"Did she give her Shimmer?" That moment really strikes me with how miraculous the invention of Shimmer really was. One drop of it mixed with that little vial of medicine healed a deadly wound in seconds and gave Vi the strength to punch down a building. If it was in the hands of someone who wasn't just using to create weapons, it could be almost as revolutionary as Hextech
It is as revolutionary as Hextech and Silco is not concentrated on weaponry only. As we can see shimmer is used all around the Undercity as a fuel for engines, medicine, for relaxation purposes, etc. Moreover, Silco is building economy of the Undercity based on shimmer export, probably to Noxus. And shimmer is a great invention, everything people wanted in one package, and if people, like Huck, can't use it correctly, without consequences, that's their own fault.
No, the fuel is not shimmer (although Sevika is using shimmer to drive her arm). Its name is Chemtech. You saw the green stuff when Jinx switched on the boxing machine.
@@mullworm shimmer is the chemtech, or better say it's a part of chemtech. Moreover, boxing machine was Vi and Jinx used is rather prehistoric. Although green stuff can be used to fuel engines, shimmer is modern better, that's why Sevika using shimmer to power up her arm.
@@mullwormchemtech comes after shimmer. Chemtech becomes like a combination of an old fuel they used to use mixed with shimmer to make it even better and become one of the main sources of zaun
The fact that Sevika 100% knew she was putting her own life on the line by saying all that to Jinx but did it anyway because she believed it would benefit Silco in the long run even if she died?? She deserves a raise ALSO, interesting note: Despite everything, Jinx has only so far intentionally killed Enforcers and Firelights, people she sees as enemy combatants. Civilians and allies might get an unpleasant experience from her, but they will live, which maybe says something about her moral compass?
So seldom see this take on Sevika and totally agree. A big part of why she's one of my favorite characters. And good point about Jinx's morality. That's actually fairly standard human morality in wartime when you put it that way.
@@artxroyalty this show has one of my favorite dialogues.. I suggest you watch bridging the rift documentary.. the amount of thought put into this work is amazing
"Are you real?" the three most heartrending words. Keep tissues to hand for all the last three episodes. The rollercoaster ride just gets more intense.
@@artxroyalty And given what the voice actress for Jinx said about next season, might need a crate of tissues in a few months. I'll put her comment below and add a couple spaces, so don't expand my comment if you don't want to see it. It's nothing specific about plot or anything, just a general mood. This was from an interview with TechRadar: "I actually just went back into the studio to complete some ADR [automated dialog replacement] for the season 2 finale - and I cried. So, I think other people will cry, too. It's devastating, and nobody will feel good after watching it." I really don't like that last sentence. 😰
Arcane is using opposites and parallels a lot. Vander thought that playing along with Piltover would improve the Undercity's position. But it didn't. As soon as there was a hiccup in their relationship, Grayson reminds Vander she will use violence without hesitation. Silco's argument is that violence will result in deaths too but at least the situation will improve and there will be less suffering on the long run. Their opposition parallels Jayce and Heimerdinger's. Just like Vander, Heimer thinks everything will improve slowly over time. He's passive, trying to maintain balance by refusing to move. Jayce thinks radical solutions is the only way to stop this stagnant situation from slowly rotting. He's Piltover's Silco. And like the real Silco, he just removed his opposite (without killing Heimer og course).
Sevica is the master at pushing buttons - saying the exact words to get in Vi's head to get the upper hand in their fight, and whispering the right words to unbalance jinx (even when jinx tried to laugh it off)
I love seeing Silco lose it in this episode. He's always so calm and in control, but having Vi get away and him realizing things didn't go his way just sending him into a rage.
if you havent already watched episode 7 I highly recommend watching the imagine dragons "enemy" music video before seeing it! The music video is animated by the arcane animators and, to me, improves the watching experience of episode 7!!! The whole music video also tells a miniature story about some of our protags pre episode 3
"one is way too hesitant and one too hasty", personally this is what i like about the Heimer/Jayce conflict, both have valid points against the other and neither have the answer to the other. For Heimer it's clear that he has been the most prominent political figure in Piltover for its 200 years and during those he let the disparity of the upper and lower city grow into what we see in the series. The best and probably the correct interpretation is that he is blind to the situation or just as an immortal being, he can't actually understand humans properly.
This also ties back into the scene it the concert hall. Heimerdinger is oblivious in his privilege and hedonism to the corruption (and the plights) of those around him. He takes such a conservative and long-term view that his response to Victor's condition boils down to "you're not the first, sucks to be you."
@@ReaverRACI like that brief emotional journey we see her go on when she's surprised he's not playing the game when he lies in her lap, then realizes and accepts that she needs to reciprocate his vulnerability.
If I had a nickel for every time Vi got knocked out and kidnapped during the third episode of an act I'd have ten cents, which isn't a lot but it's weird that it's happened twice.
Nothing ever goes right for anybody because at its core the story of Arcane is a TRAGEDY. In the classic sense. Loving your reactions. Terrific insights!
'What does that eye mean--the sign?' Silco is 'the Eye of Zaun' and that's his symbol. "That was one hell of a punch." She just took Shimmer. There's a tiny flash of pink in her eye when she punches. "The life force it drained from that plant and killed it." The hexcore has a hexgem powering it and doesn't need energy. The plant died because it went from seed to a huge growth in seconds and that sort of violent transformation was too much for it. I always thought it was an interesting parallel to the science boys. They're all about accelerating science and technology while just assuming things will work out in the long-term. "Approach the territory where you're starting to mess with powers you don't understand." I'd argue that this was always the case. When Jinx was making a hextech device, she mentioned that the runes created a 'magicy gateway to the realm of the heeby-jeebies.' Neither Viktor nor Jayce have talked about traveling through different realms, suggesting that's an implication they haven't considered. Alternatively, the only way to understand something is to mess with it. If you understood it perfectly, there'd be no need for research.
It puzzled me for some time that Sevika would antagonise Jinx so much while she was defenceless. Jinx hasn't exactly been squeamish about killing people. However - Sevika has known Jinx for 7-8 years now, and I think she understands that Jinx is extremely dependent on Silco; she craves his approval, and cannot stand even his mild reproaches of her. Sevika is important to Silco, and Jinx isn't going to risk being rejected by Silco for killing or further maiming her.
Interesting note. When Jinx says ...Shut up, I'm in no mood! That sounds so much like something Silco would say. That slightly formal antiquated phrase.I'm sure that is where she heard it. Maybe Sevika complaining about Jinx..being told...Enough! I'm in no mood!
I enjoy watching people with different views on life try to pick apart Arcane. I've watched people from all sorts of backgrounds. I appreciate yours and what you take from this show. I'm excited for the remaining three episodes and what you'll take from them.
Marcus while abducting Vi at the end of ep.3... "Come on... He'll kill you". Sevika in ep.5... "The sister... she's back". Silco, "From the dead"? Silco talking to Marcus daughter about their old fried Vander, "He went on a long trip... he had a daughter about your age... daddy told me that she joined him, but it seems that she never made it. Isn't that sad"? Marcus had told Silco that Vi was dead.
@@TheAyme83 **** SPOILER ALERT**** **** DO NOT READ FURTHER UNLESS YOU HAVE WATCHED PAST EP.7 **** If we ever get any more back story on Marcus then I think we will learn that his wife died in the line of duty. Possibly that he blames the undercity for her death. This would leave daughter "Ren" with both parents killed by the undercity. Her story is only beginning.
@@TheAyme83like all the characters, he has motivations you can emphasise with. But that doesn't make him a good guy. My take is that he hid Vi in Stillwater as possible leverage against Silco. Either as a witness to the events that night, or someone who he might be able to use to strike at Silco or his business to gain some advantage, whatever. But he couldn't find an opportunity for that, leaving her stuck there indefinitely.
If you ever get the Arcane blues after you finished Season 1, watch Blue Eye Samurai. Similar art style, even more heartbreaking and amazing storytelling.
@@artxroyalty Sine you've already watched Blue Eye Samurai, I suggest "Scavengers Reign", it has a very distinctive art style, and extremely creative worldbuilding.
The eye represents Silco`s power in Zaun because he is known as "The Eye of Zaun" due to his heterochromia and eye infection. Also, Shimmer changing people`s eye color as a side effect.
The barkeeper is probably the boy that chased Powder in episode 1. That explains at least why Jinx trolls him with a grenade that just produces a puff of smoke.
Nah you're providing high quality content ngl I'm watching Arcane analysis videos to see what they want to make people feel and understand in each scene, sometimes people struggle to get things or skip it but you seem to get almost all of it on the first watch, this is suuper interesting
I’ve heard ppl tell me I’ve picked up on a lot, and then I’ve seen how other ppl assess certain characters or scenes and feel like a lot went over my head. Definitely looking forward to pulling more nuggets on a rewatch!
So is the plant in Viktor's lab a metaphor for Piltover? Jayce and Viktor have introduced Hextech to what was a less than perfect but mostly stable existence. Rapid and fantastic growth happened because of it, astounding everyone... but only briefly. The dream was lofty but the fundamental structure was not built for that level of progress, especially not so quickly, and in the blink of an eye the whole thing collapses under its own weight and burns to ash "Nature has made us intolerant to change" after all
Viewer: "Yay, a heartfelt reunion!" Arcane writers: "LOL no." Just something to think about: you say Caitlyn should've just stayed quiet, but maaayyybbbeee Vi should have told her first who Powder was? Might have helped a little maybe? Oh and the firelights took both Vi and Caitlyn.
@@gustavgustav2670 Idk I understand why Vi was hesitant to. I don’t think Caitlyn would’ve been ok with it, like “oh Jinx is your sister? All is well!” Mind you, I haven’t finished the series like you, so all I know of these characters is what I’ve seen so far and Vi doesn’t seem like the type to trust as easily. As far as me thinking Caitlyn should’ve been quiet, upon her arrival she can see that Jinx was unstable and her presence wasn’t helping. I would’ve given Vi time to talk to her before outwardly saying “your sister is Jinx??” Now you’re pretty much letting her know she’s a target and further escalating the situation when Vi already had her calm.
@artxroyalty oh no you're spot on, I was just suggesting another point of view- caitlyn has no idea who they were meeting, as far as she knew it was this 'powder'. And Jinx's reaction: "sevika wasn't lying, you're with an enforcer" - is something that reinforces her distrust at seeing this blue haired girl turn up who Vi tries to placate, rather than siding with her straight away. So she's sees Vi trying to be nice to an enforcer; especially after just telling Jinx the enforcers are the reason they were separated in the first place.
This is what I love about Acane. Most shows would do the miscommunication just for the sake of conflict, but Arcane makes every detail completely motivated. So no matter how tragic, everything seems completely inevitable because it feels implausible anyone could have done things differently. The only possible out I can really find with 20/20 hindsight is if Vi had told Powder and Ekko to take care of each other until she gets back.
Yay! Just finished watching all of your reactions! Love your perspective and thoughts, this show is a masterclass of character writing and so glad you're enjoying it! Can't wait for the next one!
That Eye sign is Silco's insignia; his moniker in the undercity is The Eye of Zaun! You know, what's interesting about Silco being in there with Marcus' daughter are the implications; the untold backstory there. Ren has almost certainly been taught about stranger danger, which implies that she knows Silco by sight. It's been roughly a 7 year time skip from Episode 3 to 4, and Marcus has been working with Silco the entire time. How many times did he visit with Marcus during that time, topside? How many times has Ren seen 'Mr. Silco' working with her dad? To her, he isn't a stranger, he's just a guy who works with her dad. Why wouldn't she let him in, y'know? "What good is it to build a nation if you're going to lose all your people?" Silco is willing to gain independence by any means necessary. Ten years of shimmer and it's societal ills is short-lived for a potential future of not being oppressed and taken advantage of by Piltover. Clean water, safer working conditions, clean air, better housing and quality of life. It isn't perfect, but he's on borrowed time, and he's doing what he can with a deck stacked heavily in Piltover's favor. Yet, the undercity still flourishes with his efforts of stimulating economy through legitimate business & smuggling efforts
"Ren has almost certainly been taught about stranger danger..." That's a rather modern mindset. Ren has probably been taught that there are dirty bad people in the Undercity but people in Piltover are good. The strange thing about this scene is that it implies Marcus' very young daughter is alone in the house while he's away--that seems highly unlikely, so I consider it a misstep on the writer's part.
@@Raevika thank you for explaining the eye!! As far as Marcus, I figured with his strong prejudice against the people of the undercity that he’d never allow them in his house and especially around his daughter. With him being the sheriff too, how would that look with him having undercity “criminals” in Piltover and in his home. He strikes me as the kind of guy that keeps his business life and personal life separate, but these are def some good points!!
11:02 "Wow, I kinda feel bad for him right now" Does it help to remember that he has been the longest serving member of the council, been the head of the council, and is thus responsible for the state of the Lanes, and that his inaction, complacency, negligence, and political incompetence is the cause of everything bad in the show? Jayce is being disingenuous; he wants to remove Heimerdinger because he doesn't want to give up the hope of curing his friend and sworn brother... but he's absolutely correct in his assessment of Heimerdinger. He is the worst possible ruler and should have been removed from the council long ago, since he did not remove himself. Don't feel bad for Heimerdinger. He deserves much worse.
@@th3voice no, this is a very good take. I’d also like to dive into whatever traumatic experience that we see flashes of from Heim concerning magic, because it clearly plays a role as to why he is the way he is, regardless if I agree with it or not. I just want to fully understand the extent before just wanting to wash my hands of his views or stances in the entire conflict. But I definitely understand where you’re coming from as well, great assessment.
@@artxroyalty I am not really versed with the background lore; I'm told that there were terrible mage wars and that's where Heimerdinger's trauma comes from, which is fair. I do, however, notice that whenever Heimerdinger sees that vision of his, the mage flying over a dread landscape, it's always THE SAME mage even if the rest of the scenario changes. It seems to me that Heimerdinger merely reacts to anything that might be vaguely related to magic by seeing that mage and growing fearful, but we don't know, and nobody else knows either, because he doesn't EXPLAIN anything. By all means, keeping Heimerdinger around in some kind of advisory role or as an expert witness in matters of magic might be a good idea, but... Are you familiar with the gene drive dilemma? Essentially, malaria is the greatest killer of humans. Period. It has killed more humans than any other cause, probably, throughout history. It still kills a LOT of people horribly every year. Through genetic editing, scientists have made an altered version of the mosquito that spreads malaria which, if it is spread in the wild, would cause that mosquito species to go extinct in a relatively short time with a very high probability, drastically reducing and possibly eliminating this horrible disease. However... the edited genetics could cause unknown damage, and the removal of those mosquitos could have unintended consequences, so this action has not been taken. The problem is that while they wait to learn more about these POTENTIALLY horrible consequences of releasing this genetically modified mosquito into the wild... consequences we can't know... well over half a million people die from malaria each year. Primarily poor, deprived people. Each year we wait and try to figure out the consequences, over half a million more people die for that uncertainty. There's no right answer to that one, by the way, that's why it's a dilemma. Potentially, it could cause no major issues. Or it could cause ecological collapse. We can speculate but we can't know until we do it. Maybe it'll cause issues which we can then solve. It's impossible to say. The problem I have with Heimerdinger's position is that it is not a reasoned response, it is an instinctive, fear-driven rejection, but also because as a ruler, the state of your subjects is your responsibility, and that's something to keep in mind. Heimerdinger can't even blame "the last administration", he's been in office for longer than most other people in the world have lived. He is, unequivocally, responsible for the people of the Undercity. What they suffer, they suffer under his rule. He may not rule alone but he has ruled the longest. Viktor's poison-induced condition, whether it is some manner of chronic toxicity, cancer, or whatever, is his fault, and he is unconcerned with that. It seems clear that he doesn't know the state of Zaun, but that makes it worse, not better, because it is his business to know. So... yea. Nothing wrong with feeling sympathy for him losing his grip on his favourite project, but for the good of the people who LIVE in his project, Heimerdinger needs to be removed from power. Of course, changes in the power dynamics like that will always cause a measure of chaos, which sometimes one can ill afford...
The problem is that Heimerdinger is not giving us a reason why they should destroy the hexcore, why they should be wary of magic - he's never explaining himself and just telling them to either not do it, gives them vague words or just tells them the negative consequences that he saw (which, like you have mentioned before, Heimerdinger only sees the negative and he doesn't see that there can be positives. Can I blame him? No, because he looks like whatever he saw happened when magic is used for bad purposes has traumatised him. I'm still annoyed though X-X) I think Silco both cares for Jinx and is also kinda of using her? Because Silco is obsessed with this idea of "the nation of Zaun". And I think he sees that embodied in Jinx - someone who is willing to do anything for power (as he mentioned back in one of the earlier episodes in order to convince that lackey to drink Shimmer for the first time). It doesn't help that he also sees himself in Jinx, what with the whole "she's not my sister!" thing. So the way I see it, Silco sees Jinx as his legacy, someone who can continue to lead this "nation of Zaun" even after he's gone. Also, after Vi delivers that hard punch and brings the entire building down for her and Caitlyn to escape, I think that's the first time we see Silco kind of lose his composure. Because when something gets in the way or disrupts his plans in a sense (e.g. Jinx "supposed to be guarding the cargo" and Marcus in this episode), Silco still has things under control and looks like he's the one in power. But when Vi manages to escape, Silco starts kicking and shouting and punching his men because Vi being back and alive means that there is a possibility he might lose Jinx. "Why can't nothing just go right just one time?" BIG MOOD *SOBBING* Lol also the way that both Caitlyn and Jinx have blue hair and are sharpshooters And you'll find out about the firelights in the next episode, don't worry 👍
Heimerdinger communicated an existential danger very poorly. Considering he's a scientist, he opts to argue by authority ("it's dangerous because i day so") rather than specific facts or testimony of the actual event he witnessed
@@chudez I agree that he could have argued this better if he was thinking logically, but Heimerdinger is a survivor of a nearly apocalyptic war who just saw the doomsday weapon that haunts his nightmares suddenly reappear right in front of him. He is reacting emotionally because of his trauma, something the fandom is understanding of for every other character in the show except Heimerdinger. I don't really get the double standard
@@aranthur respectfully, making observations to a character's flaws is hardly an application of a double standard in attitude; on the contrary, it's an appreciation of how well characters in this show are written. His faults are understandable -- but still faults. his initial reaction was pure shock, true. But he's a centuries old councilor and was in his element at the council itself. He had two chances to explain the peril; during Jayce's trial and in the meeting to decide the fate of the hexcore. In both instances, he opted to make guarded statements and exhortations of principles and ideals, with the manner of a person who expects to get his way.
@@chudez Pointing out a character's flaws is one thing. I am happy to do it. What I'm saying is that a lot of people will point out a flaw in Jinx or Silco or Viktor or whoever else and also try to understand why they have that flaw and express sympathy, but for Heimerdinger they just talk about how terrible he is for being 300 years old and still... having flaws at all?? He reacted out of fear and anger in Viktor's lab and snapped at them instead of explaining himself well, and in the council meeting when he was calmer Heimerdinger didn't even say it should be destroyed, he said it needed more time, "more safeguards." Which is OBVIOUSLY TRUE. But we never got to hear whatever else he intended to say on the topic because Jayce interrupted him with an angry rant about something that was a very valid criticism but unrelated to the topic of the hexcore and a total deception and manipulation of the council, because he knew the REAL reason he wanted Heimerdinger removed could make Jayce look bad and potentially end with them agreeing with Heimerdinger instead
8:19 This isn't expressed in the show but there is some lore from the game that could explain it. So if in-game-deep-lore is spoiler, don't read: So there was this event called the "Rune Wars" where these runes were used as weapons. The runes are like the infinity stones from Marvel only maybe a bit more volatile when used. I'm not sure if mages had to use the runes but they had to be more dangerous in a mages hands. Anyways the rune-bearers nuked each other with these runes destroying civilizations and their history with it. Heimerdinger being a Yordel that can live (I think) an indefinite long time could be a survivor from this war and get PTSD whenever he sees any magical artifacts or trinkets.
Now each new episode will be more poignant.... When Jinx sees Vai, she is unsure of reality. Over the years, Jinx had often seen Vai in her delirium. Now she's not sure about anything. What is happening is driving her crazy.
Shimmer isn’t necessarily bad. It is like hextech. In the right hands shimmer can be extremely good and help prosper a nation but in the wrong hands(people with no self control aka addicts) it can appear to be bad. The weak minded should never use shimmer because they could easily become addicts
@@cthroatbill5192 all I did was type “who made shimmer in Arcane” so I could learn his name. Didn’t give me any spoilers, I didn’t have to click a link, it was literally the first thing that popped up
@@artxroyalty hmmmmm. Ok. Your story checks out. You may have my upvote. You very intuitive and your reaction videos for this series is pretty damn great. Keep up the good work.
@@cthroatbill5192 lol my story? Thanks, I guess. I appreciate it. I also have a bachelors degree in animation, I took classes that dissected storytelling so…it’s good to know that my degree is showing
Don't act like characters in the show should know what you know. You're the viewer, you see all the angles. They only have theirs, so blaming a character for something they had no knowledge about is a really dumb way to respond.
This comment is a dumb way to respond. It’s a reaction, I try to let the viewers know what I’m thinking. If you want a silent reaction this isn’t the channel for you. Let me watch and assess the characters for myself. I’m assuming by your bravado you’ve seen the entire series, you know how things wrap up for each character, I don’t SO until I do I will continue to allow myself to analyze using the information I’m privy to.
"Did she give her Shimmer?"
That moment really strikes me with how miraculous the invention of Shimmer really was. One drop of it mixed with that little vial of medicine healed a deadly wound in seconds and gave Vi the strength to punch down a building. If it was in the hands of someone who wasn't just using to create weapons, it could be almost as revolutionary as Hextech
It is as revolutionary as Hextech and Silco is not concentrated on weaponry only. As we can see shimmer is used all around the Undercity as a fuel for engines, medicine, for relaxation purposes, etc. Moreover, Silco is building economy of the Undercity based on shimmer export, probably to Noxus. And shimmer is a great invention, everything people wanted in one package, and if people, like Huck, can't use it correctly, without consequences, that's their own fault.
No, the fuel is not shimmer (although Sevika is using shimmer to drive her arm). Its name is Chemtech. You saw the green stuff when Jinx switched on the boxing machine.
@@mullworm shimmer is the chemtech, or better say it's a part of chemtech. Moreover, boxing machine was Vi and Jinx used is rather prehistoric. Although green stuff can be used to fuel engines, shimmer is modern better, that's why Sevika using shimmer to power up her arm.
@@mullwormchemtech comes after shimmer. Chemtech becomes like a combination of an old fuel they used to use mixed with shimmer to make it even better and become one of the main sources of zaun
I see Aisha and Arcane, I watch. Simple as.
You’re the best 💜
Totes!
The fact that Sevika 100% knew she was putting her own life on the line by saying all that to Jinx but did it anyway because she believed it would benefit Silco in the long run even if she died?? She deserves a raise
ALSO, interesting note: Despite everything, Jinx has only so far intentionally killed Enforcers and Firelights, people she sees as enemy combatants. Civilians and allies might get an unpleasant experience from her, but they will live, which maybe says something about her moral compass?
So seldom see this take on Sevika and totally agree. A big part of why she's one of my favorite characters.
And good point about Jinx's morality. That's actually fairly standard human morality in wartime when you put it that way.
"do you contemplate death professor.."
that scene was crazy good between Viktor and professor Hiemer
"Figments." - butterfly flitters away.
Honestly heartbreaking. I couldn't imagine facing something that imminent AND feeling unaccomplished at that 😢
@@artxroyalty this show has one of my favorite dialogues.. I suggest you watch bridging the rift documentary.. the amount of thought put into this work is amazing
“Are you real” yes and so are my tears
"Are you real?" the three most heartrending words.
Keep tissues to hand for all the last three episodes. The rollercoaster ride just gets more intense.
@@williamklett6660 I think for the remainder of the show I’m just going to keep a box with me 😅
@@artxroyalty And given what the voice actress for Jinx said about next season, might need a crate of tissues in a few months.
I'll put her comment below and add a couple spaces, so don't expand my comment if you don't want to see it. It's nothing specific about plot or anything, just a general mood.
This was from an interview with TechRadar:
"I actually just went back into the studio to complete some ADR [automated dialog replacement] for the season 2 finale - and I cried. So, I think other people will cry, too. It's devastating, and nobody will feel good after watching it."
I really don't like that last sentence. 😰
@@artxroyalty Good idea
Arcane is using opposites and parallels a lot.
Vander thought that playing along with Piltover would improve the Undercity's position. But it didn't. As soon as there was a hiccup in their relationship, Grayson reminds Vander she will use violence without hesitation.
Silco's argument is that violence will result in deaths too but at least the situation will improve and there will be less suffering on the long run.
Their opposition parallels Jayce and Heimerdinger's. Just like Vander, Heimer thinks everything will improve slowly over time. He's passive, trying to maintain balance by refusing to move. Jayce thinks radical solutions is the only way to stop this stagnant situation from slowly rotting. He's Piltover's Silco. And like the real Silco, he just removed his opposite (without killing Heimer og course).
Sevica is the master at pushing buttons - saying the exact words to get in Vi's head to get the upper hand in their fight, and whispering the right words to unbalance jinx (even when jinx tried to laugh it off)
@@chudez justice for Sevika, Vi and Jinx be putting her through the ringer 😅
@@artxroyaltyfrrr Sevika is underrated, don't see alot of art or cosplay of her
@@mr.raccoon1999 I can’t lie…she’s kind of growing on me
She is also a very fleshed out henchmen as she does follow Silco, but she has her own autonomy and interests as well. She is not slavishly loyal.
I love seeing Silco lose it in this episode. He's always so calm and in control, but having Vi get away and him realizing things didn't go his way just sending him into a rage.
...and with that music playing in the back, instant chills.
"I understand now" is one of my favorite lines. Combined with the visual storytelling. Chills.
"Pow-Pow" 😢
One of those easter eggs that hits different depending on whether you play the game or not.
if you havent already watched episode 7 I highly recommend watching the imagine dragons "enemy" music video before seeing it! The music video is animated by the arcane animators and, to me, improves the watching experience of episode 7!!! The whole music video also tells a miniature story about some of our protags pre episode 3
Seconded! Between episodes 6 & 7 is the best time to watch the music video.
"one is way too hesitant and one too hasty", personally this is what i like about the Heimer/Jayce conflict, both have valid points against the other and neither have the answer to the other.
For Heimer it's clear that he has been the most prominent political figure in Piltover for its 200 years and during those he let the disparity of the upper and lower city grow into what we see in the series. The best and probably the correct interpretation is that he is blind to the situation or just as an immortal being, he can't actually understand humans properly.
@@unknowndane4754 they do a great job of keeping the viewers on the fence, it’s hard to side with one character over the other with this show.
This also ties back into the scene it the concert hall. Heimerdinger is oblivious in his privilege and hedonism to the corruption (and the plights) of those around him. He takes such a conservative and long-term view that his response to Victor's condition boils down to "you're not the first, sucks to be you."
3:48 Honestly compared to her usual self, she was being vulnerable with him.
Yeah, despite knowing Mel for seven years, Jayce doesn't know she's an artist or an exile from her family. This is her opening up.
@@ReaverRACI like that brief emotional journey we see her go on when she's surprised he's not playing the game when he lies in her lap, then realizes and accepts that she needs to reciprocate his vulnerability.
If I had a nickel for every time Vi got knocked out and kidnapped during the third episode of an act I'd have ten cents, which isn't a lot but it's weird that it's happened twice.
...well, there seems to be a pattern...
@@blackshard641 omg 😂 I hadn’t even noticed! Ep 9, don’t disappoint me!
Princesse's curse... Whe had Daisy, Zelda, Raipunzel... Now webhave Violet
@@TheAyme83and everyone tells her that her defense sucks
Nothing ever goes right for anybody because at its core the story of Arcane is a TRAGEDY. In the classic sense. Loving your reactions. Terrific insights!
'What does that eye mean--the sign?'
Silco is 'the Eye of Zaun' and that's his symbol.
"That was one hell of a punch."
She just took Shimmer. There's a tiny flash of pink in her eye when she punches.
"The life force it drained from that plant and killed it."
The hexcore has a hexgem powering it and doesn't need energy. The plant died because it went from seed to a huge growth in seconds and that sort of violent transformation was too much for it. I always thought it was an interesting parallel to the science boys. They're all about accelerating science and technology while just assuming things will work out in the long-term.
"Approach the territory where you're starting to mess with powers you don't understand."
I'd argue that this was always the case. When Jinx was making a hextech device, she mentioned that the runes created a 'magicy gateway to the realm of the heeby-jeebies.' Neither Viktor nor Jayce have talked about traveling through different realms, suggesting that's an implication they haven't considered.
Alternatively, the only way to understand something is to mess with it. If you understood it perfectly, there'd be no need for research.
I've just watched that sequence frame by frame and can't see even the tiniest flash of pink in Vi's eye. I like the idea though.
It puzzled me for some time that Sevika would antagonise Jinx so much while she was defenceless. Jinx hasn't exactly been squeamish about killing people. However - Sevika has known Jinx for 7-8 years now, and I think she understands that Jinx is extremely dependent on Silco; she craves his approval, and cannot stand even his mild reproaches of her. Sevika is important to Silco, and Jinx isn't going to risk being rejected by Silco for killing or further maiming her.
As a step back, episodes were sent out in 3 packs each week. Not sure if anyone mentioned this, but treat this also as a 3 act play.
Or - as I treat it - a 3×2 hours movie trilogy
Interesting note.
When Jinx says ...Shut up, I'm in no mood! That sounds so much like something Silco would say. That slightly formal antiquated phrase.I'm sure that is where she heard it.
Maybe Sevika complaining about Jinx..being told...Enough! I'm in no mood!
Yooooo nice catch! She's his daughter fr
I enjoy watching people with different views on life try to pick apart Arcane. I've watched people from all sorts of backgrounds. I appreciate yours and what you take from this show. I'm excited for the remaining three episodes and what you'll take from them.
Marcus while abducting Vi at the end of ep.3... "Come on... He'll kill you". Sevika in ep.5... "The sister... she's back". Silco, "From the dead"? Silco talking to Marcus daughter about their old fried Vander, "He went on a long trip... he had a daughter about your age... daddy told me that she joined him, but it seems that she never made it. Isn't that sad"? Marcus had told Silco that Vi was dead.
Everyone hâtes him for his mistakes, but he really try his best.
@@TheAyme83 **** SPOILER ALERT****
**** DO NOT READ FURTHER UNLESS YOU HAVE WATCHED PAST EP.7 ****
If we ever get any more back story on Marcus then I think we will learn that his wife died in the line of duty. Possibly that he blames the undercity for her death. This would leave daughter "Ren" with both parents killed by the undercity. Her story is only beginning.
@@TheAyme83like all the characters, he has motivations you can emphasise with. But that doesn't make him a good guy.
My take is that he hid Vi in Stillwater as possible leverage against Silco. Either as a witness to the events that night, or someone who he might be able to use to strike at Silco or his business to gain some advantage, whatever. But he couldn't find an opportunity for that, leaving her stuck there indefinitely.
If you ever get the Arcane blues after you finished Season 1, watch Blue Eye Samurai. Similar art style, even more heartbreaking and amazing storytelling.
@@mmagnenat I LOVED THAT SHOW!! I’ll def have to react to s2 on the channel
@@artxroyalty Sine you've already watched Blue Eye Samurai, I suggest "Scavengers Reign", it has a very distinctive art style, and extremely creative worldbuilding.
Jayce is a romantic. Mel is guarded. I'm pretty sure her attraction to Jayce is genuine, but like you said, she has difficulty being vulnerable.
Fun fact, "Pow-Pow" is the name of Jinx' weapon in the game
The eye represents Silco`s power in Zaun because he is known as "The Eye of Zaun" due to his heterochromia and eye infection. Also, Shimmer changing people`s eye color as a side effect.
The barkeeper is probably the boy that chased Powder in episode 1.
That explains at least why Jinx trolls him with a grenade that just produces a puff of smoke.
That’s an interesting theory 😦
Nah you're providing high quality content ngl
I'm watching Arcane analysis videos to see what they want to make people feel and understand in each scene, sometimes people struggle to get things or skip it but you seem to get almost all of it on the first watch, this is suuper interesting
I’ve heard ppl tell me I’ve picked up on a lot, and then I’ve seen how other ppl assess certain characters or scenes and feel like a lot went over my head. Definitely looking forward to pulling more nuggets on a rewatch!
So is the plant in Viktor's lab a metaphor for Piltover? Jayce and Viktor have introduced Hextech to what was a less than perfect but mostly stable existence. Rapid and fantastic growth happened because of it, astounding everyone... but only briefly. The dream was lofty but the fundamental structure was not built for that level of progress, especially not so quickly, and in the blink of an eye the whole thing collapses under its own weight and burns to ash
"Nature has made us intolerant to change" after all
Yooooo…your mind 🫢
yup each episode manages to keep rising one way or another, payoffs, emotion, action, momentum.
Just wanted to say I've been loving your videos and I can't wait to see how you grow. ❤❤
@@chantelllight9098 awww thank you so much! I’m excited as well!! ☺️
Viewer: "Yay, a heartfelt reunion!"
Arcane writers: "LOL no."
Just something to think about: you say Caitlyn should've just stayed quiet, but maaayyybbbeee Vi should have told her first who Powder was? Might have helped a little maybe?
Oh and the firelights took both Vi and Caitlyn.
@@gustavgustav2670 Idk I understand why Vi was hesitant to. I don’t think Caitlyn would’ve been ok with it, like “oh Jinx is your sister? All is well!” Mind you, I haven’t finished the series like you, so all I know of these characters is what I’ve seen so far and Vi doesn’t seem like the type to trust as easily.
As far as me thinking Caitlyn should’ve been quiet, upon her arrival she can see that Jinx was unstable and her presence wasn’t helping. I would’ve given Vi time to talk to her before outwardly saying “your sister is Jinx??” Now you’re pretty much letting her know she’s a target and further escalating the situation when Vi already had her calm.
@artxroyalty oh no you're spot on, I was just suggesting another point of view- caitlyn has no idea who they were meeting, as far as she knew it was this 'powder'.
And Jinx's reaction: "sevika wasn't lying, you're with an enforcer" - is something that reinforces her distrust at seeing this blue haired girl turn up who Vi tries to placate, rather than siding with her straight away. So she's sees Vi trying to be nice to an enforcer; especially after just telling Jinx the enforcers are the reason they were separated in the first place.
This is what I love about Acane. Most shows would do the miscommunication just for the sake of conflict, but Arcane makes every detail completely motivated. So no matter how tragic, everything seems completely inevitable because it feels implausible anyone could have done things differently. The only possible out I can really find with 20/20 hindsight is if Vi had told Powder and Ekko to take care of each other until she gets back.
Yay! Just finished watching all of your reactions! Love your perspective and thoughts, this show is a masterclass of character writing and so glad you're enjoying it! Can't wait for the next one!
That Eye sign is Silco's insignia; his moniker in the undercity is The Eye of Zaun!
You know, what's interesting about Silco being in there with Marcus' daughter are the implications; the untold backstory there.
Ren has almost certainly been taught about stranger danger, which implies that she knows Silco by sight. It's been roughly a 7 year time skip from Episode 3 to 4, and Marcus has been working with Silco the entire time. How many times did he visit with Marcus during that time, topside? How many times has Ren seen 'Mr. Silco' working with her dad? To her, he isn't a stranger, he's just a guy who works with her dad. Why wouldn't she let him in, y'know?
"What good is it to build a nation if you're going to lose all your people?"
Silco is willing to gain independence by any means necessary. Ten years of shimmer and it's societal ills is short-lived for a potential future of not being oppressed and taken advantage of by Piltover. Clean water, safer working conditions, clean air, better housing and quality of life.
It isn't perfect, but he's on borrowed time, and he's doing what he can with a deck stacked heavily in Piltover's favor. Yet, the undercity still flourishes with his efforts of stimulating economy through legitimate business & smuggling efforts
"Ren has almost certainly been taught about stranger danger..."
That's a rather modern mindset. Ren has probably been taught that there are dirty bad people in the Undercity but people in Piltover are good. The strange thing about this scene is that it implies Marcus' very young daughter is alone in the house while he's away--that seems highly unlikely, so I consider it a misstep on the writer's part.
@@Raevika thank you for explaining the eye!! As far as Marcus, I figured with his strong prejudice against the people of the undercity that he’d never allow them in his house and especially around his daughter. With him being the sheriff too, how would that look with him having undercity “criminals” in Piltover and in his home. He strikes me as the kind of guy that keeps his business life and personal life separate, but these are def some good points!!
These are strong reaction videos. Keep it coming!
@@kylar114 thank you!! Will do!
That was Vi that said "I didn't say anything" Jinx is just loosing it.
Oh just saw you mentioned it was an act. Cool beans! ❤
The crows.
This one is a sad episode but its not a tissue episode. You'll need them for 7 and 9.
Don't forget to watch the Enemy music video!
Can’t wait till you see the Firelights next episode. 😈👍😉
Yup. This one hurt. Excited to move on to EP.7. That's one of my favorites!
I think ep 7 might be my fav episode so far!
11:02 "Wow, I kinda feel bad for him right now" Does it help to remember that he has been the longest serving member of the council, been the head of the council, and is thus responsible for the state of the Lanes, and that his inaction, complacency, negligence, and political incompetence is the cause of everything bad in the show? Jayce is being disingenuous; he wants to remove Heimerdinger because he doesn't want to give up the hope of curing his friend and sworn brother... but he's absolutely correct in his assessment of Heimerdinger. He is the worst possible ruler and should have been removed from the council long ago, since he did not remove himself.
Don't feel bad for Heimerdinger. He deserves much worse.
@@th3voice no, this is a very good take. I’d also like to dive into whatever traumatic experience that we see flashes of from Heim concerning magic, because it clearly plays a role as to why he is the way he is, regardless if I agree with it or not. I just want to fully understand the extent before just wanting to wash my hands of his views or stances in the entire conflict. But I definitely understand where you’re coming from as well, great assessment.
@@artxroyalty I am not really versed with the background lore; I'm told that there were terrible mage wars and that's where Heimerdinger's trauma comes from, which is fair. I do, however, notice that whenever Heimerdinger sees that vision of his, the mage flying over a dread landscape, it's always THE SAME mage even if the rest of the scenario changes. It seems to me that Heimerdinger merely reacts to anything that might be vaguely related to magic by seeing that mage and growing fearful, but we don't know, and nobody else knows either, because he doesn't EXPLAIN anything.
By all means, keeping Heimerdinger around in some kind of advisory role or as an expert witness in matters of magic might be a good idea, but...
Are you familiar with the gene drive dilemma? Essentially, malaria is the greatest killer of humans. Period. It has killed more humans than any other cause, probably, throughout history. It still kills a LOT of people horribly every year. Through genetic editing, scientists have made an altered version of the mosquito that spreads malaria which, if it is spread in the wild, would cause that mosquito species to go extinct in a relatively short time with a very high probability, drastically reducing and possibly eliminating this horrible disease. However... the edited genetics could cause unknown damage, and the removal of those mosquitos could have unintended consequences, so this action has not been taken. The problem is that while they wait to learn more about these POTENTIALLY horrible consequences of releasing this genetically modified mosquito into the wild... consequences we can't know... well over half a million people die from malaria each year. Primarily poor, deprived people. Each year we wait and try to figure out the consequences, over half a million more people die for that uncertainty. There's no right answer to that one, by the way, that's why it's a dilemma. Potentially, it could cause no major issues. Or it could cause ecological collapse. We can speculate but we can't know until we do it. Maybe it'll cause issues which we can then solve. It's impossible to say.
The problem I have with Heimerdinger's position is that it is not a reasoned response, it is an instinctive, fear-driven rejection, but also because as a ruler, the state of your subjects is your responsibility, and that's something to keep in mind. Heimerdinger can't even blame "the last administration", he's been in office for longer than most other people in the world have lived. He is, unequivocally, responsible for the people of the Undercity. What they suffer, they suffer under his rule. He may not rule alone but he has ruled the longest. Viktor's poison-induced condition, whether it is some manner of chronic toxicity, cancer, or whatever, is his fault, and he is unconcerned with that. It seems clear that he doesn't know the state of Zaun, but that makes it worse, not better, because it is his business to know. So... yea. Nothing wrong with feeling sympathy for him losing his grip on his favourite project, but for the good of the people who LIVE in his project, Heimerdinger needs to be removed from power. Of course, changes in the power dynamics like that will always cause a measure of chaos, which sometimes one can ill afford...
Im so happy you like the show.... greatings from germany
@@ayby1 omg hiiii! Thanks so much for tuning in 💜
The problem is that Heimerdinger is not giving us a reason why they should destroy the hexcore, why they should be wary of magic - he's never explaining himself and just telling them to either not do it, gives them vague words or just tells them the negative consequences that he saw (which, like you have mentioned before, Heimerdinger only sees the negative and he doesn't see that there can be positives. Can I blame him? No, because he looks like whatever he saw happened when magic is used for bad purposes has traumatised him. I'm still annoyed though X-X)
I think Silco both cares for Jinx and is also kinda of using her? Because Silco is obsessed with this idea of "the nation of Zaun". And I think he sees that embodied in Jinx - someone who is willing to do anything for power (as he mentioned back in one of the earlier episodes in order to convince that lackey to drink Shimmer for the first time). It doesn't help that he also sees himself in Jinx, what with the whole "she's not my sister!" thing. So the way I see it, Silco sees Jinx as his legacy, someone who can continue to lead this "nation of Zaun" even after he's gone.
Also, after Vi delivers that hard punch and brings the entire building down for her and Caitlyn to escape, I think that's the first time we see Silco kind of lose his composure. Because when something gets in the way or disrupts his plans in a sense (e.g. Jinx "supposed to be guarding the cargo" and Marcus in this episode), Silco still has things under control and looks like he's the one in power. But when Vi manages to escape, Silco starts kicking and shouting and punching his men because Vi being back and alive means that there is a possibility he might lose Jinx.
"Why can't nothing just go right just one time?" BIG MOOD *SOBBING*
Lol also the way that both Caitlyn and Jinx have blue hair and are sharpshooters
And you'll find out about the firelights in the next episode, don't worry 👍
Heimerdinger communicated an existential danger very poorly. Considering he's a scientist, he opts to argue by authority ("it's dangerous because i day so") rather than specific facts or testimony of the actual event he witnessed
@@chudez Yeesss, you put it in words much better than I did
@@chudez I agree that he could have argued this better if he was thinking logically, but Heimerdinger is a survivor of a nearly apocalyptic war who just saw the doomsday weapon that haunts his nightmares suddenly reappear right in front of him. He is reacting emotionally because of his trauma, something the fandom is understanding of for every other character in the show except Heimerdinger. I don't really get the double standard
@@aranthur respectfully, making observations to a character's flaws is hardly an application of a double standard in attitude; on the contrary, it's an appreciation of how well characters in this show are written. His faults are understandable -- but still faults.
his initial reaction was pure shock, true. But he's a centuries old councilor and was in his element at the council itself. He had two chances to explain the peril; during Jayce's trial and in the meeting to decide the fate of the hexcore. In both instances, he opted to make guarded statements and exhortations of principles and ideals, with the manner of a person who expects to get his way.
@@chudez Pointing out a character's flaws is one thing. I am happy to do it. What I'm saying is that a lot of people will point out a flaw in Jinx or Silco or Viktor or whoever else and also try to understand why they have that flaw and express sympathy, but for Heimerdinger they just talk about how terrible he is for being 300 years old and still... having flaws at all??
He reacted out of fear and anger in Viktor's lab and snapped at them instead of explaining himself well, and in the council meeting when he was calmer Heimerdinger didn't even say it should be destroyed, he said it needed more time, "more safeguards." Which is OBVIOUSLY TRUE. But we never got to hear whatever else he intended to say on the topic because Jayce interrupted him with an angry rant about something that was a very valid criticism but unrelated to the topic of the hexcore and a total deception and manipulation of the council, because he knew the REAL reason he wanted Heimerdinger removed could make Jayce look bad and potentially end with them agreeing with Heimerdinger instead
8:19 This isn't expressed in the show but there is some lore from the game that could explain it. So if in-game-deep-lore is spoiler, don't read:
So there was this event called the "Rune Wars" where these runes were used as weapons. The runes are like the infinity stones from Marvel only maybe a bit more volatile when used. I'm not sure if mages had to use the runes but they had to be more dangerous in a mages hands. Anyways the rune-bearers nuked each other with these runes destroying civilizations and their history with it.
Heimerdinger being a Yordel that can live (I think) an indefinite long time could be a survivor from this war and get PTSD whenever he sees any magical artifacts or trinkets.
I saw this reaction pop up and have been waiting for you to react to the flare scene!
I'm so excited for you to see the next one aa
Now each new episode will be more poignant....
When Jinx sees Vai, she is unsure of reality. Over the years, Jinx had often seen Vai in her delirium. Now she's not sure about anything. What is happening is driving her crazy.
Shimmer isn’t necessarily bad. It is like hextech. In the right hands shimmer can be extremely good and help prosper a nation but in the wrong hands(people with no self control aka addicts) it can appear to be bad. The weak minded should never use shimmer because they could easily become addicts
ALSO get the tissues ready for 9. Maybe like a full surround of tissue boxes and a therapist on call.
C'mon, dont spoil it with heads up. Let her not know.
¡Gracias!
Omg you're awesome!! Thanks again!
@@artxroyalty to you, dimples 🫶
To think that you only have to wait 4 months for the next season xD (Random thinking while watching your video)
@@shiminisillters1848 I got it easy, I couldn’t imagine waiting years 😅
Hello, have you seen the movie Tarzan The Fearless?
Firelights answers: episode 7
How did you know his name was Singed?
@@cthroatbill5192 I looked it up?
@@artxroyaltyand avoid spoilers? How did you manage that?
@@cthroatbill5192 all I did was type “who made shimmer in Arcane” so I could learn his name. Didn’t give me any spoilers, I didn’t have to click a link, it was literally the first thing that popped up
@@artxroyalty hmmmmm. Ok. Your story checks out. You may have my upvote. You very intuitive and your reaction videos for this series is pretty damn great. Keep up the good work.
@@cthroatbill5192 lol my story? Thanks, I guess. I appreciate it. I also have a bachelors degree in animation, I took classes that dissected storytelling so…it’s good to know that my degree is showing
Don't act like characters in the show should know what you know. You're the viewer, you see all the angles. They only have theirs, so blaming a character for something they had no knowledge about is a really dumb way to respond.
This comment is a dumb way to respond.
It’s a reaction, I try to let the viewers know what I’m thinking. If you want a silent reaction this isn’t the channel for you. Let me watch and assess the characters for myself. I’m assuming by your bravado you’ve seen the entire series, you know how things wrap up for each character, I don’t SO until I do I will continue to allow myself to analyze using the information I’m privy to.