Season 2, Episode 8, titled “Killing Is a Cycle” of the Netflix series, Arcane, is directed by Arnaud Delord and Bart Maunoury, with writing by Alex Yee and Amanda Overton. Almost every major story—whether fiction, fantasy, or science fiction—builds toward a climactic final battle. Arcane’s is just beginning.
The central theme of this episode is the concept of crossing a line—the boundaries of morality, peace, and humanity that define what it means to do right by oneself and others. These lines serve as a moral compass, reminding individuals of the difference between right and wrong. However, people often cross these boundaries in pursuit of personal goals, heedless of the cost to others. This theme resonates deeply with the actions of Viktor and Ambessa.
Viktor and Ambessa embody the theme of crossing moral lines, each driven by ambition and personal goals. Viktor, in his quest to heal the poor and sick, places unwavering faith in the Arcane’s power, using the Hexcore to grant peace at the cost of individuality and free will, turning his “healed” into mindless drones. Meanwhile, Ambessa’s pride and thirst for vengeance against the Black Rose lead her to endanger her family and countless others, refusing multiple chances to end the feud peacefully. Both characters demonstrate how noble intentions or personal grudges, when unchecked, can lead to devastating consequences.
LeBlanc’s Temptation
Mel (Toks Olagundoye) unleashes her Solari powers, emitting a radiant light strong enough to shatter the dark chains binding her. LeBlanc (Minnie Driver), the enigmatic leader of the Black Rose, observes with fascination, recognizing Mel as a sorceress, much like herself. Intrigued, LeBlanc reveals a painful truth: she had given Ambessa (Ellen Thomas), Mel’s mother, numerous opportunities to atone for her transgressions against the Black Rose. However, Ambessa’s unyielding pride outweighed her love for her children.
LeBlanc further explains that Ambessa “betrayed” Kino, sacrificing him to protect Mel, who Ambessa saw as a powerful weapon to wield against the Black Rose. Faced with this revelation, Mel begins to question her loyalty to her mother. LeBlanc exploits this doubt, persuading Mel to consider turning Ambessa over to the Black Rose, positioning it as the only way to end the cycle of pain and betrayal.
The Deal with the Devil
In the ruins of Viktor’s commune, Ambessa (Ellen Thomas) and Singed (Brett Tucker) revive Viktor (Harry Lloyd), who emerges more radical than ever after his first death at the hands of Jayce (Kevin Alejandro). Now fully embracing his identity as the Machine Herald, Viktor strikes a deal: he will aid Singed in reviving his daughter and support Ambessa’s ambitions to destroy the Black Rose, but in return, they must grant him access to the Hex Vault. There, Viktor intends to spread his influence, infecting countless people to realize his vision of a “Glorious Evolution”—a utopia where humanity functions as a unified collective, devoid of individuality.
To fulfill his promise and consolidate power, Viktor raises his deceased followers as androids, turning them into an army of relentless enforcers. These soulless creations are tasked with neutralizing all who stand in their way, including Vi (Hailee Steinfeld), Caitlyn (Katie Leung), Mel (Toks Olagundoye), Jayce, and others. As Viktor’s plans unfold, the fight for Piltover and Zaun becomes a desperate battle to prevent the total eradication of free will and individuality under his cold, mechanical vision.
The Two Sisters
Jinx (Ella Purnell), burdened by guilt over Isha’s death, voluntarily turns herself to Piltover. While in custody, she is confronted by an illusion of Silco (Jason Spisak), a manifestation of her fractured psyche. This version of Silco represents a part of Jinx seeking redemption and a second chance. “Silco” reminds her that killing is a cycle, one that existed long before the conflict between Piltover and Zaun. He urges her to break free from the violence and find peace, a life away from the chaos she has known.
Later, Vi (Hailee Steinfeld) visits Jinx in her prison cell, determined to reconcile with her sister and help her find a path to redemption. However, Jinx rejects the idea of a second chance, feeling irredeemable. In a desperate act, she escapes her cell, locking Vi inside, and announces her intention to end her own life.
Vi is left devastated, falling into another depressive spiral. Caitlyn (Katie Leung), seeing her friend’s anguish, offers her support and encourages Vi to channel her pain into action. She reminds Vi that they still have a chance to make a difference and need her strength to stop Viktor and Ambessa’s looming threat. This moment becomes a turning point for Vi, as she wrestles with her emotions and begins to reclaim her resolve.
Preparing for War
Mel (Toks Olagundoye) visits her mother, Ambessa (Ellen Thomas), in a final attempt to persuade her to abandon her crusade against the Black Rose. Despite Mel’s heartfelt plea, Ambessa remains resolute, driven by her thirst for vengeance against the organization that took so much from her, including her son, Kino.
With her mind made up, Ambessa begins mobilizing her Noxian army for an all-out assault on Piltover. Singed (Brett Tucker) prepares Warwick, his monstrous creation, as a key weapon, while Viktor (Harry Lloyd) readies his android army, powered by the Hexcore, to aid in the invasion. Their combined forces are set to storm Piltover, aiming to seize control of the Hex Vault and cement their dominance.
Meanwhile, Jayce (Kevin Alejandro) rallies a coalition of Piltoverans and Zaunites willing to stand against the invaders. Despite their differences, the two factions find common ground in their shared desire to protect their city and resist the impending attack, setting the stage for an epic and decisive confrontation.
Rating: 9/10