What Happened in Arcane Season 2: Episode 2 “Watch it All Burn” – Episode Overview

On November 9, Netflix released the next chapter of the 2021 animated series Arcane, produced by Riot Games, Fortiche Studio, and Netflix. Arcane 2 will wrap up the story of Jinx and Vi, as well as the conflict between Piltover and Zaun.

Alongside the family conflict between two sisters who are close but vastly different and the clash of lifestyles between Piltover and Zaun, Arcane’s second season also sets the stage for future stories in the world of Runeterra, such as the story of Noxus led by Ambessa Medarda. But for now, it’s time for Episode 2, “Watch it All Burn.” Before diving into this episode, you may want to check out our recap of the second Arcane season opener, episode “Heavy is the Crown”, where we cover key plot points and characters evolution.

Disclaimer: This article contains spoilers for Arcane Season 2, Episode 2, “Watch it All Burn.” If you’d like to experience the artistry of Fortiche and Riot firsthand, we recommend watching the series before reading further. Otherwise, proceed if you’re not afraid of spoilers!

What Happened in Arcane Season 2, Episode 2 “Watch it All Burn”

The episode begins with Jinx’s first appearance. She metaphorically "drowns," conversing with her “adoptive father” Silco, whom she killed in the first season.

After the new opening set to “Enemy” by Imagine Dragons featuring JID (check out all Arcane 2 soundtracks here), we see a flashback with Silco and other Zaun barons, some of whom have already fallen victim to internal power struggles. In the spotlight is Jinx, who inadvertently rescues an orphaned child from Zaun’s thugs. We learn here that Jinx is wanted in Zaun.

A scene follows with one of the Chem-Barons experiencing a hallucinogenic trip. His men are searching for something valuable but encounter something terrifying (Warwick?). We then move to a meeting of Zaun’s underworld figures, where Sevika (taking on a more prominent role since Season 1) calls on the Chem-Barons to unite after Silco’s death to tackle future challenges. One Chem-Baron proposes handing Jinx over to Piltover to avoid an all-out war with the Upper City. Although Sevika understands the logic, she refuses to “betray their own.”

Sevika then speaks with Jinx in Silco’s old office, and they form a “silent alliance.” Meanwhile, Viktor awakens in the Upper City, recovering from his coma. We see how Arcane has altered his body, with barely anything left of his former self. He hardly remembers who he is and feels little emotion, only sensing his “potential for evolution” and feeling resentment toward Jayce for saving him with the Hex Core without his consent. The former friends part ways.

The scene shifts to a Zaun rebel hideout, now also housing Piltover’s brilliant scientist-professor, Heimerdinger. Together with Ekko, they work to preserve a tree that serves as a home for many underground residents. They sneak into Jayce’s lab, where they meet, and the scientists study the Hex Core’s impact on the world. Viktor later wanders Zaun’s alleyways.

We also see a hide-and-seek scene with Vi, Caitlyn, and Jinx, as Vi and Caitlyn search Jinx’s lair. Jinx catches sight of her sister for the first time since Season 1, and it rattles her. Fleeing from Caitlyn’s squad, Jinx encounters Chem-Baron Smith’s thugs. Sevika comes to Jinx’s aid, dispatches Smith, and strikes him down to a remix of “Get Jinxed” from the 2013 music video.

Meanwhile, Viktor encounters mutated Zaunites who, now almost beastly, seek to kill him. Using his newfound Hex Core abilities, Viktor manages to heal them.

Episode 2 ends in a lab, where someone — likely Singed — is conducting an experiment.

What’s Next?

Whereas Arcane Season 2 Episode 1 introduced Piltover, Arcane Season 2’s “Watch it All Burn” focuses entirely on Zaun. Jinx and other underground residents try to “clean up” Silco’s legacy, while something terrifying (Warwick!) is stirring in the depths.

Stay tuned for Episode 3, “Finally Got The Name Right,” the final episode in Arcane S2’s premiere week lineup.