The alternate timeline inArcaneseason 2, episode 7 was very different from the original one, and each change had a deeper meaning than simply being a gimmick. Theending ofArcaneseason 2resolved the war between Piltover and Zaun by giving them a common enemy. As Viktor looked to perfect humanity from the elements that cause death and war, many ofArcane’sLeague of Legendschampionsunited to stop an onslaught from Ambessa Medarda, who wished only for the Machine Herald to make her Noxian soldiers indestructible.
One of these characters was Ekko, who disappeared alongside Jayce inArcaneseason 2, Act I. It was revealed that Ekko spent time inArcane’s multiverse via an alternate timeline, experiencing a world in which much of the trauma and suffering from the show did not occur. In light of severalArcaneseason 2 character deaths, the exploration of theLeague of Legendsmultiverse may seem farfetched. However, the episode was one ofArcane’s best thanks to how the alternate timeline’s changes were used as thematic messages for Ekko to keep in mind once returning to his original world.
7Powder Never Became Jinx
A Key Character Change Never Took Place
One of the immediate changes thatArcaneseason 2 makes clear about its alternate timeline is that Powder did not become Jinx. Instead, Powder is simply an older version of the young girl last seen inArcaneseason 1. A big reason for this is how other elements transpired, but the end result is what matters: Powder was not taken in by Silco, radicalized by his ideologies, driven insane by the loss of her friends at her hands, or forced into a life of violence and war. This shocks Ekko, but it affects his character greatly and, in turn, Jinx’s.
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The meaning behind this change is showing Ekko, and, by extension, the audience, that Jinx’s trauma does not define her. Over the course ofArcane’s two seasons, it was reinforced that Powder is gone and only Jinx remains. As many know, it is not a simple thing to remove elements of childhood. Therefore,Powder being part ofArcane’s alternate timeline reinforced who she was to Ekko,and reminded this to the audience too. This led Ekko, once back in the original timeline, to save Jinx from suicide, allowing the two to save the day later.
6Benzo, Vander, Mylo, & Claggor Are All Alive
Aside from Powder’s lack of Jinx-ness inArcaneseason 2’s alternate timeline, several other characters' fates were also very different.The likes of Benzo, Vander, Mylo, and Claggor were all alive in the alternate dimension, greatly affecting Ekko. Benzo was essentially Ekko’s father in the original timeline, with his death leading Ekko to become somewhat radicalized as a member of the Firelights. The reveal that he is alive in this timeline is a big deal for Ekko, with the similar fates of Vander, Mylo, and Claggor reigniting Ekko’s fight in a way.
While Ekko can never have his friends and family back, he can fight for what is right and allow other children of Zaun or Piltover to have this loving environment…
These characters being alive essentially showed Ekko what he was fighting for. In light of so manyArcaneLeague of Legendsspin-offsand the magic, kingdoms, and new characters they include, it would have been easy forArcaneto lose focus and make Ekko’s journey much grander in scope. However, in showing Ekko what he had lost, the story gave him the push to return home. While Ekko can never have his friends and family back, he can fight for what is right and allow other children of Zaun or Piltover to have this loving environment that he experienced in the alternate timeline.
5Vi Died In Arcane Season 1, Episode 1’s Heist
The Sisters Will Always Experience A Degree Of Tragedy
One of the primary reasons why Powder did not become Jinx and why the likes of Benzo, Mylo, Claggor, and Vander are all alive is the death of Vi inArcane’s alternate timeline. It is revealed that the original heist fromArcaneseason 1, episode 1 transpired differently. Vi was killed during this job, drastically altering several other elements ofArcane’s original timeline. In this alternate universe,Arcane’s Vi and Caitlyndid not get their relationship, and the former’s death led to many changes.
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Perhaps the biggest thematic meaning derived from Vi’s alternate timeline death inArcaneis that the sisters are rarely meant to have a happy life together. In most timelines, they are driven apart in one way or another, be it a tragic death or differing ideologies born of trauma. That said, Powder’s grief over Vi in the alternate timeline also proves the connection between the two sisters remains strong, explaining how they reconnected in the original timeline before the inevitability of separation was reinstated viaJinx’s sacrifice inArcaneseason 2.
4Hextech Was Never Invented In Arcane’s Alternate Timeline
The Cause Of Arcane’s Trouble Was Removed
Stemming from Vi’s death was another big alteration inArcane’s multiverse. A brief flashback to this moment showed Powder grieving over Vi’s body, yet Jayce’s apartment around them remained intact. This implies that the Hexcore explosion fromArcaneseason 1, episode 1 did not happen, meaning Viktor and Jayce did not investigate further and invent Hextech. Ekko confirms as much when he realizes Hextech creations are non-existent in this new timeline.
Ekko still uses tiny Hexcore fragments to invent his time-travel powers in Arcane season 2’s alternate timeline.
Based on how integralArcane’s Hextech and its Hexcoreare to the show’s overarching story in season 2, the meaning behind the lack of the invention in the alternate timeline is evident. As is eventually explored via Jayce and Viktor’s storyline, Hextech was a gateway to death and destruction in the originalArcanetimeline. Without it, the alternate timeline was allowed to thrive, showing Ekko what life could be like without it and pushing him into returning home and helping defeat Viktor and Ambessa.
3Zaun & Piltover Have A Friendly Relationship
The Two Nations Are Not Destined To Clash
Besides the abuse of Hextech, the primary conflict inArcanecenters around Piltover and Zaun. InArcaneseason 2’s alternate timeline, the state of both nations is very different. For one, Zaun is not as decrepit and destitute as it is in the original timeline, looking much cleaner and healthier once Ekko arrives. The reason for this is the strong relationship it has with Piltover, symbolized by the bridge connecting the two cities. The bridge is somewhat of a commune in the alternate timeline, housing stalls and stores from Piltover and Zaun alike.
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The meaning behind this change is evident: it proves Zaun and Piltover do not have to be at odds. If the two nations had representatives who strove for peace and were not enveloped in the cycle of violence, a relationship between them would be possible. This is another element that drives Ekko back home to fight for this dream, which is all but realized when Sevika is placed on Piltover’s council.The bridge being a symbol of this unity and coexistence is a big deal, too, given that it is originally a symbol of Vander’s failed rebellion, death, and violencein the original timeline.
2Powder Helped Ekko Return Home
Powder/Jinx Is Central To Arcane
Stemming from Powder’s differences inArcane’s alternate timeline, another one is found. Eventually, Powder’s intelligence is utilized by Ekko and Heimerdinger, with the alternate version of her helping them return home. Although this is not so much of a difference as it is an extension of Powder’s personality, its meaning comes when exploring the question ofwhyArcaneis ending with season 2.
Arcane’s many planned spin-offs will involve characters from the original show, leading many to wonder why these stories cannot simply continue underArcane’s umbrella. The reason for this stems from Jinx/Powder. So many ofArcane’s integral plot points are driven by this character; she inadvertently caused Vander’s death, Silco’s adoption of Powder led to her becoming Jinx, Jinx caused tensions between Piltover and Zaun to worsen inArcaneseason 1’s ending, and it was Jinx who accidentally led Ambessa and Singed to Viktor.
The alternate timeline proves beyond all doubt how central Powder/Jinx is toArcane’s entire story…
Without Jinx,Arcane’s entire story simply would not exist. This even extends to the alternate version of the character. Ekko was vital to the final battle against Viktor and Ambessa, with his time inventions and return to the original timeline not being possible without Powder’s help. The alternate timeline proves beyond all doubt how central Powder/Jinx is toArcane’s entire story.
1Silco Forgave Vander
The Cycle Of Violence Was Broken
One of the biggest differences inArcane’s alternate timeline, and perhaps the change that sums up the show’s themes the most, is Silco forgiving Vander. Be it the storyline of Silco and Vander or that of Jayce, Viktor, Vi, Jinx, and the many othercharacters ofArcane, the central message of the show is about walking away from the cycle of violence. As Viktor points out inArcaneseason 2, Act II, the source of humanity’s greatest good is emotions, though this is also the source of its greatest evil.
Emotions drive people to violence, revenge, war, and suffering, born from initial positive bonds like love, friendship, and family. Silco and Vander are two integral ways the show explored this; Silco could not walk away from the cycle of violence driven by his emotions.Arcane’s alternate timeline, however, proved this was possible. Forgiveness is something that can happen, leading Ekko back to his time so that he can fight for this vision of Piltover, Zaun, and his friends.
Arcane
Cast
Arcane is an animated series set in the League of Legends universe, debuting in 2021. It explores the conflict between the affluent city of Piltover and the oppressed undercity of Zaun. Central to the story are two sisters whose allegiance to opposing sides of a technological and ideological war strains their bond.
