerisms. Absolutely horrible timing placement in the episode and series to the point it feels like its mocking Jinx. Probably one of the worst timing decisions of the season to me. I will give Vi credit in that we can assume she didn't read into Jinx's intentions, she only read the situation as her sister betraying her and physically hurting her again when she tried to reach out before running off leaving her behind in a cell. then Cait showing her how much she trusted Vi to give up everything she'd worked for for the past year and on top of that admitting to concerns she'd thought Vi might be upset with (Very happy with her being like yeah I saw someone). I think Vi's trauma and issues of trust aren't nearly acknowledged as much as they should be by fans tbh, I especially love how Vi specifically has issues with giving out her affection because everytime she reaches out from S1 to S2 to ANYONE she's met with physical violence in return to the point I'd love to watch some analysis discussing her association of love to her experience of pain. But that's shown so badly. IDK I just hate how characters were handled this episode because you can read into the intent but also know that intent was not well executed. This is me trying to be forgiving to the episode, genuinely dislike how they treated the timing of the jinx then vi scenes here. But thats just my opinion.

[@RobClouds]

agree. The only thing is that I don’t think the reason Vi did that was because she misunderstood Jinx, I think it was cuz she was hopeless at that point about her, which in that case she was right even if she didn’t know exactly why.

[@PixieDustAndFire]

I really like the ending of this episode though. Victor evolving everyone and himself is beautiful and horrifying. I love the song too.

[@NoctilucaBloom]

I felt like I was being mocked, because I was pretty sure I knew what Jinx was gonna do, so there was relief when Cait got to Vi because I was feeling frantic, wondering how much time had already passed. Then it turns out Vi didn't pick up on any of the signals, she's feeling betrayed by Jinx, there is zero consideration from anyone for how it was ISHA'S DEATH that brought her into this state. I think it was an absurd decision to have Vi gloss over that when talking to her sister, because she spent the last few weeks? bonding with Isha and witnessing the depth of that relationship. Her sister basically lost a little sister/a child, Vi would know how that destroys a person. And then we have sexy upbeat music and a sex scene. It was admittedly really tastefully done and would have made me giddy under any other circumstance. But I was just in disbelief. Could never have guessed those sequence of events lol

[@jo2362]

Casually forgetting that Vi isn't going to abandon the upcoming battle to find Jinx when both Piltover and Zaun are at threat of being wiped off of the map. She took 10 minutes to get a nut off, it's not that serious.

[@raec5426]

I think they should have shown Vi trying to look for Jinx after she could get out of the prison cell, then unable to find her and think she physically left the area, have a more somber sex scene with Cait looking for comfort. They forced the sex scene too much in the prison cell setting and the tone felt too celebratory after losing her sister. lol

[@BlueDefender006]

I find that I am liking season 2 more and more with the rewatches more than the initial viewing. I think it is due to the fast pacing making me miss specific details. Starting to love season 2 now as I am noticing more details with Mel's arc especially if you rewatch season 1 just before.

[@DXDragon38]

Jinx: Spiralling into Depression, hearing voices telling her to end the cycle 😭 Vi and Caitlyn: I'm FEELING FANTASTIC! I'M F*CKING FANTASTIC! 😍

[@SaguntoYT]

The writers did Vi's character really dirty in this season.

[@ikram-258]

The most misplaced sex scean i've ever seen😅

[@Vearsin]

Now that they've gotten here, reaction to the "the line" live? Anyone?

[@kiney4473]

New Dark Episode today? Or tomorrow

[@Hat-Trick]

I agree 100% with them on this. It’s disappointing just how much of this season was actually just contracted into different highlight montages, so many of them could have been interesting full episodes. They pulled it off splendidly mind you considering the episode limit. But seriously… what could have been…

[@raec5426]

If each of the episodes could have been an hour long instead of 40 mins and extended length finale as needed, it could have worked much better

[@MitsumiProtecc]

What's replacing this?

[@robotwizard3358]

Probably another western animated show. I’m going to guess castlevania nocturne since it’s a sequel to castlevania.

[@steffenzimmermann7087]

I don't think season 2 is much weaker than season 1. The story is weaker. The characters are weaker. But on the flipside I find the visuals, the atmosphere, the sound have all improved, which is amazing since I loved these things in season 1 already. A lot of my favorite scenes are from season 2. I love the end fight of Episode 3, I love everything they've done with Warwick, I love most of what they've done with Victor. Episode 3-7 I just found myself constantly baffled by how the series constantly managed to amaze me - and I want to clarify I'm not at all talking about the story only how things look and feel. Episode 7 might be my favorite episode of the season, even though there are many other contenders. I didn't mind them giving time to some of the side characters at all, I had actually hoped for more of that. Probably my biggest issue with the show is how they didn't manage to add meaningful things to season 2. Except for Ambessa all the new characters are forgettable. I also think that (even starting in season 1) Vi is one of the weakest characters in the show and her relationship with Caitlyn is the worst duo in the show. To clarify I have nothing against Vi as a character or that relationship, I find the execution in the show lacking. With Vi and Jinx I feel how much they care about each other in every single scene, with Vi and Caitlyn I get none of that I get some cute lines but most of it comes out of nowhere. Also I never understood why they start hanging out in the first place. Vi hates topside, wants to fight them for her community, wants to show them who's the boss wants to protect her people. Then she gets thrown in prison for years, forgotten and abused. She comes out of this and, instead of ditching Caitlyn first chance she gets, they work together, despite Caitlyn being nothing but useless at the start. And instead of celebrating how Jinx has become a fighter for the Undercity, she wants to hunt her down for her crimes against topside. There are some explanations for all of this, but I find the show just does a bad job showing us the character development and having some of the worst arguments and dialogue in the show doesn't help.

[@thejediofuspartii538]

React to Blue Lock

[@SaguntoYT]

*Jinx:* "My existence is nothing but meaningless pain. I'm about to end myself." *Vi:* "Understandable. Just let me get laid in your cell real quick." 😂

[@Brakthir]

to be fair, ive seen this sentiment come up endlessly 1. Vi had no indication what Jinx meant was killing herself. 2. Vi had no means to find Jinx even. She has no idea where Jinx is 3. Every person finds different ways to cope with grief

[@SaguntoYT]

@Brakthir Dude, anybody with a brain watching this could tell she was suicidal. If my sister told me something along those lines, using that voice tone, with an explicitly depressive look in her face, the first thing I would've done is to go after her. What do you mean she had no means to find Jinx? Ekko literally found her back in the Last Drop. What makes you think Vi couldn't do the same? That's just common sense. Lazy writing IMO.

[@Brakthir]

Are you an idiot? Ekko found her because Powder in episode 7 TOOK him to her lair. That is how he knew where to go. No one could find Jinx when she didn't want to be found. Also, what? Please tell me exactly what she said that indicated she was going to end herself? Or that Vi had ANY indication that Jinx was going to end her life? "Don't have to worry about me anymore" doesn't mean I'm going to kill myself. It means you can stop chasing after me, i'm not worth it or a million different ways to interpret it. Just because that is how you interpreted it with the gift of hindsight (because you saw the next episode) doesn't mean everyone else did. I mean ffs, the brothers didn't get that at all from the scene. They have no idea she's going to attempt to kill herself, if you actually listened to their discussion

[@fumi-5536]

@@SaguntoYT i wont really argue most of the points cause everyone takes away what they will from this story but every character has had traits and flaws unique to their person. But - *edited to separate spoilers for next episode* also Ekko did not find Jinx in the last drop, it was her underground base that powder showed ekko where it was in the alternate timeline and vi wouldnt know where that is.

[@SaguntoYT]

@@fumi-5536 That's actually an interesting point I never thought about. We never really got to know where Jinx's secret base is located, right? At least I don't remember it being mentioned at any oint during the show

[@mx9226]

Cait and Vi’s cell room scene seemed a bit out of place to me. But I remembered a French studio animated the show. They pretty open with pleasure.

[@tayahangysl7751]

that vi caitlyn sex scene in the prison was so out of place and unnecessary, felt like the creators were like here you go lesbian fans jerf off to this since this is the last season lol

[@zoid_on_youtube]

i think that was literally it. like, the people who wanted that scene, really REALLY wanted it, so it was like fine here you go. And for the rest of us, we just kinda sit there awkwardly and nod politely. Happy for the lesbian fans, I guess.

[@lovequinn7521]

Or it could also be wrapping up that build up since S1 coz as gamers said, those two have been a thing for a decade and not only lesbians are rooting for this? I’m asexual and I was happy they tied that up the way they did coz they did say a lot through few words and a lot of actions. There’s apology, forgiveness, letting go and finally choosing themselves.

[@gustavgustav2670]

Ok, so when would you have had it?

[@raec5426]

​@@gustavgustav2670I think they should have shown Vi trying to look for Jinx after she could get out of the prison cell, then unable to find her and think she physically left the area, have a more somber sex scene with Cait looking for comfort. They forced the sex scene too much in the prison cell setting and the tone felt too celebratory after losing her sister. lol

[@michaeldecock3952]

It makes sense to me. It's the first time Vi puts her own happiness infront of Jinx after literally getting "permission" from her own sister. (apart from their fight in ep3) Other than that Vi has always put her sister above everything else. She went behind Caitlyn's back to break Jinx out, risking losing Cait forever.

[@arturjunemann7838]

I didn't really like the whole black rose subplot but i spat out my drink laughing when they called mel an empath, still not sure if peak comedy or peak cringe

[@LeapYearJay]

Is the insinuation here that Mel IS NOT? As in, she doesn’t show signs of being an empath?

[@arturjunemann7838]

@LeapYearJay i mostly found the stereotype of a mysterious magic figure showing up saying that being an empath is a rare Expression hilarious, bc the writing is usually much better than that. almost all Humans have empathy to varying degrees, making that an identity or "Superpower" with a term like empath is often kind of a meme. In regards to mel, she is good at reading peoples Feelings and motivations as an intelligent trained Diplomat, not bc she feels too strong for other people, many charakters in this show outshine her on empathy (e.g. Victor,cait,ekko and grayson)

[@fijardim7]

​@@LeapYearJayyes, that's the joke actually

[@brbrd102]

This final arc was for sure rushed. The showrunners said the intent was always 2 seasons, but i don't believe it. Wasn't a fan of some of the cringe fan service either. As for the time travel stuff, that's just part of league lore and has been for a long time.

[@gustavgustav2670]

What was the cringe fan service?

[@gustavgustav2670]

Ep7 was a criminal waste of screentime and leads to a lot of the pacing issues in Ep8 and 9.

[@mentholnewport]

obvious bait

[@raec5426]

The season was gonna still have plenty of issues regardless of ep 7 tbh

[@gustavgustav2670]

@mentholnewport not at all. We spent 28 mins for ekko to basically get the Zdrive and rizz up an AU powder. Ridiculous. That time could have been spent with him in Zaun with the firelights, rallying Zaun as their leader, finding Vi and actually soeakung to her, seeing the real Jinx and seeing her change in the actual timeline etc. Not some AU fantasy.

[@komil8636]

ep7 is the only 10/10 episode of season 2

[@gustavgustav2670]

@komil8636 it's pure AU fanfiction.