REVIEW: ‘Arcane’ Season 2 Act 3 Executes A Near Flawless Finish

Arcane Season 2 Act 3, from Riot Games and animation studio Fortiche (based on League of Legends), brings its epic story to a close as the final moves are made in the game for Pitover and Zaun. But before the battle can begin, a few key players are still unaccounted for, and they must be brought up to speed before the final moves play out.

The entire opening episode of this act is devoted to Ekko (Reed Shannon), Heimerdinger (Mick Wingret, What If…?), and Jayce (Kevin Alejandro). While Heimerdinger and Ekko end up taking their journey together, Jayce finds himself all alone as he becomes the haggard version of the man we met in the previous act. At first, this feels like a moment of convenience, but by the end, Jayce’s solo journey makes perfect sense.

These three characters’ paths come together to create a remarkable tonal balance for Arcane Season 2 Act 3‘s opening chapter. Jayce suffers and struggles through a brutal, lonely path, as Ekko and Heimerdinger are shown a brighter way. The challenges these two face are less physically threatening yet hit the viewer even harder. What the duo are forced to do and sacrifice to return to their home is one that many would be hard-pressed to undertake.

One element that both journeys in this episode share is an abundance of creativity. The visual design of Jayce’s side of the episode is far more striking than any landscape whose key descriptor is bleak should be able to be. The creativity behind the other pair’s locale is one of concept, but I won’t go into spoilers here. The events of their trip back leave a profound impact on Ekko in a way that makes every moment of the trek vital.

Mel is an Arcane Season 2 Act 3 standout.

As Arcane Season 2 Act 3 Episode 2 opens, we catch up with Mel (Toks Olagundoye, Pantheon) as she faces the trials set before her by the Black Rose. Mel’s transformation in this sequence turns the character from a political entity to a powerhouse in general, with far more direct options for dealing with opponents. The nature of Mel’s change is the only element of this act that could use a bit more explanation. What little we get does nothing to stifle confusion about what Mel is capable of, especially after the fighting starts.

One aspect of Mel’s sequence that cannot be complained about is her visual transformation. The new look she wears for the remainder of the series is equal parts beauty, majesty, and strength. These attributes are mirrored in the visuals used to showcase Mel’s new gifts.

The rest of the episode touches on each of the various cast members as they prepare for the coming battle. The terrifying nature of Ambessa’s (Ellen Thomas) plan to conquer the city is revealed, establishing an even greater threat than viewers are likely to expect.

However, the true stars of this episode are Vi (Hailee Steinfeld, The Marvels) and Caitlyn (Katie Leung, Cyberpunk 2077). When Vi awakens from the injuries sustained during the fight at the commune, she learns that Jinx (Ella Purnell, Fallout) has been imprisoned.

This hashes up all the differences between the star-crossed lovers that have festered since the opening episode of the season. The way the differences are addressed is excellent. It highlights how much Caitlyn has been paying attention to Vi and how much she is willing to put aside to help her uniquely.

As the finale episode opens, we get one final pre-battle moment between Ekko and Jinx. This sequence delivers visually stunning shots, even by this series’ standard, as the two estranged friends have one last heart-to-heart before things go down. Informed by his journey home, Ekko’s part in this sequence would be a highlight in any series. How he reaches out to Jinx to help her is brilliantly executed.

Battles bring more than action in Arcane Season 2 Part 3.

For nearly the rest of the episode, it is nothing but battle as Arcane Season 2 Act 3 enters its endgame. The twists and turns of this roughly 35-minute throwdown are plenty and surprising. Both sides give their best as the Noxian forces attempt to claim Piltover as their own. The scale and brutality of the fight are delivered in agonizing detail as the bodies pile up.

One particular element of the battle that deserves mentioning is the presence of Maddie, Loras, and Steb. Introduced in Act One, this trio of characters felt like they would be swept under the rug as the series moved through Act Two. It was great to see these characters not wasted; each gets to have significant moments as the battle plays out.

Amidst the fury of battle and the brief epilogue-style sequence that follows, Arcane Season 2 Act 3 does a great job of bringing the major plot lines it’s wrapped its characters into satisfying conclusions. The interpersonal and social issues feel like they are brought to good places, even as the series acknowledges there is still much to do before things can be called good for everyone.

The only wrap-up that falls short is the conclusion to Viktor and Jayce’s story. While the end establishes all the larger aspects of the duo’s journey, it falls short of a critical element. Given how thorough and well-delivered similar elements are in the series, it is disappointing to see these two be allowed to fall short.

Weaving its way through this act is a soundtrack that never misses its mark. Augmenting every scene, the music is compelling and inspired in its execution. We even get a stirring musical number from one of the cast members in the story. And no, you’ll never guess which one.

Arcane Season 2 Act 3 sticks the landing with only a few stumbles for this series finale for a fan-favorite animated series. It brings all the emotion, power, and beauty that the series has made its trademarks with, as it lets fans laugh, cry, and celebrate with the characters they’ve come to love.

Arcane Season 2 Act 3 is streaming now on Netflix.