I probably came in a little strong with saying I can’t reccomend. I actually absolutely reccomend it because the animation alone is worth the trip, it’s incredible, and season one is nothing short of perfect.
I guess I just found the second season a bit too predictable. I sent my friend a message after the first episode and everything I called out came to be. Even the red haired Scottish girl I immediately called out as being working for the underground and Mel’s mom (black Amazon lady) being a puppet master for most of the events happening.
I thought the Scottish girl looked exactly like the son of the underground leader (who I began calling mourning mother bane saw after the attack in season two) that died at end of season one, same haircut and facial features etc, I don’t think they even touch on that she just kinda turns on Cupcake (Kate )at the end but Im absolutely certain this was supposed to be her motivation.
Speaking of cup cake can we talk about the most ill timed sex scene in animation history? Dont worry guys, take your time, no rushing matters to attend to or anything
Plot wise, season two was good but I feel they sacrificed character in service of the plot/drama and I find this can happen a lot of the time with a shows second season, hence season Two-itis. It usually stems from a shorter time to hone the story due to a shorter pre-production cycle. A lot of season ones have more time to gestate in a creators mind, then comes deadlines with the order of a second season. Its also kind of a curse of writers room where you might have new people on board who haven’t had the time to get a feel for the characters but still have an obligation to contribute.
All that aside, I loved it and my biggest gripe, creatively, is still with the music which, bar the odd standout track, didnt really sit well in the universe.
As someone who has no interest in League of legends, the fact it pulled me in and kept me entranced speaks volumes to what was achieved.
Still not enough to make me wanna play a MOBA though. I’d be a weeping wreck by the end of the week
My friend who is big into League was telling me a bit about what he hopes the next series will do, and the places he hopes it will explore.
I also heard the Arcane series was intended to be spread over three seasons and so that might explain why a lot of it felt like it was missing important subtext and character growth.
Some mysteries remain too. Mel mentions she sees the true face of the deciever at the end, the black rose witch. The Black Rose Witches response to this made it seem like it was a character we are already familiar with in the show.
My money was on the Bunny Eared lady that was painting the crippled guy who looks like, and disappointingly wasn’t, Tilda Swinton