> [!INFO] Arcane > Creator(s): [[Alex Yee]], [[Christian Linke]] > Cast: > Last Watched: [[2025-01-05]] (Season 2); [[2025-01-04]] (Season 1); [[2024-12-18]] (Season 2); [[2024-11-24]] (Season 2); [[2024-02-11]] (Season 1) > Released: [[2021-11-06]] > URL: https://arcane.com # Act 1 > [!INFO] Tyler's Summary > Chaos erupts after Vi, Powder, Mylo, and Claggor accidentally blow up a building during a heist on Jayce's workshop. The resulting Enforcer presence in the Undercity creates a leadership rift between Vander and those who view his choices as weakness--a division exploited by his former friend, Silco, who introduces the stimulant Shimmer to gain power. In Piltover, Jayce faces a Council trial for his possession of dangerous and unapproved materials, but also his pursuit of the Arcane; though expelled, he partners with Viktor to continue his research. ## 1. Welcome to the Playground > [!INFO] Tyler's Summary > In a flashback, Vander takes in orphans Vi and Powder after their parents are killed in a fight with Piltover's Enforcers. Years later, Vi leads Powder, Mylo, and Claggor on a heist to rob a workshop in Piltover after getting a tip from Ekko. As a result of the heist, the workshop explodes and the Enforcers immediately start pursuing the kids. The kids escape, only to find themselves in a fight with a group of street thugs led by Deckard; Powder tosses most of their loot into a river after getting cornered by one of the thugs. The Enforcers Grayson and Marcus come to the Undercity looking for the kids. Vander struggles to maintain his peace agreement with Grayson while at the same time protecting the kids. ## 2. Some Mysteries Are Better Left Unsolved > [!INFO] Tyler's Summary > In a flashback, Jayce and his mother are rescued from a snowstorm by a mage. The mage leaves Jayce with a magical rune, inspiring Jayce to continue pursuing the Arcane in the future. Years later, Jayce is put on trial before the Piltover council after his workshop explodes for working with unauthorized and dangerous equipment. While the council expels Jayce from the Academy, Heimerdinger, Mel, and Cassandra help Jayce avoid the recommended consequence for such an event: banishment from the city. Afterwards, Heimerdinger's assistant, Viktor, reaches out to Jayce to encourage him to continue pursuing his research. In the Undercity, things are challenging as more Enforcers enter the city to find the children. The Enforcers pursue but fail to capture Vi, Powder, Mylo, and Claggor. After Vander refuses to fight the Enforcers, Sevika and other Undercity residents confront Vander, calling him weak. Silco tests a chemical called Shimmer on Deckard, turning him into an aggressive superhuman. Realizing the Enforcers won't stop without a prisoner, and also that fighting with the Enforcers won't end well, Vi decides to protect her family and friends by turning herself in. ## 3. The Base Violence Necessary for Change > [!INFO] Tyler's Summary > In a flashback, Silco recalls his experience of being betrayed by Vander and drowning in the river. Back in Piltover, Jayce and Viktor work together to figure out how to stabilize the Hextech. They break into Heimerdinger's lab with Mel's help, where they successfully demonstrate the ability to harness the Arcane through science. In the Undercity, Deckard kills Grayson and Benzo before Silco captures Vander. Vi, Mylo, and Claggor go on a rescue mission to free Vander. Vi tells Powder to stay behind, both for safety and to avoid compromising the mission. Upon reaching Vander, they realize they've fallen into Silco's trap, and Vi needs to fight off Silco's people while Mylo and Claggor try to free Vander and create an escape route. Desperate to help, Powder deploys a monkey bomb loaded with Hextech crystals. The bomb explodes--killing Mylo and Claggor, blowing Sevika's arm off, trapping Vi, and destroying much of Silco's factory. Vander consumes some of the factory Shimmer and jumps out of the factory with Vi--saving her life, but leading to his death. Powder and Vi fight about what happens, and Vi gives herself some space while she tries to process her grief. In this moment, Silco approaches Powder. Vi tries to help Powder, but Marcus takes her to prison--afraid that she would be killed if Silco found her. Silco ends up sympathizing with Powder, and takes her under his wing.