Arcane : Season 2

Total Score: 95/100

January 2, 2025

So, we just binged Arcane Season 2, and wow – it’s the kind of show that leaves you staring at the credits wondering what to do with your life now. This season dives even deeper into the rich, vibrant chaos of Piltover and Zaun, picking up right where Season 1’s heart-stopping finale left off. If you thought things were intense before, brace yourself because Season 2 cranks everything up. Relationships fracture, alliances shift, and the emotional weight of it all hits hard. There’s something about Arcane that just feels… different. It doesn’t play like your average animated series. The storytelling feels personal, raw, and packed with the kind of character depth you’d expect in high-end dramas. The way it handles grief, revenge, and power struggles? Unreal. This season peels back even more layers on Vi and Jinx’s tumultuous relationship while expanding on the power dynamics between Piltover’s elite and Zaun’s underbelly. And the visual spectacle? It’s just ridiculous.

Plot Score: 9/10

The plot in Season 2 manages to keep that tightrope balance between character-driven drama and larger world conflicts. The fallout from Jinx’s actions in the Season 1 finale ripples through every episode, with both Piltover and Zaun feeling the heat. Every character has something at stake, and the story doesn’t shy away from tough moments. You can feel the tension rising with each episode – it’s like watching a spark inch closer to a powder keg.

Characters Score: 10/10

This season is Vi and Jinx’s playground, but the supporting cast steps up in a big way. Caitlyn’s development gets more attention, and her dynamic with Vi continues to be one of the highlights. Jinx? She’s somehow even more unhinged yet heartbreakingly fragile. You can’t help but feel for her, even when she’s doing the most chaotic stuff imaginable. Silco’s absence is noticeable, but the show fills the void with new characters who bring their own brand of complexity. Viktor’s storyline, in particular, hits like a sledgehammer

Visuals Score: 10/10

Let’s just get this out of the way – Arcane is still the best-looking animated show out there. Period. The art direction feels like stepping into a moving painting, and every frame could be hung on a wall. The action sequences are fluid and jaw-dropping, but even the quiet scenes are visually stunning. The way they use lighting, shadows, and colors to reflect the emotional tone? Chef’s kiss. There’s no dip in quality anywhere. It’s insane how consistent the visuals stay throughout the entire season.

Pacing Score: 8/10

As much as I love this show, there are moments where the pacing feels a little slower than necessary. Some episodes feel like they’re setting up more than delivering. But it’s not a dealbreaker – the emotional weight carries through, and the quieter moments give you time to sit with the characters and their struggles.

Dialogue Score: 9/10

The dialogue feels sharp and intentional, with every word holding weight. There’s no wasted conversation. When characters talk, it’s either pushing the story forward or peeling back new layers of their personality. Jinx’s chaotic, rambling monologues are unsettling in the best way, and Vi’s blunt, emotionally charged lines hit just right. Even the side characters have memorable moments that stick with you. The writing team nailed it.

Music Score: 10/10

The soundtrack absolutely slaps. Every track feels tailor-made for the scene it’s in. The way music blends into the action and drama adds so much emotional depth. Some moments wouldn’t hit nearly as hard without the right backing track – and Arcane knows exactly how to use music to get under your skin.

Emotional Influence Score: 10/10

Emotionally, this season is a rollercoaster you don’t want to get off. Whether it’s heartbreak, anger, or excitement, the show knows how to drag every feeling out of you. Jinx and Vi’s scenes, in particular, are just emotionally draining in the best way. By the end, you’ll feel like you’ve been through it with them.

Direction Score: 9/10

The direction this season feels more confident and bold. Scenes transition seamlessly between personal, intimate conversations and large-scale conflicts. The tone is consistent, and the directors clearly had a vision for where every character arc needed to go. The decision to split the season into three acts released weekly was smart – it gave each arc time to breathe while keeping the momentum alive.

Bingeability Score: 10/10

Once you start, it’s hard to stop. Even with the weekly releases, I found myself rewatching episodes just to catch every detail. It’s one of those rare shows that leaves you counting down the days until the next episode drops.

Overall Enjoyment Score: 10/10

Arcane Season 2 is everything I wanted and more. It’s visually stunning, emotionally gripping, and packed with characters you can’t help but care about. The story deepens the world in meaningful ways, and by the time it ends, you’ll be left wanting to watch it again.