Exploring the Connection Between Arcane Season 2 and The Last of Us Part 2

Key Insights on Vengeance and Violence in Arcane and The Last of Us Part 2

Themes of revenge and the cyclical nature of violence underpin both Arcane and The Last of Us Part 2.
Both Ellie and Caitlyn are motivated by the loss of a parent, driving their quests for revenge.
Both narratives suggest that the cycle of violence can only be broken by the conscious choice to walk away.

Arcane: League of Legends has carved a niche for itself over two seasons by delving into themes such as sacrifice, socioeconomic divides, trauma, and love. Among its intricate narratives lies a significant parallel to the compelling story found in The Last of Us Part 2.

At first glance, Arcane’s vibrant animated representation of Riot’s fantastical universe contrasts sharply with the dark, post-apocalyptic world depicted in The Last of Us Part 2, where fungal zombies reign. However, a deeper analysis reveals shared themes and character journeys that intertwine these stories.

Caitlyn and Ellie: Parallel Paths of Revenge

Spoilers for The Last of Us Part 2 and Arcane Season 2 follow.

A prominent theme shared between Arcane Season 2 and The Last of Us Part 2 is the pursuit of vengeance. Caitlyn’s motivation stems from the death of her mother at the hands of Jinx, who launched a missile at the Piltover council. As of the first few episodes of Arcane Season 2, Caitlyn’s relentless quest for revenge overshadows her relationships, including her bond with Vi, as she rises to become Piltover’s Commander—using her title to impose martial law in her search for Jinx.

Conversely, Ellie’s journey in The Last of Us Part 2 begins with witnessing the murder of her father figure, Joel, by Abby. This fuels Ellie’s determination to track down Abby in Seattle, leading her down a brutal path where she avenges by eliminating those connected to Abby. Both Caitlyn and Ellie are initially characterized by their optimism for the future, yet the trauma of parental loss transforms their outlook and drives them into a spiral of revenge.

The Cycle of Violence Explored

The exploration of the cycle of violence forms the backbone of The Last of Us Part 2. Ellie’s quest of revenge directly links back to Joel’s murder, setting off a chain reaction started by Joel’s prior actions against Abby’s father. In Arcane, Caitlyn’s journey similarly begins with her mother’s death at Jinx’s hands, which in turn is tied to Silco’s demise initiated from events involving Piltover. The narratives highlight an interconnected web of violence, showcasing the despair of an unending cycle rooted in grief.

Confronting and Resolving the Urge for Revenge

Ultimately, both Arcane and The Last of Us Part 2 lead their protagonists toward a pivotal resolution regarding the cycle of violence. Ellie embarks on a path of destruction, targeting Abby and her inner circle, only to face a moment of clarity when Abby decides against killing her, marking a significant shift against the cycle of retribution. In her final encounter with Abby, Ellie recognizes that killing Abby won’t restore Joel; it would merely perpetuate her role in a continuous cycle of loss and pain, prompting her to spare Abby’s life.

In parallel, Caitlyn’s epiphany arrives during her confrontation with Jinx. Despite her initial desire for revenge, Caitlyn realizes her relentless pursuit has led her to loathe herself. When given the opportunity for retribution, she chooses instead to seek understanding and accountability from Jinx, expressing that her thirst for vengeance has long been exhausted. Retreating from the path of revenge, Caitlyn and Ellie both uncover the wisdom that violence cannot resurrect the lost.

Jinx’s Insight on Breaking the Cycle

In a pivotal moment, Jinx directly addresses the cycle of killing through her dialogue with Silco, who states, “Killing is a cycle… it will continue long after the two of you.” Acknowledging that he believed he could escape the cycle through violence, Silco confesses it truly ends only when one decides to walk away. Jinx embodies this realization by opting out of the violent conflict, locking Vi away to protect her from coming after her and recognizing her own role in the cycle of violence. In a profound act of self-sacrifice, Jinx ultimately opts to save Vi and disconnect from both Piltover and Zaun.

In conclusion, both Arcane and The Last of Us Part 2 artfully portray the haunting nature of violence and revenge, stressing that such cycles continue unless one finds the inner strength to step back. The journeys and revelations of their protagonists serve as powerful narratives reminding viewers and players alike of the necessity of breaking free from such destructive patterns.

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