Arcane – Season 2 Episode 6 Recap & Review

The Message Hidden Within the Pattern

Episode 6 of Arcane season 2 starts with Jayce destroying Salo, watching as he bleeds out on the ground. Watching on from beyond, Viktor is convinced that there’s something else at work here and it becomes clear that Salo was a vessel for Viktor to project himself, and he’s not killed him, only Salo.

Meanwhile, Ambessa trains Caitlyn in the art of war. She gives a number of different pointers, including things to watch out for and how to get the upper-hand. She’s discovered that sacrifice can make you stronger.

Singed shows with big news. He’s tracked Vander to Zaun, also known as the City of Iron and Glass. This is where Viktor is currently hiding out, and it’s also where Vander, Vi, Isha and Jinx show. They’re joined by the battered remnants of those who escaped from the Prison. Huck is here too as the guard, and he asks them all to surrender their weapons.

Inside, the group are shocked to find the place is working harmoniously without any bloodshed or, more importantly, darkness. Everything is bathed in a bright hue of light, and they eventually find themselves face to face with their leader, Viktor. He presents himself as the messiah (The Herald) and tries to get through to Vander and heal him.

Viktor is willing to risk it all to try and detangle the man from the belly of the beast. Vander will need to be restrained at night, but beyond that, he agrees to do what he can to try and fix him. This includes countless sessions of working through Vander’s psyche, navigating the myriad of dark, red webs to the man at the core.

While this is going on, Vi contemplates whether she and Jinx should stay and try and make a new life for themselves here in Zaun. It’s definitely a viable option… but for the war machine hot on their heels. Caitlyn shows up with Singed, Ambessa and the others at the front gates, demanding an audience.

Singed heads in to see Viktor, whose power is starting to wane. He’s beginning to realize that his influence is finite and he’s shocked by the results. Singed explains that this is likely to diminish every time he uses it. Viktor’s newfound power allows him to see beyond what’s in front of him though, and he’s here to try and get Viktor out before things turn hostile.

Viktor refuses though, wanting to do right by Vander, even if it means losing everything. And unfortunately, Singed understands that too and promises that the community will falter if he’s to perish.

Vi notices Singed and follows him out to the outskirts of Zaun. There, Caitlyn gets the jump on her. As they talk, she tells Vi she can’t be here and unfortunately, ends up bringing her to Ambessa.

Ambessa is deep in the midst of talking to Singed when they show, who theorizes whether he can craft a serum to prohibit Viktor’s success. They’re not the only ones showing at Zaun though, as Jayce stumbles out of the ashes, determined to destroy everything.

Caitlyn heads into Zaun with Singed, while Vi gets the jump on Ambessa. It turns out Caitlyn has double-crossed the General and is given strict instructions not to underestimate her. Jinx is in on this too, and everything goes swimmingly. That is, until Jayce heads into the main square of town. The wildcard they didn’t bargain on, twisted and consumed by the Arcane, Jayce is brought before Viktor. Unfortunately, Jayce completely obliterates Viktor, destroying him with one massive blast from his hammer.

As for Vander, he saves Jinx’s life and appears to be back from the brink. Unfortunately, this little reunion is short-lived as every Zaun resident suddenly drops to the ground and collapses. This also has the adverse effect of losing what humanity had been gained with Vander, as the beast starts to overcome him. Vi and Jinx watch as the beast goes on the rampage.

Ambessa and her forces show and immediately fight, as Viktor, from the beyond, narrates about how humanity is inevitable and bound by their emotions. While fighting rages all around, Isha sacrifices herself to destroy the creature and herself too. Vi holds Jinx back as she screams.

The Episode Review

Arcane ends things with an explosive chapter but I can’t help but feel there’s so much going on here, with such short run-times, that it easily could have run for a few seasons more to let everything breathe and really dive into the characterisation.

Things like Vi and Jinx reuniting and getting back on good terms again deserved more than just a 5 minute scuffle and chat. I understand Vander is here and he’s kinda the glue that holds the family together, but it just feels a bit of a missed opportunity.

Likewise, the drama involving Mel could easily have been fleshed out further, and seeing more of Jayce and Viktor’s ties too would have helped.

The show certainly isn’t bad though and with rumours swirling that the first two seasons cost around $250 million, it’s perhaps unsurprising why this one is ending after the next 3 episodes. Still, it would have been nice to get a bit more time with these guys and see more of their journey, diving deeper into their characterisation.

Despite all of that though, this has been a solid series and with great visuals and a compelling narrative, that ending changes everything and it sets up a very explosive finale to follow.