“Arcane”: stunning, yet confusing

“Arcane,” a recent steampunk action-themed show on Netflix, explores the rivalry between the people of Piltover, a powerful dystopian city thriving with progress, culture, and corruption, and the two sisters between their perspectives of magic, technology, and politics. From the beginning of the first episode, where monstrous fires engulf the bridge connecting the wealthier and poverty-stricken side of Piltover to the action-packed battles between the impoverished civilians and law enforcers of Piltover.

The wealthier side of Piltover flourished with innovators, technology, and politicians often conflicted with the poorer side of the city, known as the Undercity. The Undercity is infested with crime, violence, and reckless criminals. The differences in the city’s two sides paint a dystopian world where the two fight over power and control over resources. Amid this fight, the two sisters try to find their way back to each other.

“Arcane” gained fame even as the series was made due to its relations with a videogame developer, “Riot Games.” Fans of the games have waited eagerly for two years as the series was meticulously created.

“Arcane”’s popularity grew exponentially when it premiered on Nov. 6, 2021, due to its incredible and distinct art style. The combination of 3D characters with 2D, tediously hand-painted backgrounds and effects made this show come to life. The characters of “Arcane” are stunningly crafted, from one of the main characters, Jinx’s childish yet chaotic style to the evil and mysterious villain Silco. The characters can be portrayed this way because of the animators’ attention to detail and skills in their animation. The characters’ designs also revolve around the steampunk aesthetic inspired heavily by technology and industrial machinery, which ties back to Piltover.

The differences, similarities, conflicts, and diverse pasts in each character and their development over the show contributed to the rise to fame of “Arcane.” Many of the show’s characters are appealing and realistic because they are forced to make difficult decisions. 

For example, Heimerdinger, one of the politicians in Piltover, faces predicaments that contradict his beliefs. After witnessing the demise of a former city, Heimerdinger pledges to prevent Piltover from suffering that same fate by illegalizing magic. However, as inventors developed more ways to input magic into daily lives, Heimerdinger is torn between allowing this to be implemented into the citizens’ lives or continuing the current ban on magic. 

However, the television series was challenging to follow due to the number of characters with intricate backstories. The audience has to follow both the politicians of Piltover and their conflicts along with two sisters as they attempt to resolve misunderstandings with family and their political perspectives in Piltover. In addition, multiple main characters and short episodes contribute to viewer confusion. 

The popularity of “Arcane” was unavoidably predictable because of its spectacular cast of directors and dazzling art. However, the series is not perfect because of the large number of complex characters in a short time. However, this is definitely among the best action-packed TV series yet. 

Rating: 4/5