@@DLxxxSilco literally says “I trusted you. And you betrayed me.” (referring to drowning him), so not technically called “traitor”, but Silco definitely felt that what Vader did was a betrayal.
He’s a traitor for not wanting the entire under city to get slaughtered cuz that’s what would have happened if they went with silkos plan to continue the rebellion yes vander did get complacent and let the under city get walked all over it was either that or continue the war witch would eventually end with his adopted children being conscripted and dying in the war witch ended up happening day 1 when silko created drugs that mutate people into mutant super soldiers in order to reignite the war the only reason the war didn’t kick off that day was cuz vander destroyed there drug shipment jinx is no better considering silko turned her into his own mini me it looked like over time silko was starting to see things from gander’s perspective and runing the under city controlling its black market while vander was more willing to do what ever it took to please the guards witch made him look weak in the eyes of everyone
also saying savika is noble when she regularly bullied a group of kids cuz she didn’t like there father helped create a drug that mutated people into mutants and there first test subject being a kid (the same kid that tried to rob vi and the others in episode 1 ) saying she had good intentions dosent really cut it
People say Sevika betrayed Vander, but it was on my second watch of Arcane that I realized that wasn't true. Sevika didn't make Vander think she was his ally only to stab him in the back afterwards. She looked at him straight in the eye and said "You look weak." (I refuse to work for someone who won't stand up to Piltover) before walking away. That's not a betrayal. That's a resignation.
Literally! She already quit by the time she hiked over to Silco's side. Everyone knew she quit. I've seen theories that she was close with Vi and taught her how to fight, so if that's the case, then it would mostly only be a betrayal to Vi since, from her perspective, Sevika left for the man who kidnapped/killed Vi's dad. Perhaps not a backstab since it was no secret, but still a betrayal in a way.
@@KeitieKalopsiaThat would make their fights even more interesting since Sevika tells Vi that her guard could use some work. It could just be her taunting Vi, but if the theory applies, then it could be her kind of coaching Vi again. It would make their interactions a lot more complex.
One thing to note about Sveika is that she never contradicts Silco in the presence of others but voices her concerns in private. It's a classic officer/NCO relationship. A good NCO never contradicts the authority of the officers they serves, never complains about any misgiving they have to others - you'll note she never says a word against Silco to Finn or Jinx - but delivers the criticism they have or issues the rank and file are having directly to the officer in private. In this way, the officer is never seen as weaker to his command but isn't disconnected from the reality in the ranks either.
@@undisclosedmusic4969nahh typical military vibes. Same thing my pops and uncle taught me when it comes to my little brother or friends never show weakness/discord in front of strangers, defend the front. Then take them to task after.
It helps that Silco is actually a decent leader and that nobody is Sevika's equal in terms of authority. She makes it very clear that she doesn't tolerate displays of weakness, and Silco doesn't let her see his moments of weakness usually. She's not all that concerned with not rocking the boat, because she did so immensely when Vander was around, she just thinks everyone that doesn't share her stoicism and determination is beneath her and Silco is definitely not lacking in those qualities.
Exactly. Finn is like a stand in for the audience in that scene. He thinks Sevika was like any other chembaron under Silco (self-centered; obsessed with wealth, power, and status; willing to backstab to get what she wants; etc.), and although he had a point, this misread was revealed to him AND the audience in dramatic fashion. Sevika lays out her loyalties cold and clear to everyone as she picks up his lighter. Such an excellent twist 👌🏾
@@Awesomeflame16they can be either really. Insurgents are usually the term for armed rebels. Same for revolutionaries. But it also comes down to tactics and their overall goal. Just like how not all Terrorists and Rebels will use the same methods to achieve their goal.
It's interesting to me that through season 1, Jinx accuses Sevika, Vi, and Silco all of being liars, but Sevika is the only one we see her later realize was telling the truth and out loud go "Wait, she WASN'T lying?!" Potentially her honesty is one of the reasons Jinx could come to trust her in season 2
She didn't lie, but she also didn't tell the truth and planted harmful idea into Jinx which later about Caitlyn... did literally what Sevika told her she would do - 'with her[Vi] back in town it's only a matter of time before you implode' I guess just Silco didn't get the message anyway.
@@lydiscott Yes lol Also, unlike quite a few other people, she never stabs anybody in the back, metaphorically OR literally. She always stabs them directly in the front
@KeitieKalopsia Hilariously, she told him right at the beginning that trying to recruit her was a stupid plan and wouldn't work, but he went for it anyway and got exactly the result she told him he would. There was, presumably, some off-screen deception in between, but we never saw that, so who knows? Maybe it never involved any actual lying, just him telling the plan and her nodding along like "sure sure, that could work... if you've thought it all through"
I was initially angry that she turned her back on Vander for someone like Silco. But after much time, I see that she’s loyal to Zaun. Siding with whoever can change the dynamic against Piltover. With both Vander and Silco out of the picture, as much as she may dislike Jinx, it makes sense that she’d be willing to aid her if it means bringing out the full revolution that’s been brewing for years.
Same here! Yeah, it took a minute of seeing other perspectives but eventually it was like “wait a second this lady is the most consistent, loyal character in the whole show WHAT”
I was never angry...I always understood her, she is one of my favorite characters in the whole show , her goal is simple...she is not loyal to any person and she has openly said that, she is loyal to Zaun and its people, she only wants freedom for Zaun and I respect that deeply , Vi calling her a traitor is ironic because who really turned out to be a traitor to Zaun is Vi
I think it'd be ironic if Sevika eventually realises (via Jinx) SHE can be the leader she always tries to follow and support.. I think she'll even try to hoist Jinx onto Silcos throne only for Jinx to hand it to her, cause atp nobody has given more for Zaun than her.
Yeah, so many of Arcane's characters get slowly realized over the course of the show and reveal their true driving forces in Act 3. Sevika revealing her loyalty to Zaun, Mel revealing her goal of peace (and avoiding family drama), Silco revealing that Jinx is more important to him than Zaun now...
@@o-wolf I think you're so right for this! She's used to being the second in command, and I bet she's the one who spread the propaganda of Jinx being the revolutionary that we see in the murals, too. But we know Jinx isn't as much of a revolutionary as she is a vengeful terrorist (affectionate) and something will inevitably happen to break apart this unstable alliance and Sevika will find herself on Zaun's throne instead.
I am calling it now, since the creators called the theme of this season the "season of opposites" -- they're gonna make us like Sevika, and then she'll probably die in the last few episodes which I'd be sad about because she is a cool, emotionally complex character.
I hope she doesn't die, but your probably right. She better get her justice though! This woman's sacrificed _too_ much not to get a real win under her belt.
people already like her, argument for turning on Vander is a fair one, her being loyal adds alot to the conflict as it gave Silco legitimacy that other coups in media lacked. Vi hating her is more Vi throwing a trantrum that Vander did nothing wrong.
This show features an impressive array of diverse female characters, with Sevika standing out as a fan favorite. Fans have been urging Riot, the studio behind the game, to make her a playable character, possibly in their upcoming fighting game. I’m excited to see if she gets a bigger role this season!
I like one thing that people pointed out, which is that Sevika's arm design represents who is the current leader of Zaun. People knows who is running the show down there just by looking at her arm 😂
Especially in season 2, this is so true! Her arm in 1 is orderly, well put together, and laced with shimmer with calls back to the sophisticated way Silco runs everything with that manufactures drug. In season 2, Sevika's arm is covered in paint, packed with tons of random effects and chaos, emblematic of how Jinx is thrust into the role, as well as how Zaun technically has no leader at that point.
Sevika was asked by Silko, "were you tempted?" and replies, "For him? No." As if to say I would be if they were more competent. It would have been interesting to see her work with Ekko for a while. She's more 'destroy the elites for the dream', and Ekko's more 'build quality of life for the dream'.
I agree! I’m just so glad they didn’t skimp out on the rest of the plot lines, despite having a really strong main one. All these story threads are silver and gold ahhh
This video has aged so so well since watching Season 2 Act 1. They show Sevika dealing with having literally no good options of who to be loyal to and just trying to keep the peace, doing the best she can for Zaun.
I never understood why people called her a traitor, i never got that impression. Of course from Vi's perspective she is, but that's just it. To me it was so clear that in the scene where she argues with Vander she makes her disagreement with him very clear, and her storming out of the bar in that way felt pretty final. She basically announced her departure, the only way to make it clearer was to outright say "i'm out". Changing teams and betrayal aren't the same thing. Great video!! Sevika is my favourite, hoping and praying she'll survive season 2
Absolutely! I really don't think her leaving was considered to be the traitorous moment either for them. I feel like they started seeing her as an actual traitor when she backed up/helped with Silco's plan to abduct and murder Vander and his kids. The whole, sure you can switch sides but you do that and then try to kill us bit is what is seen as the backstab.
@MommahKat I guess, but I still don't see it as traitorous. Thats why I'm focusing on the bar scene so much, to me it was a very clear moment of "I'm not following you anymore", so BECAUSE it was so clear and understood anything following it isn't betrayal. Betrayal or treason are defined by BREAKING trust or allegiance, but she does not do that. Silco would have done what he did independent of her being there on his side, Sevika is just there, following her new leader. But of course I understand that from emotional standpoint of Vi (and the viewer) it FEELS like betrayal, I'm just a bit disappointed that not a lot of fans think past that. (I'm sorry if im not making myself very clear, english isn't my first language)
@@ch3r3muha All I was saying was that it isn't JUST one thing that is seen as a betrayal by the characters, it is multifaceted/layered just like the rest of the show.
I always get this sense of sadness at the last shot of Sevika in Silco's office, not knowing he's dead. Its like a puppy waiting at the door for its owner, not knowing their human got hit by a car.
The tarot cards may have a meaning for sevika, but the most obvious link is with Viktor. Remember that this tarot cards scene is part of a montage with Viktor waking up in an hospital bed after a near death experience which is the beginning of his transformation with the hexcore. Anyway, I also like the interpretations described in other commentaries relating cards with sevika journey. Both can be valid
I've only ever seen the cards' meanings linked with Viktor, and for some reason it never occurred to me to relate them to Sevika, *_the one playing the cards in the first place!_* I like the interpretation that SxS divined for Sevika, and it makes a lot of sense with what we know is coming up.
I even started to sympathize with Marcus after a rewatch or two. This show is good at giving you a 'Hero/Villain' dynamic, then revealing that it's much messier underneath and that everyone is the protagonist from their own frame of reference.
@lydiscott one of my favorite scenes in the show is in Episode 3, when Marcus gets handed a bag if money, and it gets blood on it, literally referencing Blood Money and Marcus's corruption, and he even keeps one of the bloody coins and fidgets with it when he gets told to do to corrupt things or when he thinks about his daughter
This series has some really stellar comedy, but the scene was made me burst out laughing was Vi throwing her empty glass at Sevika. It just comes out of nowhere, and yet it's completely in character, it was SO PERFECT. Also one thing I noticed about Sevika is that she uses the truth to manipulate others and catches them off guard. Unlike Silco, she doesn't get anything out of lying or concealing the truth, so she speaks her mind at all times. Despite her questionable actions, she embodies my two core values - loyalty and honesty - and that is why she's one of my favorite Arcane characters.
Sevika is lowkey one of my favorite characters after Mel and jinx, she’s a goon with a purpose and action. She’s tough as well able to take a beating and give one too. She’s a true number 2 because she knows she can be a leader but she can be the weapon for the leader and helps their actions if it’s for Zaun. I love how honorable she can be preferring a one on one battle versus having a numbers advantage. Being pragmatic telling silco for the right person she would “betray” him if he doesn’t get his shit together.
YUP gotta love how she sticks to her guns and just tells Silco like it is. It’s a shame Vander (assumably) didn’t listen to her more. It’s so valuable to have someone to call you out on stuff like that ahhh
Love the title of the video. Sevika is a brave and noble soldier. I hope we'll see more of Sevika's past. Regarding her character, she shares a lot more with Vi. Arcane uses a lot of parallels between characters. Both Vi and Sevika wanted to fight for the lanes in the first act, both were annoyed by Vander's lack of action, both are sassy and both use their physical strenght to fight. But Sevika is more mature and cold headed. She even taunts Vi about it during their first fight.
well Vi is on Piltovers side while Sevika is loyal to Zaun, thing is Vi isnt the same person she was as a kid , I sometimes wonder how it went like this...before prison she wanted war on Piltover just like Jinx,Silco and Sevika but after the prison something like switched and now she wants war on Zaun...literally , I would like to know how this change happened
@@HK-gm8pe Simple - all that Vi wants is connected to family, not cold ideology like Sevika. Even in the first act, all she was about is protecting family and "I want Powder to have more than that, and I'm willing to fight for it!". In Acts 2+3, Vi heard that Silco keeps Powder - so she goes to fight him hoping to free her - and then she goes against Silco to free Powder from his corruption. With her and Piltover, it's more like that their target happened to be the same. All Vi wants is to reunite with Powder, protect Powder (as Vander asked her with his last words) and make amends to Vi's "abandoning" her. And both Silco and Sevika stand in the way of that. I'd like to recommend you schnee's analysis of Sevika - "Anti-Arc of Anti-Vi", he delves into the topic of your question deeply
I always felt that out of every Zaunite Sevika was one of the few characters that keep her head. Vander was too pacifistic for his own good and overall while he had the best intentions he only spoke with words and not actions. Why would she agree with listening to a man who bowed down to Piltover rather than being the revolutionary leader? He did care for Zaun but he was too mellow and struggles with being a father that the only action he made sacrificing himself to save Vi. Silco was the closest to her philosophy but Silco too was sadly busy dealing with the legacy of Vander, the responsibility of raising Jinx, dealing with Ekko's Firelights, and the Zaunites slowly despising him for being a hypocrite. It doesn't help that he only made Zaun into a business not a way of revolutionizing a rebellion. I think the reason why she didn't want to betray him was that he still had responsibilties and could've changed things. I mean he could've done well by agreeing with Jayce...but the reason why he gave up on that was protecting Jinx rather than Zaun. As a result Silco perished like Vander did...protecting a person rather than the whole group. Vi wished she was Sevika. She originally despised Piltover, but because everything that happened Vi is stuck. She is dealing with so much changes, with her sister now a criminal, Silco taking over and people not as friendly. It's sad because even though she wants to protect her home she's stuck unable to accept the changes with her sister only. The closest that were similar to Sevika were Viktor or Ekko. Viktor realizing Piltover will continue letting his people suffer tries to use Hextech, advance his technology despite his disabilities and possibly wishes to help people despite the consequences. And Ekko in my opinion did changed by being determined to end Silco's reign or helping the Firelights. Though for me Sevika truly was a fellow Zaunite. She knew connections are hard in this world and if a fellow leader perishes a new leader takes their place. Which is why Sevika accepted Jinx. She despised Jinx as a mere annoyance and distraction for Silco, but she does appreciate Jinx is a far better revolutionary. She knew Jinx had to change and because there is nobody left....just like Jinx she has nothing left to lose. Zaunites are finally fighting back and it's possible she might potentially sacrifice herself for the cause. As a result...she may not have been my favorite Arcane character but thinking about Sevika I like her now. Truly a noble rebel.
3:02 (spoilers for S2ep4) well, she does share that one very interesting, somewhat mournful look with Vander's statue. Perhaps it's not regret in her eyes, or even guilt, but theres definitely a lot of feeling in that moment. Perhaps sort of "I'm not sorry for what I did, but I am sorry I had to do it", which adds some really nice further depth to her.
I expect Sevika to team up with Jinx, they had one thing in common. Silco, Sevika out of loyalty and Jinx out of Love. For Jinx in ACT 1 I am sure she is not going to give a damn about a Revolution, she just shot the only person to never put her down,to his dying breath they were words of comfort and encouragement. Jinx has now killed both of her father figures, so the whole "watch it all burn" attitude will be understable,but I think at some point someone will give Jinx perspective and I think it might be that cute kid in the trailer, Sevika will catch on to that I think and also try to convince Jinx to Lead after the ACT I Finale.
Vander "betrayed" only the ones who wanted war. Wich is not the case for most people from the undercity, they want survival first and foremost; He stood for status quo and peace to protect his girls, played the long game of bulding bridges and handing the torch to a new generation better prepared to face Piltover in peace than they were. In the end Silco chose the Vander way, minus peace: with piltover hunting down Jinx, her survival lies only in war. Now in season 2 part 1 Sevika is the only hardcore selfless revolutionary left, and she has no kids for a reason: could she start a war knowing they could be the first to die?
No vander betrayed those who wanted a better life not just war. Yes he kept the status quo so it was ‘peaceful’ but that peace was shit and bound to fail. Be it for those wanting war or those just wanting out. He was the person for the people but a apsolute shit leader as he fell to the same thing that got himerdinger. Stagnating. Yes they were both right but inaction is just as big of a failure as a failed fight. It’s why the alt was so much better. he reconciled with silco and thus you were given the leadership of silco but the steady hand and stewardship of vander. As a team they thrived. alone they died (Himerdinger just needed to go touch grass. He needed to explore)
5:07 they do share a sort of "grown up neglected older sister and pampered, much much younger sister who she is expected to take care of" sort of energy, which is built upon beautifully in season 2
The funny thing is... we have Sevika's view since the beginning, she isn't subtle about what she is, and she SAYS it for everyone to hear. Sevika is about the fight for Zaun's freedom, she even accepts that she herself isn't the best option to lead, she knows her role and does it superbly. Since the beginning, she is the most loyal person in this story, and probably the one that in no moment betrayed her beliefs.
so glad to see Sevika getting the appreciation she deserves! Jinx is my favorite character by a long shot - like it’s not even close - but Sevika is absolutely my next favorite. trying to figure out where her loyalties truly lied throughout the series was so interesting. she’s the perfect example of what i think of when i hear the phrase “lawful neutral”. god i love the characters in this show
Lawful evil on the DnD grid, I think. She is absolutely my favourite character and she has noble qualities because she takes risks and invests her life to support the greater idea of Zaun. But I think it's worth facing that if we believe the ends do not justify the means, she is a bad person under the bottom line. Her vision seems to be driven just as much by cynycism and spite as just wishing good on the common Zaunite. And the methods by which she is willing to achieve her ideals include trade of a devastating drug and all the other cruelties that come with keeping a criminal enterprise afloat and flush with the money needed to bankroll Silco's revolution. She is also quite plainly a sadist sometimes on a purely emotional level. She's a badass though and she doesn't need to be closer to good aligned to admire her honor, level-headedness and wits.
@ oh yeah, i completely understand an argument for her being true neutral, or neutral evil. i hesitate to put her into the lawful evil category, though, simply because i see her as the one standing in-between Silco and Jinx. Silco is very much lawful evil, and Jinx is chaotic evil (or neutral depending on when in her arc we are). Sevika helps keep the peace in The Lanes when needed, and makes sure missions run smoothly and just like Silco plans. however, she’s not cold and calculated. she’s loyal, yes, but only to people who will further the vision SHE is loyal to. she’ll pick fights for her own amusement, even if it might not be the best choice logically speaking. the way she antagonizes Jinx, her gleefully brawling with Vi, even the little things like her gambling. it gives her a good balance between abiding by a strict set of rules and just letting loose and beating people ip because she can and she’s good at it. the reason i place her as a true neutral is because Sevika really is only loyal to what she thinks is best for her people. yes, she has gone down a path where she’s the bodyguard for a druglord and his corrupt industry, but i guarantee you if someone came along with a plan that was all sunshine and rainbows that actually showed promise, Sevika would be all in. of course, it’s hard to imaging that ever happening, so we can’t say for certain what she’d do. sorry for the rant. i just LOVE Sevika so much! her morals and loyalty and so fun to break down and analyze. thanks for the discussion :)
@@kjlynne1191 No, I love discussing her too and your thoughts on it are super interesting. I can see it and I can also see how we differ on the lawful chaotic axis. I've started reading lawful as code-driven and chaotic as emotion-driven a while ago to simplify the axis a little for myself. So for someone to be lawful I only require that they follow a personal code that they would put first even if meant say... turning your back on a friend who means well but still broke your expectations (Vander , here) and a chaotic makes frequent exceptions to their code based on in-the-moment emotions and judgement (Vi is a good example for that. She promises people "yeah Powder is gone, let's get Jinx" and then changes her mind in critical moments repeatedly because small circumstances changed, like there being a child involved now.) Sevika herself seems to me like she would put her code/ideals over any sort of emotional attachments if push came to shove, so that's where I placed her. Silco on the other hand is more lawful than she is at first, but then he shifts towards neutral - that's her problem with him, he let his attachment to Jinx become a higher priority than his ideals. The alignment system is super subjective and I don't think my way of using it is the correct one, but I love it so much for the discussions it spurs. I really like your point about Sevika probably being fine with supporting some super well natured hero if they only showed results because that's true and interesting about her. She is such a great subversion of a right hand woman/man who is all brawn or maybe even wits but no drive vs the villain they serve. She has loads of drive and is so smart, but she's just that little bit shy in terms of skill of actually being able to lead a revolution herself. It's so tragic seeing her in Silco's office unable to light her cigar on her own.
@ omg that last scene with her trying (and failing) to light her cigar is sooooo gooood. it’s such a simple visual that really didn’t need to be added, but that’s just how damn good the people behind this show are. ugh i could gush about this show and its characters for days!
Thank you. THANK YOU for finally spelling out what my thoughts on Sevika so eloquently. It always frustrates me when reactors call her a traitor just because they're pissed that she opposes their hero Vander in that particular moment. So much of who we consider a "traitor" or a "hero" depends on the framing. Framed differently, she would be the noble, self-sacrificing freedom fighter but because we're made to root for Vander she's a traitor instead.
SHES GREAT, HONESTLY! Like i don't know how you can watch the whole show and NOT develop an appreciation for her, even if she's definitely morally questionable.
@@lydiscott She may be morally questionable but what's great about Arcane is that no character is perfectly heroic and good, they all are grey and I can emphasize with pretty much all of them. I can even see Marcus having a tragic backstory like his wife getting killed in the Undercity causing his hatred for everyone there.
Sevika is my top 3 favorite character of the show. She is the only non-league of legends champion who is tough enough to go toe to toe with actual champions. So happy to see her get more love.
I think it was Flying Walrus (I could be wrong) who said the same thing about Sevika being loyal to the idea than the person in his Arcane video How Arcane Doesn’t Insult its Audience! Do you watch his videos or something. Also. TH-camr Schnee has a video on how Arcane write female characters that goes into great details.
Great video and very insightful analysis! Initially, I was in agreement with Vi calling Sevika a traitor. Even if she was loyal to 'Zuan' it felt like there was a point somewhere along Silco's operation's descent into becoming a drug cartel where continuing to support him was antithetical to the ideals of Zaun. But, you're right that having witnessed the worst of the conflict with Piltover, it would be easy enough to write off his methods as necessary evils, and her rejection of Finn shows that she is aware of a line that should not be crossed. You've converted me into a Sevika fan, I can't wait to see her continued development in season 2!
I’m always stunned by how much work was put into the writing of such a broad cast, like in a lot of modern media this character can and would absolutely be a one-note, rough and tumble right hand man that "punches things real good". But instead we’re gifted with Sevika who reflects these characteristics, but with the nuance and earned foundations that show us who she is and why. To me this makes her (and many other characters with even shorter screen time) fully believable. It’s subtle, and certainly up for interpretation but I would argue she is one of the wisest characters in the show based on her own motivation and the choices made throughout the series. Through your analysis I realized that I might not agree with her mentality or moral code, but I understand and in a way respect her a lot more than some of the other cast… looking at you Jayce Great video!!!
This needs waaaay more likes. Like, holy cow, this was a great breakdown of her character. I especially love how at the end, you pointed out her waiting by an empty chair and how symbolic that was. I never would've noticed that.
I haven’t finished watching yet, but I gotta say you NAILED the jinx Sevika team up prediction on those tarot cards. That’s so cool. I also think your analysis of Sevika’s fighting style is on point. When her and Cait are fighting in S2 she gives Cait the most devious smile ever when she realizes the princess from topside is here to box. It’s arguably my favorite fight scene in the entire series. This is a great analysis so far, definitely subscribing for more!
Wild that you were able to call out the team up/friendship between Jinx & Sevika off of tarot cards. The fact that Sevika ends up on the council lends credence to your entire character analysis. Exellent video.
Regarding the Tarot cards it could foreshadow Silco,s death and Sveika then taking up the mantle of leader for the Underworld. Even if Jinx ends up the spiritual leader of the rebellion, Sveika will be the operational leader.
So glad this video exists, I've been realizing that Sevika has been my favorite character for a while over the last few weeks. Happy to see her getting the love she deserves ❤
i think 17:30 could be exactly the reason why jinx and her may work together because jinx is so ruined and hates Piltover so much that she may just be crazy enough to be the never wayning symbol that zaun and Sevika need someone that doesnt care about anybody but their hatred for the people of pilltover and its not like there is someone alive that she loves enough to hold back hell she just tried to murder her sister and best friend from childhood
Sevika's biggest weakness is believing the others are weak but not her. She's the most alcoolic perso in Arcane, and her sadism pull other zaunians down, so when she says ''she is a problem and we all know it'' about Jinx, I heard Sevika speaks about herself.
Oh yes. Delicious Sevika analysis. I'm so happy someone else recognizes that Sevika's loyalties are not to any one person, but for the cause. In a cast of characters who are almost always driven by personal goals, Sevika stands out because she is driven by ideological goals. Meaning, so long as it is in the interest of Zaun's freedom, the writers can have Sevika do almost anything and it'd make sense. She is absolutely my fave as well and I cannot wait to see what she does in season 2.
6:55 Never saw these Tarot cards but I looked it up to get my own meaning: While Death has the meaning that a „major phase of your life has ended“ the Magician has the meaning „Remember that you are powerful, create your inner world and the outer world will follow“. Together they represent a „powerful message of transformation and empowerment“ In this case it could mean that Sevika changes her approach in the story. While prior she tried to get rid of Vi and wants Silco to focus and Jinx to get less chaotic after this scene she wants Silco to calm down and rest for a while so he can collect himself, she wants to break Jinx so she snaps when Silco can’t get behind it and finally she starts to use Vi and toy her around through the Undercity.
I do wonder if they stretch the meaning of tarot cards to two characters. They happen just after Viktor's in bed scene ends, and is a very direct and clear reference from showrunners to his future fate.
Excellent video and fantastic analysis, every time I think I find out all the little details it seems there are 5 more I missed, videos like this show me how a different perspective opens up a whole new world of subtle storytelling
ahhh thank you so much for watching! :D arcane is like the gift that keeps on giving, I'm confident people will be finding new details in ten years lmao its insane!
i have binged all ur arcane videos in like 2 days and they are really amazing, i cannot wait to see what character u do next. Im so excited for Jayce or Viktor!
Fantastic video! I really loved Sevika's character so I really enjoyed this deep dive into her. Her loyalty to Zaun was so solid, I feel that she represented a middle ground between Silco and Vander's philosophies regarding Zaun: not as extremely aggresive as Silco, to whom the ends justified the means even over zaunites, and not as passive as Vander who put protecting his people above all else, including a free Zaun. Sevika is a fantastic mix of these two point of views: an active fighter, for and WITH Zaun. EDIT: I just realized this video was made before season two, so of course you didn't have the context of Viktor's development, so I want to acknowledge that before continuing hahaha Regarding the tarot cards, I believe they are tied to a different character. Right before this scene the one with Jayce visiting a collapsed Viktor in the hospital plays out, and after Viktor asks: "how much time do I have left?" we hardcut to a close-up of the cards of the game Sevika is playing. My interpretation was that this segway represented the two possible futures for Viktor's character: Death, or the Magician (who even has three limbs, like the hexclaw Viktor's evolved form develops).
"Death + Mage" means the death of Silco, which opened a new door for changes. A mage is someone who's able to transform reality and unite both the upper and the lower worlds. Silco fits well this description.
Yeah, except Arcane has not been stated as canon so they totally could kill a character if they wanted too. Sevika especially since she isn’t even a character in LOL
As a fun note, the tarot cards are also in reference to Viktors arc, right before that scene, we have the one with Viktor laying in the hospital bed after his sickness worsens, then cut to the cards
It's great to see Silko made the same mistake to his ideals as Vander did, decisions that Sevika sees as weakness. Vander didn't give away the kids, witch was the solution to maintain peace.. "weakness", but when Silko got caught in the same dilemma, he went to Vander's statue, because now he knows why Vander was "weak".. Funny that later Jinx is gonna be the symbol for Zaun, watching this let's me understand why Sevika helps her and why she pressed the button wink wink.
A lot of people [me included] also think the cards are meant to foreshadow viktors future and possibility at being the machine herald as the scene before includes viktor which hints at the death card [I think so I can't remember] and the Magician card specifically the design in the show looks like viktors LoL design with the third arm and robotic features. And I think these cards would be a damn good way to foreshadow it and the possibility that sevika will run into viktor during his machine herald arc
I’ve thought this same thing since I first watched the show! Sevika was absolutely not a traitor. She told Vander TO HIS FACE that she was fed up and over it. Made it clear why she was moving on. And I kinda felt like he deserved it b/c truly, he wasn’t doing shit for liberation at that point. I understand Vis perspective, but doesn’t mean I agree or think she’s right. Though all around, Vi has a right to be mad af after witnessing the horror Silco had pulled.
Exactly! Vander is not someone that should be emulated beyond his kindness. He kept Zaun in stagnation, with his only response to oppression being "endure". I think if Ekko and Sevika teamed up, they might actually form what Vander, Silco, and the Zaunites originally wanted.
Very well done video essay on a topic I feel like not enough people have looked into. I feel like the "traitor" label placed on Sevika, however, isn't JUST because she left Vander to back up Silco, but she backed up Silco's decision to kidnap and murder Vander and his children. I believe that while she would have been called a traitor regardless for switching from Vander to Silco but it wouldn't be as intense/carry NEARLY as much emotion/vitriol if she had resisted Silco's actions in the climax of Act 1.
Remember the death and magician card came right after victor feinted in the lab and was in the hospital, it trasitions from him to savika throwing those 2 cards down
as someone who loves tarot, the death card is like you said, representative of endings and the new beginnings that come afterwards. the magician however is symbolic of creation. i closely associate the magician with alchemy, its about having a deep understanding of the elements you are working with, and using them in a way that accurately heeds the results you are looking for. this card is especially interesting when paired with the death card. death- endings and beginnings, requires destruction. think of it like legos, you cant make something new until you’ve taken apart what you’ve already made. this is exactly what the death card represents, that aspect of destruction and what you are left with afterwards, everything in its rawest form. the magician revels in this destruction, because it opens up an entire new realm of possibilities and elements to work with, a new arsenal so to speak. i think these two cards represent sevika’s character perfectly. it also makes me extremely intrigued to see what comes next for specifically sevika and jinx. at the end of season 1 jinx experiences this massive death and destruction, she lets go of who she knows she can no longer be, and is left with all the pieces she COULD be, and its entirely hers to create. i think this paired with sevika’s magician archetype will create a very interesting dynamic, and we already see this dynamic hinted at in the season 2 trailer. i am so excited to see where they go with this !!
I feel like Vander was MAYBE called a traitor so my opening line may not be 100% correct SORRY GUYS AH LOL
Well Vander is still the Hound of the Underworld so he is still extremely loyal so it checks still out even if it is factual wrong.
We get the point
I don't think so? Silco kinda views him as a traitor (and vice versa), but I don't think he ever directly uses the term.
@@DLxxxSilco literally says “I trusted you. And you betrayed me.” (referring to drowning him), so not technically called “traitor”, but Silco definitely felt that what Vader did was a betrayal.
He’s a traitor for not wanting the entire under city to get slaughtered cuz that’s what would have happened if they went with silkos plan to continue the rebellion yes vander did get complacent and let the under city get walked all over it was either that or continue the war witch would eventually end with his adopted children being conscripted and dying in the war witch ended up happening day 1 when silko created drugs that mutate people into mutant super soldiers in order to reignite the war the only reason the war didn’t kick off that day was cuz vander destroyed there drug shipment jinx is no better considering silko turned her into his own mini me it looked like over time silko was starting to see things from gander’s perspective and runing the under city controlling its black market while vander was more willing to do what ever it took to please the guards witch made him look weak in the eyes of everyone
also saying savika is noble when she regularly bullied a group of kids cuz she didn’t like there father helped create a drug that mutated people into mutants and there first test subject being a kid (the same kid that tried to rob vi and the others in episode 1 ) saying she had good intentions dosent really cut it
People say Sevika betrayed Vander, but it was on my second watch of Arcane that I realized that wasn't true. Sevika didn't make Vander think she was his ally only to stab him in the back afterwards.
She looked at him straight in the eye and said "You look weak." (I refuse to work for someone who won't stand up to Piltover) before walking away.
That's not a betrayal. That's a resignation.
Literally! She already quit by the time she hiked over to Silco's side. Everyone knew she quit. I've seen theories that she was close with Vi and taught her how to fight, so if that's the case, then it would mostly only be a betrayal to Vi since, from her perspective, Sevika left for the man who kidnapped/killed Vi's dad. Perhaps not a backstab since it was no secret, but still a betrayal in a way.
@@KeitieKalopsiaoh I'd like to see that flashback
@@KeitieKalopsiaThat would make their fights even more interesting since Sevika tells Vi that her guard could use some work. It could just be her taunting Vi, but if the theory applies, then it could be her kind of coaching Vi again. It would make their interactions a lot more complex.
@RonniV2 i think she wants the people of zaun to be stronger too so it makes sense that she'd wanna coach vander's prodigy
One thing to note about Sveika is that she never contradicts Silco in the presence of others but voices her concerns in private. It's a classic officer/NCO relationship. A good NCO never contradicts the authority of the officers they serves, never complains about any misgiving they have to others - you'll note she never says a word against Silco to Finn or Jinx - but delivers the criticism they have or issues the rank and file are having directly to the officer in private. In this way, the officer is never seen as weaker to his command but isn't disconnected from the reality in the ranks either.
Star Trek vibes?
@@undisclosedmusic4969 Think RL military. I am a veteran and former NCO.
@@ravendelacour1917 thanks for your service 🤩
@@undisclosedmusic4969nahh typical military vibes. Same thing my pops and uncle taught me when it comes to my little brother or friends never show weakness/discord in front of strangers, defend the front. Then take them to task after.
It helps that Silco is actually a decent leader and that nobody is Sevika's equal in terms of authority. She makes it very clear that she doesn't tolerate displays of weakness, and Silco doesn't let her see his moments of weakness usually. She's not all that concerned with not rocking the boat, because she did so immensely when Vander was around, she just thinks everyone that doesn't share her stoicism and determination is beneath her and Silco is definitely not lacking in those qualities.
Fins mistake was thinking that sevika was a gangster, she isn’t she’s a revolutionary (or insurgent at least)
Yuuuup he didn’t read the room all that well lol
@@lydiscottI can’t wait to see one for silco especially the chem baron scene
Exactly. Finn is like a stand in for the audience in that scene.
He thinks Sevika was like any other chembaron under Silco (self-centered; obsessed with wealth, power, and status; willing to backstab to get what she wants; etc.), and although he had a point, this misread was revealed to him AND the audience in dramatic fashion. Sevika lays out her loyalties cold and clear to everyone as she picks up his lighter. Such an excellent twist 👌🏾
What's the difference between an insurgent and revolutionary? Last I checked the synonyms. Just curious.
@@Awesomeflame16they can be either really. Insurgents are usually the term for armed rebels. Same for revolutionaries. But it also comes down to tactics and their overall goal.
Just like how not all Terrorists and Rebels will use the same methods to achieve their goal.
It's interesting to me that through season 1, Jinx accuses Sevika, Vi, and Silco all of being liars, but Sevika is the only one we see her later realize was telling the truth and out loud go "Wait, she WASN'T lying?!"
Potentially her honesty is one of the reasons Jinx could come to trust her in season 2
I LOVE this point, I think you’re onto something! Would be really cool to see all the characters stop and go “wait a second…” lol
She didn't lie, but she also didn't tell the truth and planted harmful idea into Jinx which later about Caitlyn... did literally what Sevika told her she would do - 'with her[Vi] back in town it's only a matter of time before you implode' I guess just Silco didn't get the message anyway.
@@lydiscott Yes lol
Also, unlike quite a few other people, she never stabs anybody in the back, metaphorically OR literally. She always stabs them directly in the front
The only person she ever lied to was Finn (and Renni who was working with Finn)
@KeitieKalopsia Hilariously, she told him right at the beginning that trying to recruit her was a stupid plan and wouldn't work, but he went for it anyway and got exactly the result she told him he would. There was, presumably, some off-screen deception in between, but we never saw that, so who knows? Maybe it never involved any actual lying, just him telling the plan and her nodding along like "sure sure, that could work... if you've thought it all through"
I was initially angry that she turned her back on Vander for someone like Silco.
But after much time, I see that she’s loyal to Zaun. Siding with whoever can change the dynamic against Piltover. With both Vander and Silco out of the picture, as much as she may dislike Jinx, it makes sense that she’d be willing to aid her if it means bringing out the full revolution that’s been brewing for years.
Same here! Yeah, it took a minute of seeing other perspectives but eventually it was like “wait a second this lady is the most consistent, loyal character in the whole show WHAT”
I was never angry...I always understood her, she is one of my favorite characters in the whole show , her goal is simple...she is not loyal to any person and she has openly said that, she is loyal to Zaun and its people, she only wants freedom for Zaun and I respect that deeply , Vi calling her a traitor is ironic because who really turned out to be a traitor to Zaun is Vi
I think it'd be ironic if Sevika eventually realises (via Jinx) SHE can be the leader she always tries to follow and support.. I think she'll even try to hoist Jinx onto Silcos throne only for Jinx to hand it to her, cause atp nobody has given more for Zaun than her.
Yeah, so many of Arcane's characters get slowly realized over the course of the show and reveal their true driving forces in Act 3. Sevika revealing her loyalty to Zaun, Mel revealing her goal of peace (and avoiding family drama), Silco revealing that Jinx is more important to him than Zaun now...
@@o-wolf I think you're so right for this! She's used to being the second in command, and I bet she's the one who spread the propaganda of Jinx being the revolutionary that we see in the murals, too. But we know Jinx isn't as much of a revolutionary as she is a vengeful terrorist (affectionate) and something will inevitably happen to break apart this unstable alliance and Sevika will find herself on Zaun's throne instead.
Rewatching this and after watching season 2 this aged like fine wine. Sevika deserved that council seat she is the voice of zaun
I am calling it now, since the creators called the theme of this season the "season of opposites" -- they're gonna make us like Sevika, and then she'll probably die in the last few episodes which I'd be sad about because she is a cool, emotionally complex character.
Ahhhh I think you’re onto something! 😭 at least if she goes, I hope it’s an epic sendoff.
I hope she doesn't die, but your probably right. She better get her justice though! This woman's sacrificed _too_ much not to get a real win under her belt.
"make us like Savika?" She's already awesome.
people already like her, argument for turning on Vander is a fair one, her being loyal adds alot to the conflict as it gave Silco legitimacy that other coups in media lacked. Vi hating her is more Vi throwing a trantrum that Vander did nothing wrong.
This show features an impressive array of diverse female characters, with Sevika standing out as a fan favorite. Fans have been urging Riot, the studio behind the game, to make her a playable character, possibly in their upcoming fighting game. I’m excited to see if she gets a bigger role this season!
I like one thing that people pointed out, which is that Sevika's arm design represents who is the current leader of Zaun. People knows who is running the show down there just by looking at her arm 😂
Especially in season 2, this is so true! Her arm in 1 is orderly, well put together, and laced with shimmer with calls back to the sophisticated way Silco runs everything with that manufactures drug. In season 2, Sevika's arm is covered in paint, packed with tons of random effects and chaos, emblematic of how Jinx is thrust into the role, as well as how Zaun technically has no leader at that point.
@@burgermeister8261 Not to mention how her arm gets essentially beheaded at the rally by noxian soldiers, again emblematic of who controls Zaun.
@@TeHPHoBoS999 ur right! Thats a really good point that I didn’t even think about!
@@burgermeister8261(spoilers 4 finale) when she’s a councillor she just has the scarf thingy, but no arm
Sevika was asked by Silko, "were you tempted?" and replies, "For him? No." As if to say I would be if they were more competent.
It would have been interesting to see her work with Ekko for a while. She's more 'destroy the elites for the dream', and Ekko's more 'build quality of life for the dream'.
Dude the look on silkos face when fins speech is cut short! he 100% thought he was going to die then.
A surprise, but a welcome one.
Sometimes the Vi/Jinx dynamic is so good that it can overshadow every other character in Arcane. At least for me.
I agree! I’m just so glad they didn’t skimp out on the rest of the plot lines, despite having a really strong main one. All these story threads are silver and gold ahhh
This video has aged so so well since watching Season 2 Act 1. They show Sevika dealing with having literally no good options of who to be loyal to and just trying to keep the peace, doing the best she can for Zaun.
And she won arcane
Zaun won. Pretty soundly to
Her and singed. Who would have guessed.
I never understood why people called her a traitor, i never got that impression. Of course from Vi's perspective she is, but that's just it. To me it was so clear that in the scene where she argues with Vander she makes her disagreement with him very clear, and her storming out of the bar in that way felt pretty final. She basically announced her departure, the only way to make it clearer was to outright say "i'm out". Changing teams and betrayal aren't the same thing.
Great video!! Sevika is my favourite, hoping and praying she'll survive season 2
Absolutely! I really don't think her leaving was considered to be the traitorous moment either for them. I feel like they started seeing her as an actual traitor when she backed up/helped with Silco's plan to abduct and murder Vander and his kids. The whole, sure you can switch sides but you do that and then try to kill us bit is what is seen as the backstab.
@MommahKat I guess, but I still don't see it as traitorous. Thats why I'm focusing on the bar scene so much, to me it was a very clear moment of "I'm not following you anymore", so BECAUSE it was so clear and understood anything following it isn't betrayal. Betrayal or treason are defined by BREAKING trust or allegiance, but she does not do that. Silco would have done what he did independent of her being there on his side, Sevika is just there, following her new leader. But of course I understand that from emotional standpoint of Vi (and the viewer) it FEELS like betrayal, I'm just a bit disappointed that not a lot of fans think past that.
(I'm sorry if im not making myself very clear, english isn't my first language)
@@ch3r3muha All I was saying was that it isn't JUST one thing that is seen as a betrayal by the characters, it is multifaceted/layered just like the rest of the show.
I always get this sense of sadness at the last shot of Sevika in Silco's office, not knowing he's dead.
Its like a puppy waiting at the door for its owner, not knowing their human got hit by a car.
The tarot cards may have a meaning for sevika, but the most obvious link is with Viktor. Remember that this tarot cards scene is part of a montage with Viktor waking up in an hospital bed after a near death experience which is the beginning of his transformation with the hexcore. Anyway,
I also like the interpretations described in other commentaries relating cards with sevika journey. Both can be valid
I've only ever seen the cards' meanings linked with Viktor, and for some reason it never occurred to me to relate them to Sevika, *_the one playing the cards in the first place!_* I like the interpretation that SxS divined for Sevika, and it makes a lot of sense with what we know is coming up.
he had become death, the three arms destructor of world
I even started to sympathize with Marcus after a rewatch or two. This show is good at giving you a 'Hero/Villain' dynamic, then revealing that it's much messier underneath and that everyone is the protagonist from their own frame of reference.
Honestly I really like Marcus form a story perspective. Such an awesome little story for this one side character. Love how the show does that.
@@lydiscott Yes! If I was in his position (Act 2) I'd be STRESSIN'
@lydiscott one of my favorite scenes in the show is in Episode 3, when Marcus gets handed a bag if money, and it gets blood on it, literally referencing Blood Money and Marcus's corruption, and he even keeps one of the bloody coins and fidgets with it when he gets told to do to corrupt things or when he thinks about his daughter
Wherever Sevika goes, Zaun follows.
This series has some really stellar comedy, but the scene was made me burst out laughing was Vi throwing her empty glass at Sevika. It just comes out of nowhere, and yet it's completely in character, it was SO PERFECT. Also one thing I noticed about Sevika is that she uses the truth to manipulate others and catches them off guard. Unlike Silco, she doesn't get anything out of lying or concealing the truth, so she speaks her mind at all times. Despite her questionable actions, she embodies my two core values - loyalty and honesty - and that is why she's one of my favorite Arcane characters.
Sevika is lowkey one of my favorite characters after Mel and jinx, she’s a goon with a purpose and action. She’s tough as well able to take a beating and give one too. She’s a true number 2 because she knows she can be a leader but she can be the weapon for the leader and helps their actions if it’s for Zaun. I love how honorable she can be preferring a one on one battle versus having a numbers advantage. Being pragmatic telling silco for the right person she would “betray” him if he doesn’t get his shit together.
YUP gotta love how she sticks to her guns and just tells Silco like it is. It’s a shame Vander (assumably) didn’t listen to her more. It’s so valuable to have someone to call you out on stuff like that ahhh
@@lydiscottand when she does it’s usually just them two in the room so not reveal any type of disloyalty.
sevika is a character who deserves so much more recognition! it’s sad how most people just ignore her character 😞
I was so happy when Sevika silenced Finn and his obnoxious lighter clicking habit
Hey, that's his fidget toy!
I thought everyone would call me crazy because Sevika is my favorite character, but apparently I am not the only one
I forgot how good Arcane was this makes me want to go rewatch it.
The tarot card prediction was 100% correct goddamn!
Damn and the magician was basically Viktor with his third arm
Love the title of the video. Sevika is a brave and noble soldier.
I hope we'll see more of Sevika's past.
Regarding her character, she shares a lot more with Vi. Arcane uses a lot of parallels between characters. Both Vi and Sevika wanted to fight for the lanes in the first act, both were annoyed by Vander's lack of action, both are sassy and both use their physical strenght to fight. But Sevika is more mature and cold headed. She even taunts Vi about it during their first fight.
I feel like Savika and Vi have so much chemistry if they are just a horny fan's imagination away from having hate sex after fighting.
well Vi is on Piltovers side while Sevika is loyal to Zaun, thing is Vi isnt the same person she was as a kid , I sometimes wonder how it went like this...before prison she wanted war on Piltover just like Jinx,Silco and Sevika but after the prison something like switched and now she wants war on Zaun...literally , I would like to know how this change happened
@@HK-gm8pe Simple - all that Vi wants is connected to family, not cold ideology like Sevika. Even in the first act, all she was about is protecting family and "I want Powder to have more than that, and I'm willing to fight for it!". In Acts 2+3, Vi heard that Silco keeps Powder - so she goes to fight him hoping to free her - and then she goes against Silco to free Powder from his corruption. With her and Piltover, it's more like that their target happened to be the same. All Vi wants is to reunite with Powder, protect Powder (as Vander asked her with his last words) and make amends to Vi's "abandoning" her. And both Silco and Sevika stand in the way of that.
I'd like to recommend you schnee's analysis of Sevika - "Anti-Arc of Anti-Vi", he delves into the topic of your question deeply
I always felt that out of every Zaunite Sevika was one of the few characters that keep her head.
Vander was too pacifistic for his own good and overall while he had the best intentions he only spoke with words and not actions. Why would she agree with listening to a man who bowed down to Piltover rather than being the revolutionary leader? He did care for Zaun but he was too mellow and struggles with being a father that the only action he made sacrificing himself to save Vi.
Silco was the closest to her philosophy but Silco too was sadly busy dealing with the legacy of Vander, the responsibility of raising Jinx, dealing with Ekko's Firelights, and the Zaunites slowly despising him for being a hypocrite. It doesn't help that he only made Zaun into a business not a way of revolutionizing a rebellion. I think the reason why she didn't want to betray him was that he still had responsibilties and could've changed things. I mean he could've done well by agreeing with Jayce...but the reason why he gave up on that was protecting Jinx rather than Zaun. As a result Silco perished like Vander did...protecting a person rather than the whole group.
Vi wished she was Sevika. She originally despised Piltover, but because everything that happened Vi is stuck. She is dealing with so much changes, with her sister now a criminal, Silco taking over and people not as friendly. It's sad because even though she wants to protect her home she's stuck unable to accept the changes with her sister only.
The closest that were similar to Sevika were Viktor or Ekko. Viktor realizing Piltover will continue letting his people suffer tries to use Hextech, advance his technology despite his disabilities and possibly wishes to help people despite the consequences. And Ekko in my opinion did changed by being determined to end Silco's reign or helping the Firelights. Though for me Sevika truly was a fellow Zaunite. She knew connections are hard in this world and if a fellow leader perishes a new leader takes their place.
Which is why Sevika accepted Jinx. She despised Jinx as a mere annoyance and distraction for Silco, but she does appreciate Jinx is a far better revolutionary. She knew Jinx had to change and because there is nobody left....just like Jinx she has nothing left to lose. Zaunites are finally fighting back and it's possible she might potentially sacrifice herself for the cause. As a result...she may not have been my favorite Arcane character but thinking about Sevika I like her now. Truly a noble rebel.
3:02 (spoilers for S2ep4)
well, she does share that one very interesting, somewhat mournful look with Vander's statue. Perhaps it's not regret in her eyes, or even guilt, but theres definitely a lot of feeling in that moment. Perhaps sort of "I'm not sorry for what I did, but I am sorry I had to do it", which adds some really nice further depth to her.
I expect Sevika to team up with Jinx, they had one thing in common. Silco, Sevika out of loyalty and Jinx out of Love. For Jinx in ACT 1 I am sure she is not going to give a damn about a Revolution, she just shot the only person to never put her down,to his dying breath they were words of comfort and encouragement. Jinx has now killed both of her father figures, so the whole "watch it all burn" attitude will be understable,but I think at some point someone will give Jinx perspective and I think it might be that cute kid in the trailer, Sevika will catch on to that I think and also try to convince Jinx to Lead after the ACT I Finale.
A prophet
Sevika didn't betray Vander, she was betrayed by Vander. Same to everyone else in the undercity. Lots of people didn't notice that.
Vander "betrayed" only the ones who wanted war.
Wich is not the case for most people from the undercity, they want survival first and foremost;
He stood for status quo and peace to protect his girls, played the long game of bulding bridges and handing the torch to a new generation better prepared to face Piltover in peace than they were. In the end Silco chose the Vander way, minus peace: with piltover hunting down Jinx, her survival lies only in war.
Now in season 2 part 1 Sevika is the only hardcore selfless revolutionary left, and she has no kids for a reason: could she start a war knowing they could be the first to die?
No vander betrayed those who wanted a better life not just war.
Yes he kept the status quo so it was ‘peaceful’ but that peace was shit and bound to fail. Be it for those wanting war or those just wanting out.
He was the person for the people but a apsolute shit leader as he fell to the same thing that got himerdinger. Stagnating. Yes they were both right but inaction is just as big of a failure as a failed fight.
It’s why the alt was so much better. he reconciled with silco and thus you were given the leadership of silco but the steady hand and stewardship of vander. As a team they thrived. alone they died (Himerdinger just needed to go touch grass. He needed to explore)
5:07 they do share a sort of "grown up neglected older sister and pampered, much much younger sister who she is expected to take care of" sort of energy, which is built upon beautifully in season 2
The funny thing is... we have Sevika's view since the beginning, she isn't subtle about what she is, and she SAYS it for everyone to hear.
Sevika is about the fight for Zaun's freedom, she even accepts that she herself isn't the best option to lead, she knows her role and does it superbly.
Since the beginning, she is the most loyal person in this story, and probably the one that in no moment betrayed her beliefs.
so glad to see Sevika getting the appreciation she deserves! Jinx is my favorite character by a long shot - like it’s not even close - but Sevika is absolutely my next favorite. trying to figure out where her loyalties truly lied throughout the series was so interesting. she’s the perfect example of what i think of when i hear the phrase “lawful neutral”. god i love the characters in this show
Lawful evil on the DnD grid, I think. She is absolutely my favourite character and she has noble qualities because she takes risks and invests her life to support the greater idea of Zaun. But I think it's worth facing that if we believe the ends do not justify the means, she is a bad person under the bottom line. Her vision seems to be driven just as much by cynycism and spite as just wishing good on the common Zaunite. And the methods by which she is willing to achieve her ideals include trade of a devastating drug and all the other cruelties that come with keeping a criminal enterprise afloat and flush with the money needed to bankroll Silco's revolution.
She is also quite plainly a sadist sometimes on a purely emotional level.
She's a badass though and she doesn't need to be closer to good aligned to admire her honor, level-headedness and wits.
@ oh yeah, i completely understand an argument for her being true neutral, or neutral evil.
i hesitate to put her into the lawful evil category, though, simply because i see her as the one standing in-between Silco and Jinx. Silco is very much lawful evil, and Jinx is chaotic evil (or neutral depending on when in her arc we are). Sevika helps keep the peace in The Lanes when needed, and makes sure missions run smoothly and just like Silco plans. however, she’s not cold and calculated. she’s loyal, yes, but only to people who will further the vision SHE is loyal to. she’ll pick fights for her own amusement, even if it might not be the best choice logically speaking. the way she antagonizes Jinx, her gleefully brawling with Vi, even the little things like her gambling. it gives her a good balance between abiding by a strict set of rules and just letting loose and beating people ip because she can and she’s good at it.
the reason i place her as a true neutral is because Sevika really is only loyal to what she thinks is best for her people. yes, she has gone down a path where she’s the bodyguard for a druglord and his corrupt industry, but i guarantee you if someone came along with a plan that was all sunshine and rainbows that actually showed promise, Sevika would be all in. of course, it’s hard to imaging that ever happening, so we can’t say for certain what she’d do.
sorry for the rant. i just LOVE Sevika so much! her morals and loyalty and so fun to break down and analyze. thanks for the discussion :)
@@kjlynne1191 No, I love discussing her too and your thoughts on it are super interesting. I can see it and I can also see how we differ on the lawful chaotic axis. I've started reading lawful as code-driven and chaotic as emotion-driven a while ago to simplify the axis a little for myself. So for someone to be lawful I only require that they follow a personal code that they would put first even if meant say... turning your back on a friend who means well but still broke your expectations (Vander , here) and a chaotic makes frequent exceptions to their code based on in-the-moment emotions and judgement (Vi is a good example for that. She promises people "yeah Powder is gone, let's get Jinx" and then changes her mind in critical moments repeatedly because small circumstances changed, like there being a child involved now.)
Sevika herself seems to me like she would put her code/ideals over any sort of emotional attachments if push came to shove, so that's where I placed her. Silco on the other hand is more lawful than she is at first, but then he shifts towards neutral - that's her problem with him, he let his attachment to Jinx become a higher priority than his ideals.
The alignment system is super subjective and I don't think my way of using it is the correct one, but I love it so much for the discussions it spurs. I really like your point about Sevika probably being fine with supporting some super well natured hero if they only showed results because that's true and interesting about her. She is such a great subversion of a right hand woman/man who is all brawn or maybe even wits but no drive vs the villain they serve. She has loads of drive and is so smart, but she's just that little bit shy in terms of skill of actually being able to lead a revolution herself. It's so tragic seeing her in Silco's office unable to light her cigar on her own.
@ omg that last scene with her trying (and failing) to light her cigar is sooooo gooood. it’s such a simple visual that really didn’t need to be added, but that’s just how damn good the people behind this show are.
ugh i could gush about this show and its characters for days!
omg you were SPOT ON with jinx becoming allied with sevika!!!!!!!! thats so cool that the show can foreshadow with taro cards
Thank you. THANK YOU for finally spelling out what my thoughts on Sevika so eloquently. It always frustrates me when reactors call her a traitor just because they're pissed that she opposes their hero Vander in that particular moment. So much of who we consider a "traitor" or a "hero" depends on the framing. Framed differently, she would be the noble, self-sacrificing freedom fighter but because we're made to root for Vander she's a traitor instead.
SHES GREAT, HONESTLY! Like i don't know how you can watch the whole show and NOT develop an appreciation for her, even if she's definitely morally questionable.
@@lydiscott She may be morally questionable but what's great about Arcane is that no character is perfectly heroic and good, they all are grey and I can emphasize with pretty much all of them. I can even see Marcus having a tragic backstory like his wife getting killed in the Undercity causing his hatred for everyone there.
Finally someone who shares my view of Sevika. She's always been my low-key favorite, and this analysis is spot-on why.
I cant wait to see the analysis on season 2!!
Thank you for this! She went under the radar for me S1 and become a fave for me in S2 😮💨 great analysis! ☺️
Sevika is my top 3 favorite character of the show. She is the only non-league of legends champion who is tough enough to go toe to toe with actual champions. So happy to see her get more love.
Season 2 came out! Congrats on predicting the Sveika and Jinx alliance!
I think it was Flying Walrus (I could be wrong) who said the same thing about Sevika being loyal to the idea than the person in his Arcane video How Arcane Doesn’t Insult its Audience! Do you watch his videos or something. Also. TH-camr Schnee has a video on how Arcane write female characters that goes into great details.
OOOOH I have not watched Flying Walrus, but I will have to! AND OHHH I LOVE SCHNEE!
Schnee is best boy!
Awesome analysis, as always 👍🏾
Also, can I just say how much I love these thumbnails?? They look so visually pleasing!
AHHH THANK YOU I will let my sister know, she is the designer! 😄😄😄
Great video and very insightful analysis!
Initially, I was in agreement with Vi calling Sevika a traitor. Even if she was loyal to 'Zuan' it felt like there was a point somewhere along Silco's operation's descent into becoming a drug cartel where continuing to support him was antithetical to the ideals of Zaun. But, you're right that having witnessed the worst of the conflict with Piltover, it would be easy enough to write off his methods as necessary evils, and her rejection of Finn shows that she is aware of a line that should not be crossed. You've converted me into a Sevika fan, I can't wait to see her continued development in season 2!
girl you read the future alliance of jinx and sevika so well XD
I’m always stunned by how much work was put into the writing of such a broad cast, like in a lot of modern media this character can and would absolutely be a one-note, rough and tumble right hand man that "punches things real good". But instead we’re gifted with Sevika who reflects these characteristics, but with the nuance and earned foundations that show us who she is and why. To me this makes her (and many other characters with even shorter screen time) fully believable.
It’s subtle, and certainly up for interpretation but I would argue she is one of the wisest characters in the show based on her own motivation and the choices made throughout the series. Through your analysis I realized that I might not agree with her mentality or moral code, but I understand and in a way respect her a lot more than some of the other cast… looking at you Jayce
Great video!!!
This needs waaaay more likes. Like, holy cow, this was a great breakdown of her character. I especially love how at the end, you pointed out her waiting by an empty chair and how symbolic that was. I never would've noticed that.
Watching this after the release of season 2 act 1 with the prediction based on the tarot cards being true is really impressive! 7:22
I totally forgot about this lmao wow that’s the first time I’ve ever guessed anything correctly
You convinced me. I hope she has the Longstreet arc (civil war anyone?) You called it well, Sevika is the true War Dog. Badass video. Great job.
Your excitement is infectious! I’m even more excited for season #2 now!
I haven’t finished watching yet, but I gotta say you NAILED the jinx Sevika team up prediction on those tarot cards. That’s so cool. I also think your analysis of Sevika’s fighting style is on point. When her and Cait are fighting in S2 she gives Cait the most devious smile ever when she realizes the princess from topside is here to box. It’s arguably my favorite fight scene in the entire series. This is a great analysis so far, definitely subscribing for more!
Wild that you were able to call out the team up/friendship between Jinx & Sevika off of tarot cards.
The fact that Sevika ends up on the council lends credence to your entire character analysis.
Exellent video.
Ive been gulping anything sevika for the last week and I can’t get enough i love her so so much ughhhhh
Great video!!!
Like your cadence in explaining things... Greetings from South Africa 🇿🇦🇿🇦🇿🇦🇿🇦🇿🇦🇿🇦🇿🇦
She is literally the only character that only cares about Zaun without any care for herself or her own personal feelings and relationships.
Regarding the Tarot cards it could foreshadow Silco,s death and Sveika then taking up the mantle of leader for the Underworld. Even if Jinx ends up the spiritual leader of the rebellion, Sveika will be the operational leader.
So glad this video exists, I've been realizing that Sevika has been my favorite character for a while over the last few weeks. Happy to see her getting the love she deserves ❤
Sveika could be the hero of her own story.
Reaaaally good analysis. I feel like you will love Jinx and Sevika's dynamic in season 2 :)
Man, I love Sevika’s character so much. Glad to see her get her own dedicated analysis!
i think 17:30 could be exactly the reason why jinx and her may work together because jinx is so ruined and hates Piltover so much that she may just be crazy enough to be the never wayning symbol that zaun and Sevika need someone that doesnt care about anybody but their hatred for the people of pilltover and its not like there is someone alive that she loves enough to hold back hell she just tried to murder her sister and best friend from childhood
Finally someone noticed it. Thanks for video and detailed analysis. Sevika is also my favorite.
7:32 Hell yeah! Called it, well done. Liking the vid so far
Sevika has alot a character traits that Vi lacks like knowing her limits and trying to make calm and informed decisions.
You were exactly right on the tarot reading lol
Sevika's biggest weakness is believing the others are weak but not her. She's the most alcoolic perso in Arcane, and her sadism pull other zaunians down, so when she says ''she is a problem and we all know it'' about Jinx, I heard Sevika speaks about herself.
ooohhh i really like this take!
Sevika is by far my favorite character in Arcane. So so excited to see you doing a character study of her!
Just discovered your channel, and going through your Arcane videos right after watching S2 Act 2 adds a layer to everything you said and I love it!!
Sevika is my fave too - thank you for this fantastic analysis!!!
Well done at the Jinx/Sevika partnership prediction 🎉
Oh yes. Delicious Sevika analysis. I'm so happy someone else recognizes that Sevika's loyalties are not to any one person, but for the cause. In a cast of characters who are almost always driven by personal goals, Sevika stands out because she is driven by ideological goals. Meaning, so long as it is in the interest of Zaun's freedom, the writers can have Sevika do almost anything and it'd make sense. She is absolutely my fave as well and I cannot wait to see what she does in season 2.
6:55 Never saw these Tarot cards but I looked it up to get my own meaning:
While Death has the meaning that a „major phase of your life has ended“ the Magician has the meaning „Remember that you are powerful, create your inner world and the outer world will follow“.
Together they represent a „powerful message of transformation and empowerment“
In this case it could mean that Sevika changes her approach in the story.
While prior she tried to get rid of Vi and wants Silco to focus and Jinx to get less chaotic after this scene she wants Silco to calm down and rest for a while so he can collect himself, she wants to break Jinx so she snaps when Silco can’t get behind it and finally she starts to use Vi and toy her around through the Undercity.
OOOOH I like this! 😄
@@lydiscott just watching the rest of the vid then Im back with more 😄
I do wonder if they stretch the meaning of tarot cards to two characters. They happen just after Viktor's in bed scene ends, and is a very direct and clear reference from showrunners to his future fate.
Not to mention her well timed “Rotten luck boys!” as the tarot cards hit the table and spell out Viktor’s fate post diagnosis :,)
Excellent video and fantastic analysis, every time I think I find out all the little details it seems there are 5 more I missed, videos like this show me how a different perspective opens up a whole new world of subtle storytelling
ahhh thank you so much for watching! :D arcane is like the gift that keeps on giving, I'm confident people will be finding new details in ten years lmao its insane!
i have binged all ur arcane videos in like 2 days and they are really amazing, i cannot wait to see what character u do next. Im so excited for Jayce or Viktor!
Omg thank you so much for that! I’m aiming to get them analyzed before the first arc of s2 release, fingers crossed lol!
this video has aged incredibly well. Good job.
Fantastic video! I really loved Sevika's character so I really enjoyed this deep dive into her. Her loyalty to Zaun was so solid, I feel that she represented a middle ground between Silco and Vander's philosophies regarding Zaun: not as extremely aggresive as Silco, to whom the ends justified the means even over zaunites, and not as passive as Vander who put protecting his people above all else, including a free Zaun. Sevika is a fantastic mix of these two point of views: an active fighter, for and WITH Zaun.
EDIT: I just realized this video was made before season two, so of course you didn't have the context of Viktor's development, so I want to acknowledge that before continuing hahaha
Regarding the tarot cards, I believe they are tied to a different character. Right before this scene the one with Jayce visiting a collapsed Viktor in the hospital plays out, and after Viktor asks: "how much time do I have left?" we hardcut to a close-up of the cards of the game Sevika is playing. My interpretation was that this segway represented the two possible futures for Viktor's character: Death, or the Magician (who even has three limbs, like the hexclaw Viktor's evolved form develops).
Suffice it to say, this one aged quite well
"Death + Mage" means the death of Silco, which opened a new door for changes. A mage is someone who's able to transform reality and unite both the upper and the lower worlds. Silco fits well this description.
I love how you absolutely nailed the Sevika x Jinx teamup
I’m surprised that I did because I’m usually a terrible guesser lol
sevika is the goat 🙏glad to see some appreciation for this underrated character
SHES GREAT HELL YEAH
21:48 luckily, they can't kill off anyone who's already a character in the game as the show is the prequel to it!
Yeah, except Arcane has not been stated as canon so they totally could kill a character if they wanted too. Sevika especially since she isn’t even a character in LOL
it is canon and they killed off some characters...
As a fun note, the tarot cards are also in reference to Viktors arc, right before that scene, we have the one with Viktor laying in the hospital bed after his sickness worsens, then cut to the cards
That is an excellent point! Love it.
Now I need a model of her to paint too. 😈
pleaseee i need a part 2 with the new season! Loved this!
Just discovered your channel. You are so funny and cute nerding out over Arcane characters 😂
thank god we've got some sevika love here, I feel like when watching season 1 I was the only one in my friend group who had an appreciation for her
its interesting that you read sevika as someone that wants zaun to change
while ive seen others read her as one that despises change.
It's great to see Silko made the same mistake to his ideals as Vander did, decisions that Sevika sees as weakness.
Vander didn't give away the kids, witch was the solution to maintain peace.. "weakness", but when Silko got caught in the same dilemma, he went to Vander's statue, because now he knows why Vander was "weak"..
Funny that later Jinx is gonna be the symbol for Zaun, watching this let's me understand why Sevika helps her and why she pressed the button wink wink.
A lot of people [me included] also think the cards are meant to foreshadow viktors future and possibility at being the machine herald as the scene before includes viktor which hints at the death card [I think so I can't remember] and the Magician card specifically the design in the show looks like viktors LoL design with the third arm and robotic features. And I think these cards would be a damn good way to foreshadow it and the possibility that sevika will run into viktor during his machine herald arc
I suggest stop expecting a team "good guys" and a team "bad guys" in Arcane.
Nice video ;) waiting for Boy Savior :D
You got a new fan. I also love Sevika
Ah yes few things to just get lost into a cosplay project quite like Shaped by Stories. Pure quality! Thanks Narrator!
The magician card looking like in-game Viktor and your explanation is pretty wild.
I’ve thought this same thing since I first watched the show! Sevika was absolutely not a traitor. She told Vander TO HIS FACE that she was fed up and over it. Made it clear why she was moving on. And I kinda felt like he deserved it b/c truly, he wasn’t doing shit for liberation at that point. I understand Vis perspective, but doesn’t mean I agree or think she’s right. Though all around, Vi has a right to be mad af after witnessing the horror Silco had pulled.
Exactly! Vander is not someone that should be emulated beyond his kindness. He kept Zaun in stagnation, with his only response to oppression being "endure". I think if Ekko and Sevika teamed up, they might actually form what Vander, Silco, and the Zaunites originally wanted.
Very well done video essay on a topic I feel like not enough people have looked into. I feel like the "traitor" label placed on Sevika, however, isn't JUST because she left Vander to back up Silco, but she backed up Silco's decision to kidnap and murder Vander and his children. I believe that while she would have been called a traitor regardless for switching from Vander to Silco but it wouldn't be as intense/carry NEARLY as much emotion/vitriol if she had resisted Silco's actions in the climax of Act 1.
Remember the death and magician card came right after victor feinted in the lab and was in the hospital, it trasitions from him to savika throwing those 2 cards down
the hecking magician card is a foreshdowing, wtf
Never seen this show but love your take on the character.
I love that Sevika finally understood how Vander and Silco felt making the big decisions for Zaun(or what's left of it in Sevika's case) in season 2
as someone who loves tarot, the death card is like you said, representative of endings and the new beginnings that come afterwards. the magician however is symbolic of creation. i closely associate the magician with alchemy, its about having a deep understanding of the elements you are working with, and using them in a way that accurately heeds the results you are looking for. this card is especially interesting when paired with the death card. death- endings and beginnings, requires destruction. think of it like legos, you cant make something new until you’ve taken apart what you’ve already made. this is exactly what the death card represents, that aspect of destruction and what you are left with afterwards, everything in its rawest form. the magician revels in this destruction, because it opens up an entire new realm of possibilities and elements to work with, a new arsenal so to speak. i think these two cards represent sevika’s character perfectly. it also makes me extremely intrigued to see what comes next for specifically sevika and jinx. at the end of season 1 jinx experiences this massive death and destruction, she lets go of who she knows she can no longer be, and is left with all the pieces she COULD be, and its entirely hers to create. i think this paired with sevika’s magician archetype will create a very interesting dynamic, and we already see this dynamic hinted at in the season 2 trailer. i am so excited to see where they go with this !!