#this probably sounds a bit wishy washy hdbdjfn

[welcometogrouchland]

did u like arcane? personally i didnt find it that.... good. i mean considering the hype i expected sth more cohesive, but the narrative was all over the place. i think few more episodes could really do wonders about the show, but alas. sorry for this ask, im just eager to know ur opinion!!! (i know u as "correct opinion on tma" person)

Firstly, I'm very flattered u think I have correct tma opinions, and second of all, that's a good question!

I have to say I definitely did enjoy it a lot- thought it was well written. VERY interesting and morally grey characters, plus some very interesting parallels, as well as in terms of themes and parallels and imagery. You know. The shapes and colours of words.

Plus the animation was extremely fucking sexy on a technical level. I would never call myself an animator but I love the medium dearly and I love animation that pushes boundaries, which arcane definitely did, even on a purely technical level (side-eyeing the YouTube video I have saved in my watch later called "how to paint like arcane". Perhaps it's finally time)

But also, I did have to watch it twice, the second time with subtitles, in order to actually understand the plot. Like, I enjoyed the vibes of everything so far, but I was. Remarkably lost. I had no clue why Vander and Silco hated each other, why Vander was so important, what Silco actually did, etc etc. I definitely would recommend a second watch if you really want to like it but didn't understand.

Also, I get that it's very much directed at ppl who like LoL? Like, I watched it with a friend who plays league and during the first episode he was just. Pointing out references the whole time, explaining bg details, and generally seemed to be having a lot more fun than I did watching the first episode- and I say that as someone who enjoyed it from the beginning. Also there were moments towards the very end where I was like. Oh yeah this is based on a fighting game lol.

I wouldn't be surprised if that inherent connection to the game makes ppl feel iced out from the series. I do also 100% relate to ppl hyping a thing WAY UP and then you go to watch it and it could just. Never meet your expectations based on what ppl were saying. Absolutely been there.

I'd say I'd have liked one more episode but then you couldn't have gotten the cliffhanger ending of season 1 (though some ppl might trade that for setting up where characters will actually be going forward next season, y'know? I'm torn)

Woof this got long. Uhhh final thoughts: I definitely did enjoy arcane and thought that more than being enjoyable, it was a well made and well written show. But I also think you're right in that it IS kind of hard to understand. If you're really invested, I'd recommend a second watch with subtitles, and if not, I'd say that's very fair. Your dislike of the show has many legs to stand on. Like a spider! But likewise, the hype is pretty justified.

You're right if you don't get it and also right if you do, essentially