Summary
Riot Games’League of LegendsTV adaptationArcanehas come to an end after a short run of two seasons. However, the series has left a lasting impression, with many fans still pouring over the last episodes and unpacking the final moments.
Arcanebrings the story of siblings, Vi and Jinx, to life. Beginning as ambitious young sisters growing up in the lanes of Piltover’s undercity, Vi and Jinx were once inseparable until tragedy tore them apart. Over two seasons, the series tracks the siblings’ shifting relationship as they figure out who they are in a changing world. OtherLeague of Legendscharacters also have a part in the series, including Jayce and Viktor, who build a new magical technology known as Hextech, and Caitlyn, an enforcer who teams up with Vi to help put a stop to Silco.Arcanewas widely praised for its dynamic visuals, which were crafted by French animation studio Fortiche, and its gripping and detailed storytelling. Expectations were high for Arcane’s finale, and while the series was ambitious in its second season (some might even say rushed), it did manage to tie up all of its major storylines.
What Is The Final Line In Arcane?
Finishing a series as momentous asArcanewas never going to be an easy task, but in the marketing rounds ahead of the finale, much pressure was put on the series’ final lines. The series’ co-creator Alex Yee toldGamesRadarthey spent as much as 27 hours coming up with the final lines of dialogue in the show. ”I was just sitting there trying to be like ‘what is the line? How do you end a show like this?'" he said. So what is the line?
The final scene ofArcanetakes place between Vi and Caitlyn. Following a climactic final battle between the people of Piltover, Zaun, and Noxus, the dust is settling on a new world. Vi and Caitlyn are shown to be established in their relationship, which was built up across two seasons. However,Vi is grieving the loss of Jinx, who tragically sacrificed herself (or at least that’s how it seemed). When Caitlyn hears Vi singing from the next room she’s excited to see her partner in positive spirits, but it’s obvious that Vi is still clearly going through her grief.“Are you still in this fight, Violet?”Caitlyn asks. After a moment of consideration, Vi responds"I am the dirt under your nails, cupcake. Nothing’s gonna clean me out.”
I am the dirt under your nails, cupcake. Nothing’s gonna clean me out.
What Do Vi’s Last Lines in Arcane Mean?
There are many interpretations of this final line and what it means for its characters and the themes ofArcaneoverall. Some find this visceral metaphor to be uncomfortable or distasteful given its potentially classist undertones. Others interpret it more positively and see it as a commentary on grief and the way forward from it. Like withso many elements ofArcane, the meaning of the final lines is largely left up to interpretation from the viewer.
It’s also important to consider what the intention behind these lines is from the creators. Co-creator Christian Linke said in an interview withAnimation World Networkthat the line is intended to signify that Vi is still inside despite what her grief may be manifesting as. “I think Caitlyn is a bit afraid of losing Vi because of just how tough it’s been. And we wanted to feel that the original Vi is still there,” he said. Similarly, for Alex Yee, the co-creator said these lines signify hope even in the face of impossible or overwhelming conflicts.
“So many crazy things happen between the characters and what’s so interesting is that Vi is the tough character. That’s how we introduce them in Arcane, with Caitlyn being the pampered Pilty. In this end, I feel like Caitlyn is a much tougher character than Vi is just because of the emotional toil and how they process things. Caitlyn comes out of losing her mother and the turmoil between the two cities really hardened. Vi is still pretty raw. And Caitlyn just has this question, like, “Do I still have you in my corner? Or do you need to log out because it’s been too much?” That’s the real question being asked, even if she doesn’t say it like that.”
“I think Caitlyn is a bit afraid of losing Vi because of just how tough it’s been. And we wanted to feel that the original Vi is still there. And they are the last words. Those will echo in people’s heads for a long time. So that’s always scary.”
Arcane Acknowledges Its Themes In Its Final Lines
Trauma, grief, and love are some of the themes that are central toArcane. From the outset, the series has built a world that balances its whimsical side and visual fidelity with a grim undertone. In this instance,Arcane’sfinale ended with a blockbuster battle that featured epic action but was also marred by tragic sacrifice. Despite existing in a fantastical world,Arcanehas always been conscious of grounding its characters in human emotion. In many ways, these final lines pay tribute to all of that, acknowledging the trauma thatcharacters like Vi and Caitlynhave gone through with the idea that there is still hope in persevering.
ArcaneSeasons 1 and 2 are streaming on Netflix.
Arcane
Arcane is an animated series developed by Alex Yee and Christian Linke that follows a the story of Piltover and Zaun, two pivotal locations in the League of Legends universe. The first season follows the stories of Jynx and Vi, as well as Jayce and Viktor.
