This has no right being as good as it is. I mean, it's based on a video game, since when did that ever result in anything better than passable? But despite that this is one of the best shows I've watched in a long time.
I just saw the first episode of the new adaptation of the Wheel of time, and disappointed with that one I looked for something else and just happened to se that this was getting good reviews. It quickly grew on me and I binged the entire season in one sitting.
Arcane does everything right that so many shows and movies get wrong these days. They respect all of their characters, making sure that you understand why they do what they do and makes you sympathize with them. They take just the right amount of time to draw you in to the story and world before having major plotpoints happen, so that you really feel the impact of them. They set up things well in advance and makes sure to give you a proper payoff, so nothing feels rushed or cheap.
And something that is oh so rare these days; they are not afraid to give all of their characters flaws and allowing them to fail, no matter their gender or how powerful they are supposed to be. This is a show with two female main characters that both can overpower anyone, and none of them feel like they haven't earned it. And not once do they feel the need to belittle men to show how cool they are. Pay attention, creators of other shows, this is how you write powerful characters, regardless of gender, that your audience can feel invested in.
A special mention has to be given to the animators. Kudos to you for being able to make characters that can communicate both strong and subtle feelings clearer than most real actors are capable of. And also kudos to the choice of voice actors and music, both are top notch.
All in all a very enjoyable show that gives me a glimmer of hope for future entertainment, looking forward to season 2.
