Vander: When Arcane Shows Good Intentions Aren't Enough

[@Sturzfaktor2]

Vander's leadership over the Undercity also kept me thinking. He tried his best to keep everybody reasonably safe, but at the price that the status quo of poverty and unhealthy living conditions never would be overcome. Progress under such circumstances would be slow, over generations at best. In order to bring about a better life for everyone in the present, the system had to be challenged. But he also knew what an uprising of the Undercity had cost them last time, and it still had led to nothing. Some would have to give their lives for the potential betterment of others, which is what he asks Vi at the bridge: who are you willing to sacrifice. It's a predicament we can see in our real world as well.

[@AFlyingWalrus]

And thus the writers did a wonderful job. Portraying the beautiful and the dark side of every action and decision.

[@tesso.6193]

It's very true to life. There's so much we take for granted now, things as simple as the 8 hours work day and weekends but people were literally AIR BOMBED and murdered fighting for (see blair mountain massacre among others). But it worked eventually, their sacrifices gave us a better life.

[@alphamorion4314]

Ekko said it best. "Is not enough to give people what they need to survive: you have to give them what they need to live". Vander's arguably biggest mistake, after that first failed coup attempt, was renouncing the fight to give people what they needed to LIVE, and just settling for keeping a status quo of giving people just what they needed to survive. Incidentaly, that's the same reason why I just can't blame Sevika for turning on him. She was still 'loyal' to the vision of a societal improvement... and when she 'saw' Vander was no longer fit to lead them to that purpose, she when to Silco, the man who was willing (at least at the time) to sacrifice everything and anything in order to achieve that goal. Beautiful scales-of-grey writing from the writers of Arcane.

[@karolinakuc4783]

So well explained. And it is not that his decision was bad it is more "you cannot save everyone". He should give more attention to his kids. Coz that shimmer addict he helps betrays Vi in the end

[@ageroagn1068]

This made me think there is a reason why depth is so rare in nowadays mainstream medias. Deep characters, deep stories make people like you think, and people like me stumble upon your words, and think as well. Ideas really are spreading like diseases. Even if they don't echo with you, they make you think.

[@bandigustin1038]

If he in fact becomes Warwick, it would be the most tragic end. A man whose only wish was to keep other safe becoming a beast, a hunter that prays on his previous ideals

[@Jasonwolf1495]

Except WW notably in the lore has been hunting down criminals. Sure he's violent, which Vander clearly wanted to give up, but there's still something in him that has him chasing down other monsters.

[@stormstrikerpro]

@@Jasonwolf1495 At the same time he doesn’t attack criminals, just those with blood on them as they’d most likely be the ones doing harm. We’ve seen WW attack innocents because a scratch or a cut. Even as WW, Vander tries to protect those around him, but fails and in turn, innocent people die.

[@hiddenwriter8823]

Well this aged like milk 💀🥲

[@Karanthaneos]

Vander is to the undercity, what Heimerdinger was to Piltover. An idealist who cared for his people but ultimately didn't have what it took to bring actual change. Vander was so caught up in his own rhetoric that he allowed the people in the undercity to slowly bleed. Which is fascinating, since that would mean that Silco is paralleled to Jayce, the more bold and brash, the one that would cause a ruckus but would give their all to bring progress to the places they lived in. And of course, it would be fitting for them to have their talk in the last episode, the two strongest forces against each other. But in the end, it was Silco the one who had everything on the line, and the one who had everything to lose. The only real reason Piltover didn't crush the revolution was because Jayce didn't want to cause any more bloodshed. Now ir Ambessa was in charge, it would've been a completely different story. Which might as well be what will happen if Mel does end up dying during Jinx's attack.

[@theliato3809]

Ironic isnt it. The more brash ambitious men manage to hash out a peace while the more peaceful ones couldn't get quite get it. only problem was one person and their penchant for mayhem.

[@Lusor_Caterpillar]

Mel is a solari it seems like... sure didnt die there. would be very weird if she did since solari armor should proptect her from that.

[@Karanthaneos]

@@Lusor_Caterpillar Here's the problem, if we follow the story as it's presented in Arcane, we were never introduced to the concept of the Solari, nor there are any strong ties to the Solari other than the golden theme and some symbols. It would be very jarring for the series to introduce that element out of the blue for people that know nothing about League's lore. Considering how clean and well written the story is, it wouldn't fit and would feel like a Deus ex machina just to save her character. If Mel would survive it would have to be for any other reason other than magic armor, specially on how adamant the whole series stands on the topic of magic.

[@Lusor_Caterpillar]

@@Karanthaneos guess i cant denie your argument since its good.. But we never got to know mels mother. and from nopxus the mother even killed a person being the opposite of solari... why? there must be some reason they showed us that useless clip from mels dream.

[@Karanthaneos]

@@Lusor_Caterpillar I'm sorry, but seems that you completely missed the point of that scene. That scene shows many things: - The way Mel thinks. She's not a warmonger like her mother, and wouldn't kill people if other possibilities exist. Even when she told Jayce to make weapons it was for defense, not to go and attack the undercity. - The way her mother thinks before she's actually presented, keeping her in shadows and for the moment she's properly introduced our perception of her is the negative light in which Mel's see's her. - Despite her cruelness, we can see that Mel's mother has an actual point, and leaving the girl alive could represent a huge risk since it could incite to revolution and hope for the conquered lands, by killing her the lineage would be done, and without a rightly heir a revolution to restore the kingdom is almost pointless. And all those elements are stated without bringing ANYTHING about League's lore. That scene, is extremely important. Again, it would be in great detriment to the writing if they would introduce something so crucial that only people well versed in the lore would know. And again, we have no indication other forms of magic exist or are a possibility. It's not impossible, but it would clash very hard with little to no introduction just to save a character. If she survives, in my opinion, is because the rocket doesn't explode on contact and it misses her, giving them just enough time to evacuate, or the rocket strikes the opposite wall obliterating the other half of the council by pure chance.

[@daveslurkingaccount9778]

Vander’s final moments break me whenever I see it. He wakes up after the explosion, sees his boys and probably Vi were crushed and dead, and you can see him give up. Then Vi starts to cry, and you can see hope and desperation ignite in his eyes. That’s the moment that always breaks my composure. In that moment, he gives up on being a pacifist, he knew right then “If I don’t fight, Vi will die.” He shouts, in pain, he pushes the rubble off, and fights like a monster to beat another monster. By far my favourite scene.

[@CarringtonMorgan3342]

I think the main reason Vander was the way he was being leader of The Lanes is because he didn't want to become like Silco, not wanting to do literally anything necessary to get actual peace. I also loved his relationship with Grayson. Grayson knew Vander was the best person to deal with and like you said Grayson has a lot of respect for Vander(possibly Benzo as well). Unlike Silco Vander didn't really change the "deal". Vander will always be one of my favorite Arcane.

[@AFlyingWalrus]

As he will for me.

[@Pete...NoNotThatOne]

Grayson was a criminally underrated character in this series. She was a truly good cop, who knew that sometimes the rules have to be bent to insure _all_ people stay safe, not just the ones who employ you. And she had enough respect for Vander to not bullshit him. She didn’t try to pass off responsibility, she said _she_ would be back with a troop of enforcers if there wasn’t an arrest.

[@PlanetaryPluto]

Not Only That, She Cared About The Undercity Too. Unlike The Councillors And Marcus. And Maybe Even Silco 🤷🏾

[@thomasewald7905]

@@PlanetaryPluto I think Graysons problem was her lack of political power. She was responsible for everything what went wrong to a council that was not interested to the problems of the Undercity. The counsil set her under pressure and she needed a scapegoat for what Vis gang did. Same situation between Silco and Marcus when they took the Firelights as the guilty guys for the crimes at the shipyard. Instead of this Vander became the innocent victim because Grayson wanted to keep her job and finally sacrificed him beside she knew better and here is the real problem: Vander had no one in the council to talk to. He was politically isolated and powerless. His influence was only in the Lanes and that influence made him dangerous for Silco who used his political isolation to get rid of him before the people of the lanes could unite behind Vander.

[@Lebpnguyen]

@@PlanetaryPluto Silco didn’t care for the Undercity? That is the dumbest statement I’ve ever seen in my life. Silco didn’t care about HIMSELF. He’d rather fight for the cause. The man who took actual action to make Piltover REPECTS Zaun. Say something to change my mind. Please. Thank you.

[@CaspianMidnight]

Something I just realized is when Grayson asks Vander to give a name he could have *easily* given up Silco and avoid basically all the following destruction. Just a sign that he truly regretted his betrayal to Silco and still considered him a member of the lanes "we don't give up our own"

[@FlyingwithFire]

at the time he might have still belived silco was dead, I am unsure if he knew silco was alive after his attempt to kill him by the river

[@DLxxx]

@@FlyingwithFire He knew. Silco got away, and Vander knew he wasn't dead. Hence why Vander said "there's worse things than Enforcers out there" (in direct reference to Silco, and the stab wound he gave him) while speaking to Benzo.

[@Adonna2424]

I was like Vander until a year ago, my whole life was making others happy and on the way, I lost myself, who I am, what I like, what I dream for. Now, at 39, I have no idea who I am so I've started with self care and reading/watching whatever pops up in the hope that something is triggered in me. Jobless and on the verge of losing everything, I'm finally taking care of my failing health and understanding my trauma. It's a start but that little voice tells me I'm too old and sick to try to dream. Everyday is hard but at least I have tomorrow. Thanks for sharing your story.

[@AFlyingWalrus]

I'm glad you are taking care of yourself. Look at yourself as you would a loved one. You will find your outlook on who you are changes the more grace you give yourself. Take care

[@areswalker5647]

I'm like you, but a bit younger. Good luck my friend, be strong and love yourself so that you can finally be yourself. Bye

[@Username456-b4p]

I rarely comment but that's impressive. I do truly believe it's never too late to start over.

[@Adonna2424]

@@Username456-b4p thank you for the support!

[@Adonna2424]

@@areswalker5647 thank you and I hope you find yourself too. It's rough but it'll be worth it in the end. Good luck!

[@emeraldmaster5388]

I feel that everyone with a good heart understands and relates to vander because all those people would have a hard time making different choices from him.

[@FredrikHaugen]

I see Vander as a wounded leader. A person whose deep wish to lift Zaun out of despair, become despaired himself when he's blinded by the consequences of his decisions. As he tries to tell Vi, as a leader, when you want to burn it down they will come with fuel. But his visions has been burned away by what he witnessed. As you say, Zaun under him whithers. Remember Powders greatest find in Jayces appartment, according to herself? Not the shiny blue crystals. But a pair of forgotten sandwiches. It is a world where you scrape together a living and many days go to bed hungry. People in such a situation clings to whatever and whomever gives you a glimpse of, or a shard of hope. However sharp and dangerous. Enters Silco....

[@MynicknameisViolet]

Ive noticed Vi didn't listen to Vander about fighting through her problems. All through prison she fought every one of Silcos underlings that went there.

[@AFlyingWalrus]

Yup, and when she got out she ran off to punch the problem and fails. It will ne interesting to see her grow in season 2

[@Bige220]

True. Show would've been less interesting if she had not acted like that though.

[@danutghidia5820]

what`s she supposed to do? go to prison after losing all her family again, knowing she failed her sister and become a pacifist? no lol. She knows her violence is wrong, but thats all she can do to the people that ruined her life(Silco and the gang) or the people that come after her.

[@JenniferFuss]

@@danutghidia5820 I agree with your point. Especially considering that when she wasn't beating an occasionally goon of Silcos (who she only beat not killed) she appaeared to have been beaten up by the guards. I also didn't take Vanders advice as "just don't fight at all and roll over".

[@thomasewald7905]

@@danutghidia5820 I guess her bonus is her relationship with Caitlyn, which is someone one which she can lean on. She is not alone and has a trustful and good person at her side to start a new career with Caitlyn aside...which will mean mounts of stress for Caitlyn...and the Kirammon family. I mean if Caitlyns mother survives Jinx assassination she has to come clear with the stray on the side of her daughter if she dies at some point of season 2 Caitlyns father will learn that Vis sister killed his wife. Let me not speak about the problems that will show up if Vi is really become a member of the Enforcers like in LoL But finally I think the realationship between Vi and Caitlyn will benefit both of them.

[@powerofanime1]

If I wasn't okay with things getting dark, I wouldn't have finished episode 1. :) This was a brilliant exploration of one of the most genuinely good characters in fiction, and a priceless addition to the discussion.

[@artemise707]

I think one of the points that hits for me in this video is the idea of having the right answer. Because very truly there aren't any right answers. Vander isn't blind to the people in the underground struggling, he recognizes it. He's the leader of those people, and like he said to Vi, whatever happens is his responsibility. While I can see an aspect of people pleasing I think for him more than anything its about protection. He wants to keep his people safe, all of them. He recognizes that people are struggling but he recognizes that a revolution would cost many many lives (it already had). And in a situation like that, even if his people actively want to go to war, actively want to fight and risk their lives, to him every life lost falls on his shoulders. Other people can make the decision to join, but ultimately to him, its all his decision, and if he says yes lets cross the bridge again, lets revolt, he knows as a leader that all of the consequences that come with that are on him. How can he push a revolution when he believes that every single death is his fault, how can he ask his people to give their lives. He didn't want people to do that for him as a leader. He just wanted to keep his people safe. And it was evident the people really cared about him, they valued him as a leader and a person, they respected him, he didn't lead his people by making them afraid, by threatening them or harming them. He cared about all of them and they cared about him, his leadership is when the people "had each others backs no matter what". He wanted so badly to protect them. There is no right answer to him. He tells Silco he had no choice but to work with Grayson, and he believes that fully, he did that to keep the enforcers out of their business. He worked with the enforcers, the enemy, so that enforcers wouldn't come to them. People in the underground still struggled with poverty, with hunger, with illness, but they were a community and in some sense they were safe. Silco may have pushed more change to happen, but the people were basically tormented. People still went hungry, shimmer was everywhere, violence was everywhere, no one was safe. Silco created his own council of sorts and those people got to live more lavishly (a taste of topside) but most of the people below still suffered. Silco had no value for life whatsoever, not even just lives lost fighting a war, but lives in general. It never mattered to him if people died. He was literally willing to execute children as a means of punishment for their parents. I feel like when Vander said "This isn't the way, can't you see that." This is what he meant. Silco destroyed everything the underground was, destroyed the community and people having each others backs, he didn't ease anyones suffering, but sure he got closer to the nation of Zaun. At the cost of all of the people within it. Vander was trying so hard to just keep people safe, he could see they were struggling but they were safe, and that began to weigh on him more and more. He was willing to go to prison, he told Silco kill him but leave the others out of it. He lost fight, but he never once lost his heart, his desire to protect his people and to protect his family. By the end you could tell he was so tired, so worn. He didn't have a right answer to choose, there never was one.

[@craig5322]

Vander isn't a people pleaser. He is trying to avoid war. He believes that no one wins in war, and it's his job as a leader to do everything he can to protect them. Right or wrong, he believes that they must do anything they can to avoid it. The problem is that he can't accept that war is coming whether he likes it or not.

[@bgm8663]

Vander was a good person but not a good leader, even if Silco didn't take him out back then, another zaunite would eventually. The resement against Piltover keept growing and he didn't give answers, so people began to follow Silco, who had already a big operation going without Vander knowing, which shows how little he had control over the undercity as the de facto "leader".

[@PlanetaryPluto]

Vander Was Absolutely A Good Leader. He Looked Out For The People There And Did His Best To Keep Them Safe. Being In Control Of The Undercity Isn't Really His Job As Its Defacto Leader. He's Not An Authoritarian. Probably Because That's Not A Good Quality For A Leader To Have.

[@Mediados]

@@PlanetaryPluto Depends, being authoritarian doesn't necessarily mean being a bad person. An authoritarian leader is a strong, focused leader, but the problem is that most of them go over to ruling by fear and oppressing their followers and those who don't follow. Instead of fear, a leader should demand respect and in turn respect other opinions.

[@PlanetaryPluto]

@@Mediados Hm. No I Think I Disagree. You Don't Become An Authoritarian Without Fear And Oppression So You Probably Aren't A Good Person. You Can Also Be Strong And Focus Without Being An Authoritarian. So Yeah. I'd Disagree. Also Also. I Think As A Good Leader You'd Command Respect. Not Demand It. You'd Look Out For People, Put Them Before Yourself. Have Their Best Interest In Mind When You Act. Etc. People Start To Respect You Willingly.

[@thomasewald7905]

Wrong! Silco showed the short, easy and fast way to change. But because of his ruthless and selfish behavior he is a tyrant and a kingpin, not a leader. He sacrifices nearly everybody for his success. Instead of this Vander was ready to die for his people...his family. He never stopped a second to go to prison for them. Never even thought to send a poor scapegoat instead of him which Grayson offered. It reminds me to Frederic Douglas talking about himself and John Brown, saying that he lived to free the slaves, John Brown was ready to die for them (and I know that Brown was crazy). But a real leader should be judged by his ability to sacrfice for his people. A second thing is that we miss so much about Vanders and Silcos past, their relationship...their way which lead to their failing insurgency. It is definitely difficult to understand what made it impossible for Vander to talk to the council after the insurgency and why Piltover was not interested to improve the living conditions in the undercity. btw...Where was Silco after the events on the bridge at the beginning of part one? Vander was the only one who took reponsibility for what happened, who had fought...like in each of his actions Silco was not their to take reponsibility...he stood in the back and let others fight his battles and die for him, he paid, bribed them to do his dirty work, even his perfect and beloved daughter Jinx he used to get the hextech weapons. Tell me not that is a leader in any way, he is like a mobster and not interested in the good of the community. I understand why you think Vander did not do enough for the Undercity but we do not know enough about the opportunities he had.

[@kailin8223]

@@PlanetaryPluto I think you have a pretty misunderstood perception of authoritarian. Authoritarian leadership is simply the leader says , and the others do. “a leadership style characterized by individual control over all decisions and little input from group members.” Authoritarian has nothing to do with how you command respect, a authoritarian leader can command respect without fear , and a democratic leader can command respect through fear . Plus , Vander’s style of leadership is pretty authoritarian, considering he makes all his own decisions without consulting all of his subordinates, leading to some of them turning on him .

[@moonyasnow36]

Wow...I started crying when you explained how people-pleasing ruins you. Basically my entire life, I've been a people pleaser, always tried to do the things other people wanted me to, to behave in the 'correct' way so that peope will like me. I've felt a constant guilt nagging at me for years now, guilt about even _thinking_ about being selfish, that I should just suck it up and not bother other people with my problems, even if they say it's fine, because some part of me doesn't believe them, and believes it knows best. To this day, I still feel guilty even asking for the barest possible minimum, I feel guilty for having these really big feelings and wanting to share them, because the part of me developed social anxiety as a result of my autism still fully believes that if I'm not perfectly pleasant to be around at all times, I'm bad and no one will bother to stick around. I still struggle with telling my best friend about these things because, again, it makes me feel guilty. I don't feel like I'm allowed to be a person. Basically, I feel like this quote I found once: "You don't belive you can be liked, so you settle for being useful." Edit: Also, I have to tell you that I'm really, really happy I found this channel :) It can be hard to find people who see things a nuanced way and have so much empathy for the things they talk about

[@AFlyingWalrus]

Most of my life I've balanced family expectations, partners expectations, while ignoring myself. Which lead to abuse, manipulation, and cptsd. Maybe an overshare, but it's why I saw Vander the way I did. So on some small level I understand you and what you have been through. I'm sorry to hear your story and experiences, but take some comfort in knwoing you are not alone. Find some small ways to do the things that you want to do. Stopping and getting a coffee, allow yourself to spend money on you, get a piercing or tattoo (you do you, you know.) But above all else be kind to yourself.

[@LoganDX1990]

As someone else on the spectrum, I can relate. Hell I didn't know I had it when I was a kid. When I found out as a teen I just felt like I had to people please even more to feel "normal" and "accepted" so I put up with all kinds of shit. Wasn't till later in college and in my modulate twenties and early thirties I started to slowly accept and say " this is me" and whoever doesn't accept that doesn't deserve to be in my loife. I still have troubles and regress but I have learned to start valuing myself. So I believe in you and know that you are not alone

[@juniper1350]

he did his best and Vi is doing her best. they’re both doing their best and that’s what hurts so much. that’s what makes me cry.

[@Wilahelm2]

I'm not sure 'people pleaser' is the term I would use for Vander. I think Silco's description of him is actually the best one "You'd die for the cause but you won't fight for one." Vander was willing to fight for a cause, for Zaun, but saw the cost of that fight and to him it was too high a price to pay. Since fighting was off the table all that was left was to maintain and protect. Unfortunately this is not a long term solution. As a boxer Vander should have known that you can't win just by playing defense, sooner of later you have to attack or you'll get beaten down. This also shows a(for lack of a better term) lack of imagination from Vander and Silco. The only way they see to change things on a large scale is by fighting. Silco doesn't care about the cost of the fight as long as he gets his Nation of Zaun while Vander doesn't think the goal is worth the cost in lives. Neither of them seem to consider any other method beyond fighting. Protest, strike's, negotiation. Vander is on good terms with Sheriff Grayson but never try's to parlay that into a talk with the council or anything else like Vi was able to do. Vander is a good man who boxed himself in. He gave up going on the offensive forcing him to play permanent defense and therefore doomed to fall sooner or later.

[@thomasewald7905]

Great analysis!

[@nimadarillian8573]

Agreed, I also don't think he's a people pleaser. He does want everybody to have a good life, but he is leading the undercity on his own ideals and never loses himself. He doesn't get pushed around by others into decisions that contradict his own ideals at all, he stays true to himself until he dies. The whole second part of the video actually just made me think of Jayce. Unlike Vander Jayce really is a people pleaser being stuck in a position between the expectations of lots of different parties (Heimerdinger, Mel, Viktor, protecting the citizens of Piltover, his promise to help people in the undercity) and ends up failing all of them in some ways and making decisions that go against his own ideals.

[@katsuito1083]

@@nimadarillian8573 Straight up, couldn’t agree more with this.

[@PrincessLioness]

@@nimadarillian8573 Yeah I'm surprised that Jayce wasn't the character he related to because having "good intentions, but bad execution" is literally Jayce's character flaw, as well as being a people pleaser (not as much at the end).

[@thepencap_]

this comment is underrated, awesone analysis! I wonder if Vander had lived long enough to know Caitlyn, things could have gone a different way

[@mrgreenpickuptruck]

I always saw Vander as the type of leader who says one life is worth a thousand, until he was faced with the reality of it. Having Vi and Powder find him on the bridge was the moment he realized it wasn't one life is worth sacrificing, it was "my life is worth sacrificing" but he couldn't ask others to do the same now that he was forced to count the cost. Vander is definitely trying to walk that fine line of pleasing everyone, and I think its because he's not only trying to protect his people from Piltover, but from themselves. The weight he carried through his time on screen, I think was because he knew he couldn't keep tredding water anymore. The uneasy peace he struck with Grayson was simply a powderkeg that Vi blew sky high by trying to be more then the undercity would let her be.

[@Dartagnan4012]

Exactly we kind of see a similar sentiment In infinity war with captain "we don't trade lives" the reality is that you are allowed to sacrifice what you possass for what you believe in, but you cannot sacrifice other's lives because they are not yours. If they willingly sacrifice themselves it's a different story but we all only own ourselves, never anyone else

[@thecod2345]

I definitely agree with this interpretation more. Vander didn’t strike me as a people pleaser initially but out of experience. He keeps the peace not because a flaw he’s always had, but out of experience. It’s easy to speak of sacrificing others until the blood of the people closest to you is on your hands. He’s simply sobered to the costs and decided that a struggling but being close knit is better than the potential end of most of them with the rest living with survivors guilt.

[@jeremy1860]

I've always felt that a leader's greatest responsibility is to ensure the wellbeing of those they lead. That was what Vander wanted above all else. For the Lanes and his kids to be safe and secure without Piltover's wrath coming down on them. And it is truly disheartening that a desire to look out for others can lead to bad ends 😟

[@josetapia9714]

Once, the greatest men ever born once said: *Man shall not live by bread alone* Vander was a great men, a great father and above all else a protector....but not a great leader. A leader must do more than secure a present. She or He must secure a Future for those in her/his charge. Anything else is secundary. And the sad thing is what vander focussed only on the Present and not the Future. If it wasn't Silco then it would have been another one, perphas someone more selfish, and strong but less competent, wise and uncaring of the future, like Finn. Vander's leadership was unsustainable and Silco irronicaly fell because he did that same thing what Vander did: Prioritising his children's over the Future of those in his charge

[@Pbness]

@@josetapia9714 Then by your definition, Silco is a good leade, or at least better than Vander. He sacrificed the people of the Lanes for the future, the nation of Zaun.

[@deeros100]

@@Pbness Silco was a good leader in my opinion. However a good leader can't always be a good man. They can try to be good but sometimes you just have to make the hard calls.

[@Mediados]

@@Pbness The problem is that there is no definite, accepted answer. I believe that Vander was short-sighted, but Silco and Vander both had great and bad traits as leaders.

[@thomasewald7905]

@@Mediados Sorry, but I can not accept to call Silco a good leader. Maybe successful, but a good leader should only in parts looks to the benefit of his people and this is not in Silco. He does everything for his personal advantage, carin not a shit about other in the Lanes dying or get addicted to shimmer and use them as cannon fodder in his fight for the independent nation of Zaun. Silco is a great and in many ways successful leader and a great character but his moral codex is so weak that it nearly does not exist. With this behavior he can never be a good leader because he is only interested in his selfish goals.

[@Chibi04]

The thing I love most about Arcane is that the characters are flawed and make logical decisions based on their circumstances. I can't really fault Vander, he never asked for any of this. He did the best he could with what he had, but I also can't fault the other Zaunites for wanting a change.

[@mandasmovingcastle]

this is so important, and also why i never viewed silco as a villain especially given he was coming from an impoverished upbringing. people love to criticize or over-idolize these characters that seem 'wholly good' but i appreciate that your take on vander is realistic and not 'ideal' like so many people love to view him as. i can't just help but appreciate how human and realistic every character really is. especially, especially silco and vander.

[@MyCarnageExtreme]

Despite all of the grey area I still think Vander was right, he kept people safe, people just didn't realized. In the end he knew his limits and Undercity's limits.

[@bappojujubes981]

7:32 I love how when Vander took the little rabbit plush, he remembers Vi and pieces it together immediately that she plans to turn herself in. It also implies that Vi opened up to Vander about the bullies and must be why He taught her to fight.

[@jubbalubby]

I think there's one thing Vander had that Silco later realised: foresight. Vander knew for a fact that he could unite Zaun and rise to challenge Piltover, but he didn't because he didn't want to sacrifice his people. Sure things are tough and no one knows if they will have a tomorrow, but at least they have each other to rely on. Vander values this human bonds much more than some abstract "freedom" or "independence". Things can improve, but human lives once lost is forever gone, and a revolution sounds like the perfect meat grinder. Silco thought he took a different path than Vander, he was willing to kill, bribe and step on everything and everyone to reach his goal, yet in the end, when he was confronted with the same choice as Vander, he chose the same. To me, Vander is the strongest and wisest character in the series, he knew the circle of violence and best not to start it, he gave his life for his children and people, however shortlived it is.

[@emrys8047]

This is really good 💕,I really like how human arcane characters are.

[@AFlyingWalrus]

Appreciate it

[@emrys8047]

@@AFlyingWalrus yw

[@Nina_Sidaris]

Very powerful video. Even more so with the melody in the background

[@kennymackie3191]

What you said had me honestly thinking about my own situation right now with some people, i'm not a great in depth guy , or situationally aware most of the time. why i love videos like this, opens my eyes up so much more, thank you

[@wac411]

Without under city representation on the council they were always going to stay like they were.

[@AFlyingWalrus]

It's entirely possible

[@madhavgoel4974]

Even with 1 seat, 2 seats, 3 seats they would always be outvoted by the oligarchs

[@wac411]

@@madhavgoel4974 while that might be true, especially in the beginning, they would at least have discussions and votes on their behalf. The council most likely haven't done that since the rebellion. It seems they would at least listen with a seat because in order to get one you would have to have some economic power in some way. The actual seat at the council is more difficult than getting the votes for the under city people to me.

[@g1uttonou575]

This video really spoke to me, Ive lived my whole life with PTSD and depression but at the same time, I’ve always been a people pleaser so they do not have to know what it feels like to suffer like I do, yet this does nothing more than destroy me. And I think your topic of slow death really spoke to me. I do believe I have this amazing gift of, as many have told me, of being a shield for those who need me, but while I may be a strong shield and guardian of everyone, my metal can only take so much and when I break everything is my fault. I don’t know why this video appeared to me now, but after being betrayed very bad last year, I think I’m finally ready to heal and as you said , I’m ready to be selfish and repair my broken and bent parts. I can’t thank you enough for this message.

[@AFlyingWalrus]

I'm glad that I was able to provide you with something you needed to hear. That means the world to me. Take care of yourself man

[@olamideojetunde9419]

Please do heal

[@EtamirTheDemiDeer]

Wishing you the best

[@areswalker5647]

Good luck my friend

[@BimmerWon]

I relate most to Victor. Now I realize the whole reason I got into robotics is because robots are cool and I think if I can make something cool that people appreciate then they’ll approve of me and love me. However, my efforts always go unrecognized so nowadays it’s just a hobby I do to keep my mind occupied but never tell anyone about anything I do. Even when I’m proud of what I’ve done, when I show people and they aren’t impressed, I become depressed. I have a very low opinion of myself. Also last year I developed a terminal illness that’s going to slowly kill me in the next 10 years so that’s something to look forward to, just like Victor. I’ll be dead by my mid 30s friendless, wifeless, and childless never having left my mark on the world. The pain gets worse everyday and I can’t even drink alcohol since that only makes it worse.

[@badumba5511]

I'm really sorry you're going through this. I relate to the issue about unrecognition as well, it really sucks

[@cosmosflowermusic]

Vander and Jayce is essentially the same type of person but grew up in different circumstances.

[@blazingbarreljay137]

I need to explain something that was hinted at but not fullly pointed out by Silco's line "The World is Growing Smaller Every Day." This little line hinted at the fruits of Vander's leadership and Silco's juxtaposed to one another because Zaun was a trade city even before the top side could fully keep an eye on it. Back in Vander's time there were statues of a spirit of wind that led trade ships which is why we see all sorts of species including elf like people and yordles mingling down there in the lanes relying on the wind. By Silco's time, technology advanced, people became disoriented in beliefs and addicted to shimmer and money that they lost faith in loyalty in keeping undercity as a whole but both believed in loyalty and sought the best for Zaun. Vander became pacifistic but retained his position until the lines "Do I look afraid," "No you look weak." Weak not in the sense of physique but willingness to take action, which was the direct opposite of Silco's intro speech about power and willingness to achieve it.

[@blazingbarreljay137]

The truth was, both loved each other as brothers in arms and neither had the guts to finish the other off. Sure Silco stabbed Vander but only after saying I knew you still had it in you. He would not have built Vander's monument otherwise.

[@Morbacounet]

One important element you forgot is shimmer. Shimmer is the source of the Undercity's wealth when Silco takes over. The shipment destroyed by Ekko and the fireflies was on its way to another city (Noxus ?). Silco probably sells it to some wealthy people from Piltover. All that cash inflow is helping the city massively. Shimmer is also the reason why Silco isn't afraid to start a confrontation with Piltover. His super soldiers nearly won in the Shimmer factory, only Vi and Jayce were able to kill them. That's something Vander never had : a way to inflict massive dommage to Piltover. Even with this enormous advantage, Silco is hesitant about starting a war. There are multiple reasons why he doesn't start a war but one of them is that he's not sure he could actually win. Vander couldn't start a war because defeat was inevitable. I agree with the rest of your video : Vander could have user his influence to negotiate with Piltover or find another way to move forward. Both Vander and Silco think war is the only option they have. Strangely, Silco is the one who accidentality tries another option.

[@cuongtranmanh3794]

Sadly, those stupid counselors didn't even care who Vander is 😅 It's really strange they're only paying their attention only when Silco take over the undercity. Maybe "Fear is the only thing these people understand"

[@JDWalker495]

In the little time I knew him Vander was one of my favorite characters and would’ve loved to see more of him but I think his story arc is kinda complete. But if what I heard is true, he might not be gone for good but he won’t be him anymore. I also like that even after everything Silco still respected him and even understood his plight at the end.

[@jazzy8834]

Loved the video ! What I love about Arcane is the fact that all the characters , doesn't matter how small or big part they play in the story , have so many flaws and human traits that it makes us the audience not only care for them, but also resonate and somehow see each other on their actions.Vander is one of my favourites in the show , thank you so much for doing this amazing video !

[@AFlyingWalrus]

I'm glad you enjoyed it, Vander and Viktor were my two favorites from the show.

[@josephinepatterson2046]

Awesome video! I think what makes Arcane such an incredible show is how its characters, even with relatively little screen time, are so compelling and believable in this fictional world (amazing world-building from the creators). Even though I may not personally relate to Vander, different audience members will relate to each character differently, I think it's super interesting to hear from someone who is struck so personally by that character, and why they think that is. Thanks for the quality content!

[@AFlyingWalrus]

Thanks for the wonderful comment

[@Hawkido]

It is the difference between Tactics and Strategy. Tactics will give you the best move at that moment. Strategy will get you to your goal. Strategy can win a war by losing every battle, and tactics can lose a war by winning every battle. The best is to use both, because sometimes the cost of just Strategy is too high without the tactics to reduce the cost. But without strategy, tactics will get maneuvered into a long series of Pyrrhic victories where you are too exhausted to continue the fight, and lose by default. Strategists are usually seen as cold hearted and cruel, throwing troops away like it doesn't matter, but it does matter if after every time you move your opponent closer to defeat. Vander couldn't see this. Vander gave up on freedom for all and opted for a lighter yoke on his slavery. All it cost was to stop Silco by any means necessary. On the micro level, Vander's reasons were good. On the macro level they were naïve and short sighted. What he did turned Silco into a very cold hearted and ruthless leader, which before he was merely a strategist. Now he will sacrifice any and all of his people to achieve the end goal of freedom. Because at the end goal fewer will die. Vander's path would lead to dwindling resources and strength and by the time they realized they needed to fight just to live another day they would have been exhausted of both manpower and material, and would have been defeated the morning before they even knew they needed to fight.

[@kevind3974]

What I find most fascinating with his cherictor is his relations to silco and savika. They didn’t betray him he betrayed them, you think it would be the opposite way around as their the ‘villains’ and he’s the ‘hero’ He attempted to murder silco because silco didn’t want to give up and fight for a better zaun. Something that would have threatened his new family and deal with piltover While savika and most of zaun at that was more of an unspoken agreement then true loyalty or partnership. As long as he can keep the peace and have the infocers not threaten the normal mans live he will have their loyalty. But if that deal was to fail or fall apart there is nothing holding them back from leaving as now zaun is right back to what it was before the war. Worst part is when it did fail it was because he thru it all away for his family completely abandoning his community. He had good intentions and tried his best but his efforts are no better or worse then Himerdingers, because all the good he tried to do was in reality stagnant and destined to fail and fall apart because he stayed in his lane as it’s the safest option.

[@thomasewald7905]

First of all we do not know when Vander "betrayed" Silco, so we are not sure if it was before or after he adopted Vi and Powder. Second: It seems you are looking from above at everything, judging the results of the actions but miss to look at the persons involvement of the characters in the situation and not considering what chances they had in the moment. Silco was selfish in every situation, everything he did was for his power, caring a shit for what will happen through his actions. Also his decision to protect Jinx was a selfish one, gives him the feeling to still have his precious "daughter" instead installing the Undercity as an independent nation of Zaun. On the opposite Vander only selfish action was to protect Vi and the gang before Piltover and the enforcers. He does this by sacrificing himself instead of them, ready to go to sillwater prison instead of them. Vander failed giving progress to the Undercity but he is not a selfish guy like Silco or a lacy leader like Heimerdinger with a perspective only to the past (sorry, I know the fans like Heimerdinger but for me he is one of the wordt characters in Arcane with no worthful moral codex)

[@MyCarnageExtreme]

It's not that simple, Vander and Heimer were the ones with a solution, it was not the best one, but nobody else had a better one. Vander is better than Heimer in a way because he has empathy, so instead of saying to Jayce that his life works is dangerous, he would point out all the snakes in the Council, and say that Jayce's life work would be perverted by them. Arcane is a tragedy, and has a huge grey area, but the ultimate irony is how by the end of the first season Silco, Jayce and Viktor all get to the same conclusion as their previous leaders. Jayce and Viktor realized that Hextech is dangerous, and Silco realized his family was more important than his cause.

[@Zut0502]

I discovered this video and I understand that you feel close to Vander's character for various reasons that I don't know. I think Vander is a good man. I think he takes his best. I think this man has savior syndrome. This is not a judgement, just an observation. He wants, as you say, to protect others from the world, from pain, to warn them so that they don't repeat the same mistakes and that's all to his credit. What I personally know about this way of life is that it can sometimes be due to the desire to control what is happening around you, failing to be able to control what haunts us ourselves. In other words, trying to solve other people's problems to feel better because you are unable (for various reasons) to solve your own. I also learned one thing: wanting to protect others, wanting to help them at all costs, making decisions in this direction, is not necessarily helping them. You don't save anyone unless they are ready or determined to be. You influence people only if they are inclined to be at the time. More often than not, you wear yourself out trying. As with everything, there has to be a balance between being selfish and being selfless. You can't do good around you if you don't worry about yourself. You can't carry the world either. And you are human, with your weaknesses and mistakes. It happens, will happen. It's not all your fault. You have to succeed in taking a step back and knowing how to forgive yourself. No one is infallible.

[@AW-xc1xc]

The way you structure your videos and actually dive deep into whatever topic they're about makes your videos so thought provoking and enjoyable to watch. Appreciate you, this one was a banger!

[@AFlyingWalrus]

Thank you

[@thomasewald7905]

I really appreciate this great contribution and will say thank you for the trust you showed us as audience comitting the authobiographical part of your connection with Vander as a character. To call him a pleaser is totally right, he is sacrificing himself for others and Vi earns the results by the little "lady" in the brothel, the addicted guy in the Undercity slums who helped Caitlyn find healing for Vi...but he was not able to make live better for the people of the Undercity. He never seeked the dialogue to the people of power in Piltover, his only connection up was to Grayson. It seems Vander was avoiding every communication with the council of Piltover, he even was not trying to talk with them. I think Vi telling Caitlyn that this will not work because the topsiders will finally betray each trust from the Undercity...these words could have also come directly from Vander. I am not sure that he has already resigned to change the circumstances in which the people of the Undercity live, if he tryed to negotiate before and his experience showed him to give this up or he just resignated to improve anything and just fought for keeping the status quo than change it to the better, but I agree Vander is a great character and I would love to see more about his and Silcos younger days to understand his way better...maybe Warwick and his appearing might be a chance to show a bit of vanders past.

[@jadegecko]

4:35 God, thank you for pointing this out My favorite Cait Vi moment is when Vi confesses how she failed her sister - and Cait doesn't guilt trip her. Yeah, Vander tried to be a good dad, but as a result, Vi basically couldn't open up to anybody.

[@GeekBearReporter]

This was a good therapy session for me personally. In my past I was always the people pleaser. Conceding to others just to keep the peace or risk loosing a friendship and/or relationship. I lost a lot of friends and a relationship because I finally said no, but the way it happened left me with unanswered questions, realty to know that people pleasing is not a good relationship, and broken. It took time for me to heal from all of that and I'm better. Sometimes I think about this topic and it bothers me a little but it was a life lesson that needed to be learned. Never be afraid to say no, and be honest with your feelings. That was my take and I understand how you feel about it too. Thank you for sharing this.

[@AFlyingWalrus]

I'm sorry to hear your story. I've had to walk away from situations and people in my life because I realized I was being used and manipulated. It's hard to be selfish if you've never been before. You feel intense guilt for prioritizing yourself. I can't exactly sit here and tell you everything thing will work out. That a bright sunshine is coming. But another day and another step is the best thing I can do, and it sounds like you are not alone. Sorry if this was incoherent. I do want to preserve people's annonomy on the internet and I'm tired as shit atm. Take care of yourself

[@the_sky_is_blue_and_so_am_I]

@@AFlyingWalrus You too. I'm in the same boat

[@skoopambrosia469]

I myself am currently one. I have said no to the people I don't think are worth it, and will always stay by the sides of those who I know need it. There are a few people I'm afraid to let go out of fear that I may never be able to talk to them again, literally. I'm worried that if I leave them, they'll disappear into the wind forever, if you catch my drift. To the people I am trying to keep alive, I don't tell them my issues, they have enough on their plates to warrant me not wanting them to worry about me.

[@AtelaLafford]

vander is just another champion of competently written characters in this show and its amazing to sit thru any think piece that has op sharing that they resonated with any of them. shoutout to people pleasers, as i am one myself, we'll figure out how we want to fit into life with our own hands eventually. great vid

[@orn8471]

Ey, whatever happend in the past of your life, what ever mistakes you ve made, just remember to never forget the wonderful person you are, cuz you got a good heart

[@AFlyingWalrus]

I appreciate it

[@drewlabourene]

I actually love the fact that you shared your story. It’s a good reminder, yours and Vander’s, and how they relate; on how we need to have a balance, so we don’t loose ourselves completely. Thank you for the reminder.

[@joshuahecht6866]

Things have changed much more once it is revealed that Vander and Silco Personally knew Felicia Vi and Jinx’s mother and father.

[@alexismcneill6296]

Fuck... finally broke me and made the tears hit at the end on the word "hope"... my story is long and complicated, but im glad I saw this video before its too late. Thank you. I'm subscribing now too

[@ashlazdanovich8396]

I love this take on Vander.

[@amazingkool]

Why did you just tell me the broad strokes of 2 whole years of my life? The most hopeful, frustrating and formational years of my life. I learned so much with the mindset you've described: trying to keep the peace of all those you care for, putting them all before yourself and seeing it all fail and fall apart despite all those efforts. In the end you learn a lot from that, because what else can you take away from such an expirence? I could go on and on about all sorts of aspects of that story, but I'd rather keep it to myself for now, and just say thank you for making this.

[@zacwulf6987]

Simply powerful. I find my self coming back to your videos, time and time again. Since you made your first video focused on Arcane…I just have found greater and greater appreciation for your perspectives, your thoughts, and your obvious passion. Thanks for all you do, just badass!

[@AFlyingWalrus]

Wow, thank you

[@darcybhaiwala7057]

Sheesh. This is a heartbreaking video, but thank you

[@jiaenlin3652]

Thank you for sharing your own extremely intimate experiences with us, and with time your bravery will triumph these past wounds. Keep fighting! 😊

[@AFlyingWalrus]

Hey I appreciate the comment. While I have healed from a lot of wounds they still creap up from time to time. Watching this show was one of those times. While it was a side tangent in the video I felt it was important for me to share. Just in case if anyone felt similar they would know they aren't alone. Thanks for the comment

[@shadowclaw8607]

Tbh I struggle with alot of things. I struggle with mental/emotional issues, struggle with my weight, struggle with procrastination, and struggle with doing my projects. just living is a struggle sometimes because I get so distraught, I just wanna sleep. Yet you pointed out something that I have commonality with Vander. Taking one more step. Thank you for your content

[@AFlyingWalrus]

I appreciate your comment. Know that you aren't alone. Many people, myself included, are in the process of taking just one more step.

[@darkarohrito6422]

new sub here, and my god... that personal take (5:54), actually made me cry, because I have a hard time doing something for myself, without judging myself for not doing something for other people that I care, that actually broke me, even my girlfriend says I should think for my own care sometimes, but I just can't, and that, truly left a mark, that I should think about someday... thanks for the vid, and the words that I will carry on my heart

[@alphamorion4314]

After my first time watching Arcane, I though the best way to summarize it would be a quote from I Don't Know Who that said something like "The road to hell is paved with good intentions". I saw it reflected in so many characters... Most notably Jinx, but also Jayce, Heimerdinger, Vander. Many, MANY character that ended doing 'wrong' because they had some pretty damn good intentions. Even Silco, at a certain level. Nice video, have my thumbs up.

[@PrincessLioness]

Yeah, there are many characters that embody that in Arcane, I'm surprised he didn't relate to Jayce since he embodies this the most, as well as being a people pleaser.

[@willismaximus2939]

I love how nuanced your vidoes are!

[@catawampus3079]

Holy shit. I've been binging your videos and they're all masterpieces. You really never miss - your analyses are so insightful and well-said. It's really hard to have both of those qualities, but you seem to have them in spades.

[@dantegreciante7984]

Good doesn't always win. The ones with the toughest exterior, fewest words and bigger scars were reminded that most of their lives. But tougher still those who can joke and even smile.

[@TheSUGA1202]

One small action is worth more that all the good will in the world.

[@pyrflie]

One thing I want to point out that almost everyone misses. Zaun predates Piltover, by over 400 years. The issues present in the undercity (mainly the Zaun Grey an airborn poison) are a result of a dredging accident that occurred during the Ruin Wars, it was a project initiated by Zaun to facilitate trade. Piltover is a city state founded on unclaimed land on the other side of the river that resulted from Zaun's dredging project by Ruin War refugees from other lands.

[@XzmazX]

vander not a people pleaser. He sticks to his principles regardless of how many of his own abandon him, feel he's failing them, even to the point he's kidnapped and left for dead, or sent to jail. He's the opposite. He's someone who sticks to his ideal, no matter the cost to himself, its just his ideals are grounded not revolutionary.

[@nimadarillian8573]

Exactly! The description he gave in the second half of the video just made me immediately think of Jayce, it applies much better to him than to Vander. Maybe it's just harder for people to see the people pleaser problem in Jayce and identify with him because he actually does things that aren't exactly morally right and is shown to have an ego. Irionically that's exactly why the description applies to him though I think, because he is actually failing his own ideals and almost everyone around him in some way by trying to please all of them. Vander on the other hand stays true to his own ideals until he dies.

[@XzmazX]

@@nimadarillian8573 yer i agree, for me vander's one of the ultimate hero's in this story, he has this almost meek disposition in how he behaves despite his backstory as a warrior but its because he's really trying to find the middle ground, be a good man and do whats really right for everyone, i think he passed alot of that down to Vi as well which is why she's more ready to switch to help piltover, she see's both sides as people, and rather than looking for a passion raged war for the lanes, looks for a solution of peace. for me vander's the real hero because he could kick anyones ass, but chooses not to

[@PrincessLioness]

@@nimadarillian8573 Yeah, the character he describes in the video is Jayve not Vander. I don’t know why he latched onto Vander though. I guess because it’s easier to see Vander has having not done anything wrong and being a martyr.

[@bigredtlc1828]

I think of Linkin Park's song "Iridescent" and a message of hope juxtaposed with the tragedy of Chester P. I listen to the song and hear him sing "Let it go" and choose to believe there is hope, even though he eventually succumbed to his inner demons. Thanks for opening up. Arcane was a show that was a lot deeper than maybe I thought on first viewing. We are all flawed creatures. It's what makes us human, I guess. And we live bumpy lives, not smooth, linear ones.

[@DLibera]

Amazing video... it hits hard. Since I watched the show I've felt super identified with Vi. Because I'm a big sister and because I carry guilt over things I did as a kid that might have had an impact on my little sister. The funny thing is... that Vander is exactly like my dad was... Where also most of my sense of responsibility was taught to me by him. And watching your video really pulled at the heart strings.

[@antoinedupont3284]

""People tend to take your kindness for weakness"" Sadly, I became happier : -when I stopped giving a shit about others because others don't give a shit about me -when I started to think about me first

[@bellamydoucette9530]

Vander was a man who sought greatness altho he was ordinary and paid for it with his own blood. He forsook his sense of self for the sake of others, actively striving for an ideal he knew he couldnt fulfill but still tried to because for him, trying to form a utopia where no one suffers and everyone is saved and happy, is something worth trying

[@pitched7401]

One of the view youtubes i genuienly respect. You're realistic and factual not for the purpose of the video, but because it is what you think

[@faanvugeincynicalassassin]

I'm so glad you made this. Legit made me cry

[@Darkwolfhellhound]

[you probably won't see this but] I'm glad you went to this dark place to speak to us of your own feelings and how it enables you to connect to Vander. I feel the same way...I used to put others in front of me to the point where it got me hurt so bad because I was manipulated. After I got burned in that case I...became someone I hated. Cold, lonely, completley shattered and afraid to trust - it took a long time to grow...but I grew back stronger and I protect the people I love with all my might again...but I am wise enough to know where to draw the line and know when someone is playing me. Thank you for bearing your heart to us - I know how it feels to want to protect...and to bear so much weight on your shoulders. Don't allow yourself to be trapped or be burned but never let that light in you burn out because of the darkness of this world. You are a rare light...and there aren't enough of them in this world...but our actions may ignight the hearts of others. Sorry for the vent...this probably won't even be seen but Thank you for sharing.

[@AFlyingWalrus]

You are seen. Im sorry you went through that pain. I know what it's like to wake up and not like the person you've become. I've given grace to those I should have been wary of. But I do hope I was able to help them where they were at in their story. Still working on building my own for the first time. Waiting for those small peices of my soul to come back to me. Be kind to yourself

[@alzara3425]

"in the end failing the people closest to me, and to myself" i can relate to that

[@AFlyingWalrus]

I'm sorry to hear that you can relate to that. Be kind to yourself

[@alzara3425]

@@AFlyingWalrus Thank you

[@A_wild_tintin]

During my time of watching Arcane, I genuinely saw a lot of myself in both Vi and Vander.

[@msk-qp6fn]

Besides the fact that Vander realized how war causes pain and loss to everyone, it's also that Vander had a family in the children he took in as his own. People with children generally WILL choose the safer route. That is the biggest reason for Vander and Silco's divide and why eventually Silco came to fully understand where Vander was coming from when Silco became a father through Jinx.

[@saws5879]

Can only say: big hug for everyone who needs it

[@AFlyingWalrus]

❤

[@xSmilyFacex]

thank you for opening up like that... pretty sure that uploading this wasn't easy, but it's huge step to process your experiences... always follow your heart and stay true to youself

[@PeterJ88938]

Beautifully written script. Thank you

[@OGrupxe]

To quote a song from a completely unrelated game.. "Even men with the greatest intentions, start believing their own lies."

[@samueloen643]

Please keep making these videos! They're so well done, with great storytelling similar to the series itself

[@Pentefix]

Leader can be two things, you let people lead you like a dog or you lead people like a dog.

[@ministryofzim]

I would love to see you do a series of videos on the Dark and Light Triad personality types. To see which Arcane character you would associate each psyche with.

[@freerhall3679]

"It is possible to commit no mistakes and still lose. That is not a weakness; that is life."

[@snowy2619]

great vid! Arcane shows the ''their strengths are their weaknesses'' deal extremely well

[@zoom4897]

Feels like I'm just like Vander. Selfless, prioritise others, and everything you said at the end (After 9:14). I've lost so many people I've cared for and it feels like I've failed myself in those moments. During low times, when people that cared for me ask me what's going on, I tell them I'm not the man I used to be. I lost the best part of me long time ago, and despite everything, I try my hardest to remain noble, kind, caring, supportive, and strong for them. I feel misunderstood and people have exploited me, they've directed their hate, their anger and frustrations towards me. Telling me I don't love myself enough. Opening up feels more and more like a way to lose people instead... They've never appreciated what I've done for them. Besides all that, I've never used substance abuse like drugs or alchohol to numb the pain but endured through it. Just like Vander, I try to be what's best for everyone, a humble kind friend who is there for you. I really wish people would see the good in me because I feel so unloved at times. People I've loved have left or betrayed me. My heart still feels broken to this day...

[@lizzyrank5405]

Thank you once again for putting me in emotional turmoil. I was just talking with my boyfriend about this today and the day before how my mom does this to me, pushing the responsibilities on me to keep my brothers and I together because one day they will die. I will say this I know how my brothers work so in a way I know that I'm doing this just for her and I do feel guilt at times for not really caring because I know that's true. But man is it tiring to be that person. I love my brothers and family but I've been doing this unconsciously and in a way groomed(not the right word but ifk what else to use) to be like this. I love to be the one to help others but for most of my life I've been selfless. I try to put others first and be the voic of reason in my own way and it broke me when I got to university and I had to just do me. I broke down crying when I wanted to drop put because I had some mental issues I didn't know how to handle or explain and qll she saw was that I didn't want to got to school and just wanted to work and if I stopped working then I'd want to go to school. After that I decided to be selfish because it's shit to feel like that. And it's not even anything drastic I do what I want along as I can't still take care of myself and don't hinder others. That's my motto; she then says I'm selfish because I want to do that or I need to do that. And it makes me so mad; I've never given my self the time to.be selfish and then when I do I have to " give it up" so that I can take care of others. In a way I think that's why I'm spiraling again because I THOUGHT that when you get older that ypu can "live your life" and that my parents knew that but I guess not. Like I said I love my family and for those part they are ok but man is my mom a emotional manipulator. I can't refute because I feel like the bastard that doesn't care and it doesn't help that shes says this but when I take care of other because they want me to they are "proud of me". Yea I know I need therapy so I can talk to someone about this but for the time being this is all I can do. All of this is to say that being the person who can't stop being a people or person pleaser(me) sucks big time and I wish I can stop, but I'm slowly doing so like before and hopefully stop for good. My mom is the voice trying to pull me back and idk how to handle it, my brother tried and well...

[@1e.t]

Your videos are so incredibly well done with amazing quality. Thank you for all this amazing content!

[@flamgirlantquanxi]

Vanders character hit me hard because i read a story called Vinland saga before watching arcane. I felt way more sympathetic and understanding toward him because i saw the journey of a young boy that was raised and molded by violence only to grow up and be haunted by the things he's done and frustrated by the things the world and environment around him pushes him to do. There's a line in Vinland saga that I'm sure Vander said something similar to at some point in his life: " i want to be a kinder, gentler person... I want to be a stronger person"

[@dvklaveren]

I think that's why this resonates so much with me. Vander represents what a lot of media tells us is the right thing, but the show is pretty unambiguous that while Vander's morality pleases us, it is also killing the underground and the only reason we think that things were better under Vander is that, like Vi, we've not seen what the Underground was before Vander. But now that you say it, the soft death of the underground is clear. So many media have rebel figures who are filled with hatred, who realize the error of their way because 'vengeance is wrong'. When it was never about vengeance for any character, but about repairing what was always wrong. And Arcane shows perfectly why Silco, though he was not the hero that Zaun wants or deserves, he was the hero that Zaun needed, in spite of all the bad things he's caused in the process and the people's lives he has ruined.

[@timhavingfun8701]

Once again, fantastic video. Looking forward to the next one

[@suto5704]

This was a fantastic video. You did a great job of adding your own personal taste.

[@sigvald3056]

Amazing! Thank you for breaking down his character, and at the same time giving a life lesson!

[@AFlyingWalrus]

Glad you enjoyed it, even if this video was a bit different then the others

[@sniderealism2410]

Hi! I really like your video, and appreciate your personal take on it. I never thought of Vander in this light, and it made me think about Echo and the Firelights, and how much they are opposites at doing the same thing: protection and a safe space. Would you be willing to make a video about Echo and the Firelights?

[@gregrizo7123]

I'm a bit late, however this video was absolute perfection... Thank you for sharing your own insight. I'll definitely try to join the streams when I'm free

[@MarvinUllmann]

Onestly a realy good Video. This is a perspectiv I couldn't even belive to considder. Thanks for showing it

[@ChinaMo]

I needed that... Subscribed.

[@AFlyingWalrus]

Be kind to yourself

[@samuelhadjaissa5201]

My man don't claim your reading more Into Vander's character, that is the beauty of art that so much can be read with various different perspectives, Especially since you pretty much got everything about his character right

[@Spare_Time_G]

Great potential here, the quality is already at 100k Sub levels, probably will get there soon too! a bit of my opinion now. I do not think Vander was a failed leader TBH. I think we are judging him as an armchair generals. He was in a very bad spot, had no insight what were the Piltover people planning, and if the war was to break, Zaun would have been doomed for sure. He was a fair and kind man, a man who wanted safety for his people, had seen bloodshed and wanted see no more. Yes Silco is a well written villain, but I think people fetishize him a bit too much. He was not Megamind over here like many paint him as, He was a selfish mobster, climbing for power and ruining so many lives in the way. if not for Jaice, he would have gotten a war in which he would have lost, Jaice, Like Vander, wanted peace and he offered a... peace deal... If not for Silco, wander was going to sacrifice himself for his daughters mistakes and stupidity, thus preventing the war and keeping his family safe. unfortunately for him, undercity had people like Silco and probably things would eventually go out of control without Vander but well, he had bad options and he chose the best of them.

[@AFlyingWalrus]

A lot of people praise Silco, maybe more than he deserves, and are very harsh on Vander. I can understand Vander's methods of "the life of one is worth the same as many" viewpoint. Rather than Silco's "Progress at all costs." I understand why people empathize with Silco's cause, but I think many people would try to do the same if they were in Vander's position.

[@doudiebloups4877]

I think that's because many doesn't have a daughter or a son and so it's hard to relate to Vander's situations. Also many people does believe that sometimes violence is the only way to truly change things (not saying it's a good way) Just a little correction Silco didn't want to start a war he knew it was doomed he said it himself : I just need to scare them

[@Spare_Time_G]

@@doudiebloups4877 Exactly. being a father myself, I can relate that my viewpoints has drastically changed and MAYBE, now I am biased towards Vander for that matter :D I agree that Silco wanted no war as well, sorry if I implied it above, What I wanted to deliver is that, Silco got lucky he wasn't given a war, Yes he had that spy in Piltover, but the situation was neck on neck, if Jaice hadn't Killed that child, hi might find it hard to persuade others for a peace. I just think people credit Silco as being a criminal Mastermind and Vander as a lousy leader, like Tywin and Ned from GOT respectively, and I feel like this is not a case.

[@Spare_Time_G]

@@AFlyingWalrus yes but, if it was Silco in Vanders shoes, I think he wouldn't have given Jinx either, as I believe he wasn't planning to do as he told to Jinx. They were similar Silco and Vander, I believe it was a trauma that changed their lives and made them worse/better respectively. Well done mate, love your videos, the quality is also so high. after watching good series/films, I also find myself wanting to create a similar one, but I do not possess nearly enough talent to create similar videos, happy to come along your journey to first Play button!

[@dantederi5062]

Sometime status quo is the best thing we can have. To bring about true change, one would have to sacrifice and risks everything they ever stand for and love. This is reality, no side is the right side, no ideal is wrong, everyone always wants the same thing : a better life.

[@tjjordan4207]

It really comes down to one's own soul. Vander understood that he was on a dark journey of losing himself once he saw the damage that he was indirectly responsible for. He was right to fear the cost of war and hatred, but he wasn't the right man to lead the people of the undercity because of his inability to change anything for the better due to his fears. That being said, Silco wasn't the right man to lead them either. He may have had the ability to achieve real change, but it would have been through hatred. There needs to be someone who has the restraint of Vander and the will of Silco.

[@jonathanVN1864]

I never thought i was gonna find an almost depressing video about Arcane..

[@Salty_Berserker]

Respect. Thank you for the character analysis.

[@karolinakuc4783]

First thing Vander should do is to give Powder a real name. Something that feels powerful