When I first heard about the release of “Arcane” on Netflix, I didn’t think that I would end up watching it. With it being associated with the video game “League of Legends”, I just didn’t see myself as its target audience. However, after primarily putting it on as background noise, I quickly found myself drawn to the intricate characters and precarious situations that made up the plot of the series. Even though it is based on the video game, “Arcane” sets itself up as its own series that one can enjoy even without the background knowledge.
The animated show follows multiple characters from the game, including Jinx, Ekko, Vi and Viktor, to name a few, and their lives in the two cities of Piltover and Zaun, which despite their proximity to one another, butt heads frequently. The show, through beautiful visuals and intense dialogue, shows the strain of the political situation between the two cities on the various characters, and follows their evolution into the various “League of Legends” characters that players are more familiar with. Viewers get to see how their setting twists and changes them, forming neither heroes, nor villains, but people, fighting for what they call victory.
As a sucker for characters (and in turn stories that make a point to show more about said character’s various inner workings), I found that “Arcane” does a wonderful job of showing a diverse set of characters, all coming with various viewpoints and goals. Despite their differences however, they are all intriguing in their own way—from the hardened-yet-determined Ekko, to the ambitious and hardworking Viktor. Plus, the variety of relationships between these characters grow and change over the course of the show, adding another emotional layer to the story as a whole. We see relationships fracture and split apart, leaving viewers in agony and see new connections emerge that viewers can find themselves rooting for. Ultimately, viewers become invested in each of their stories and want to see them through to the end.
Secondly, given that “League of Legends” is a combat-centered video game, it isn’t very surprising that “Arcane” incorporates some stellar fight scenes as well. These said conflicts are spread through the series, so that if a person is getting a little bit tired of the more political side of the story, they can get their adrenaline pumping with a beautifully illustrated battle between a variety of characters. These fight scenes range from personal one on one’s to more general fights against groups. No matter the form, however, each scene is packed with intense action and highlights the skills and weapons of choice of the various characters.
Last but not least, let us not forget the soundtrack, which is an absolute banger. With songs from Imagine Dragons (feat J.I.D.), Woodkid, Bones UK and more, the show consistently has music that mirrors the intensity and beauty of the world being portrayed (and also makes for great casual listening). The soundtrack, paired with all of the other outstanding elements of the show, makes for an overall entrancing experience that leaves its mark on viewers.
There are currently only nine episodes of “Arcane” out on the streaming app, and though the show is a bit slow (the “current day” plot doesn’t start until episode four) I find myself recommending it whenever I get the chance. With a cliffhanger that left me dangling with anticipation and a strong feeling of “Oh, crap!”, the show has set up an eager fan base for when the next season drops. The characters are intriguing, the plot heart-wrenching and the music siren-like. Even if you don’t find yourself a fan of the video game that it came from, don’t let that stop you from giving it a shot. You may find that it’s right up your alley!
