Netflix’s Arcane: One Great Quote from Every Single Episode

Between gorgeous art, complex characters, and incredible animation, what doesn’t Arcane have? Honestly, the answer is nothing. Because on top of all the aforementioned attributes, the groundbreaking animated series features an absolutely killer script. And I don’t just mean the episodic writing, or overarching story beats. Like each frame, the dialogue is carefully crafted to convey all the emotion and complication that comes with this League of Legends video game spinoff.

I mean, the writers know the screenplay is that good. They named the episodes after the lines in the show. But it’s not like they penned a stunning one-liner and washed their hands of it. Every single episode features breathtaking dialogue from start to finish. So let’s round up the 10 best quotes from Netflix’s Arcane season 1 that aren’t the titles — or lyrics from the superb needle drops. Those are excellent, but we shouldn’t forget the rest!

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“We’ve all had bad days. But we learn. And we stick together.” – Vi

Welcome to the Playground

Vi and Powder’s relationship is the core of the entire show. The pilot episode certainly sets a tone for the ensuing tragedy, because all we see is a wholesome relationship between sisters who care deeply for each other. In this scene, Vi comforts Powder for messing up a job. Believing steadfastly in her little sis, Violet explains that everyone makes mistakes. What matters is that you do better later, and that you have people to support you on that journey.

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“Do I look afraid?” – Vander

“No. You look weak.” – Sevika

Some Mysteries Are Better Left Unsolved

Arcane‘s major inciting incident is a devastating battle between the Undercity — later called Zaun — and Piltover proper. As shown in episode 1, Vander lays down his gauntlets to care for Violet and Powder instead when they are orphaned during the fight. So when Enforcers once again threaten the Undercity, people go to Vander for advice and leadership. In a powerful move, Vander calmly explains that he isn’t afraid. But Sevika criticizes Vander’s pacifism in the face of a brutal police presence that has only ever ruined his life.

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“You’d die for the cause, but you won’t fight for one?” – Silco

The Base Violence Necessary for Change

Although they were once incredibly close, Vander and Silco’s opposing ideologies created a rift between the two. Silco was willing to achieve Zaun’s independence by any means necessary, including violence. After watching his friends die, Vander couldn’t stomach armed rebellion. In the end, Vander offers to die to save the people he loves, and Silco can’t stand it. He calls out Vander’s lack of conviction. After all, dying is easy — living and changing the world are harder. Sacrificing himself doesn’t even make Vander much of a martyr, either. That’s the hard and painful truth of it.

I have to give an honorable mention to another Silco quote from episode 3. His opening monologue about drowning is phenomenal. Written, performed, and executed beautifully, it is one of the main reasons I go back to watch “The Base Violence Necessary for Change” over and over and over again.

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“Holy sprockets!” – Professor Heimerdinger

Happy Progress Day!

There are lots of excellent quotes in this episode, which focuses on Piltover’s Progress Day. But we have to give a special shout out to the councilman. At an impressive 307 years old, our favorite eccentric old man has quite a way with words. And of course, many of them are beautiful and wise. But many of them are also these adorable exclamations, as equally energetic and antique as Professor Heimerdinger himself.

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“My father put hammers in the hands of the people and they built this magnificent city. Imagine the wonders they could create if we put magic in their hands.” – Jayce Talis

Everybody Wants to Be My Enemy

Jayce Talis’ optimism is refreshing in a world full of cynics. He’s also still connected to the ordinary people, not yet corrupted by the status of being on the council or being one of Piltover’s golden rich kids. Born in a lesser House, Jayce knows what it’s like to work for your accomplishments. Jayce also wants to share his achievements with the world to help. This quote perfectly exemplifies his motivation. It also makes it that much more heartbreaking for fans who know what comes next. Dramatic irony is only fun for people who like to suffer, really.

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“I just wanted … to feel what it was like to be somebody. To make other people afraid. Instead of…” – Huck

When These Walls Come Tumbling Down

Shimmer is a tricky substance in Arcane. Used to heal and hurt, soothe and control, strengthen and weaken, Shimmer is easily abused. Because Shimer can be used to enhance your abilities or cure ailments, it is extremely sought after … and also volatile and addictive. When Caitlyn barters for it in Zaun, she’s using it for its medicinal purposes. Unfortunately, Huck suffers from substance abuse, letting his mind, morals, and body rot for a single injection or taste. The above quote is a heartbreaking and lucid glimpse into the rationalization of a man too far gone.

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“If a single seed could make it down here, so could we.” – Ekko

The Boy Savior

Ekko, in my humble opinion, is a standout character in the entire series. When faced with the option to leave his agonizing world for a happier one, he chooses to instead return and fight for his people. But I’m getting ahead of myself. In season 1, Ekko is the leader of an underground group called the Firelights. Rebels and misfits, they come together to create a peaceful community. At the center of it all is an ancient tree, growing even in the most dire conditions. Ekko helps both the tree and his people prosper with relentless courage and hope.

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“But mark me, child, if you want to last in this world, you must learn to be both the fox and the wolf.” – Ambessa Medarda

Oil and Water

Let’s not mince words. Ambessa Medarda is a bloodthirsty warmonger. But she also tends to dish out some excellent advice. Speaking to her daughter, Mel, Ambessa emphasizes the way leaders need to adapt in order to retain power. You can’t just be the smooth talker and charmer — the fox — who can talk your way out of any bad situation. Like the wolf, you have to be ready to use your teeth and claws, doling out physical violence when it’s called for.

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“In the pursuit of great, we failed to do good.” – Viktor

The Monster You Created

Obviously, this is one of the most quoted lines in all 18 episodes. It’s even made it to block text T-shirts in your favorite goth store at the mall. Sounding as though its sprung from a famous philosophy book, this is Viktor’s tired and defeated declaration of failure and disappointment. As partners, Jayce and Viktor set out to improve the lives of Piltover and Zaun denizens alike. Instead, they furthered the divide and created something truly dangerous that became a weapon against those they wanted to help.

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 “I thought maybe you could love me like you used to. Even though I’m … different. But you changed, too.” – Jinx

The Monster You Created

Look, you can’t expect me to pick only one quote from that explosive finale. And I’d never forget or forsake Jinx! Jinx’s devastating realization that her and her sister’s paths have diverged too much is a pivotal moment. After accepting that she is no longer Powder, Jinx essentially gives up on herself and Vi. The darkness creeps back in despite Vi’s best attempts to hold it at bay. And, well. We all know what the consequence of Jinx’s overwhelmingly negative emotions is.

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What’s your favorite Arcane quote from season 1? Share your picks at side.show/geekgroup or in the Sideshow Social Network. And as always, don’t forget to Let Your Geek Sideshow!