ZABIN TAZRIN NASHITA

Colourful. Chaotic. Captivating.

These three words sum up the TV show adaptation of Riot Games’ multiplayer battle arena video game League of Legends ( LoL ) quite well. Arcane captured hearts upon its release in 2021, boasting stunning animation and intricate storylines featuring beloved champions from the game. As such, the announcement of Arcane season two led to it becoming one of the most anticipated TV shows of the year.

Season two, released in three parts, concluded on November 23, 2024. Act I picks up the story from where it left off in season one. It is a beautiful mess of colours and mayhem with immersive battle sequences and seamless blend of various art and animation styles including hand-drawn charcoal frames. However, the pacing is a bit rushed. New arcs and faces enter the scene one after another amidst an already complex political power play, making it hard to keep up.

Act II, on the other hand, is the epitome of masterful storytelling. A much-needed respite from the exhilarating roller coaster ride of Act I, it takes a deep dive into the characters’ heart-wrenching pasts. Reminiscent of the storytelling in the first season, the raw emotions of this act hit exactly where it hurts.

The final act of Arcane starts with what is possibly my favourite episode of the entire season. Episode seven messes with your feelings in all the right ways as it takes you down a path of what could have been, before brutally tearing you away and throwing you back into reality.

It’s at this point that I began wondering, how will the show tie up all the loose ends in two episodes? To tell you the truth, it didn’t. Despite the amazing buildup, the ending felt rather underwhelming. The final two episodes progress way too fast, leaving many threads untied and plot holes aplenty. That being said, season two still delivers an enthralling watch, with exciting action sequences and a soundtrack that’s nothing short of perfection.

LoL has always had an enthralling lore associated with its world and champions, so the announcement of future shows leaves room for further explanation of Arcane’s ambiguities.