Turning Point For Caitlyn and Vi | Arcane Video Essay

[@gracetaylor2767]

I did notice (like you did) that when she heard the shots, she yelled out for Caitlyn instinctively and prior, when she hugged Ekko goodbye, she gave him a light hug and kept her eyes on Caitlyn. Even though Ekko has known her for her whole childhood, Vi was focused on having to say bye to Cait. She hugs her tightly and gently rubs/brushes the back of her neck, before lightly gripping on Caitlyn's collar (also noticed Vi's very small nuzzle and she leant in closer to Caitlyn's neck and how her eyebrows were furrowing upwards which usually means she's quite sad) and the obvious nuzzle Caitlyn does back to Vi with, also, her eyebrows upturned too. And after their whole 'Oil and Water' scene, Vi goes to Jayce and still mentions Caitlyn there. In episode 9, when Caitlyn has the machine gun pointed at Jinx and Vi says "no, no, no" and "she's my sister" you can see Caitlyn feel that conflicting in her mind as she decides to not shoot her. Vi defends Cait at all costs in that scene, telling her to "keep Caitlyn out of this" and even offering to run away together just to keep Jinx from shooting Caitlyn (Vi is very clearly panicking every time Jinx mentions or threatens Caitlyn and looks at her so lovingly/desperately despite their last encounter). The whole thing where Vi utterly freaks out with the dish and I loved how Jinx said "your girlfriend", it sounds so right. Also that very last scene where Caitlyn is clinging to Vi and Vi is just firmly holding her waist to keep Caitlyn on her feet. She is still holding Caitlyn close to her and Cait goes to her only source of comfort left in that very distressing moment, Vi. I'm rambling, there are SO SO many details that all lead to this ship and how they are definitely NOT just friends. The End-

[@Giulia-om2gl]

I LOVE YOUR WRITING

[@gracetaylor2767]

@@Giulia-om2gl thank you!! i did cringe a little when i saw this again bc arcane was a VERY strong phase of mine, but i appreciate it

[@DjDaniBee]

I didn’t think there was a reason for a big goodbye with Ekko on the bridge. He’s going to deliver news to Piltover and will probably come back home to Zaun, where she expects to be Powder. Vi and Ekko can expect to resume their lifelong friendship after this. But Cait won’t be hanging out in the undercity and Vi won’t be hanging out in Piltover. They collaborated for a few days and this is probably thanks and goodbye forever.

[@bidulus1]

I wanna start a petition to get a side show alongside season 2 that's just Cait and Vi on a vacation somewhere being all lovey dovey, that's all I need 😂

[@WarpedLord]

I would watch the hell out of that. Probably repeatedly (like I have with S1).

[@Giulia-om2gl]

YES PLEASE

[@triddie12396]

I’ll probably watch it religiously

[@mathies3598]

It's actually a pretty controversial scene - but I feel like people who get upset at Vi for not yelling for Ekko, mostly forget the characters can't see everything we can. She didn't know it was Ekko who got shot. And there's the whole childhood vs only a few days thing, but those few days with Cait were the recent ones, at a time when Vi had nobody else.

[@jaroslavsvaha6065]

I think there is another very important moment on that bridge that I didn't hear anybody talk about. The moment when Ekko grabs the gem from Jinx and tells Vi and Cait to leave. Vi always did all she could to protect those around her, and I can't imagine she would accept Ekko sacrificing himself before. But now she is willing to do it because she had to make sure Cait is safe.

[@DjDaniBee]

That seemed like a practical decision to me. They’d seem Ekko handle himself around Jinx before. He’s been fighting her for years now and he came prepared. Meanwhile Vi and Caitlyn were totally unarmed, and Cait injured, and Jinx had just shot at them, so talking didn’t seem likely.

[@triddie12396]

If you look very closely you can see Caitlyn trying to block Jinx’s bullets from hitting Vi and Vi tries to push her away. The bullets do push them apart by coincidence but Vi and Cait were both trying to protect each other the way they knew how, Caitlyn protects Vi by holding her close and Vi protects by trying to push her away for her to take all the damage

[@psgamer-0199]

I've read people talking about Vi yelling Caitlyn's name in that scene (the first time, and I believe only time so far Vi calls Cupcake by her name) before. But listening to your take (all your takes about these two, really) is sublime, I gotta say. There's a moment when you mention that Vi yelling Caitlyn's name could be a small thing to notice. Others might think it's a small thing to notice. But the truth is, on this show nothing, not a single detail seems to be small; *specially* and *specifically* when it comes to Caitlyn and Vi's relationship. And I'd be lying if I said this isn't the reason why I love Arcane in the first place. It is not the animation, it is not the action, it is not the soundtrack, it is not the characters stories (besides Caitlyn and Vi), it is not the drama and angst. And *I swear I adore all of those and they are all TOP NOTCH* . But it is Caitlyn and Vi what drove me to Arcane in the first place. There's something about them. Or *everything* about them that has me hooked. And I love it. I love it ALL. Thank you so much for another wonderful and thoughtful video about these two. Goodnight.

[@vigotdatcake]

She called her Caitlyn when she found Jinx the first time. “Caitlyn, please we can talk this out”

[@ClockMonsterLA]

I enthusiastically support your ongoing exploration of Vi and Caitlyn's relationship. I never tire of seeing and hearing new insights. Keep the Violyn ship sailing!

[@StopMeOh]

Ahaha thanks!

[@Glaubenskrieg]

I said the same thing, Vi has known ekko for years, he's like her brother but she calls out caitlyn's name. I thought it was also because Vi was probably thinking about Caitlyn as she's walking back towards the undercity, reminiscing all the things her and Caitlyn have been through hence it was natural for her to call out Caitlyn's name in that moment, not Ekko's. It is a great moment. I love how much detail goes into this show. Everything is intentional and we'll thought out of and open to interpretation which hardly any show can achieve.

[@catherinegonzalez1622]

Caitlyn actually saved Vi’s life in season 1 on 3 separate occasions. Everyone forgets that Vi was serving LIFE in prison…and THAT was the first time Vi’s life was changed by Caitlyn.

[@StopMeOh]

Yeah I made a video about it! :)

[@Thunder.lizard]

Every moment of this show has so many details, every bit is open for interpreting. One of the features that makes this show great! Yet another detail to explain what is going on in Caitlyn and Vi's heads, the attraction between them. Enjoyed this essay, looking forward for more Arcane videos!

[@StopMeOh]

Thanks :)

[@Piotr_J93]

I would say that Vi made another declaration of her feelings towards Caitlyn, right after they huged she touched Caitlyn's cheek it was like saying "Don't be worry my dear I will come back to you". It just shows how good Arcane is written and animated when you find more and more new details HALF A YEAR after premiere. Can you believe it is half a year already but it is a good news, we are half a year closer to season 2

[@StopMeOh]

Yes! And also, there are some rumours s2 might still be out in 2022 which would be insane

[@Piotr_J93]

@@StopMeOh I would be so happy but I can wait as long as it takes them to make it as good as s1 actually we may get some info closer towards World 2022

[@asarishepard8171]

another Arcane video? I'm here for it!!

[@Zut0502]

Vi needs to be the one who protects. To be the one who goes headlong. And in a way yes, Cait replaces Powder in Vi's eyes. She transfers her need to protect onto the young woman. And I think on the bridge, she still thinks that Cait needs to be protected. Because in Vi's eyes, Cait comes from a different world, calmer, seemingly gentle (and only so because..WE know she's wrong). She also harbors prejudices against topsiders. When she calls out to Cait from the sound of the gunshot on the bridge, I think obviously the point is to show Vi's fondness for Cait. But it's also because Vi thinks Echo is capable of defending himself. He is of her world, he will rise again. But Vi is wrong about Cait. The young woman is not fragile. She is also a woman who wants to protect. Who is strong. Hence her attitude when shooting jinx on the bridge. She curls up on Vi, to use her body as a shield, while Vi pushes her away, to keep her away from danger. Same goal, opposite method. This is what makes their dynamic so interesting and complementary.

[@marydacumos7421]

Great analysis. Every tiny gesture, action, look, word, etc. means something in this show.Thank you for breaking it down so well! Looking forward to the next video!

[@StopMeOh]

Thanks a lot :)

[@Fionalah]

It always surprises me how many KZbin reactors miss Violet/Caitlyn's little moments, or even just see them as 'friendship' and nothing deeper. I love your Arcane analysis! Please keep them coming!

[@StopMeOh]

Thanks a lot, will do!!

[@kendaph11]

It’s amazing nobody else has talked about her calling out Caitlyn. So happy you noticed that I did too. I think you’re so right.

[@StopMeOh]

Yeah I really think this is so important!!

[@MrR2D2TS]

Another video added to my Arcane related list. Also, if you are interested in other people's Arcane videos, Champion Analysis recently put out one on the parentification of Vi.

[@j.f.fisher5318]

Good call. This is beautiful. Easy to miss but now that you point it out it's huge. I love how deep this show is.

[@BirSorunumuzVar]

it has been more that a year I'm still watching videos about them. so these scenes are not 'almost nothing', it is everything for us :D and I'm a bit sad that I noticed your channel very late

[@StopMeOh]

Aw glad to have you here now! And I agree, especially since it might only be a year since we get s2

[@mkraulis]

Good video. It's interesting to me that Jinx probably passed up a chance to meet with Vi on the bridge, after Vi started to walk back toward Zaun. Jinx chose to get back the gemstone over reconnecting with her sister ( probably an action she felt was necessary to avoid furthering her image as a 'jinx' among Silco's followers ).

[@StopMeOh]

That is a very interesting detail as well. Maybe she also felt betrahed by that "just a goodbye hug". Thanks!

[@masterofpuppets7586]

Brilliant pick! 😍 Love your dedication to Arcane and the most adorable couple I have seen in decades (yes, I'm that old..). Whatever they are bringing in season 2, if I don't get to see THE KISS I will go mad! 😂😂 By the way: have a look at the geeked week of Netflix starting tomorrow. Ella Purnell (Voice actress for Jinx) hosts the animation day. If there is ever a perfect time and place to make an announcement for season 2.... 😍😍😍

[@Weteperepe]

I love this and I love you

[@valerieguseva]

Ha, didn't pay attention to it right away either! Indeed, being in situations of danger forces any relationship. If the events had taken place in, so to speak, "peaceful" time, we would probably have observed classic romantic cat-and-mouse games, similar to Vi’s flirt in the brothel. But the scene on the bridge finally crossed out that relationship development scenario. In a life-and-death situation, there is no time to play with someone. It's the time to reveal your true intentions, which in this case is to shout out the name of your beloved and run headlong into the inferno to save her.

[@StopMeOh]

Exactly!!

[@drb646]

Every time you watch, you see something new. While watching your video, I was struck how Caitlyn’s conscious mind is trailing her subconscious. She is startled at her own emotions in the almost kiss scene. Vi consciously knew her attraction from the start, or at least the brothel scene. One of the great things about the entire bridge scene is that viewers have come up with different interpretations of its meanings. I wonder why viewers are so judgmental of VI’s actions.

[@StopMeOh]

I wonder that too, maybe because people are generally speaking very, very easy to judge overall, sadly

[@drb646]

@@StopMeOh Generally, yes. In the specific case of Arcane, you would see more characters subject to the same judgment. As an example,Jayce seems to escape.

[@Violet2148]

@@StopMeOh This, also I think Vi reactions are organic, natural and from the guts. She has been through a lot , like or more than Jinx but most people tend to judge her like she is a bad person, which is nuts really. Her reaction towards Powder when everybody dies was an instant reflex of her pain , she was just a teen for god's sake!!. And she realizes that she was wrong , thats why she walks away to calm down to avoid hurting Powder more. And we know the rest. She is impulsive , and that's her main flaw but I think Cait and Ekko will help her to think first and punch later.

[@phantomwheeler81]

Stay awesome Ola

[@ckaz54]

Also noticed when jinx tells vi she paid a visit to her “girlfriend”, vi did not dispute her comment or deny it

[@StopMeOh]

Ikr that is just lovely haha. I guess it's official then lol

[@monteagudoabeezekieljardie7884]

Impressive analysis about Vi and Caitlyn's relationship. Especially about Vi running and yelling Caitlyn's name when she heard a shot was fired, and she assumes the worse. At first I was a little apprehensive at first about the pacing of their relationship. It seems a little too fast. But after watching and listening to other videos about their relationship, it is already clear to me that there is one detail I missed in their interactions. That's trust. The word has been said 4 times since they got together. So, if they are to work together, they need to trust one another. Thus, their relationship has become the talk of the town. Also, for more essay videos about Arcane, you can do Silco's character and his interactions with Jinx, and Vander's character and connection to Warwick. Thank you and excellent essay video.

[@StopMeOh]

Will definitely do these too! Thanks a lot

[@steve1889]

I am beginning to realize there is no wasted moment in this series. Every gesture, look, word was crafted by people who really know what they are doing. Thanks for highlighting the significance of Vi shouting Caitlyn’s name in the bridge scene. It went over my head when I first watched it. I do disagree with you about Vi’s motivation for running back after the shot is fired. Vi runs toward danger. It’s in her DNA. It’s with emotional danger that she has some trouble. Another small moment on the bridge is when Jinx fires on Vi and Caitlyn. Vi pushes Caitlyn out of the way, I think trying to protect her. It is another example of their bond at this point. I hope we see a lot more of them in season two.

[@texn7526]

Excellent essay thanks so much Ola

[@StopMeOh]

Thanks a lot Tex :))

[@jasonmkc7797]

Excellent analysis. I missed the significance of this moment as well and agree with you. Except they do not touch in the what about us scene which heightens it’s significance and drives Caitlyn’s resolve and regret. Thanks for sharing your wonderful insights.

[@StopMeOh]

Thanks a lot for watching!

[@ralunix4612]

Love how ya find any small detail to ship it more hahaha, this ship is already sailing from the strong wind and yet ya choose to still blow in the sails as well for more force haha XD What do you think of ViKtor and Jace as a ship? As two who could work but the idea never came to them because of work.

[@StopMeOh]

I actually fairly quickly gave up on the idea of shipping Viktor and Jayce but mostly because of Mel and because of how Viktor does not seem to be interested in romance at all - early on I was on board, the more time passed the less I was invested in it and appreciated it's a wonderful friendship - however I could see someone out there calling Cait and Vi wonderful friends lol, failing to see the obvious - so who knows, maybe I fail to see the obvious with Jayce and Viktor?

[@ralunix4612]

@@StopMeOh Oh no no thats the good part of shipping them, all the weird scene with Jace and Mel then Viktor on the side (if you know witch I mean) Reminded me of Hannibal , Hannibal has a similar scene. Its fun to see some people have chemistry but clearly won't end up together cause it doesn't "click"

[@StopMeOh]

@@ralunix4612 oh I actually have yet to watch Hannibal!

[@ralunix4612]

@@StopMeOh I recomand,but be ready for gore and other horrors

[@StopMeOh]

@@ralunix4612 that's fine haha

[@Citizen88020120820]

Yah very telling she yells for Cait who she just wants to be safe.

[@StopMeOh]

Well - instead of Ekko

[@Citizen88020120820]

@@StopMeOh Yah you are going to yell for the person you have the most intimate connection with

[@StopMeOh]

@@Citizen88020120820 yes that was the point :)

[@Citizen88020120820]

@@StopMeOh yah sorry. Not my best wording lol

[@tyoubergirl123]

I feel like Vi maybe will play like she does not want Caitlyn in Season 2 cause she wants her to be safe and have someone “better“ than her.

[@EnterNameHere04]

There was a small moment when Jinx shot at Vi and Cait. Vi pushed cait out of the way to hopefully save her. Its not easy to notice but its pretty big i think

[@StopMeOh]

Yes, Vi chose Caitlyn away and Caitlyn wanted to cover Vi, it was absolutely sweet

[@EnterNameHere04]

@@StopMeOh Yes indeed. I adore the small details fortiche (dont know if i spelled that right)added to the series it honestly made rewatching it rewarding as hell

[@johanstenfelt1206]

Pretty much stands without saying.

[@beastmonger4821]

i have such bad feeling... we (CaitVi shippers) will be so decimated after season 2 xD

[@StopMeOh]

@@Violet2148 where did you hear that? 😱

[@Piotr_J93]

Please don't jinx it mate

[@Violet2148]

@@StopMeOh I read somewhere that Caitvi shippers will be happy in season 2 . I think it will a rough trip but at the end they will have each other. I think Vi deserves some peace , and Cait will be her rock. If the canon in the game is considered for the series , Cait should become sheriff and Vi her partner in crime 🙃. Of course it is just speculation but after all the drama and darkness it would be nice to have some light.

[@Violet2148]

I heard it will be a good one for them

[@WarpedLord]

Are we not just using VioLyn?