if we had a dollar for every blue haired kid who decided using hextech would save their family, we’d have two dollars. we’d only have one for every kid that survived, though-
I was so distraught when Isha was going to sacrifice herself and it reminded me of how much powder wanted to help back in season 1 only to have it backfire horrendously
She had the exact antithesis of the Powder moment. Powder, not aware of the entire situation used unstable hex crystals, sending a bomb away from herself into the fight in an attempt to save her family, which resulted in their deaths, and she had no idea that she was responsible Isha, took in and assessed the entire situation, and then used stabilized hex crystals to throw herself in to the middle of the fight to set off an explosion to save her family, resulting in her own death, fully aware of what was happening
Isha's facial structure is triangular, resembling Mylor. She also brings the familiar goggles of Claggor. As if they come back and tell Jinx everything's fine regardless of what happened.
I liked that Isha had mustism. I then felt terrible about preferring mute children in shows/films. Now I realize the peak difficulty of writing and finding a fitting actor for a child character that doesn't make or break the scene. But holy crap, the more I think about it. Arcane took full advantage of Isha being a street-smart kid with a disability to show Jinx finally finding peace and human connection.
It also connects to what Jinx said when floating with Silco. Her whole life she's always had voices "always bossing her around" telling her what to do and what to be even if not intentionally doing that to her. Last season we saw how when people contradicted themselves Jinx could start to spiral from the paranoia and fear. "you're ready", "you're not ready", "your sister's gone", "you found out she came back... you lied". It forms question's of what people think of her truly where with Isha she was purely actions. Which says more.
I also love mute characters and The Wandering Inn book series has an incredible one in Mrsha. Mrsha is a young gnoll child who has mutism and after... something... happens to her family she is adopted by some of the main cast and becomes a mainstay at the titular Inn. She's the center of a lot of really emotional moments and arcs. Btw if you don't love to cry, don't read The Wandering Inn. The author is a master at tearing your heart to shreds and rebuilding it piece by piece only to do it again. It's easily my favorite book series.
I actually don't know anything about mutism, I only know some people can't talk, but I don't even know why, can you maybe explain what that even is? How does that happen?
@@corneliahanimann2173 There are usually 3 reasons for mutism. Physical, mental trauma or a developmental delay. She could have a damaged vocal cord from the toxic fumes in Zaun or getting hit wrong on the throat. If it is mental, she might have gone through something traumatic: physical abuse or seeing her parents die. Seeing as death, violence and toxic fumes are an everyday occurrence in Zaun, could be 2 or all the above for Isha's mutism.
i absolutely adore the parallels between isha and powder. in episode 6, when vi holds jinx back from saving isha, i immediately thought of marcus holding vi back from saving powder. i also cant help but think about that one tumblr post that says "be the person you needed when you were younger." i feel like isha is finally jinx's catalyst for self love by being exactly like powder. powder needed her sister, but didnt get her. so now jinx is the sister isha needs. i adore them
jeez that whole 'vi holding jinx back paralleling marcus holding vi back' really adds onto the idea that vi has become into the thing she hated so much, but ive also seen someone interpret vi holding onto jinx as her sisterly instincts kicking in which is just as interesting
@@ShrubbyCanine It's a parallel in the story, not necessarily the character. To be fair, I could see an argument that Marcus had good intentions with holding Vi back, she would have probably died if she tried to save Powder in that moment. But while that COULD be the case with Marcus, it definitely IS the case with Vi holding Powder back. There were no ulterior motives in that moment, she wasn't holding Jinx back to allow Isha to kill her father, she was just trying to protect Jinx, that's it. Vi is nothing if not a character that wears her emotions and intentions on her sleeve.
You could also see it as Vi becomeing the person Vander wanted her to be. Vander wanted her to think more about the consequences before acting. Old Vi would have run towards Vander to protect him from the soldiers, calm him down and stopping Isha.
@@imdoingthisoutofboredom2443 oh shit I didn’t realize that. So yeah Isha was another version of Powder. With Powder/Jinx becoming Vi and facing the same destiny as Vi. The difference is however that this time its Vi who held back Powder to protect them from Vander (aka the monster within).
I still burst into tears whenever I see any Isha content. Thanks, Arcane. For making me way too emotionally attached to a character I've known for 5 episodes. Yippee.
The way Isha fights is very self sacrifical. I noticed it on rewatch, but the girl fight Sevika to run to Jinx (but she couldn't get loose), she kept throwing herself from dangerous places into dangerous situations. And then General Ambessa foreshadowed it with her 4 pillars of strenght.
And that Isha sacrifices HERSELF for others, while Ambessa is sacrificing OTHER PEOPLE. Maybe if we learn more this will be different, but right now it seems like Isha is making a true sacrifice, vs Ambessas manipulation
@@EmilysucculentsI wouldn't be surprised if Ambessa sacrifices herself for Mel in episode 8/9 tbh. She is manipulative, but I feel like people are confusing that with being a liar. She genuinely believes what she's saying/doing and while it's harsh/cruel it's ultimately fir the greater good.
@himum3429 honestly, I hope you are right ! I really want to be wrong about Ambessa. Especially because her sacrificing herself for Mel would fit in with the other parental sacrifices we have seen in the series, between Silco, Vander, and Singed there would be so much they could say/explore about a parent's love for their child.
@@Emilysucculents League released a MV "Blood Sweat and Tears" featuring Ambessa as a promotional thing not very long ago- I think sacrifice is a pretty big theme in that. Worth a watch if you haven't already- it's animated by Fortiche.
I loved that they made Isha mute. She says so much, without saying a single word. Also, 2 other things about episode 6: 1. Loosing Isha is a loss of innocence. It's going to play into what enfolds in the next 3 episodes. 2. With Victor dying, the commune utopia died with him. This is also play out with what happens next. The peace and utopia didn't die, but changed.
It reminds of the line Singed says to Victor in his flashback. "The mutation must survive." The utopia and it's ideals may be gone, but Victor will survive, no matter the cost.
I also love mute characters and The Wandering Inn book series has an incredible one in Mrsha. Mrsha is a young gnoll child who has mutism and after... something... happens to her family she is adopted by some of the main cast and becomes a mainstay at the titular Inn. She's the center of a lot of really emotional moments and arcs. Btw if you don't love to cry, don't read The Wandering Inn. The author is a master at tearing your heart to shreds and rebuilding it piece by piece only to do it again. It's easily my favorite book series.
Isha's helmet is pretty interesting, it's like it symbolizes protection, being a helmet and all, and it falls off when she falls on Jinx and is caught by the goons, because she's unprotected, but then Jinx puts it back on, because Jinx is the protector of Isha going forward, but Isha has these desires to also protect Jinx as well, the name Isha meaning 'One who protects', so whenever she follows Jinx or runs after her, her helmet always falls off. The first time, she puts it back on to continue to follow Jinx, but as she follows after her more, she doesn't really need it as much, she's opening up to Jinx, showing her vulnerability. As she grows closer to Jinx, she wears it less and less, and then even dyes her hair blue, fully connected to Jinx, no longer wearing it aside from very rarely. It instead becomes a source of comfort, she uses it to feed Warwick, and it becomes a source of sustenance. That's why in her final scene, she pushes it on more, symbolizing her last big act of protection, but then it also falls off, as she lets herself go, solidifies her connection to Powder and Jinx, using 3 hexcores just like Powder and having hair and finger guns just like Jinx, and it also falls off so that she can be vulnerable physically enough to sacrifice herself. Bad at explaining, but I hope this interpretation makes sense Edit: just realized also that she decorates her helmet to be Jinx-like in Act 2, signifying Jinx as her protector and the one she wishes to protect
@philipdaviddavies9478 as far as i know, it only looks similar, may be the same one, but we see a ton of helmets just like it in the Vander montage, either way, doesnt really effect what I said
@ I I don’t think it’s same one… but I’ve seen teemo shit a lot in background figure he was popular enough in the world of rune Terra or w/e for people to mimic the swag
I also love mute characters and The Wandering Inn book series has an incredible one in Mrsha. Mrsha is a young gnoll child who has mutism and after... something... happens to her family she is adopted by some of the main cast and becomes a mainstay at the titular Inn. She's the center of a lot of really emotional moments and arcs. Btw if you don't love to cry, don't read The Wandering Inn. The author is a master at tearing your heart to shreds and rebuilding it piece by piece only to do it again. It's easily my favorite book series.
2 things i like how as soon as jinx became aware of isha being captured, she had an immediate psychotic break with all the scratches and hallucinations, its like losing a new friend (essentially little sister really) immediately pushed her over the edge away from the relatively stable jinx to the unstable one we've come to know and also that last tip on switching focus is genuinely amazing writing advice
The worst thing is they rushed that part, which really annoyed me. A great detail was when Sevika slammed her hand on Jinx's table and mentioned Silco. Then Jinx had that small camera flicker. Reminding us that she can go back any time. And then when Isha was taken and she found out, that moment was epic but then she went back to her 'goofy-self'. There were a lot of corny jokes, the sisters' reunion was also way too rushed and also Viktor's cult was kinda a weird idea. Loved Jayce's return though.
What I liked about Isha is that the writers crafted such a good character that didn't even say a word her entire screen time but was still able convey her personality and character. She was a young girl that idolized Jinx as her hero and surrogate sister thats why when she impersonates Jinx I think it isn't that she wants a rebellion, but the fact Isha wants jinx to live as the hero Isha sees her as.
I also love mute characters and The Wandering Inn book series has an incredible one in Mrsha. Mrsha is a young gnoll child who has mutism and after... something... happens to her family she is adopted by some of the main cast and becomes a mainstay at the titular Inn. She's the center of a lot of really emotional moments and arcs. Btw if you don't love to cry, don't read The Wandering Inn. The author is a master at tearing your heart to shreds and rebuilding it piece by piece only to do it again. It's easily my favorite book series.
i think its both, she defs idolizes jinx but also as a kid who grew up on the streets having to fend for herself isha knows how hard life is in the undercity and wants it to change. kids are also very influenced by their environment at this age so i think the people of the city wanting a rebellion and sevika wanting a rebellion probably influenced her to want it as well.
As terrible as Isha's death was, i appreciate a lot it was foreshadowed the moment her and Jinx met. Jinx waving the gun around saying you can kill anyone with just a finger, but also hold the gun to your head and end your own life. Isha does both at the same time the first and only time she pulls the trigger.
I think that another part of why Jinx comes off as cool is that part of most Americans idea of cool is either centered in breaking the rules or being able to set the rules for one's self or the world around them. That's why both authoritarians and rebels can both be characterized as cool despite having very different representations of that "coolness".
The fact that this scene switches the focus between so many elements they want you to focus on and it doesn't become a confusing mess is a testament to Arcanes writers' masterful writing.
Big part of why that scene lands and makes Jinx so cool is the bad guys' reaction to seeing her. There is clear surprise/fear from them. Don't need a ton of exposition etc to slam home the fact that not only is she iconic and praised she's feared.
Something I’ve not seen anyone talking about: Jinx is really funny. She doesn’t use it very often, but, just like how she fights, she’s got a wickedly fast wit; when she does drop a one-liner, it’s funny on multiple levels. My favorite this season is in the mines with Vi: “At least mom & dad didn’t have to see the psycho their daughter turned into!” “Which one?”😂 “You wouldn’t last one second without your ugly gadgets and chickenshit tricks.” “What about those over-designed bitch mittens you didn’t even build yourself?” Damn; someone get Vi some ice for that burn😂 Jinx is very familiar with Jayce’s work; she has his research notes, recreated hextech in her own lab, built fishbones, and had plenty of time to examine the atlas gauntlets before the tea party. She knows Jayce’s design work well, and her opinion of it is probably along the lines of: “Not bad, Jayce. More than a bit over-designed for my taste, but considering you’re a pretentious uptight Piltie…game recognize game.” Jinx is also poking Vi because a true Zaunite makes their own weapon; Vi is not only using someone else’s, it’s one built by a topsider. Then, of course, Vi drops the gauntlets, and Jinx shimmer-speed slaps her. “There. One second.”😂 Jinx has a fascinating sense of humor; quick wit, slightly self-deprecating, and that particular Zaunite truthfulness.
The comments on jinx’s hallucinations and how she’s changed made me think of how she has “fully” embraced jinx. The hallucinations were usually Mylo or claggor, powders brothers. Now that she’s Jinx the only one to hallucinate would be silco, but he believed jinx was perfect, so he doesn’t haunt her like the others. Then there were some story beats when the hallucinations would pop up a bit, but usually associated with negative feelings of being a jinx, when she’s not feeling cool/comfortable as jinx
This entire second season is paralleling the first season constantly, episode 6 is called the message hidden within the pattern for a reason, the pattern being same mistakes different setting.
I've been grinding my way through Arcane analysis videos but schnee is on a whole different level, istg. By minute one of this video, more relevant information has been efficiently relayed than several entire 10-minute videos I've watched beforehand.
I believe another element of Jinx’s coolness is that her monologue has irony to it, she’s aware of the irony and is emotionally drained from it in a way but she simply accepts it.
"Women want to be her. Men want to also be her." Ain't that the truth. I know Jinx of all people is the character I should want to be the *least,* she's a dangerous loose canon that does not give a fuck, at least at that point, but.... she's just so damn cool! Radiating that effortless confidence even though we know it came by tragic circumstances. And especially, seeing it after she was so insecure and disjointed last season and to contrast that with the measured, chaotic yet reserved coolness she's exhibiting here..... I can't help it, I want to be like her! Lmao
I love the scene focused videos! Arcane is becoming one of the greatest shows ever made. Your breakdowns from a writer’s pov makes Arcane feel less like once in a life time masterpiece and more like a story that I could make myself one day. Bravo 🎉!
@@brandongaylord1039 what would she even do then? I mean for the story (as a person I would absolutely love her to survive but this is not what Jinx taught her). Especially since we saw what 1 Hextech explosion does so 3 of them is a bit too much for a kid to survive.
@aetherwolf9288 I want her to live but her death can be necessary. However her living means the angle for Ekko to come in is present. The BOY SAVIOR shifts time to fulfill his in game nickname, THE BOY WHO SHATTERED TIME
The moment they made Isha a recurring character, I thought to myself "Death Flags for Cutie." Couldn't help it. Still got attached. Damn you, Fortiche.
new focus -> new element -> big shift -> consequences unclear -> tension -> new focus -> new element -> big shift -> consequences unclear -> tension -> new focus -> new element -> big shift -> consequences unclear -> tension -> new focus -> new element -> big shift -> conseque... amazing
i dont think i would call jinx stable here. i think she has never been more lost. this act ends with her tyring to plan her death, i think her calmnes is how people that plan their demise are knowing everything will be over soon
I find it interesting that many, not all but many of the traits we consider "cool" aren't really altruistic? We uplift those ideals even if they don't really help society as a whole, just found it interesting that even though Vi has empathy and kindness in her and even Jinx to a lesser degree, those arent part of the "cool" traits, not in a judgemental way but as an interesting thought bubble kind of tidbit as someone who loves reading and writing
The multiple focus shifts within the single scene, while never changing the POV character, is a serious writing challenge they pulled off effortlessly. Which is to say, after years of practice and who knows how many drafts. It's like they know they're cool or something...
In the first half of the season jinx feels very detached. Her emotions have likely all shut down as a response to her grief about killing Silco. She doesn’t know how to cope, and is instead just an emotionless husk just doing what she knows. Ishia is what brings her out of that because she reminds her of when she was little and needed guidance
The explanation about using Focus in a scene helped me understand the concepts of story/scene beats, I literally feel like I just leveled up my understanding of storytelling thanks
I know this is a little of topic but I need to go on a tangent about this and everyone is talking about the fact that Isha died but can we just talk about that final Act 2 scene for just a second. (this is my opinion so feel free to disagree) The writers of Arcane managed to show the audience the meaning of life in one beautiful and touching scene. What Isha did was selfless and purely out of love. So many people fear dying and mourn the life they didn't have as they are full of regret and wish they had more time. That is not the case with Isha. She dies knowing that she lived a meaningful and fulfilling life, she has no regrets. So, she dies with a smile. She didn't do it to be seen as a hero or as this big self-sacrificing gesture, no, she did it because she knew she had to and knew that her life was probably the best it ever was going to be, and we see that as she is running and the moments with Jinx flash by. Her motivations are heroic and pure. Compare this to Marcus in season one. He imagines pulling the pin and killing Silco with him. His motivations weren't heroic and selfless like Isha's, they were selfish. Marcus regretted so many things in his life up to that point and pulling the pin was just a way to make himself feel better for all the bad things he had done. A way of relieving his conscience. He didn't live a meaningful life so going out with a bang (literally) would hopefully forgive everything that he did. So, what Isha's scene shows is that the ultimate goal isn't death it's life, it's living. So many people die sad and scared but we shouldn't. One of the main messages in ep 6 is that dying is inevitable and it happens to everyone. And that is so scary but if you have lived meaningfully there is nothing to be scared about and you can do what Isha did, look back at all the best moments of your life and smile, thanking the people that made it so special. So live life meaningfully people !!!
When I was watching this scene, it seemed like a Hollywood moment to me-- "come on... couldn't there have been another way where she didn't have to sacrifice herself for the plot... or she could have just grabbed Jinx's hand and run away..?"-- BUT with that said, I really like your take on it. She didn't have anyone in her life, and now all of a sudden she has a sister and a best friend who never leaves her side. I'd have to rewatch everything while focusing on Isha, but it is part of her nature to be protective and give her entire self to Jinx-- especially with her running in front of Vi while Jinx is pinned down about to die. I guess it makes sense, especially since (along with living a good life thus far and accepting death) she kind of has no one else to live for, so if she can save that one person then she is going to do it. BUT BUT I also find it interesting that she chooses to destroy Vander... like I know that we as the audience know that Vander is gone at this point, with Viktor's death and everything, but Jinx was the one who was begging Vi not to hurt him and knowing in her gut that Vander was still in there... it's just surprising I guess that Isha would then be so quick to run up and destroy him.
You need to make a video about Silco’s line in season 1 “There is a monster buried inside all of us, it’s time for it to emerge to the surface” But apply it to season 2 and its characters. There have been a lot of changes to a lot of characters, Caitlyn, Vander, Viktor and maybe some contribute to that underlying theme of the monster inside people, and some “monsters” who are going in interesting directions, like Jinks (Who I consider to be the monster beneath Powder who took over, in my opinion and own reading)
On the topic of Isha paralleling with Powder, it's even in the final scene of S2 EP6 when Jinx is getting pulled away from trying to save Isha being in a very dangerous situation to S1 EP3 where Vi is being pulled away from saving Powder being in a very dangerous situation. But at the same time, while S2 EP6 draws back to S1 EP3, theres still so many differences and its hard to process it all.
It's really funny, cause for me, when I watched Jinx fight Vander and Sevika carry Isha away, I thought of that original scene, but when I saw that ending, I didn''t until people pointed it out XD
I wouldn’t say that jinx was at her healthiest mentally. I would say that because she’s so isolated from the loss for Silco she’s suppressed here feelings so much she’s become numb. The next episode she is willing to let Vi take her life!!
What i love about the "POOW" when Jinx mimics the gun to her head is that it directly foreshadows Ishas death and that her first, as well as her last scene with Jinx includes it this way. Ishas final finger gun felt like it was referring to this scene as well to me, like she remembered the very first thing Jinx taught her. Like you said, this isn't something to be scared of.
And then also realized that it feels familiar because in season 1 we had Jinx be completely alone and that’s when Silco took her in and here in season two we have the same thing happening Isha is alone and we have Jinx there to take her in.
I'm loving these new breakdown videos where we also get some talk on those great writing techniques like New Element, Big Shift, Consequences Unclear, which I had never even heard of but just feels incredibly powerful, or a dissection of what it means to make a character cool. Thank you so much and I just need more ASAP because these are amazing!!
One thing I realized, is that it all actually started with Jayve and Ekko NOT Jyunx. Everyting changed because Jayce went to Zon and Ekko gave the lead to VI and company. It seems like things are going to end with them in some big way. I think this is further intesrting, because a lot of the big moments that were caused by Jynx on Accident trying to help others out, it seems that now , Jayce is trying to do the right thing but now he's messing things up on accident as well. So I think Jayce and Jinx are almost kind of foils in a sense and we're seeing a bit of a reversal of how they're impacting the world around them.
i wanted to add how its interesting that while they portrayed jinx as cool af, they still had her get trampled by a falling child. usually such scenarios are comedic affect or a cool character would dodge/catch. but she didnt. she fell and got back up and stayed nonchalant. plays into a point you made in your "how arcane writes women" video about believing vi was strong not just because she can throw punches, but also take them. jinx is cool, but that doesnt mean she cant be thrown off guard, its how she reacts that makes her cool (awesome video and i cant wait ti hear more of your thoughts!!)
please make a full video about this! I had that same feeling in Act 2, Jinx is now her own being, separate from Silco and Piltover's vision for her, and that improves everything. I'm a writer and I wanted to put some traits like this in my main character. Hugs from Brasil!! 🇧🇷
schnee we NEED you to drop a Caitlyn/Vi (or CaitVi :3) analysis PLEASE WE ARE STARVING (jokes aside, never stop with your content, each video you create is just so on point and precise and intersting and enriching-- thank you for the work you clearly put into each of them :'))
I'm living for your Arcane video essays at this point, you delve into the symbolism so beautifully. What I love about Isha's characterization is how Jinx begins to understand what is like to be an older sister (hence understanding Vi better), and also to heal slowly from the trauma of having murdered her family, symbolized nicely as 1) Isha parallels Powder and Jinx knows it, 2) Jinx doesn't hear voices in her head when she's with Isha (or anymore), and 3) she won't hear Isha's voice in her head since Isha is mute. Jinx becoming important to the people of the undercity allows her to see a different perspective of family, what it feels like to be responsible for others (i.e. what Vander and Vi had to go through) and be of value to others (related to her trauma, since she believes she's a jinx that ruins and breaks things). I can't wait to hear what you think about the flashback and memories montage we get of Vander and Isha in episode 6. Also what I'm loving this season is nuanced parallels and the awesome visual-music storytelling. It's like the scene of Ekko and Jinx fighting multiplied by 100!
I had this theory about Jayce last week that the reason that he changes his mind so often is that he's trying to evaluate what other people need and reacting to that. He's not like Silco who has an idea what people need and then forcing it on them. He likes it when people come to him with a problem that he can fix. Then the last few episodes came out and I have no idea what's going on with him.
Mini correction: Jinx only kills one of the goons, the one with 1 on his head, 2 and 9 later show up, so they have survived. I guess Jinx found 1's overly confident swagger with the cane annoying so she killed him, but left 2 and 9 simply wounded.
Honestly, the way they used Isha this season is a little bit disappointing to me. She was basically just a vehicle to help redeem Jinx by giving her someone to be responsible for, like how therapists will sometimes advise patients to get a pet. Jinx and Isha have a superficial sisterly dynamic, and we can see that it's informed by a bunch of other very well-developed relationships, but ultimately Isha is just an accessory to Jinx's character.
I love the added elements in editing when you were talking about Jinx, it was just so funny and goofy visually Also I really like the focus on Jinx with these 2 recent videos. She really did have a new presence for this seeason!
Just wanted to say thank you so much for all of your posts on Arcane. I have enjoyed the series so much and it kind of breaks my heart that it's coming to an end, for now at least. I've been delaying watching the last episode as long as possible. I'm about to hit the play button with anticipation to see how it all unfolds or leaves us all hanging. With all the new elements being brought up in the recent episodes I can't imagine that there is a summation to all of the madness. Not sure what I enjoy more watching the series the first time or listening to your in-depth and nuanced analysis of moments and themes throughout the show. Going back and watching them with new eyes and more appreciation for what I've already seen. Love it. Love your work. Thank you so much.
So happy Arcane is back. One because it's my favorite show and I love it dearly, and two because I get to watch new schnee Arcane videos. This was one of my favorite parts of act one. I thought the act was a little unfocused and messy overall, but this was a standout. Great video!!
not only do we get new episodes of arcane weekly, but also schnee analysis!! love to see it:D (also hopefully you ain't overworking yourself bringing out so much quality content!)
okay so i think i left this as a comment on other parallel/scene breakdown videos as well, but i haven't seen anyone address it! to me the huge glaring parallel of this scene is where isha sits between jinx's knees---that's exactly where powder was at the end of ep3 with silco when jinx was born (when she hugged him) and i think its really cool how the writers don't fully define isha's role in jinx's life: she's obviously a kind of little sister, paralleling jinx and vi, but she's referenced by jinx as a friend, and then there are also some parent/child references hidden into the story as well. 😂
Holy flip!!!! all the parallels you listed between them in the beginning is absolutely amazing!!!!! I totally didn't even realize any of those! Also I LOOOVE the last point you made about focus on how to build scenes with those 3 steps!!!! that is absolutely genius and I'm totally gonna write that down for how to incorporate scenes into the next draft of the novel that I'm writing!!!! And the breakdown of defining "cool"?! How do you even do that!??!? You're epic!!!!!
Honestly, Arcane has been an incredibly, encompassing story about life. The truth is life doesn’t work like a story with “and they lived happily ever after”. As the trailer said, “Every ending… has a new beginning.” And Viktor says, “Evolution has a destination. Not to combat nature, but to supersede it.” All the characters in this story constantly evolve, constantly affect each others lives, and can never escape our capacity to perform our greatest good and our greatest evil… because life keeps happening. Life isn’t a short and sweet story with a neat beginning, middle, and ending. New things will constantly happen to us our whole lives. Every time we think a trauma or an event is going to destroy us, the story continues. Over and over, we are going to face new trauma, or pain, or feel incredible loss. But we’re still here, even if we’re questioning, “why?” If we looked at the world as a whole, we would undoubtedly believe humanity isn’t worth saving. But if we look just through our individual eyes at the people who loved us, who touched our lives, we believe that is worth saving.
Schnee, I'll be waiting for your analysis on Act 3. It was beautiful. I know you love Ekko, so I'll be looking forward to your thoughts on Episode 7 and his arc as a whole.
Love LOVE your stuff. Dude, if you ever stop making videos please don't delete anything of this channel I come back to your videos for reference whenever I am writing something or I need examples for a specific thing I want to do and you just explain so well. Also, I aspire to learn and do the typa analysis you do
I've been waiting for you to upload shorts since S1. Other channels are just plain vanilla tip of the iceberg analysis. You really break it down. Props to you!
love your point about a thing being in the scene BEFORE it is focused on.... definitely works in video I'll try and see if I can do this in written story as well.
Very nice analysis! I loved the videos about the first season of Arcane, so it’s good to see that you’re still willing to analyze this amazing series. I’d love to add something to this video, but it’ll be a SPOILER for ACT 2 of season 2… At the end of the 6th episode, when Isha is about to sacrifice herself, she looks at Jinx and smiles, mimicking a gun with her hand to pretend to shoot her. Isha almost never makes sounds, as she doesn’t speak, but in this moment she says: “Poow”.
To be honest I was dying to get new analysys video. I love your videos man. You help me a lot with understanding perfect writing and what is the meaning of different aspects of the characters. Have a great day!
I'm so ready for another 2 years of picking this second season apart. Arc 2 has like 50 million red strings flying around. Im glad there's people like you that give a kind of broader context to whats happening in the show. As well as character motivations and how every piece of storytelling feeds into another. Makes digesting the absolute rollercoaster we've all just been on easier
babe wake up another schnee arcane analysis just dropped
Beat me to it!
Christmas~
im up, im up
Yes honey
LETS GOOOO
Jinx bitch-slapping Vi had me bust out laughing for real
It was chicken-s*** gadgets & b**** mittens for me 😂
@@MRS.TRIPLE-A321 Yeah, the bitch-mittens made me chuckle too, but the slap was the icing on the cake
Top tier chaotic sibling moment. As an only child, I really appreciated it😂😂
@@MRS.TRIPLE-A321 I'm never gonna get "bitch mittens" out of my head every time I see those gloves now😂😂
As a Vi defender that shi was karma😂
When isha grabbed the hex orbs from Vi's gloves me and my friend were yelling at her not to have her powder moment 😭😭
if we had a dollar for every blue haired kid who decided using hextech would save their family, we’d have two dollars. we’d only have one for every kid that survived, though-
@@mango.frappe you were so close to quoting doofensmirtz
😭isha 😭 I can’t believe she just did that noooooooooooooo💔
I was so distraught when Isha was going to sacrifice herself and it reminded me of how much powder wanted to help back in season 1 only to have it backfire horrendously
She had the exact antithesis of the Powder moment.
Powder, not aware of the entire situation used unstable hex crystals, sending a bomb away from herself into the fight in an attempt to save her family, which resulted in their deaths, and she had no idea that she was responsible
Isha, took in and assessed the entire situation, and then used stabilized hex crystals to throw herself in to the middle of the fight to set off an explosion to save her family, resulting in her own death, fully aware of what was happening
Isha's facial structure is triangular, resembling Mylor. She also brings the familiar goggles of Claggor. As if they come back and tell Jinx everything's fine regardless of what happened.
….. I need u in my life. Tyyyy I never noticed. Whatever u do in ur life just keep talking 😂. God bless u
I love this and thank you for pointing it out ❤
Spoilers!!!
So they brought the resemblances of older characters just to crush it down AGAIN?
How sweet! I haven't finished episode three yet, but I'm so excited to see her again, she's way too cute! :]
And without the downside of having Mylo speak to her
Jinx: Women want to be her; men also want to be her.
True
can confirm, my brain is now in constant switches between yearning to be Jinx and pining to be Vi
My brain is also in constant switches between yearning to be Jinx and Vi and yearning to ream Jinx and Vi
I'm a non-binary folk and same
@@MarxistMomentum can confirm
I liked that Isha had mustism.
I then felt terrible about preferring mute children in shows/films.
Now I realize the peak difficulty of writing and finding a fitting actor for a child character that doesn't make or break the scene.
But holy crap, the more I think about it. Arcane took full advantage of Isha being a street-smart kid with a disability to show Jinx finally finding peace and human connection.
It also connects to what Jinx said when floating with Silco. Her whole life she's always had voices "always bossing her around" telling her what to do and what to be even if not intentionally doing that to her. Last season we saw how when people contradicted themselves Jinx could start to spiral from the paranoia and fear. "you're ready", "you're not ready", "your sister's gone", "you found out she came back... you lied". It forms question's of what people think of her truly where with Isha she was purely actions. Which says more.
I also love mute characters and The Wandering Inn book series has an incredible one in Mrsha. Mrsha is a young gnoll child who has mutism and after... something... happens to her family she is adopted by some of the main cast and becomes a mainstay at the titular Inn. She's the center of a lot of really emotional moments and arcs.
Btw if you don't love to cry, don't read The Wandering Inn. The author is a master at tearing your heart to shreds and rebuilding it piece by piece only to do it again. It's easily my favorite book series.
Isha not talking made her even cuter I think
I actually don't know anything about mutism, I only know some people can't talk, but I don't even know why, can you maybe explain what that even is? How does that happen?
@@corneliahanimann2173 There are usually 3 reasons for mutism. Physical, mental trauma or a developmental delay.
She could have a damaged vocal cord from the toxic fumes in Zaun or getting hit wrong on the throat. If it is mental, she might have gone through something traumatic: physical abuse or seeing her parents die.
Seeing as death, violence and toxic fumes are an everyday occurrence in Zaun, could be 2 or all the above for Isha's mutism.
i absolutely adore the parallels between isha and powder. in episode 6, when vi holds jinx back from saving isha, i immediately thought of marcus holding vi back from saving powder.
i also cant help but think about that one tumblr post that says "be the person you needed when you were younger." i feel like isha is finally jinx's catalyst for self love by being exactly like powder. powder needed her sister, but didnt get her. so now jinx is the sister isha needs. i adore them
Not sure if the girl is gonna survive the big blue explosion this time.
jeez that whole 'vi holding jinx back paralleling marcus holding vi back' really adds onto the idea that vi has become into the thing she hated so much, but ive also seen someone interpret vi holding onto jinx as her sisterly instincts kicking in which is just as interesting
paralelling Vi with Marcus, damn, dont Vi already get enough hate from the fans and the writers already? fuck damn it
@@ShrubbyCanine It's a parallel in the story, not necessarily the character. To be fair, I could see an argument that Marcus had good intentions with holding Vi back, she would have probably died if she tried to save Powder in that moment. But while that COULD be the case with Marcus, it definitely IS the case with Vi holding Powder back. There were no ulterior motives in that moment, she wasn't holding Jinx back to allow Isha to kill her father, she was just trying to protect Jinx, that's it. Vi is nothing if not a character that wears her emotions and intentions on her sleeve.
You could also see it as Vi becomeing the person Vander wanted her to be. Vander wanted her to think more about the consequences before acting. Old Vi would have run towards Vander to protect him from the soldiers, calm him down and stopping Isha.
Episode 6 made me realize that arcane writers are monsters😭😭😭
„You have to let Powder die“ Silco
It was about to happen eventually
the worst thing is that when jinx met Isha she said that she was a curse, so I knew it was coming😭😭😭😭
@@imdoingthisoutofboredom2443 oh shit
I didn’t realize that.
So yeah Isha was another version of Powder. With Powder/Jinx becoming Vi and facing the same destiny as Vi.
The difference is however that this time its Vi who held back Powder to protect them from Vander (aka the monster within).
cruel monsters 😢
My and my homie has accepted that the moral of arcane is “little girls are not allowed to be happy.” 😅
honestly you cannot convince me that the writers of arcane are human at this point
Humans know most about all sorts of suffering. The writers are just sharing their knowledge with us kindly
The writers of Arcane are actually that guy who's in Jayce's head
I still burst into tears whenever I see any Isha content. Thanks, Arcane. For making me way too emotionally attached to a character I've known for 5 episodes. Yippee.
the yippee was so jinxee
@raizumaky_le_goat huh,well, that's fitting because I'm actually a little sister too. Lol. ಠ_ಠ
ditto. it’s actually insane how much i care about her
Same here. I am broken
Same bro
The way Isha fights is very self sacrifical. I noticed it on rewatch, but the girl fight Sevika to run to Jinx (but she couldn't get loose), she kept throwing herself from dangerous places into dangerous situations. And then General Ambessa foreshadowed it with her 4 pillars of strenght.
And that Isha sacrifices HERSELF for others, while Ambessa is sacrificing OTHER PEOPLE. Maybe if we learn more this will be different, but right now it seems like Isha is making a true sacrifice, vs Ambessas manipulation
Damn that 4th pillar thought didn't even strike me
@@EmilysucculentsI wouldn't be surprised if Ambessa sacrifices herself for Mel in episode 8/9 tbh. She is manipulative, but I feel like people are confusing that with being a liar. She genuinely believes what she's saying/doing and while it's harsh/cruel it's ultimately fir the greater good.
@himum3429 honestly, I hope you are right ! I really want to be wrong about Ambessa. Especially because her sacrificing herself for Mel would fit in with the other parental sacrifices we have seen in the series, between Silco, Vander, and Singed there would be so much they could say/explore about a parent's love for their child.
@@Emilysucculents League released a MV "Blood Sweat and Tears" featuring Ambessa as a promotional thing not very long ago- I think sacrifice is a pretty big theme in that. Worth a watch if you haven't already- it's animated by Fortiche.
I loved that they made Isha mute. She says so much, without saying a single word.
Also, 2 other things about episode 6: 1. Loosing Isha is a loss of innocence. It's going to play into what enfolds in the next 3 episodes. 2. With Victor dying, the commune utopia died with him. This is also play out with what happens next. The peace and utopia didn't die, but changed.
It reminds of the line Singed says to Victor in his flashback. "The mutation must survive." The utopia and it's ideals may be gone, but Victor will survive, no matter the cost.
I also love mute characters and The Wandering Inn book series has an incredible one in Mrsha. Mrsha is a young gnoll child who has mutism and after... something... happens to her family she is adopted by some of the main cast and becomes a mainstay at the titular Inn. She's the center of a lot of really emotional moments and arcs.
Btw if you don't love to cry, don't read The Wandering Inn. The author is a master at tearing your heart to shreds and rebuilding it piece by piece only to do it again. It's easily my favorite book series.
I doubt Victor will stay dead. Riot officially canonized Arcane, so Victor has to live. Isha on the other hand... 😭
Isha's helmet is pretty interesting, it's like it symbolizes protection, being a helmet and all, and it falls off when she falls on Jinx and is caught by the goons, because she's unprotected, but then Jinx puts it back on, because Jinx is the protector of Isha going forward, but Isha has these desires to also protect Jinx as well, the name Isha meaning 'One who protects', so whenever she follows Jinx or runs after her, her helmet always falls off.
The first time, she puts it back on to continue to follow Jinx, but as she follows after her more, she doesn't really need it as much, she's opening up to Jinx, showing her vulnerability. As she grows closer to Jinx, she wears it less and less, and then even dyes her hair blue, fully connected to Jinx, no longer wearing it aside from very rarely. It instead becomes a source of comfort, she uses it to feed Warwick, and it becomes a source of sustenance.
That's why in her final scene, she pushes it on more, symbolizing her last big act of protection, but then it also falls off, as she lets herself go, solidifies her connection to Powder and Jinx, using 3 hexcores just like Powder and having hair and finger guns just like Jinx, and it also falls off so that she can be vulnerable physically enough to sacrifice herself.
Bad at explaining, but I hope this interpretation makes sense
Edit: just realized also that she decorates her helmet to be Jinx-like in Act 2, signifying Jinx as her protector and the one she wishes to protect
Isn’t it just teemos helmet?
@philipdaviddavies9478 as far as i know, it only looks similar, may be the same one, but we see a ton of helmets just like it in the Vander montage, either way, doesnt really effect what I said
@ I I don’t think it’s same one… but I’ve seen teemo shit a lot in background figure he was popular enough in the world of rune Terra or w/e for people to mimic the swag
yes!!! it was so fun to see the helmet change (off vs on and the jinx inspired decorating as well), and have it match the changes with the characters
I quit reading at "Isha's", my eyes were too watery... Allergic to soul crushing tragedy.
the fact isha didn’t say a single word and they got us to care about her so much is so powerful
I also love mute characters and The Wandering Inn book series has an incredible one in Mrsha. Mrsha is a young gnoll child who has mutism and after... something... happens to her family she is adopted by some of the main cast and becomes a mainstay at the titular Inn. She's the center of a lot of really emotional moments and arcs.
Btw if you don't love to cry, don't read The Wandering Inn. The author is a master at tearing your heart to shreds and rebuilding it piece by piece only to do it again. It's easily my favorite book series.
2 things
i like how as soon as jinx became aware of isha being captured, she had an immediate psychotic break with all the scratches and hallucinations, its like losing a new friend (essentially little sister really) immediately pushed her over the edge away from the relatively stable jinx to the unstable one we've come to know
and also that last tip on switching focus is genuinely amazing writing advice
The worst thing is they rushed that part, which really annoyed me.
A great detail was when Sevika slammed her hand on Jinx's table and mentioned Silco. Then Jinx had that small camera flicker. Reminding us that she can go back any time.
And then when Isha was taken and she found out, that moment was epic but then she went back to her 'goofy-self'.
There were a lot of corny jokes, the sisters' reunion was also way too rushed and also Viktor's cult was kinda a weird idea. Loved Jayce's return though.
What I liked about Isha is that the writers crafted such a good character that didn't even say a word her entire screen time but was still able convey her personality and character. She was a young girl that idolized Jinx as her hero and surrogate sister thats why when she impersonates Jinx I think it isn't that she wants a rebellion, but the fact Isha wants jinx to live as the hero Isha sees her as.
I also love mute characters and The Wandering Inn book series has an incredible one in Mrsha. Mrsha is a young gnoll child who has mutism and after... something... happens to her family she is adopted by some of the main cast and becomes a mainstay at the titular Inn. She's the center of a lot of really emotional moments and arcs.
Btw if you don't love to cry, don't read The Wandering Inn. The author is a master at tearing your heart to shreds and rebuilding it piece by piece only to do it again. It's easily my favorite book series.
i think its both, she defs idolizes jinx but also as a kid who grew up on the streets having to fend for herself isha knows how hard life is in the undercity and wants it to change. kids are also very influenced by their environment at this age so i think the people of the city wanting a rebellion and sevika wanting a rebellion probably influenced her to want it as well.
Yeah!!
As terrible as Isha's death was, i appreciate a lot it was foreshadowed the moment her and Jinx met. Jinx waving the gun around saying you can kill anyone with just a finger, but also hold the gun to your head and end your own life. Isha does both at the same time the first and only time she pulls the trigger.
Not dead until i see the body😩
Dont think theres gonna be a body to see after the triple hexgem explosion @@queenj8886
Act 2 is devastating
WHAT THE HELL HAPPENED
Everything
@@Collinsara876you cry. You just cry.
I think that another part of why Jinx comes off as cool is that part of most Americans idea of cool is either centered in breaking the rules or being able to set the rules for one's self or the world around them. That's why both authoritarians and rebels can both be characterized as cool despite having very different representations of that "coolness".
The fact that this scene switches the focus between so many elements they want you to focus on and it doesn't become a confusing mess is a testament to Arcanes writers' masterful writing.
love the parallels with jinx now kinda acting as an older sister to isha just like how vi was to her
Big part of why that scene lands and makes Jinx so cool is the bad guys' reaction to seeing her. There is clear surprise/fear from them. Don't need a ton of exposition etc to slam home the fact that not only is she iconic and praised she's feared.
Something I’ve not seen anyone talking about:
Jinx is really funny.
She doesn’t use it very often, but, just like how she fights, she’s got a wickedly fast wit; when she does drop a one-liner, it’s funny on multiple levels.
My favorite this season is in the mines with Vi:
“At least mom & dad didn’t have to see the psycho their daughter turned into!”
“Which one?”😂
“You wouldn’t last one second without your ugly gadgets and chickenshit tricks.”
“What about those over-designed bitch mittens you didn’t even build yourself?”
Damn; someone get Vi some ice for that burn😂
Jinx is very familiar with Jayce’s work; she has his research notes, recreated hextech in her own lab, built fishbones, and had plenty of time to examine the atlas gauntlets before the tea party.
She knows Jayce’s design work well, and her opinion of it is probably along the lines of:
“Not bad, Jayce. More than a bit over-designed for my taste, but considering you’re a pretentious uptight Piltie…game recognize game.”
Jinx is also poking Vi because a true Zaunite makes their own weapon; Vi is not only using someone else’s, it’s one built by a topsider.
Then, of course, Vi drops the gauntlets, and Jinx shimmer-speed slaps her.
“There. One second.”😂
Jinx has a fascinating sense of humor; quick wit, slightly self-deprecating, and that particular Zaunite truthfulness.
The comments on jinx’s hallucinations and how she’s changed made me think of how she has “fully” embraced jinx. The hallucinations were usually Mylo or claggor, powders brothers. Now that she’s Jinx the only one to hallucinate would be silco, but he believed jinx was perfect, so he doesn’t haunt her like the others.
Then there were some story beats when the hallucinations would pop up a bit, but usually associated with negative feelings of being a jinx, when she’s not feeling cool/comfortable as jinx
This entire second season is paralleling the first season constantly, episode 6 is called the message hidden within the pattern for a reason, the pattern being same mistakes different setting.
i have been WAITINGGGGGG for a schnee video ever since the s2 release
I've been grinding my way through Arcane analysis videos but schnee is on a whole different level, istg. By minute one of this video, more relevant information has been efficiently relayed than several entire 10-minute videos I've watched beforehand.
I swear-- this man needs to be more mainstream, I don't know how he does it.
If I had to describe Arcane writing in one word, I would say "efficient"
That’s a good word
bro is cranking out this arcane videos like it’s his full time job
I believe another element of Jinx’s coolness is that her monologue has irony to it, she’s aware of the irony and is emotionally drained from it in a way but she simply accepts it.
"i'm loving the audio-visual storytelling in this season" and then act 2 good lord
"Women want to be her. Men want to also be her."
Ain't that the truth. I know Jinx of all people is the character I should want to be the *least,* she's a dangerous loose canon that does not give a fuck, at least at that point, but.... she's just so damn cool! Radiating that effortless confidence even though we know it came by tragic circumstances. And especially, seeing it after she was so insecure and disjointed last season and to contrast that with the measured, chaotic yet reserved coolness she's exhibiting here..... I can't help it, I want to be like her! Lmao
I love the scene focused videos! Arcane is becoming one of the greatest shows ever made. Your breakdowns from a writer’s pov makes Arcane feel less like once in a life time masterpiece and more like a story that I could make myself one day. Bravo 🎉!
ISHA WILL LIVE 🕯️🕯️🕯️🕯️🕯️🕯️😭😭😭😭
In all of our hearts!
Isha needs to be alive 😭💔please.
@@brandongaylord1039 what would she even do then?
I mean for the story (as a person I would absolutely love her to survive but this is not what Jinx taught her).
Especially since we saw what 1 Hextech explosion does so 3 of them is a bit too much for a kid to survive.
@aetherwolf9288 I want her to live but her death can be necessary. However her living means the angle for Ekko to come in is present. The BOY SAVIOR shifts time to fulfill his in game nickname, THE BOY WHO SHATTERED TIME
The moment they made Isha a recurring character, I thought to myself "Death Flags for Cutie."
Couldn't help it. Still got attached.
Damn you, Fortiche.
new focus -> new element -> big shift -> consequences unclear -> tension -> new focus -> new element -> big shift -> consequences unclear -> tension -> new focus -> new element -> big shift -> consequences unclear -> tension -> new focus -> new element -> big shift -> conseque... amazing
i dont think i would call jinx stable here. i think she has never been more lost. this act ends with her tyring to plan her death, i think her calmnes is how people that plan their demise are knowing everything will be over soon
You fucking cooked 😂
when you showed jinx in her "thats me!" moment in season 1 i was just.. struck. she looks so much younger so much carefree
Who is here waiting for him to drop the most beautiful and deep analysis on Arcane 😂?
That synced "poow" was perfection
I find it interesting that many, not all but many of the traits we consider "cool" aren't really altruistic? We uplift those ideals even if they don't really help society as a whole, just found it interesting that even though Vi has empathy and kindness in her and even Jinx to a lesser degree, those arent part of the "cool" traits, not in a judgemental way but as an interesting thought bubble kind of tidbit as someone who loves reading and writing
Schnee you could've given this at least a couple more weeks man... I'm still recovering...
Schnee you gotta dissect act 3 my mind cant comprehend whats going on
The multiple focus shifts within the single scene, while never changing the POV character, is a serious writing challenge they pulled off effortlessly. Which is to say, after years of practice and who knows how many drafts. It's like they know they're cool or something...
The buzzing behind her eyes, I thought she was just high and her eyes were shaking. Glad to know it had actual plot relevance 😅
In the first half of the season jinx feels very detached. Her emotions have likely all shut down as a response to her grief about killing Silco. She doesn’t know how to cope, and is instead just an emotionless husk just doing what she knows. Ishia is what brings her out of that because she reminds her of when she was little and needed guidance
im very excited for you to make your video on season 2, + arcane as a whole, im eagerly awaiting your analysis :3
The explanation about using Focus in a scene helped me understand the concepts of story/scene beats, I literally feel like I just leveled up my understanding of storytelling thanks
Literally!!
I know this is a little of topic but I need to go on a tangent about this and everyone is talking about the fact that Isha died but can we just talk about that final Act 2 scene for just a second. (this is my opinion so feel free to disagree)
The writers of Arcane managed to show the audience the meaning of life in one beautiful and touching scene. What Isha did was selfless and purely out of love. So many people fear dying and mourn the life they didn't have as they are full of regret and wish they had more time. That is not the case with Isha. She dies knowing that she lived a meaningful and fulfilling life, she has no regrets. So, she dies with a smile. She didn't do it to be seen as a hero or as this big self-sacrificing gesture, no, she did it because she knew she had to and knew that her life was probably the best it ever was going to be, and we see that as she is running and the moments with Jinx flash by. Her motivations are heroic and pure.
Compare this to Marcus in season one. He imagines pulling the pin and killing Silco with him. His motivations weren't heroic and selfless like Isha's, they were selfish. Marcus regretted so many things in his life up to that point and pulling the pin was just a way to make himself feel better for all the bad things he had done. A way of relieving his conscience. He didn't live a meaningful life so going out with a bang (literally) would hopefully forgive everything that he did.
So, what Isha's scene shows is that the ultimate goal isn't death it's life, it's living. So many people die sad and scared but we shouldn't. One of the main messages in ep 6 is that dying is inevitable and it happens to everyone. And that is so scary but if you have lived meaningfully there is nothing to be scared about and you can do what Isha did, look back at all the best moments of your life and smile, thanking the people that made it so special.
So live life meaningfully people !!!
When I was watching this scene, it seemed like a Hollywood moment to me-- "come on... couldn't there have been another way where she didn't have to sacrifice herself for the plot... or she could have just grabbed Jinx's hand and run away..?"-- BUT with that said, I really like your take on it.
She didn't have anyone in her life, and now all of a sudden she has a sister and a best friend who never leaves her side. I'd have to rewatch everything while focusing on Isha, but it is part of her nature to be protective and give her entire self to Jinx-- especially with her running in front of Vi while Jinx is pinned down about to die. I guess it makes sense, especially since (along with living a good life thus far and accepting death) she kind of has no one else to live for, so if she can save that one person then she is going to do it.
BUT BUT I also find it interesting that she chooses to destroy Vander... like I know that we as the audience know that Vander is gone at this point, with Viktor's death and everything, but Jinx was the one who was begging Vi not to hurt him and knowing in her gut that Vander was still in there... it's just surprising I guess that Isha would then be so quick to run up and destroy him.
You need to make a video about Silco’s line in season 1 “There is a monster buried inside all of us, it’s time for it to emerge to the surface” But apply it to season 2 and its characters. There have been a lot of changes to a lot of characters, Caitlyn, Vander, Viktor and maybe some contribute to that underlying theme of the monster inside people, and some “monsters” who are going in interesting directions, like Jinks (Who I consider to be the monster beneath Powder who took over, in my opinion and own reading)
On the topic of Isha paralleling with Powder, it's even in the final scene of S2 EP6 when Jinx is getting pulled away from trying to save Isha being in a very dangerous situation to S1 EP3 where Vi is being pulled away from saving Powder being in a very dangerous situation. But at the same time, while S2 EP6 draws back to S1 EP3, theres still so many differences and its hard to process it all.
It's really funny, cause for me, when I watched Jinx fight Vander and Sevika carry Isha away, I thought of that original scene, but when I saw that ending, I didn''t until people pointed it out XD
oh i just know your analysis on act 2 is gonna be wild...
I wouldn’t say that jinx was at her healthiest mentally. I would say that because she’s so isolated from the loss for Silco she’s suppressed here feelings so much she’s become numb. The next episode she is willing to let Vi take her life!!
What i love about the "POOW" when Jinx mimics the gun to her head is that it directly foreshadows Ishas death and that her first, as well as her last scene with Jinx includes it this way. Ishas final finger gun felt like it was referring to this scene as well to me, like she remembered the very first thing Jinx taught her. Like you said, this isn't something to be scared of.
So, I've watched season 2 and I loved it. Now I'm waiting for schnee to explain it to me so I can love it more.
Schnee, I adore your takes and insight into Arcane. Looking forward to each and every video you release on the series
Just watched S2A3.
Sir, you've got some explaining to do...
(Love your content, looking forward to your takes on what happened)
Between Act 2 and Dandadan episode 7, we really got a double dose of pain this week 😢
And then also realized that it feels familiar because in season 1 we had Jinx be completely alone and that’s when Silco took her in and here in season two we have the same thing happening Isha is alone and we have Jinx there to take her in.
I'm loving these new breakdown videos where we also get some talk on those great writing techniques like New Element, Big Shift, Consequences Unclear, which I had never even heard of but just feels incredibly powerful, or a dissection of what it means to make a character cool. Thank you so much and I just need more ASAP because these are amazing!!
One thing I realized, is that it all actually started with Jayve and Ekko NOT Jyunx. Everyting changed because Jayce went to Zon and Ekko gave the lead to VI and company. It seems like things are going to end with them in some big way.
I think this is further intesrting, because a lot of the big moments that were caused by Jynx on Accident trying to help others out, it seems that now , Jayce is trying to do the right thing but now he's messing things up on accident as well. So I think Jayce and Jinx are almost kind of foils in a sense and we're seeing a bit of a reversal of how they're impacting the world around them.
It was so crazy that Ekko pulls through in episode 7 😊 right guys! 😊
Yup. The BOY SAVIOR. THE BOY WHO SHATTERED TIME. It's so fitting for that time freeze at the end
Thank you for going over those scenes! It's so interesting to see it from a writing perspective. Been loving your Arcane videos!
Okay, we NEED you to come back
i wanted to add how its interesting that while they portrayed jinx as cool af, they still had her get trampled by a falling child. usually such scenarios are comedic affect or a cool character would dodge/catch. but she didnt. she fell and got back up and stayed nonchalant. plays into a point you made in your "how arcane writes women" video about believing vi was strong not just because she can throw punches, but also take them. jinx is cool, but that doesnt mean she cant be thrown off guard, its how she reacts that makes her cool
(awesome video and i cant wait ti hear more of your thoughts!!)
9:25 okay, that's hilarious
i really need the next schnee 👑 arcane video essay right now
I love how Isha’s song is in a different language, showing that no one exept jinx understands her ❤
please make a full video about this! I had that same feeling in Act 2, Jinx is now her own being, separate from Silco and Piltover's vision for her, and that improves everything. I'm a writer and I wanted to put some traits like this in my main character.
Hugs from Brasil!! 🇧🇷
schnee we NEED you to drop a Caitlyn/Vi (or CaitVi :3) analysis PLEASE WE ARE STARVING
(jokes aside, never stop with your content, each video you create is just so on point and precise and intersting and enriching-- thank you for the work you clearly put into each of them :'))
The explanations of the focusses is so great, i was pausing like 4 times true out that scene tot process it all and it was probably because of that
As a famous man once said "Is there anything so undoing as a daughter"
Thats the literal ongoing theme of arcane.
schnee we're WAITING for ur input on act 3
I'm living for your Arcane video essays at this point, you delve into the symbolism so beautifully.
What I love about Isha's characterization is how Jinx begins to understand what is like to be an older sister (hence understanding Vi better), and also to heal slowly from the trauma of having murdered her family, symbolized nicely as 1) Isha parallels Powder and Jinx knows it, 2) Jinx doesn't hear voices in her head when she's with Isha (or anymore), and 3) she won't hear Isha's voice in her head since Isha is mute. Jinx becoming important to the people of the undercity allows her to see a different perspective of family, what it feels like to be responsible for others (i.e. what Vander and Vi had to go through) and be of value to others (related to her trauma, since she believes she's a jinx that ruins and breaks things).
I can't wait to hear what you think about the flashback and memories montage we get of Vander and Isha in episode 6.
Also what I'm loving this season is nuanced parallels and the awesome visual-music storytelling. It's like the scene of Ekko and Jinx fighting multiplied by 100!
I had this theory about Jayce last week that the reason that he changes his mind so often is that he's trying to evaluate what other people need and reacting to that. He's not like Silco who has an idea what people need and then forcing it on them. He likes it when people come to him with a problem that he can fix. Then the last few episodes came out and I have no idea what's going on with him.
5 things I love:
-new schnee video
-its about Arcane
-Arcane
-schnee
-new video by shnee about arcane
I hope you make a jayce video that shit was nuts, I'm convinced he is going full Kyle Reese from terminator
Mini correction:
Jinx only kills one of the goons, the one with 1 on his head, 2 and 9 later show up, so they have survived.
I guess Jinx found 1's overly confident swagger with the cane annoying so she killed him, but left 2 and 9 simply wounded.
Honestly, the way they used Isha this season is a little bit disappointing to me. She was basically just a vehicle to help redeem Jinx by giving her someone to be responsible for, like how therapists will sometimes advise patients to get a pet. Jinx and Isha have a superficial sisterly dynamic, and we can see that it's informed by a bunch of other very well-developed relationships, but ultimately Isha is just an accessory to Jinx's character.
I love the added elements in editing when you were talking about Jinx, it was just so funny and goofy visually
Also I really like the focus on Jinx with these 2 recent videos. She really did have a new presence for this seeason!
Just wanted to say thank you so much for all of your posts on Arcane. I have enjoyed the series so much and it kind of breaks my heart that it's coming to an end, for now at least. I've been delaying watching the last episode as long as possible. I'm about to hit the play button with anticipation to see how it all unfolds or leaves us all hanging. With all the new elements being brought up in the recent episodes I can't imagine that there is a summation to all of the madness.
Not sure what I enjoy more watching the series the first time or listening to your in-depth and nuanced analysis of moments and themes throughout the show. Going back and watching them with new eyes and more appreciation for what I've already seen. Love it. Love your work. Thank you so much.
So happy Arcane is back. One because it's my favorite show and I love it dearly, and two because I get to watch new schnee Arcane videos. This was one of my favorite parts of act one. I thought the act was a little unfocused and messy overall, but this was a standout. Great video!!
not only do we get new episodes of arcane weekly, but also schnee analysis!! love to see it:D (also hopefully you ain't overworking yourself bringing out so much quality content!)
okay so i think i left this as a comment on other parallel/scene breakdown videos as well, but i haven't seen anyone address it! to me the huge glaring parallel of this scene is where isha sits between jinx's knees---that's exactly where powder was at the end of ep3 with silco when jinx was born (when she hugged him) and i think its really cool how the writers don't fully define isha's role in jinx's life: she's obviously a kind of little sister, paralleling jinx and vi, but she's referenced by jinx as a friend, and then there are also some parent/child references hidden into the story as well. 😂
I really love this guy's breakdown videos on Arcane.
I was looking forward to his take on Season 2 for too long, lol.
Bravo, man.
New Season means new Arcane analysis videos. I m hyped! 😍😍😍
Holy flip!!!! all the parallels you listed between them in the beginning is absolutely amazing!!!!! I totally didn't even realize any of those! Also I LOOOVE the last point you made about focus on how to build scenes with those 3 steps!!!! that is absolutely genius and I'm totally gonna write that down for how to incorporate scenes into the next draft of the novel that I'm writing!!!! And the breakdown of defining "cool"?! How do you even do that!??!? You're epic!!!!!
Honestly, Arcane has been an incredibly, encompassing story about life. The truth is life doesn’t work like a story with “and they lived happily ever after”. As the trailer said, “Every ending… has a new beginning.” And Viktor says, “Evolution has a destination. Not to combat nature, but to supersede it.” All the characters in this story constantly evolve, constantly affect each others lives, and can never escape our capacity to perform our greatest good and our greatest evil… because life keeps happening. Life isn’t a short and sweet story with a neat beginning, middle, and ending. New things will constantly happen to us our whole lives. Every time we think a trauma or an event is going to destroy us, the story continues. Over and over, we are going to face new trauma, or pain, or feel incredible loss. But we’re still here, even if we’re questioning, “why?” If we looked at the world as a whole, we would undoubtedly believe humanity isn’t worth saving. But if we look just through our individual eyes at the people who loved us, who touched our lives, we believe that is worth saving.
coming here after ive finished the show and. schnee my brother how are you holding up? 😭
Schnee, I'll be waiting for your analysis on Act 3. It was beautiful. I know you love Ekko, so I'll be looking forward to your thoughts on Episode 7 and his arc as a whole.
currently working on a video about that!
@schnee1 I love you for that! Im so excited 🐐
Love LOVE your stuff. Dude, if you ever stop making videos please don't delete anything of this channel I come back to your videos for reference whenever I am writing something or I need examples for a specific thing I want to do and you just explain so well. Also, I aspire to learn and do the typa analysis you do
I've been waiting for you to upload shorts since S1. Other channels are just plain vanilla tip of the iceberg analysis. You really break it down. Props to you!
love your point about a thing being in the scene BEFORE it is focused on.... definitely works in video I'll try and see if I can do this in written story as well.
omg i just noticed, we both have, essentially a vander fill in for vi and a powder fill in for jinx, what happened makes so much sense now.
Very nice analysis! I loved the videos about the first season of Arcane, so it’s good to see that you’re still willing to analyze this amazing series.
I’d love to add something to this video, but it’ll be a SPOILER for ACT 2 of season 2…
At the end of the 6th episode, when Isha is about to sacrifice herself, she looks at Jinx and smiles, mimicking a gun with her hand to pretend to shoot her. Isha almost never makes sounds, as she doesn’t speak, but in this moment she says: “Poow”.
To be honest I was dying to get new analysys video. I love your videos man. You help me a lot with understanding perfect writing and what is the meaning of different aspects of the characters. Have a great day!
Can you please talk about all the changes in the intro over the season, there are little ones but its so cool!
I'm so ready for another 2 years of picking this second season apart. Arc 2 has like 50 million red strings flying around. Im glad there's people like you that give a kind of broader context to whats happening in the show. As well as character motivations and how every piece of storytelling feeds into another. Makes digesting the absolute rollercoaster we've all just been on easier
You don’t understand how much I love your content 💜
It might’ve been unintentional but I love when u misspelled “she’s got flare” instead of flair, because her having a flare was central in season 1 too