‘Arcane’ (2021-2024), the animated series set in the League of Legends universe, burst onto the scene with bold visuals and a gripping story about sisters Vi and Jinx navigating the divide between Piltover and Zaun. Its first season, released in 2021, hooked viewers with its mix of action, emotion, and worldbuilding, earning praise for its fresh take on video game adaptations.

Years later, as I revisit Season 1, some elements shine brighter than ever, while others feel less polished with time. Below, I explore five ways ‘Arcane’ Season 1 has aged poorly and five ways it remains a masterpiece.

Ways ‘Arcane’ Season 1 Aged Poorly

Pacing Issues in Key Episodes

The first season’s pacing feels uneven in parts, especially in the middle episodes. Some storylines, like Jayce’s rise in Piltover, drag with too much focus on political debates that don’t always connect to the main plot.

This can make rewatching feel sluggish compared to the fast-paced action of Vi and Jinx’s arcs. The show’s ambition to juggle multiple threads sometimes leaves less exciting moments overstaying their welcome.

Underdeveloped Side Characters

Characters like Viktor and Mel Medarda get less depth than they deserve. Viktor’s quest to cure his illness feels rushed, and Mel’s motivations as a Noxian council member lack clarity until late in the season.

On rewatch, I wanted more insight into their backstories to make their choices hit harder. Their limited screen time leaves gaps that Season 2 had to fill, which weakens Season 1’s standalone impact.

Overreliance on Time Jumps

The time jump between Acts 1 and 2, aging characters like Powder into Jinx, is bold but jarring. Key emotional shifts, like Powder’s transformation, happen off-screen, leaving viewers to piece together her mental state.

This choice makes some character arcs feel abrupt. I found myself wishing for more scenes to bridge the gap and show how characters changed.

Silco’s Murky Motivations

Silco, the main villain, is compelling but his goals are vague for much of the season. His plan to challenge Piltover seems to lack a clear strategy until the final episodes, making his earlier actions feel aimless.

This ambiguity weakens his menace on rewatch. A sharper focus on his intentions could have made his arc more cohesive.

Disconnected Subplots

The season splits into multiple storylines—like Jinx’s chaos, Jayce’s inventions, and Vi’s return—that don’t always connect smoothly. For example, Silco’s crime board drama feels detached from Vi and Caitlyn’s journey.

This fragmentation can make the narrative feel scattered. Tighter links between plots would have created a more unified story.

Ways ‘Arcane’ Season 1 Aged Masterfully

Stunning Animation That Holds Up

The animation by Fortiche remains jaw-dropping. From Zaun’s gritty streets to Piltover’s gleaming towers, every frame pops with vibrant colors and fluid action.

Even years later, scenes like Vi’s fight with Sevika or Jinx’s chaotic battles look cutting-edge. The visuals keep ‘Arcane’ feeling fresh and unmatched in style.

Vi and Jinx’s Emotional Core

The sisterly bond between Vi (Hailee Steinfeld) and Jinx (Ella Purnell) is the heart of the show. Their fractured relationship, built on love and betrayal, delivers raw emotion that hits just as hard today.

Moments like Powder’s breakdown after being left behind still bring tears. This dynamic carries the season’s weight and keeps it timeless.

Worldbuilding That Draws You In

The clash between Piltover’s wealth and Zaun’s struggle creates a rich, lived-in world. Details like the Firelights’ resistance or Hextech’s impact make the setting feel alive.

Rewatching, I’m still hooked by how the show balances lore with character-driven storytelling. It welcomes newcomers while rewarding League of Legends fans.

Voice Acting That Shines

The voice cast, including Hailee Steinfeld, Ella Purnell, and Katie Leung as Caitlyn, delivers standout performances. Their chemistry brings depth to every scene, from Vi’s grit to Jinx’s unhinged energy.

These performances feel just as powerful now. They ground the fantastical story in real emotion, making characters unforgettable.

Bold Storytelling Risks

‘Arcane’ takes big swings, like tackling heavy themes of class, trauma, and family in a video game adaptation. It avoids clichés and trusts viewers to follow complex characters like Caitlyn and Vi’s evolving bond.

These choices keep the show feeling daring. Its willingness to go dark and emotional sets it apart from typical animated series.

What’s your take on ‘Arcane’ Season 1—did any moments age better or worse for you? Drop your thoughts in the comments!