Arcane season 2: did you really understand episode 7?

Since its very first episode, Arcane has always focused on the alchemy between two characters with particularly moving destinies: sisters Vi and Jinx. However, on the occasion of its grand finale, one of the best Netflix series imposed an astonishing duo, but which works perfectly, during episode 7 of season 2. An exceptional chapter, which offered us a welcome breath, in the heart of this particularly oppressive universe. Have you really understood the story that this unique episode tells us, which has already had a profound impact on fans?

Warning, the rest of this article contains spoilers for the end of season 2 ofArcane.

A budding love, really?

Ekko and Powder: this is a surprising association, which we did not necessarily see coming in Arcane. However, the Fortiche studio took us by surprise, by offering us an entire episode dedicated to their heartbreaking relationship, in a parallel universe. In episode 7, Ekko is then a prisoner of Hextech, along with Heimerdinger. This is where he will explore an alternate reality, in which Vi died in her youth and Powder therefore never became Jinx. Relations between the lower town of Zaun and the heights of Piltover are even in good shape, allowing the whole world to live in harmony.

At the heart of this utopia, Ekko and Powder will then form deep bonds, which culminate during a sublime dance sequence, to the song My Best Enemy of Apple and Stromae. Did you interpret the whole of episode 7 as the story of their budding love? You are not alone, since the author of these lines also experienced this feeling. However, several fan theories prove that we are wrong and that we have clearly missed the real meaning of this idyllic interlude.

“Pretend it’s the first time”

In a thread published by Decy on As soon as the young man wakes up in this unknown universe, Vi's sister is very tactile with him. Of course, this character has never feared physical contact. Nevertheless, she seems very comfortable with him, enough to put her head on his shoulder, look at him lovingly or take his hand without hesitation.

Certain details in the settings also tell us about their relationship, which is clearly already well established. In the different designs imagined by Ekko and Powder, little hearts are hidden, while flowers bearing the inscription “I Love You” can be seen in the background. Finally, when they finally kiss, right after the dance scene, Powder comes across as surprisingly confident as she leans toward him, as if this isn't the first time their lips have met.

Ekko confirms this: after dodging Powder's first attempt at rapprochement, he finally asks her if they can “pretend it’s the first time”before ending up kissing. This quote, which gives its name to the episode, can thus be interpreted in different ways. Ekko seems particularly stressed, as if this first kiss with Powder represented his first kiss at all.

However, these few words may also confirm what many fans suspect: the two characters ofArcane already had a solid relationship, long before the alternate Ekko arrived in this reality. This theory completely changes the meaning of this episode 7, which we will continue to cherish forever, regardless of its meaning.