When there’s a pilot, it should be good. And I think that Arcane’s pilot is good enough.
It starts with a cold and yet blazing opening scene that really sells the show and what it’s about. You could feel the emotions of Vi and Powder through the screen. And then the music coupled with Vi’s angsty expression in the end? It’s honestly an amazing setup before the intro starts.
And then there's the first scene. It’s okay, but it really feels like it’s showing off the graphics a tad bit much. That and the parkour, it feels like a videogame cutscene for a small moment. Like, yeah, we get it, it’s some good shaders there; but still, why flex it. But... double still, you have to admit that Piltover’s quite impressive.
The kids spend the first twenty minutes or so on your average heist. It becomes like the pilot of your average, light TV-14 flick. Then, only halfway through does it get good. We see some thugs circle around them, and a fight ensues. Powder can only watch, and it’s fucking sad honestly.
The episode really delves deep into how these street kids are affected by living a life like this. It’s good. Also, the Undercity looks cool — I can see why they made a whole gritty punk song for this.
It’s pretty character-based, which I liked. It’s also kinda cliché (which I didn't like as much) but, that’s how kids like Vi and Powder see the world. Nevertheless, I love how they’re all developed. Mylo and Claggor are okay too, I guess.
Plus, Vander was alright. It immediately sets something good up with this family, between Vander, Vi and Powder. Vi's the glue, holding it all together. But she's just as well not, and she's struggling in this cruel world.
The very last scene was cliché as FUCK, though, but the cinematography (and villain quotes if you squint) were good enough so I’m not complaining.
Overall, solid 8/10 episode.