10 Things From ‘Arcane’ Season 1 That Made Absolutely No Sense

‘Arcane’ Season 1, the animated series set in the ‘League of Legends’ universe, blew me away with its stunning visuals and gripping character stories. The show, set in the contrasting cities of Piltover and Zaun, weaves a tale of sisters Vi and Powder, alongside scientists Jayce and Viktor, in a world brimming with magic and technology.

That said, not every moment in this masterpiece landed perfectly. Some plot points and character choices felt rushed or outright confusing, leaving me puzzled despite the show’s brilliance. Here are 10 things from ‘Arcane’ Season 1 (2021) that didn’t quite add up.

10. Vi’s Sudden Departure in the Bridge Scene

Vi’s bond with her sister Powder, later Jinx, is the emotional core of ‘Arcane’ Season 1 (2021). Yet, in a tense bridge scene, Vi leaves Powder behind in a life-or-death moment, despite vowing never to abandon her again.

This choice feels jarring and lacks clear reasoning. The show prioritizes a flashy action sequence over explaining why Vi would make such a drastic move, making the moment feel more like a plot device than a natural character decision.

9. Heimerdinger’s Comedic Outburst

Heimerdinger, the wise yordle scientist, is typically calm and calculated. But in episode three, during a high-stakes scene where Vi and her crew fight to free Vander, the show cuts to Heimerdinger throwing a bizarre, nasal-voiced tantrum about academy students.

The abrupt shift in tone clashes with the intense drama. It’s as if the writers wanted comic relief but didn’t consider how out-of-place it felt in such a critical moment.

8. Powder’s Instant Mastery of Hextech

Powder, a young and inexperienced tinkerer, somehow figures out how to use a stolen hex crystal with little to no guidance. Her sudden ability to wield this complex technology drives major plot points, like the catastrophic explosion in episode three.

The show doesn’t explain how a kid with limited resources pulls this off. It feels like a convenient way to push the story forward rather than a believable development.

7. Silco’s Unexplained Rise to Power

Silco emerges as Zaun’s ruthless crime lord, but ‘Arcane’ Season 1 (2021) glosses over how he gained such control. We see him as Vander’s former ally, yet his transformation into a kingpin happens off-screen with no clear backstory.

This gap makes his authority feel unearned. A few hints about his climb to power would have grounded his character and made his dominance more convincing.

6. Jayce’s Lack of Haggling

Jayce, a brilliant but naive inventor, strikes a major deal in Piltover that reshapes the city’s future. Characters like Silco and Ekko note that Jayce doesn’t even negotiate, accepting terms without question.

This seems wildly out of character for someone portrayed as strategic. The show doesn’t explain why Jayce, who’s otherwise meticulous, would skip such a basic step in a high-stakes agreement.

5. The Pacing of Act Two and Three

The early episodes of Act Two and Three in ‘Arcane’ Season 1 (2021) feel like a whirlwind. Scenes jump between characters and locations with little buildup, creating a sense of sensory overload that’s hard to follow.

While the fast pace fuels the show’s energetic vibe, it sacrifices coherence. Key moments, like sudden character decisions or plot shifts, lack the context needed to feel fully connected.

4. Vander’s Murky Motivations

Vander, Zaun’s de facto leader, is a complex figure torn between peace and rebellion. But his choices, like refusing to fight back against Piltover’s enforcers, often lack clear reasoning, especially given his past as a revolutionary.

This ambiguity makes his arc feel inconsistent. The show could have clarified his shift from warrior to pacifist to make his decisions more relatable.

3. Orianna’s Underdeveloped Role

Orianna, a character from the ‘League of Legends’ lore, appears briefly in ‘Arcane’ Season 1 (2021) but gets little screen time or explanation. Her presence feels like a tease for fans rather than a meaningful addition to the story.

Without more context, her cameo is confusing for non-players. The show misses a chance to flesh out her role or tie her to the main plot in a way that makes sense.

2. The Shimmer Drug’s Vague Rules

Shimmer, the addictive drug fueling Zaun’s underworld, is a key plot driver. But its effects are inconsistent—sometimes it grants superhuman strength, other times it causes erratic behavior, with no clear rules governing its impact.

This vagueness makes Shimmer feel like a plot device that bends to the story’s needs. A bit more clarity on how it works would have made its role less confusing.

1. The Council’s Blind Trust in Jayce

Jayce, a young scientist, pitches hextech to Piltover’s council, and they immediately grant him immense power and resources. Despite his lack of experience and the risks of untested technology, the council barely questions him.

This blind trust feels unrealistic for a governing body. The show doesn’t justify why they’d hand over so much control to an unproven inventor, making the decision feel like a plot convenience.

What’s the most baffling moment from ‘Arcane’ Season 1 for you, or did I miss something that left you puzzled? Drop your thoughts in the comments!