Arcane: An Analysis
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- čas přidán 28. 02. 2022
- Taking a deeper look into the writing of Arcane.
00:00 - Intro
03:00 - The Analysis
05:01 - Characters
20:00 - Plot (Act 1)
31:42 - Powder Tribute
33:15 - Plot (Act 2)
44:09 - Plot (Act 3)
55:00 - Jinx Tribute
56:46 - Outro
Twitter: @LiteralAnalyst
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Hey guys, make sure to check out my latest video on Rumble! TLDR: Fair use is dead on CZcams.
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I love the Marcus insinuation "I know theres a crime behind every coin that passes through this place" and then carries his blood money that is a symbol of getting her mentor killed for the rest of the show
Underrated character, although that's by design.
I appreciate the acknowledgment of Caitlyn’s mother’s tiny little nod. I love that look of understanding her daughter’s feelings and the quiet encouragement to go after Vi.
The cupcake is a direct connection to the Kiraman’s family, that’s Caitlyn’s favorite dish, her nickname with Vi, and it is on her trap in the game (League of Legends), this is needed to make connection between the heist and the Kiraman.
So this is to establish there will be a lot of foreshadowing in the show.
THANK YOU. that's pretty cool actually.
@@amateuranalyst I'm a bit late but I don't see this mentioned elsewhere - in the last scene when Jinx has Vi and Silco tied up at the table, she says she 'made [Caitlyn] a snack' and brings in the platter. After lifting the lid It turns out to just be a cupcake, with the hexgem on top for decoration.
Good call, I forgot about that.
The nick name actually has nothing to do with it.
Vi calls more or less everyone Cupcake as a put down.
First time in the lore it ever pops up is when shes interrogating a prison er right before bearing him up.
This might not be a thing in the show as its confirmed to be non-canon but that doesnt apply to easter eggs as there literally wouldnt be any if they didnt relate to the game itself.
Another parallel I'd like to talk about is between Heimerdinger and Vander, it didn't strike me at first, and only after watching countless hours of analysis and reactions. Heimerdinger is considered the father of Piltover, and Vander is known as "the man that built the lanes". Both are at the top of their communities, yet both are judged by their actions (or innaction) by their respective contrasts in Jayce and Silco. Heimer and Vander allowed the problems to slowly pile on, and while it allowed them to live their lives peacefully it was at the cost of the oppression on the undercity. Meanwhile, Jayce and Silco are men of action, they want to shake the status quo, Jayce by bringing progress and making hextech while Silco wants to liberate the lanes and make the nation of Zaun independent. Jayce is eventually dragged into the political aspect and his parallel to Silco is further accentuated, both having to deal with other political figures they don't particularly like, posing as the leaders through power and charisma. This culminates at the end of the series when both have a talk about the future of their nations.
This series has so many layers I just can't
Yes, there are many different ways to compare these characters from opposing sides of the river. It shows a depth in character work that you rarely see outside of high-fantasy literature. I found MANY different ways to compare these characters, but when exploring it from a character motivation POV and the way they tie to my interpretation of the theme, they really started to fall into place and make a pattern. When I finally noticed the Victor/Catelyn connection, it was a result of elimination and I was quite happy with how well they fit. Really looking forward to how they expand on this with season 2 to see if my analysis holds-up.
Thanks for the comment, and a really good insight.
I've come to think of it as a network of foils.
Both Silco and Vander have the same goals as you mention but Silco doesn't understand why Vander is willing to sacrifice a free Zaun for the kids. Silco misinterprets Vanders love for the kids as a weakness to be exploited. This loops back around in act three where Silco makes the same decision as Vander when he chooses to protect Jynx. When Silco says "Is there anything more undoing than a daughter" this is when he comes to realize what changed Vander. And this is really really important because it shows that Silco isn't using Jynx for his own end and he isn't manipulating her like you say. He embraces her instead of killing her in act 1 not because he sees her as a tool but because he see's himself in her. Vi's betrayal of powder is exactly like Vanders betrayal of Silco and Silco understands this.
TLDR: Silco isn't manipulating Jynx he truly does love her. But he has a twisted view of the world and passes that on to Jynx.
Yes, I do understand this, believe me. It's the reason why Vander and Silco are counterparts. I'm beginning to regret cutting so much from my Silco footage
@@amateuranalyst Evil might be to harsh of a word but I can definitely see that argument. I think he's more of an ends justifies the means kind of guy. Which I guess comes down to how noble his goal is. If you take it at face value its noble because he wants an independent Zaun and given how the top side treats Zaun thats probably a good thing. Plus Vander's status quo was not sustainable. However we've really seen no evidence that Silco would be a benevolent ruler, he in contrast seems to rule with an iron fist. At the end of the day he's running a drug cartel and people like that generally don't have other peoples best interest at heart.
I think the flip side argument would either be that his relationship with Jinx unlocked a more benevolent side of him or that Zaun is on a war footing and once it achieves independence he would focus on making Zaun the best it can be. Its a stretch but its worth pointing out that he doesn't seem to be living the life of an out of touch ruler. I think that was one of the points of the first gang meeting. He also dresses the same in act 1 as he does in act 3. So its possible, but we'll never know.
Great video I appreciate any analysis of this fantastic show. I don't see how they top this in season 2. The Echo Jinx fight might be the greatest 2 minutes of any media. It expresses an entire book worth of story telling without a single word of dialogue.
@@phenom568 I think both takes are right and doesn't necessarily contradict in a sense. It's possible to manipulate someone despite not meaning to. Jinx was influenced by his words (even though he gave them with the best of his intentions) and twisted her worldview by telling her how to handle the world the only way he knew how to (based on what he had been through himself). Maybe it just comes down to how everyone describes what manipulating means since other comment threads have argued against Silco being manipulative as well with the same reasons. For me it just means he had a significant role in pushing Jinx's current twisted mindset and took players out that could've made a difference, which I think means manipulating (not telling Jinx about Vi after he found out she was alive or even tell Jinx his part in asking Marcus to "take care" of Vi).
Silco projected his own experience with Vander onto Jinx even though the situation wasn't exact parallels, it just rhymed (since Vi didn't actually betray and abandon Powder voluntarily). He was making calls that he shouldn't have been allowed to make (trying to kill Vi the second time after he found out she was alive) by keeping the sisters apart since in reality Jinx needed her sister while he thought she'll be stronger without Vi, Jinx killing "Powder" for good. He wanted Jinx to make this decision since he thought it was best for her and he definitely tipped some scales to fulfil this favorable outcome (again manipulating the situation) even though I agree it was clearly out of his love for Jinx as a daughter and his own values. I thought it was a kill two birds with one stone type of thing when he saw little Powder. He could build this tool while leading her up the "correct" path so Jinx avoids experiencing what Silco did with Vander, which is noble in Silco's eyes but in reality quite manipulative taking away some of Jinx's options.
damn this got long oops sorry if twas repetitive
He is manipulating her. Manipulation doesn't have to be a conscious act.
@Crazy Diamond really then by that logic aren't we all manipulating each other just by asking for things from one another?
Here because Critical Drinker recommended you, and I'm a big fan of Arcane. Watched it three times already!
Same
I love this video. I'd also mention that the music plays into the duality thing too with Topside being orchestral/instrumental and everything in the Undercity is more modern/almost always has lyrics. it's a nice reminder that the theme runs through almost everything
Yes, that is a great observation. I will hopefully be looking into the music and animation in my follow-up video.
Excellent analysis. One point I'd like to make about Silco as a lot of people find a degree of redemption for him in his love and devotion to Powder... but that's not actually the case. Let's remember that actual love is selfless, and while Silco might seem selfless when it comes to Powder, he's not - she's really a clear example of just how deep his narcissism runs. What Silco sees in Jinx is himself, possibly his idealized self, and through her the validation of all the questionable choices he's made in his life. He appears to be willing to sacrifice all in order to protect her, but in reality it's the version of himself that he sees in her that he's willing to destroy the world - Powder included - in order to protect. He refuses to even entertain the notion that Powder might be better off as Powder, that she might be happier with her sister or even that her sister has any possible role in her life... because to Silco she's not Powder, she's Jinx, and he will sacrifice anyone and anything to make sure that she stays that way. Even his dying words are less reassurance to Powder and more an affirmation that Jinx, the embodiment of HIS life, of HIS philosophies and choices, is perfect and, most importantly, should never change.
If he had actually changed, any part of him, then he would have developed at least a degree of empathy... but despite his fierce devotion to Jinx, he has no problem threatening or even taking the lives of other people's children and makes that clear as late as the final episode. The best description of their relationship is the quintessential example of non-sexual grooming.
Another theme is one that is voiced explicitly by Silco himself - has there ever been anything so undoing as a daughter? Vander's end comes as a result of the actions of his daughter. So does Caitlyn's mother, if more indirectly. Silco is killed by his adopted daughter, Ambessa Medarda has to exile her daughter lest she become thoroughly undone, Marcus is forced into an unholy alliance with Silco as a result of the direct threat against his daughter and on it goes - even Singed is last seen gazing longingly at a locket containing the picture of his daughter and we are left to wonder what tragedy may come as a result. I can't but think, however, that we have only seen the first half of that theme, and things may come full circle next season or in a season to come. We'll see.
Heimerdinger 's immortality caused him to ultimately embrace a calm, soft, stress free way of life. Perhaps this is why he ignored the Undercity's problems for so long.
Preservation is one of the traits that ties him and Ekko together. They both seek preservation for their people, Heimerdinger has learned from his mistakes and sees the potential to apply that with Ekko. I'm excited to see where they go with them, even though the little guy bugs me a bit.
I've seen this show so many times now, and you pointing out Jinx humming the same song from the opening just blew my fucking mind.
Thanks for watching. hopefully, you enjoyed the video. I'm currently working on the next one which should be out sometime this month (May). It's taking forever to make because day jobs suck.
The Critical Drinker actually posted a tweet about your analysis. And you're knocking it out of the park. And I thought the samething about the show. It was going to fail with a big push of "The message" sjw. I was completely unaware how wrong I was watching it. I was actually on edge with each episode
Thats a bit of hot take on Silco. I find that Jayce and Silco are where people have the most diverging opinions when opinions differ great analysis. Definately would love to see more.
Yes, I seem to be at odds with the Arcane community. I'm more than willing to discuss though. Thanks for watching!
Jayce and silco are so divisive I am internally divided abt them
@@amateuranalyst I think your hot takes on Silco are right but the one thing you didn't bring up was that, for the most part, Silco believed the things he said to Jinx. In his mind he wasn't manipulating her, he truly believed he was helping her.
Also I completely disagree with the "Silco could be a pedo" statement. The scene was showing how Jinx was still mentally a child and Silco refused to discipline her by having her engage in an overly clingy show of affection that wouldn't have barely gotten a look were she younger but comes off creepy because she is old enough that one of them should have stopped it.
@@amateuranalyst Really late comment lol, but I find your interpretation of Silco to be a little uncharitable. He is definitely a villain and a bad guy, but saying that when he saw Powder for the first time all he thought was to manipulate her into a monster feels surface level and I don’t think it wouldn’t go with the storyline. Silco sees himself in her so he tries to mold her into something like him- strong, unbreakable, no weaknesses. This is foreshadowed in both his talk with Vander when he talks about their previous relationship(mirroring Vi and Powder’s falling out) and when he talks about how to get power (which, conveniently, is exactly how he raises Powder.) He is manipulative but he truly cares for her. If he didn’t truly love her as his daughter at the end, it would ruin the theme of love being both a weakness and a strength.
If he doesn’t love her as a daughter (referring to the pedo comment) it ruins him being the foil of Vander as it destroys any nuance in his character (pedos are pure evil and there is no good in them so I can’t see it making him a better character, it just ruins him). If he’s not a pedo it makes him a way more interesting character, as you can take into account his upbringing, his actions and his feelings to discuss if he truly is pure evil. The pedo thing reduces him.
And if the question is why those scenes exist if not to imply that? Personally, I believe those weirdly intimate scenes are there to both put us on edge. To let us know that there is something wrong with this relationship (never let us be fully relaxed in his presence so he keeps the tension up), and also to let us see Jinx never truly grew up and Silco, despite losing the trust of his subordinates, and Jinx being almost a grown up, refuses to punish her. It’s to show how indulgent he’s become, something he never would have done before.
Anyway, amazing review, I love seeing stuff like this about Arcane, it’s fascinating how people see all these scenes, and even though I might disagree about Silco you’re still totally okay to see him that way! Arcane is so interesting in that you can make a million different interpretations on a character and still be right!
I thumbed up your video the moment you said Jinx steals every scene she is in and that she surpasses harley quinn. I found her character to be one of the most captivating characters I have seen in years. Such a good show and you did a great analysis.
Came across this today. Hands down one of the best analysis I've seen regarding Arcane, simultaneously breaking down the plot and characters while keeping an underlying layer of emotions, so important in this show.
Most videos: Silco saw Jynx as someone who was betrayed like him and related to her over time, culminating in what could be considered love between the two. This leads to Silco giving his adopted daughter one last reassurance, which he never had.
This video: CURSES! I'VE BEEN SHOT! BUT WITH MY LAST BREATH, I FOREVER WIPE MY TAINT UPON THE HOUSE OF VANDER!! (evil laugh > dead)
Jokes aside, this was a great analysis
You're saying that one cannot sympathize with Silco because we can compare him to Vi and Ekko. I disagree with this take.
Both Vi and Ekko are much younger than him and does not share the same history that both Silco and Vander have. Let's not forget that Vander was not only part of the rebellion, he was leading it. Silco was the only character between the three (silco/vander/benzo) that kept on going and would do anything it would take to get his justice. And what got Silco killed was the same reason that Vander (and Benzo) gave up on the rebellion and died.
Silco is a great villain because he's a gray character, like the other characters in the show. He's mysterious, smart, extreme and yet surprisingly ends up having the same soft heart for his "daughter" that Vander had. He would've achieved his goals if it weren't for this weakness. A lot of people seem to forget about how badly Piltover had treated Zaun. Even Heimerdinger, the head of the council, was not aware of how bad it was. Even the term "villain" is only a matter of perspective, which is quite important when looking at this show. You can just as easily say the council were the villains.
In S2 we'll see more of Silco and Vander's background, which will be quite interesting. I wonder how S2 is gonna change people's view on Silco.
That’s was a really good video analysis. Here are some extra details that I saw online:
- you can see the monsters vi tells caytlin in the bed scene drawn in the walls of vi old house in episode 6
- Mel painting in episode 5 is the noxian bastion, cool foreshadowing of her origins for lore experts
-(spoiler warning I guess) during act 1 there is a lot of smart phrasing and background sounds to hint to the identity of Warwick, which is shown in the final shots of episode 9
-(spoiler again) Ekko vs jinx and the hextech explosion caused by jayce in episode 3 foreshadow ekko future abilities
- the cupcake in the beginning is probably just a reference to caytlin, they used to be in her traps in the actual game
On a side note, my take on silco is not as harsh, I think that the weirdness in their interactions is caused by jinx being so touchy and clingy , basically a child despite her age, and all the manipulation that happens is for the most part not conscious, it comes from him trying his best to help his daughter, but his twisted view of the world and concept of love get in the way and end up harming jinx even more. That said, you might be right, that’s the beauty of complex characters, they can be interpreted differently by people. Still a terrible father, and that cant be denied.
I'd argue that Victor NEVER lost likeablility. His altruism is second only to Caitlyn's. If I were to scale him any lower on likability, it would've been his initial introduction where we assumed he was just a lackey of Heimerdinger. All of his 'questionable' choices were made under the strain of dire circumstance and didn't, at least for me, diminish my favor.
Victor loses likability because his work with the Hex-core is driven by selfish desires; legacy and curing himself. I try to detach my opinion from these scales as much as I can. It seems to me that the writers did this intentionally so they can build him back up again. They try to nail it home by having him kill someone and completely lose his confidence. His illness and lack of time are what give him a low competence level. On the first watch, he didn't really seem compelling to me, especially if you don't know anything about LOL characters. I know better now.
I really did a poor job explaining likability in the video, which I will certainly rectify in the second. I try to be as objective as possible, and likability has as much to do with the characters in the story as it does the audience. If a character is unlikable to the other characters around them, that has to be put into account; which is why Silco being all the way at the bottom is actually wrong (which has been pointed out to me).
Thanks for your comment, I always like to see people's opinions on this, because there are certainly multiple ways to look at it. Hopefully, my opinions didn't ruin the video for you.
@@amateuranalyst You didn't ruin anything. 'Likability' is an ambiguous trait especially without the context of just whom they are being judged by, and even then the results are subjective. As far as him being driven by selfish reasons, that is a bit ambiguous as well. His claims never directly involve his stating it will cure himself, but you do know that is a driving factor, as well as the undertext that he might be being coerced by the hexcore itself which has been given the implication of an evolving self awareness. My opinion on Victor is both of personal bias and a generalized consensus of what I've seen with public opinion. One thing Arcane does exceptionally well is create complex characters that leave open room for debate, much like Ledger's Joker.
I agree with you! I always find it a bit weird and overly harsh when people call Viktor's motives selfish, I can kinda see it because they technically are selfish I guess, but only if you apply a standard for selfishness by which pretty much every other character in the show and 99,9% of real people are selfish is well. I guess it also depends on how you interpret the legacy thing, based on the rest of his characterization it always just sounded to me like he wanted to leave the world feeling like he did something relevant, something good that actually helps people like he and Jayce always wanted and the thought of dying without having achieved any of that is devastating to him. I really don't think he means it in the "getting lots of public recognition and people fawning over his name" way at all, that just doesn't fit with his character, especially considering he actively chooses to not draw any public attention to himself. That's why I think it's not a particulary selfish motivation.
As for curing himself: That wasn't even originally the goal of any of his research, he just desperately grasps at the opportunity when it seems to present itself. That's his main drive not in general as a character, but for what seems to be a time period of maybe 2-3 days in a very understandable personal crisis. And not wanting to die is just one of the most human desires someone can have. Pretty sure no one would ever dare to call a real person selfish for that.
I also think he should be higher in competence, considering how difficult it most have been to even get where he is at the beginning of the show, considering his background and how blatant the discrimination of people from the undercity in Piltover seems to be. He's also the only one who fully sees the potential of Jayce's research. Plus Jayce was working on Hextech for years without ever making it work, but together they figured it out in one night, although Viktor probably has no prior experience in that specific field of study. The show isn't even that subtle about indicating his high intelligence, Singed calls it out in his flashback.
This might be highly subjective since Viktor is by far my favourite character from the show, but having watched the show with different people in real life and having seen lots of other people's opinions about the show and it's characters online, there also has to be a reason why so many people like him so much (or even the most out of all the characters, which are all well written) despite having the least amount of screen time out of the main cast.
This show is so full of dualities I'd made completely different connections then mentioned here. You can make an insightful duality out of pretty much any two characters in arcane. A lot of them form squares. Jayce and Jinx have a whole inventor theme that's contrasted a lot. Singed and Heimerdinger are also a big one from that perspective.
Personally I disagree with how manipulative you've interpreted Silco to be at times.
At least when it comes to Powder/Jinx.
The way I see it he's genuinely trying to impart wisdom and love onto her but his criteria for these two things is so warped that it exacerbates the mental issues that Powder has to an absurd degree.
The way I see it Silco is the rare breed of person who would give up power and control once an independent Zaun is achieved but his methods for achieving it are so abhorrent that one could very well say that whatever bright future can be gained simply isn't worth the mountains of corpses needed to achieve it.
Through his relationship with Jinx we see the remaining embers of a good person.
Pieces of the good man that had the respect of Vander and the rest of the Lanes. A good heart wrapped under so many layers of stone hardened toxic waste that the significance of it's existence is rendered null and void.
Especially to the people that he hurts.
On that note, for him to be faced with the same dilemma as Vander is arguably the most poetic punishment that could befall him. The fact that in the end, in his heart, he chose his adoptive daughter over his dream makes everything he's done tragically pointless.
At least the choice he had to make caused enough of an epiphany that he poured one out to Vander as a symbol of understanding and to the camraderie they once had.
I agree almost completely with that. And trust me, I do understand this. I couldn't help but feel a sense of schadenfreude when he falls into the same predicament as Vander. Vi is a threat to their relationship because she will expose the lies he used to appeal to Powder; THAT is manipulation.
@@amateuranalyst In regards to the latter half of your reply, I'm not entirely sure that's the case, at least in regards to the part where he "lies".
The reason being is that we have to keep in mind that he doesn't fully know Vi's side of the story and due to circumstances beyond her control Vi never gets to fully explain herself as to what happened that night.
How she was essentially kidnapped, arrested and sent to prison by Marcus in the hopes of "keeping her safe".
Practically mere moments after her rejecting Powder in a fit of rage and weakness.
While Silco does find out that Marcus lied to him about whether Vi was alive or not, he never learns anything beyond that i.e. how she was about to go back to Powder moments before and how at her core she still loved her.
In short, from Silco's perspective, I don't think he's "lying" per say as I think he's mostly going off on what information he has.
Information given to him by Jinx, heavily coloured with her damaged perspective as well as his own damaged view on the world and his experiences with Vander.
For me what I find so compelling about Silco, Jinx and their relationship is that there's a real heavy dose of tragedy to both who they are as people as well as to the toxicity of their relationship.
In a way I'd argue that you can almost see how these two could've been heroes if they made different choices in their lives.
I definitely believe that everyone has a dark side, in the Jungian sense, but that the difference between heroes and villains is that the former tends to learn to integrate their shadows while the latter tend to get possessed by them.
Lured by the strength their dark side promises but losing themselves in the process.
All to escape the pain of being human, which I believe is what Silco and Jinx try to do in a way and it's sad and catastrophic to see.
Sad how they reinforce each others flawed perpectives and how the damage they cause to themselves, each other and the world at large will overshadow the genuine care they have for one another...
Anyway, I've rambled enough, thanks very much for replying and I hope to see more content from you in the future.
Keep up the good work!
@@sekijokes451 I agree with you on Silco. It's a very well made video, but it's kind of amazing how the conclusions are the same on how well written and highly oriented attention to detail is, but not on why. I got a bit frustrated during the analysis because of the praise, while coming to that praise through what I view as misreadings, with Silco being of particular highlight. Silco is definitely the antagonist of the show that commits many villainous acts and has a vastly corrupted moral code, but he isn't pure evil incarnate. He's kind of the definition of "the road to hell is paved with good intentions." Yes, he does care very much about control and his view of "respect." But it's not for a lack of reasoning. He has things he cares about and is passionate about, outside of himself. He's opportunistic, but he isn't seeking to flip the power dynamic of Piltover and the Lanes. The Lanes have been ignored and abused by Piltover. He seeks independence for "his people." He and Vander once were brothers in arms with the same goals, but he had no limits in how far he'd go or down what path he'd take to achieve them, while Vander reached his limit and realigned his priorities. Instead of being defeated or accepting concessions and "living under someone else's shadow," Silco only became more determined, more defiant, more radical, more methodical, and more willing to cross lines. He's not one to back down and shy away from failure. He's one to take failure and use it for fuel to become all the more determined.
Silco was certainly a manipulator and in control of every aspect he possibly could be, within his ability. And he manipulated Jinx in that he would naturally be a much different parental figure than Vander, but he loved Jinx and, while they are toxic people to those around them, he was actually very supportive of her. He didn't mold her to be who she becomes. Naturally, there's some "nuture" with the nature, but Jinx is who Powder was headed to be, without the right guidance. He's toxic because he's a toxic person, a reflection of the toxins throughout the air and water around him, but he's not purposely toxic towards her. He exacerbates her natural tendencies that have resulted from the trauma she's endured before ever meeting him, but he understands and accepts her for who she is. There's probably several reasons for why he showed her mercy and took her in as his daughter, including the spite of raising Vander's daughter to be his soldier, but there was also the kindred spirit he saw in her. Vander and Vi are very similar people, with similar personalities, strengths, weaknesses, temperaments, traits. Silco and Powder/Jinx are also similar in that way. But what really clinches it is their shared rejection. When he asks where Powder's sister is, he receives the response "She left. She's not my sister, anymore." Vander abandoned the cause and abandoned Silco. He lost his brother. Vi (seemingly) has done the same to Powder.
The scene of Silco beneath Vander's statue really frustrates me in this video. The writers aren't fooling half the audience by making them think that Silco's sympathetic in this scene. He is. The analyst says as much by recognizing that he's torn by his unconditional love for her and (the incorrect other) unconditional love for power. He's not sympathetic because of his position in society. He's sympathetic because of his position as a human that's come to realize, understand, and relate to the weakness that he saw in his defeated enemy. "Is there anything so undoing as a daughter?" Vander was willing to give up everything for his daughter(s). It was the higher purpose he found and held above all. And now, Silco has found himself in the same position, willing to make the same sacrifice. Anything - to keep her safe.
In the end, Silco's telling Jinx she's perfect is not a manipulation. It is an affirmation that's in line with his character and everything we've seen regarding their relationship. Vi wants her sister back. Her undamaged sister that's innocent and unbroken. She can't bring herself to call Powder Jinx because Jinx is the horrible thing she called her that broke who she was more than anything. It's the last thing she said to her before not seeing her for years. It's a slur that she regrets. but it's who Powder is, now. She offers to be Powder again if Vi will just reject Caitlyn, but she can never be Powder again. Silco says that she's perfect because he accepts her for who she is. He understands her pain. He's not a good man. And he's not the best example for her. But he loves her, no matter what. Something that Vi isn't able to do. She has good intentions and loves Powder, but she doesn't accept Jinx and inadvertently causes her pain by calling back old memories of loved ones that she thinks will help but are only reminding Powder/Jinx of everything bad that's ever happened to her. The battle between Silco and Vi isn't what causes Jinx pain. Silco isn't being manipulative. He's desperate to protect her, but Vi doesn't understand the pain she's causing. Silco's doesn't reveal his intentions by shooting. Silco doesn't take direct action. He manipulates. Silco shoots because he's desperate to protect Jinx from the pain Vi is causing by bringing back terrible memories.
Silco isn't a good man. He is manipulative. He commits horrible, evil acts. He isn't a good example as a father or a leader. He's certainly no misunderstood antihero. He's also no mustache twirling one-note villain. He does love and protect Jinx the best way he knows how. He understands, supports, and accepts her as she is, more than anyone. She's his undoing and he accepts his death as the sacrifice he made to never show her rejection.
@@alexhayden219 This is a phenomenal assessment and breakdown of the Silco/Jinx relationship.
@@lordhughmungus thank you!
Man this is such a great analysis, you’re so underrated my guy. KEEP IT UP
I became a League of Legends player due to Arcane. I love the game so far. Just been defeated more than won so far.
I've been thinking about playing. Yes the show really is that good. MOBAs have a major learning curve.
@@amateuranalyst What is a MOBA?
Multiplayer Online Battle Arena
@@amateuranalyst game is pretty good, community is prettty bad. But the world and lore of the characters is phenomenal.
Personally I’d recommend looking at shurima and it’s fall if you want some great character stories.
Awesome, great and fantastic analysis. Loved the character meter and the plot progression and mirroring with different plots. Definately the analysis we need for a show with so much going on.
Just a little tiny thing I'd like to mention:
29:53 I don't think Vander hesitates when grabbing Silco by the throat. The show emphasizes on Vander's forearm in the first episode and later after the stab scene, making one believe that he couldn't complete the deed because of the loss of grip caused by the wound. Only bringing this to the table because of the high-level detail analysis you prepared :)
You are too kind.
The quality and care that went into Powder's Ugly Cry scene is not something you will find anywhere else. We have all been there. We KNOW how it feels. But the tone and music and DETAILS on it is *chef kiss*.
This was really well done and the characters bars of confidence, likability, and competence was really well done it made the whole video way easier to digest.
I really love this analysis. Arcane is my favorite show and having the layers being pealed back evokes so much interest and emotion from not only me, but so many people. Thank you for this video.
This was a great video, kept my interest till the end. Wish more people would watch this
Great video!
I just dont think, that silcos last act of reassuring jinx (you are perfect) is ment to be manipulative, to me its his twisted perception of love, in the form of respect and recognition, things he always strived for.
I dont think that makes him a "good dad" or justifices any of his steps taken to get where he is now, but it shows a human side mostly everyone can see and sympathize with. His voice actor confirmed, that this was his way of tackeling this character and especially this scene, if im not mistaken.
Yea, I wish I'd spent more time on that, but the video was already getting too long. I might address this in a future video.
Manipulators don't necessarily know they're being manipulative.
@@Crazy_Diamond_75 True, but in this case that words were not manipulation, they were just sincere by his own traumatic way of seeing things
@@fer_nanda4509 you could argue the same thing for many manipulators. Just because it is sincere from their own point of view doesn't mean it's not manipulative. Silco is trying to keep Jinx within the sphere of his worldview. Calling her "perfect" after a childhood of feeling insecure about herself and her difficulty fitting in _may_ be his sincere opinion, but it is also a surefire way to keep her loyal to him and his ideology.
@@Crazy_Diamond_75 How he wants her to keep loyal to him if he is about to di /e? XD and sevika is going to take his place? Have common sense. He doesn't win anything from tellling jinx she is perfect, not even in a manipulative way. He was just being sincere about how he views the world and others.
Bravo, sir. Bravo. This tops all the Arcane analysis I’ve seen….and I’ve watched an embarrassing amount. Arcane is an absolute masterpiece. Thanks for taking the time.
You're too kind. And ditto, on both counts.
Yet another EXTREMELY under appreciated youtuber and arcane analysis. You have gained my sub good sir
You just made my day, thank you for your kind words. I'm really glad you enjoyed
Got here through a random reddit thread about young Vi and old Vi sitting in the same spot at Jericho's, came out of the analysis amazed. This was an amazing detailed job dude! Will definitely rewatch, recommend and be waiting for the next work, thank you.
I'm gonna take the time to say that Heimer's character starts out at an off-the-scales level of confidence, and now I will refuse to elaborate.
I think you're right. I've changed my mind on a few of the scales since publishing the video. I'll have to make a part 2.
I love all of these characters, and I love even more how they all play against each other, always pushing and changing each other even when they don't directly interact. I also love how Jinx and Victor reflect each other- both geniuses of the undercity, literally and metaphorically poisoned by the corruption of Piltover and Zaun, both saved and destroyed by shimmer, and, game spoilers ahead, hurtling towards an even darker path of destruction and pain. But they also contrast each other, Jinx is all manic chaos and terror whereas Victor is all about control, control of his body, his circumstances, and, again game spoilers, the world around him eventually too. God they're so good I wish I was more eloquent
Edit: Vi's fight while her brothers try to free Vander is also helped along realism wise by placing the fight on a thin catwalk- the number of goons is somewhat mitigated by the fact that no more than one can really fight her at once
Edit2: I wouldn't suggest Silco is supposed to be pedophilic- his enabling and manipulation of Jinx is pretty clearly parental (what is so undoing as a daughter, after all)
❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤wfwtwfwc😅
I found d a parallel between Heimerdinger and Echo. When Echo brings him to his hideout and he shows Heimerdinger what magical and mechanical marvels he created in the wake of all the fallout I think Heimerdinger saw in him a younger version of himself and his values.
Well thought out, remarkable analysis 👏👏👏❤
Silco's a remarkable villain. But it's important to note that a huge part of what makes him so effective a villain, and so ruthless and certain in his course, is that he was not ALWAYS a villain. Silco gave everything for his rebellion and thought he was surrounded by rebels as committed, and passionate, as he was. This belief was torn away from him when Vander made peace with the top siders and nearly murdered him.
The betrayal shattered Silco in a way that only an earnest, heartfelt, absolutely convicted person can be shattered.
That's why he becomes the Silco we know in the show. That's why he's so ruthless. That's why he looks at people as assets and pieces on the board to be used rather than actual partners, loves, brothers, sisters, daughters. That's why the love he holds for Jynx is so undoing. It's more than just his inability to give her up for the dream of Zaun that is undoing. The one thing that has driven him into the monster he has become. His absolute justification for who he is and why he is. It's also undoing every measure and means he has left to protect himself from ever being that vulnerable again.
Silco is an evil bastard. But he's not an evil bastard for the sake of being an evil bastard. He's an understandable over-correction from a character we'd have likely loved and rooted for. That kind of writing is just so rarely done with villains. Silco's motivations, his thoughts and decisions, his feels all make sense in context with the writing of who he is.
I love your analysis of this series.
Really late to the party on this one, fabulous video! It's nice to finally have a piece of media constructed with such meticulous care and attention to detail that literary analysis of this caliber can be conducted in the first place. It's a breath of fresh air after years of bland, shallow, overly snarky and insincere television. I also have to express my appreciation for the fact that you included the characters' leitmotifs when discussing them! Musical cues are so important for conveying mood and character, and they're utilized masterfully in Arcane. One of my favorite little moments is the soft "lightening" of the music when Caitlyn frees Vi from stillwater, giving the audience (and Vi) a glimmer of hope in the darkness. Their scenes together contain some of the only soft, gentle, and sweet moments in the second and third acts, and it's a welcome respite from the non-stop violence and trauma of the rest of the show, lol. I also found the parallels between Vander and Heimerdinger fascinating. Both once well-respected leaders, founders of civilizations, who gradually lead their people to ruin through well-intentioned apathy and their fierce defense of the mediocrity of the status quo. Both betrayed by scheming, eloquently spoken and charismatic manipulators (Silco and Mel, respectively) who push for dramatic, radical change but end up softening due to a close interpersonal relationship (Jinx and Jayce, respectively). And then each respective set of characters end up foiling one another perfectly! Gah this show is incredible, I could rant about it for hours.
I could rant about it for hours as well, there are certainly lots of parallels in characterization, I believe it's connected to the balance that exists in the game. Vi and Cait are certainly highlights; such a carefully developed relationship that is a tool for tone as well as pacing. I didn't even mention it, but the animation is rediculously good. I also think my use of the shows musical themes was enough to convey my appreciation for how good it is. Arcane delivers in every aspect and is a shining beacon of greatness as far as I'm concerned.
I'm only at the beginnings of this video but it already is amazing! Arcane solidified how much I love animation and how much i'd love to work somewhere in that field so I'm having a lovely time listening to your breakdown of the show and learning from it, while I 2D animate my own little short story :) Cheers from Finland!
It's the best animation ever done in my opinion, thanks for the comment.
Underrated video and channel
Appreciate the comment, thank you
The drinker sent us here. Nice vid, and this finna blow up.
Deff supporting this channel also a big fan of arcane
At the end silico isn't manipulating Jinx, he truly cares when he said she is perfect. He was trying to shoot vi to get her to stop causing traumatic pain to Jinx.
Critical Drinker's best recommendation
Yes, Arcane is lightning out of a clear sky. I only watched it because he was so adamant about how good it was.
Im lowkey disappointed that this is your only video, this is beautiful sir
Next one is in the works.
@@amateuranalyst subscribed bro
Great video, tho I think you exaggerated silco's evilness. He's mostly a radical mafia boss rather than a full fledged monster.
The halo theme while Vi fought Sevika was 🤌
I absolutely loved this analysis, though I don't agree with everything you said. Specifically about Silco.
To be clear, I'm not by any means one of the people who believe he's some sort of hero - he's decidedly not that. But he is more complicated than you're lead to believe through Act 1. I won't rant too much, but I think your analysis of him first encountering Powder is the weakest part of this video, as there's so much opportunity for deep analysis there.
I had to cut a lot out, but I think I have him nailed down. I understand that he changes, and comes to love Jinx in very much the same way Vander did, but he's abusive. He drives a wedge between Vi and Power and is threatened by their relationship. His entire empire rests on Jinx’s abilities.
@@amateuranalyst I just came from Drinker's twitter, didn't watch the video yet, because currently don't have an hour to devote to it. But judging by the comment I agree with your analysis of Silco (more manipulative and seeing Jynx more as a tool, rather than a person/daughter).
Wanted to put it out there so you don't feel like you are going alone against the world :)
Your format and style of delivery totally work. COMPETENCE is misspelled but unimportant. I was disappointed to realize this is your only video so far. I hope to see more! Well done.
compitence... oh the irony.
@@amateuranalyst Typos and grammatical errors are proof of our humanity.
That use of the Halo 3 soundtrack tho... God, every part of this video is just *chefs kiss*
cupcakes , something a little is sweet isn't that bad , , "Caytlin" , its hint about whats to come for vi , powder as well
Speaking of awards, today it hit 9/9 in annie awards (awards for western animation projects)
They deserve every single one. Should have also gotten one for that score
@@amateuranalyst Agree, but at same time they cant just give everything to Arcane. I mean other studios work they asses off to deliver quality product so it would be a shame if they didnt get at least some kind of recognition.
@@Dada85200 nah they should give awards to whoever deserves them
26:46 - Powder's breakdown is one of the most visceral pieces of animation I've ever seen.
Silco is not corruption, he is the will to survive of Zaun manifested into him. Silco does the things he does because he wants Zaun to have more than just oppressed and denied opportunities
I don't buy that at all. He is willing to destroy people's lives with shimmer. He wants respect and control. There may be more to him outside of the show, but I can't justify his actions on any level. "power comes to those who would do anything to achieve it"
@@amateuranalyst he is willingly to sacrifice people in the fight for a cause. He nurture the ideologies of Zaun, not as a place where diplomacy thrive but rather nature’s law, where the weak dies and the strong lives, where who has the will to live to be forged or who has not will be broken.
@@amateuranalyst if you look at his back story with Vander, the scene where he fought when he was drowning tells you who he is. He isn’t inherently evil, but the world around him shaped him to become a face of an ideology. Vander took in Vi and Powder and become a pseudo face of top side with bot side, where peace is enforced but opportunities are opposed, while Silco wants the respect and opportunities and he sees that peace can’t grant him just that. That is why he didn’t want to turn in Jinx, because he knows that when the independent is given, it is still oppressed, and Jinx is Zaun’s spirit itself, she fights to be understood and loved.
@@amateuranalyst You can make an argument that Mel and the counselors are corruption itself, they neglected the people who lives under the table, they formed a strong connection excluded to outsiders, in this case, outside of the ideology of Piltover. If you look at the world, they are undoubtedly denied from a lot of rights and privileges from the top side, especially clean air, food security, safety, shown by the enforcers’ masks, the heist at the start of the show, and the brutality of the enforcers to the undercity when they can’t find the 4 children.
@@David-qg3vr Like I say in the video, I sympathize with his goals, and his position. I do understand him pretty well, and I agree with what you say. It's his lust for respect and power that corrupts him. That's why he's contrasted by Vander, they're two extremes of the same character type. I judge people by what they chose to be, not what society makes them. If you remove Silco from the Plot, everything would end up more or less fine, perhaps Vander would get arrested, but the tragedy at episode 3 would never have happened. I actually love the character, I just think people are getting sucked in to his manipulations.
Great analysis :)
Arcane is one of those rare shows where everything comes together to make an incredible story. The more I think about it the better it gets.
There is some issues, like Caitlyn surviving a couple explosions that should have killed her and some music that doesn't fit well (looking at you Enemy) but these are small compared to most shows.
Or like caitlyn surviving jinx punch with her shark invention xD
love the way you simplify charcters hope u can analyse s2 aswell:)
Vi’s motivation change was harder for me to recognize on first viewing than Jayce’s. Now I see it clearer, thanks.
Glad I could help
Silco controls and dominates people, there's little in trying to con them, or trick them. Which is why good people aren't pulled to him. Silco is smart, but to make it seem like Silco planned and plotted to use Jinx is ridiculous. It would've also been stupid. He didn't know she did the bomb. He had little to know if she was truly as intelligent as she'd become. His relationship is messed up because he's messed up. To think that in his death, he would try to manipulate her seems far fetched to me. She was perfect to him. She was everything he needed her to be. Pure chaos, capable of upending the order, and launching major war. She was his. A product of what little love he had.
Damn, you're definitely right. I'm not sure if I agree with some of my conclusions anymore in regards to the Silco/Jinx dynamic. I do still stand by his manipulative nature, but I definitely missed the mark in those two instances. I plan on doing another video in the future addressing this. Thanks for your thoughts.
@@amateuranalyst Otherwise your video is awesome. You nail the duality that makes this so good. November 6th is it's one year anniversary, I plan to binge it, which is why I'm digging up all these analysis, so I can grab more from this viewing.
Great analysis
I feel like you're just slightly off about Silco, not in the fact that he's a straight up monster, and is quantifiably evil, manipulative, and cruel because he is. Nothing about him is redeemable. Well almost nothing. His arc was Vander's arc. The VERY first shot we get of Vander from the sister's perception is not of a Man that loves them, but a beast, a violent monster, but Vander just like Silco is not a beast or a monster, he's just a man, and his dropping the gauntlets to cradle the girls is his humanity fighting its way to the surface. The difference between Vander and Silco, is Vander embraces his humanity, nurtures it, tries to instill it in Vi. Silco fights against it because he thinks it makes him weak.
The moments where you think the writers have "fooled" half the audience aren't us justifying the reprehensible things he has done its them giving us a fleeting glimpse of the humanity he still has, and THAT is what makes us feel for him as a character. There are several key moments where you can SEE this happen.
First at the end of the 3rd episode as he is approaching Powder his first words are "Hello, little girl, where is your sister?" you can just HEAR the predator in his voice, he is a beast that is ONLY holding of his hunger because he's cunning enough to know captured prey can lure better prey. He is pure evil, a monster, but Powder's pathological need for someone anyone to validate her throws him of completely, you can see it in his eyes as they dart around his mind struggling to reconcile this prey that ran TO the monster. The she says "She left me, she is NOT my SISTER!", and with the benefit of hindsight from later episodes I have to believe his memories went instantly to when Vander tried to drown him. The thematic parallels are just too on the nose. That's why he embraces her, and why the entire tone of his voice changes, he is an irreparably broken, hateful, vengeful man trying to comfort one hurt just like he was, betrayed like he feels he was. That's why it starts out "It's ok" because he genuinely wants it to be ok for her, but he follows up with the ONLY way he knows how to make it ok "We will show them. WE will show them ALL!"
The second major glimpse happens on the bridge when Jinx nearly dies. Previously we saw him violently stomping and lashing out at the shimmer addicts after the neon sign is brought down around him. Once again he is pure animalistic, he is a monster again, but the instant panic on his face when he realizes Jinx is hurt, badly, In episode 3 he has one of his henchmen carry Sevika, but despite having huge body guards by his side HE scoops up Jinx and rushes her to Singed, He's not a monster, or a manipulator, he's a father TERRIFIED of losing his child. once again his humanity forces its way to the surface
The third happens at Vander's statue, this is him finally doing what Vander did, accepting his humanity, if even just for Jinx. It's him finally understanding WHY Vander did what he did. It's him finally understand how Vander could value something more than the ideals they shared as brothers. "Oh it all makes sense now brother."
Now while that firmly establishes he's reached the same value based conclusion that Vander did i.e. Jinx is worth more than the entire nation of Zaun to him, I think the scene with him and Fin that immediately follows this is BRILLIANT because in one line we are also reminded unequivocally that he is still a MONSTER, a cunning, ruthless, violent evil, when he says "I would have had you son KILLED for this. Though I suppose we're ahead on that account." I do not think there is a colder, more sinister, more character affirming line of dialog for Silco anywhere else in the show.
Briefly in his exchange with Jayce when he mentions that he NEEDS Jinx you can watch Silco's eye dart up and to the right, a classic physiological tick indicative of someone about to lie, desperate to find a way out of the situation in that one eye movement you know Jinx is not just a weapon, or an expendable pawn to Silco.
Finally we get to the end and his last physical words to Jinx. While yes they absolutely pushed Jinx towards becoming Jinx completely. They were genuinely him verbalizing what Vander non verbally communicated to the sisters, i.e. I would give up everything for you. But just like Jinx set the record straight at the start of the tea party, Silco didn't MAKE Jinx, Silco also didn't COMPLETE Jinx, Vi did. Though she tells Vi this in a less direct dialog "I thought maybe you could love me like you used to" ... "But you've changed too. So here's to the NEW US!"
like all of the duality and repetitive scenes (Jayce and Viktor's suicide attempts, etc) it's fitting as she charges up the rocket that the LAST thing Jinx hear from Silco is the very FIRST thing he says to her with his humanity exposed "We will show them. WE will SHOW them ALL!". Her shimmer soaked tear showing the lasting damage Silco did to her, while also acknowledging that she was given a sliver of humanity, of love, and compassion in the bleak, cruel, and dark world she was born into, despite it being a twisted, perverse, and skewed one it was still genuine.
That's why I don't think anyone watching the show was manipulated, or fooled by Silco, we're just resonating with his humanity no matter how fleeting the glimpses we get are. We're not so naïve to justify his evil. If anything his humanity makes him so much more evil and compelling, and emotionally resonant
The drinker send me, we shall see if you can earn a like.
But the first minus, kindly balance your audio. The music gets too loud at times and makes it hard to hear you.
I shall add more once i am done with the video.
Edit: And now i am done you got the like.
Great work with the video, you really made a brilliant summary of the show and what made it so impressive.
I adore how they show us that Jayce is infatuated with magic. No words but you can immediately understand that it had a huge impact on his life, inspired him and filled him with more hope and wonder than anything else ever could. He doesn't need to explain why he is motivated and never does. I think the only line he gives is to Viktor, when he says, "it's not a theory. I've seen how this can change the lives of people, you have no idea how beautiful it is." Or something like that.
52:25 Just look up Georgia Dow's view on Silco. And on the Silco + Jinx relationship.
Cool graphs man! Very easily digestible. Keep up the good work!
I know I've only watched about 5 minutes of this. The art style fits so perfectly with the tone of the show. I pause the video so many times to look at the details. And I'd like to know why they chose this type of art style
What a great video
"Lettuce begin" i don't know... that got me lol
I'm just now seeing the parallels between Vander and Silco on the catwalk (bridge) and Ekko and Jinx on the bridge. That same look of vulnerability from Silco/Jinx. The same hesitation from Vander/Ekko. They both know they should end it but they hesitate as they stare into the eyes of someone they once loved. A moment of uncertainty and regret that ends poorly for both of them. A surrogate son of a sorts who shows the same weakness and character flaw as his surrogate father.
I’m pretty sure for the most part on the story they were learning how to make a story while writing it, of course they got writers and people that were good at that but the fact that this is mostly a first attempt is amazing
Amazing video! This show is a masterpiece IMO. Can you elaborate on the dualistic storytelling with characters who have opposing arcs/motivations? Is there any background or references for this method of storytelling that you can pass on?
Great work so far! I feel like a bit of your memes, particularly in within more serious moments/context are a bit out of place, especially since you're talking in serious tones on both sides of the meme.
Also, I would love to see more of an exploration on how you objectively qualify your character sliders. You said Victor wasn't very competent which I strongly disagree with, but I wasn't entirely sure what you meant by that either, so might be worth exploring.
Also, also, I feel like you were entirely uncharitable when evaluating Silco, which is somewhat fair given who/what he is. However it seemed like because of how you see him, you completely missed the idea that he sees himself in Jinx, which I think is the real reason people sympathize with him, even if a lot of that sympathy is misplaced.
Either way, great work. Loved the show and enjoyed the video :)
"We aren't meant to like him at first" - As he describes Marcus
Me "Uhmm are we ever supposed to like him?"
I love your unpopular opinions about Silco. Yes he was an excellent written character, and he DID love Jinx....but love isnt enough. Love doesn't make someone a good person or parent. Love doesn't simply make a relationship healthy.
And I agree, Vi is the best and her fight scenes are a highlight of the show for me too😆
great video!!
If you read even one page of the League of Legends lore, you would know it has every god damn right in the world of being this good.
The game itself has basically no story at all, but the lore of Runeterra and its characters are longer than the entire trilogy of Lord of the Rings.
I think its about 3000 pages at this point.
Its absolutely massive and its some of the best fiction writing Ive ever come across.
No one who read anything from the lore would doubt story of Arcane would be anything but top tier under the ONE condition thst Netflix has 0 say in the creative desicion making.
This is also how it turned out (good boi Riot)
The animation were never in question, League has some of the most epic animations availible for literally everything they do.
What REALLY shocked me was the unbelievable voice acting.
Its BY FAR the best Ive ever heard, at least in english, by pretty much everyone involved.
Mia Sinclair Jenness role as Powder was recorded when she was only 11 years old and the performance she gives is so out of this world it friggin haunt my dreams.
'The Shimmer Doctor', his name is Singe, and he's also a champion in the game - the maker of monsters.
You should go to their universe page and see the world that’s living on their map
I certainly will, I'm beginning to fall down the LOL rabbit hole. Thanks for the comment, yours is the first I've ever gotten.
@@amateuranalyst I like to watch analysis videos and give critiques, I’ll be finishing this and give you some feed back.
@@David-qg3vr I would love that. I don't claim to be an expert and will gladly change my mind if given new information.
@@amateuranalyst likability is subjective, I’d suggest to analyze the characters based on their role in the story, their depth, their point of view (aka motivation, and what makes them do the things they do), their changes or unchangings,…
@@amateuranalyst I’d say if you like to gain more view, slice up the video into smaller bite sizes, from 1 minute to 20 minutes.
"What a beautiful calamity."
Yes. Yes indeed.
Interesting, I do have questions. Why do you think Violet and Vander's attempt to offer themselves up to Piltover "justice" is a good action? Is sacrificing oneself to such a ravenous and callous structure truly good. Piltover knows the thieves were children, they know the material was Jayce's , and the explosion was likely accidental, they simply want to make an example of someone anyone, well anyone not from Piltover. There is no justification for terrorizing the under-city in the second episode, nor even imprisoning a child to make an example, is sacrificing oneself to such a structure preventing war instead of delaying it?
Can one truly analyze Arcane's characters without its politics? Was Caitlyn 's convincing Ekko to return the gemstone an act of good faith, even though unbeknownst to her is a faithless actor? They enact laws the uppeclass don't follow, they throw people into prison without trial for years where they experience regular beatings, and they intact brutal crackdowns on their slums as shows of power.
Are Jinx and Powder truly separate? you cant go from 17 back to 10 years old. If you juxtapose the three endings of Episodes 6/7/9 with each other Jinx and powder are not separate. Jinx emotionally needs Silco to her attachment issues and trauma, she needs that 'love(?)' and loves him back (I feel icky for typing that), but she also knows Silco is directly responsible of the lions share of her trauma. She knows he killed Vander (though emotionally she blames herself). She probably realizes he is the reason she set that monkey bomb that night. Jinx/Powder can't handles these contradictions, you add that her trauma in the prologue, her survivors guilt, her guilt at accidentally killing her brothers, her unprocessed grief for the loss of her family. Its why I think in Episode seven Ekko comes closest to reaching Jinx. Silco projects his idealized Beautiful Chaos monster/ Personification of Zaun on to Jinx. Vi looks for Powder in Jinx. Ekko who has been through similar changes to Jinx but found a different path just before her suicide attempt via grenade got the closet too her.
czcams.com/video/i8kDdCkZaLI/video.html 1:30 jason spisak interview
Absolutely agree with you!!!!!
I think Vander and Vi being willing to give themselves up in order to protect the ones they love is pretty compelling storytelling. I don't think there is any justice in it, or really any justice to be had in their system. Their government seems to be an oligarchy of sorts, bordering on fascism, that operates under harsh policy; "A violation of the ethos demands banishment." Then Heimerdinger can overrule his own law? Not a very good system. No representation, conflicts of interest and all that. Vi could possibly be charged for a break-in, but the explosion was ultimately Jayce's fault (Dualistic connection). If you don't see the value in someone sacrificing themselves to protect someone they love, I don't really know what to say other than agree to disagree.
If I analyzed everything about Arcane in video form, it would have been nearly 2 hours long. Catelyn operates in good faith, she has no idea about the corruption taking place. I actually find their jail system to be pretty 'on point' for the type of government they have.
Jinx has, in my estimation, multiple personality disorder. There are clear markers everywhere, and her pupils even dilate based on who she is at any given moment. The best example is when Jinx sees Vi, you can watch her eyes change completely. Not to mention this is supported by the lyrics of the song "What Cloud Have Been." Everything else you say in your last paragraph I more or less completely agree with.
Great analysis! I didn't catch the ray of light hitting Vander's back in the opening scene (well, and a lot of other things, I'm sure).
Arcane does not seem to have the kind of clear-cut protagonist we are used to in modern movies and series. In the first act it seems to be Vi. Jinx seems to take over later on, being the agent of chaos who drives the rest of the plot. One could even argue that she is some kind of villain protagonist. But the screen time feels pretty evenly distributed between the various characters. It works, that's what matters in the end.
22:14 In which way does Vi use the fact that she is a girl specifically? I don't follow tbh. She is an intimidating fighter and beams confidence after their victory, and that's what makes Deckard rethink his options IMO.
35:25 Yes, that's an interesting point. Neither the origins of Hextech nor those of Shimmer (among many other things in this world, let alone its very name) are ever discussed in the show. It might have been interesting, and yet it's almost irrelevant because the plot is driven by the characters, the underlying world is basically just a technicality. Even as someone almost completely oblivious to the world of Runeterra I never felt the need for them to explain these things to the audience. This might be a far-fetched comparison, but the original Star Wars also gave little explanation to a lot of things we, the audience, did not really need to know to feel immersed in the story.
48:35 It's also possible that Vi wanted to leave Caitlyn behind (for the time being) in order to be free to pursue her campaign against Silco. Caitlyn would not have approved of it and also Vi wouldn't have wanted to include Caitlyn in risky endeavors.
"As fate smiles through the window." Well played. The ending is so great, the shark's smile magnified by the shattering council window. I can only applaud the boldness to cut to credits from there, because many will feel unsatisfied by this ending.
39:00 May I ask where you got the background music? There are a number of pieces that seem to be missing from both Riot's Arcane score here on CZcams and the one available on Amazon. Same with the prelude to Sting's song.
Vi is absolutely the protagonist, and she's mirrored by Jayce. Jinx is more or less what drives the plot as I said in her character breakdown. It didn't become clear to me until I started to explore the duality of the plot. Vi being in prison for an entire episode threw me at first, but it's the writers giving Jayce room to breathe. I don't think his character is NEARLY as compelling as Vi, but that's not really the point.
22:14 Just before Vi smashes the thug with the bag, she pretends to look guilty and submissive to create an opening. She uses her feminine charm to disarm. That's not to say women are always guilty and submissive, but you won't see a man use this technique. I more or less wanted to point out that she's not pretending to be a man, she's a strong woman (Well girl at that point) and embraces her own qualities.
35:25 The use of subtext, and how things are brought across in such a subtle way allows the audience to use their imagination, as well as seek more details. It makes you pay attention. At the same time, it's careful not to get too fantastical for a general audience.
48:35 Absolutely, you are correct. I couldn't go through every single point and thought (I could but the video was almost 2 hours) I had to cut out a lot of things just for the sake of making the video watchable. I may do a Q&A video at some point if there is enough interest. It's hard to cram 9 seasons of a detailed show into an hour video, so I had to focus on major plot events and key themes.
39:00 The song is "Guns for hire" by Woodkid. I used an audio editing app to scrub the lyrics and repeated the first verse of the song.
The ending of the show is perfect. It's not a movie and has absolutely no reason to have "Falling action" or a resolution. It needs to tie all the subplots together and create a reason for you to wait for the next season, which I think it does brilliantly.
Thanks for the comment and I'm really glad you enjoyed the video, really. My main goal with these is to inspire people to appreciate good writing, discuss it, and maybe even write something good themselves.
@@amateuranalyst On my first time watching the show, Vi being the protagonist was obvious to me, on later rewatches I got confused. :D
22:14 Ah, of course, you're right, that makes sense. I was thinking about the knife scene after the fight.
39:00 Thanks for letting me know. I thought I had missed something. :) I always liked the silent foreshadowing of "Guns for Hire" before it starts with "kiss your perfect night goodbye" when Jinx lights the Flare. Soundtrack and score are also very well put together to complement the show.
Arcane is the show that kept me thinking more than any other in recent years. It's fascinating to still find new content like yours to continue the discussion.
Great job! (I wont even drag you for the Comp-I-tence, that must be sooo old by now)
I don't know about your theory that Silco knew instantly that he could "use" powder. I think he ONLY felt for her in that moment. and besides, who has preternatural foresight to track out future utility that fast? I felt that, as someone whose trust was "betrayed" by Vander, he genuinely "felt" kinship with what powder was going through. He'd lost a brother in that, and here was a person going through the exact same trauma, and beyond all bounds of probability, the "daughter" of that same man. He felt for her. He wanted to help her. I think that was even evident in his amazing animation there. Maybe, after that moment, other streams of motivation emerged in parallel but I don't think he ever lost his care/kinship for Jinx, especially as he molded her into something unrelenting he could respect. I don't think he became the man whose dying breath was "you're perfect" by only using her. He's not a brainfarted Disney writer creation.
Your firm opinion that he was manipulating her in their first moment and manipulating in their last is more about your personal problems than his
Excellent video. The misspelling of "competence" continuously showing up did distract from the argument though. Also, while the little punctuations of goofy humor are hilarious, they really undermine the tone of the video.
A regrettable combination of no spellchecker in Davinci and copy+paste. It was really hard to find places for humor and some might not land as expected, but you have to emotionally disengage to be objective.
@@amateuranalyst Totally understandable! :)
I'm glad you call out the Silko apologists.
It's an angle that no one seems to elaborate on.
Bro you make fanominal video extremely enticing and captivating
Hope you still plan on making more videos
Thanks for the comment! You should check out my Top Gun video on Rumble, The link should be in the pinned comment! I do plan on doing more, just difficult with copyright.
I have a hope that the sequal will focus on a different part of Runeterrra, the continent is huge, and the different parts does interact, focusing on an area like Noxus where Mel's mother is from. Since they have shown how well they write characters like Silco, I feel they would write an amazing Swain
I can certainly see them starting a subplot in another (realm?), and Noxus does seem a likely candidate. I do want to see the Vi/Jinx story resolved though.
they're are multiple parallels in arcane. saveka is closer to vi both wanting control but only saveka being able to control multiple situations. where mel is more linked to silco. both being leaders. and both having strong people adding to their leadership
There seems to be an intentional duality from a motivational perspective. There are many ways to compare but the one I explored just seemed to fall into place. It strikes me as an allegory for the balance in a MOBA game.
This is extremely well made, it almost feels like I’m watching a movie. Great job mate, hope this video (and critical drinkers shout-out), leads to a lot more of this in the future. I do have one gripe though. How exactly are you measuring likability objectively? There are so many factors that can make someone like a person, some of which can be as simple as “they look cool”. People absolutely love Silco, yet by your scale he is at the bottom of likability. Would love a clarification on that system. Other than that, keep up the great work
Damn, that's an awesome compliment. Yes, I am beginning to think I need to make a Q&A video at some point to explain myself a bit better. So much to cover and I had to keep it watchable. I re-watched my video and I don't even agree with some of my sliders anymore, they're more or less used to measure an arc, rather than be definitive markers of character's traits. Objectivity was the intension, but I'm starting to think that isn't possible. (And yes, Silco should not be that low, even by my own subjective view)
@@amateuranalyst I think it's good to be as objective as possible in analysis, as well as giving subjective views, but I found the sliders a bit confusing myself, especially because you called them objective. I think you did a good job on explaining the ups and downs of the plot and how one side mirrored the other side, but the character sliders seemed a bit off for me in how they were used. I think the likability slider could potentially function better using a different word. It may not be a perfect interpretation of the category on my part, but it seems to me that it's fluctuating with your leaning towards liking when the character is currently displaying protagonistic versus antagonistic traits.
To me it feels like "likability" can still be objective: it's how much the audience is meant to root for the character.
Beautiful analysis, one of the best I've seen! Now I want to see your other analysis too.
(also, not trying to be a jerk here, but the correct spelling is 'competence'. The word 'likeability' is correct in English, but 'likability' is correct in US English too 😀 )
Thanks for the kind comment. I am never going to live down that mistake!
Thanks Drinker
Indeed
Very thorough and insightful review. You ALMOST understood the genius of the Silco character... but not quite. Yes, he was evil and yes he manipulated Jinx... but she was his UNDOING. Love was never part of his plan. He loved her as himself but that love grew into the thing that undid EVERYTHING. This is confirmed inarguably when he toasts the very thing he resented.
That's the obvious interpretation of Silco, which I understand all too well. I wanted to dig a little deeper. Glad you liked the video.
@@amateuranalyst It is not so obvious. I am a writer of fiction myself and knew what to look for. When he said "perfect" I knew he meant according to his own values. Jinx is like the monsters in the water, and this is shown by the look of the weapon she made for him: "RESPECTED because fearsome." RESPECT is dearest to him. He admired Jinx accordingly, even when the death of him.
Absolutely, earning respect is his main motivation, or at least what he wants to be respected for. The show is very subtle, perhaps it's not so obvious. It just seems to me there's an extra layer to Silco and the fact he loves Jinx doesn't discount the manipulative element of their relationship, rather it enhances it by making him more desperate. He manipulates everyone around him in complete contrast to the way Vander inspires; one is selfish, the other selfless. Silco takes and threatens while Vander gives and encourages. Jinx is of course the exception because she is where both of their arcs cross, so to speak. Unconditional love is the undoing of every character, whether it be with a person or a goal.
I think I might need to do another Arcane video...
@@amateuranalyst VERY insightful, on every point! Yes, though he was capable of love, Silco was still evil. His own wickedness corrupted even his loving efforts to help. He led a child down the dark path thinking it would make her stronger... and it did, but in a bad way that ruined her as a person.
I shall be watching if you make another video.
@@shawnotoole1421 yes, I am getting pretty close to releasing the next. Looking forward to your opinion of it.
1: my theory to explain how Vi is so strong is because of the chemical waste in zaun.
2: I love Clagger. He is my favorite. That is all.
The Critical Drinker sent me. I like you.
I like you too, welcome to the channel
What I think is going on with the cupcakes on that balcony:
Vi calls Caitlin Cupcake and the hextech gemstone is sitting atop a cupcake in episode 9. Now do I know what kind of deeper meaning that has… no, but I’m sure you can figure it out
Well I've since discovered Caitlyn has 'yodle traps' with a cupcake as the bait. Perhaps in the show it's a setup for Vi association with Piltover, and the cupcake being the best part about it for her, like Caitlyn. It's meaningful fan service that provides a setup for the relationship and nickname.
I think honestly at the end of act 1 Silce saw some of himself in Powder
I love the bomb unleashed on the Council by the monster they created(if you think about it😌)
About five minutes in so far and I'm already quite interested, but I am going to point out that it's "competence" and not "compitence".
Oof, my bad. No spellcheck in Davinci
The cupcake is a symbol of Piltover, isn't it ?
It's a very well made video, especially as I see it mentioned that it's your first. I have various agreements and disagreements. One thing that I'd like to comment on that I've seen in the comments outside of the video is that you cut a lot out "for time concerns."
Please, in the future, rethink this. I see that your opinion on Silco is highly contentious and that you've partially defended it by saying that you didn't portray him quite as fully as you actually understand him to be and that you may not have explained your opinion on him quite satisfactorily. This seems to be a problem that could have been solved.
As one who has not yet published any of my own videos, I can't speak from experience. But I can speak from the experience of someone that's consumed a great number of videos. I appreciate your willingness to make it close to an hour long, and I appreciate that you're probably not going to make a video that's twelve hours long. However, I am not one that discourages brevity, where detailed analysis is the goal. You haven't shied away from brevity, as many people would make five t ten minute videos, but if the character and plot is so well made and so detailed as to require more time for a deeper analysis, make it that full two hours. This may hurt your views, I suppose. In which case, I understand the desire to get it all in one shot, but maybe consider cutting it up into shorter, more focused, but fully explored segments. I've seen this approach by many people and it seems to work. If each is strong enough on its focused topic, people will watch the others. Maybe start it with the overview. Or, maybe design the full length to the point where you can upload that, as well as the chopped up segments.
Obviously, I'm no expert on this, as I've said. I've just seen your own stated regrets on not fully explaining yourself and I want to encourage you for the next long form analysis to take the time you need, in whichever form that works best without sacrificing your intent. In reality, you can take as long as you want and post as many videos as you want. Your only true limitation on time is the one you impose on yourself (to a point - that I don't believe you are near approaching).
Cheers and good luck!
I'm beginning to rethink my slider system, it's great for designing characters and not so good at analysing them, at least in this context.
Perhaps Arcane was a bit ambitious to do in a single video, but I'm still pretty happy with the video overall. My original edit was almost twice as long and I don't feel like I deserve that much attention.
I appreciate your insights and criticism. I don't claim to be an authority on this stuff and any input I will take constructively.
As far as the Silco thing goes, I only regret his likability slider and one line from the plot section where he meets Powder. Other than that I think I'm pretty on point.
@@amateuranalyst Just a note to correct myself. I obviously didn't mean brevity where I used that word. I don't know why I used the opposite word of what I meant, and more than once.
I’m sorry but you can’t really say someone is objectively unlikable. There a subjective experience whether or not someone likes them. And Silco didn’t create Jinx
Another thing, I think you really misunderstand Silco in general. He’s a bad dude, yes.. but I genuinely believe his motivation isn’t to manipulate young Powder. He sees himself in her and wants to actually take care of her, make her feel better
Just got the Drinker’s approval.