In a somewhat defeated manner, Ekko assures Vi that it can’t be done. In one fell swoop, a single scene is able to demonstrate how much the characters have changed over the years while cementing even further the bond that Vi and Jinx share. To everyone else, Jinx is too far gone, but Vi wholeheartedly believes the relationship with her sister, whom she loved and cared for dearly, can still be salvaged. In Jinx’s rare tender moments, even she longs for this bond to return.

To conclude the episode, Ekko and Jinx face off in a gripping and emotional duel to the death. When the two square off, Jinx taunts him, saying, “Oh, look who it is. The boy Savior.” Jinx’s words and Ekko’s regretful sigh all but confirm to viewers that Ekko indeed tried to get through to Jinx at some point. Some of the most heartwrenching moments in the show derive from the difficulty of discerning the older characters from their younger, child-like selves, and this fight scene plays on that angle to perfection. The episode went on to win a Primetime Emmy for Outstanding Individual Achievement in Animation.             

2. S1.E3 “The Base Violence Necessary for Change”

Episode 3 of Season 1 is the final episode before the narrative time lapse occurs and does a tremendous job setting the tone for the rest of the series. Quickly, the children of the Undercity are forced to grow up while kids in Piltover can go through their whole childhood without knowing violence, desperation, or loss. In another subtle plot point, a recent revolution took the lives of Vi and Powder’s parents. Afterward, they are raised and mentored by the most respected person in the Undercity, Vander. Extreme violence and loss taught Vander the value of peace. Despite his strength and devout following, he did everything in his power to keep tensions from spilling over. This would include turning himself in to be imprisoned. His leadership was well-demonstrated during his brief screentime.

After Vander is captured by a rival gang, Vi assembles her crew of young misfits to rescue him. Vi forces Powder to stay behind, citing the dangerous nature of the mission and Powder’s limitations that the rest of the crew often compensates for. Despite the perilous opposition, Vi and her team reach the cusp of success. However, in an attempt to prove her worth, Powder secretly accompanies the crew and unknowingly causes the death of two friends. A mortally wounded Vander escapes with Vi and implores her to reach safety. His dying words to Vi ended up being, “Take care of Powder.” Overcome with emotion, Vi takes her frustration and grief out on Powder, going as far as to call her a jinx, before leaving her behind. This pivotal moment birthed one of the most ruthless and complex characters in storytelling.    

1. S1.E9 “The Monster You Created”

Whereas most TV shows would increase the runtime for a season finale, Arcane’s production proves efficient, with a compelling conclusion that coincides with the typical length of previous episodes. “The Monster You Created” was heavily recognized by the Annie Awards, accounting for three of the show’s nine wins. The episode won Outstanding Achievement for Character Animation in a Television/Media Production, Outstanding Achievement for Directing in an Animated Television/Media Production, and Outstanding Achievement for Writing in an Animated Television/Media Production. The effort received further recognition and a nomination from the Hugo Awards for Best Dramatic Presentation – Short Form. The praise for the episode can’t be overstated. The finale bore the responsibility of completing existing storylines while creating intrigue and cliffhangers for what’s to come. In flawless execution, the episode was delivered.

After teaming up with Vi, Jayce realizes the horrors associated with battle and solidifies his decision to petition for peace. Jayce and his love interest Mel independently arrive at the same conclusion, but Mel finally stands up to her mother and demands that she leave Piltover. In this exchange, audiences are treated to more background of the Medarda family and the real reason Mel was sent away. In a fleeting, vulnerable moment, Mel’s mother admits, “You weakened me,” regarding the compassion felt for Mel. After a brutal fight between Vi and Sevika, Jinx captures Vi in an attempt to find the truth in her intentions. Although Jinx’s derangement is on display throughout the season, the finale gives an in-depth look at her daily internal struggles and how they guide her erratic behavior. A climactic struggle sees Silco die at the hands of Jinx, which pushes her further into chaos. Next season, fans will watch the fallout of Savika taking Silco’s mantle, Ekko and Heimerdinger collaborating, and Jinx launching a Hextech-powered attack on Piltover that will negate the peace voted on by the council.