Arcane Season 2, Act 3 has premiered on Netflix, featuring Episode 7 titled ‘Pretend Like It’s The First Time.’ This installment delves into alternate realities, showcasing the journeys of Ekko, Jayce, and Heimerdinger while confirming a significant theory from the League of Legends community.
During Season 2, Act 1, the trio faced an unexpected anomaly which brought about the most surreal moments in Arcane to date. Episode 2 raised many questions as Ekko and Heimerdinger were noticeably absent, leading fans to speculate on their fates.
Although Jayce returned, viewers were shocked as he dealt a fatal blow to Viktor with his Hextech hammer, an act that had dire consequences for his followers. But what incited this drastic decision?
Warning: Spoilers Ahead for Episode 7!
Ekko’s Groundbreaking Invention: The Z-Drive
Upon entering the anomaly, Ekko finds himself in a parallel universe where Zaun thrives, Vander is still alive, and Jinx has returned to her good nature. However, this alternate reality has its drawbacks: Vi has perished and Hextech technology is non-existent. As theorized, a sequence of events catalyzes Ekko’s creation of the renowned Z-Drive.
Initially, Ekko feels disoriented upon awakening in this new dimension. Jinx, who is referred to as Powder in this universe, and Vander chuckle at his confusion, assuming he’s merely lost track of time in his experiments.
Fortunately, Heimerdinger remains the same, carrying memories of his past endeavors and eagerly waiting for Ekko to join him. As Ekko connects the dots, he discovers that the tragic heist from Season 1 ultimately led to Vi’s death, allowing Vander, Jinx, Mylo, and Claggor to lead joyful lives in Zaun.
Determined to unlock the secrets of his surroundings, Ekko approaches the site of the explosion. He stumbles upon shards of Hextech embedded in the structure. With these remnants, he collaborates with Heim and Powder, embarking on a mission to develop Hextech technology.
During their experiments, Ekko manipulates Jayce’s acceleration rune, accidentally establishing a time loop, which he coins the Z-Drive. This innovation allows time to rewind by one second, and through persistent experimentation, Ekko discovers that he can extend this up to four seconds.
Understanding the Z-Drive
In the realm of League of Legends, Ekko’s core abilities are intricately linked to his Z-Drive, also known as the Zero-Drive, which has the pivotal function of manipulating time. This tool empowers him to revert moments from his past, though it’s limited to a maximum of four seconds.
The series adeptly interweaves LoL lore while furthering its narrative, bringing new dimensions to the characters and their relationships.
Characterized as a genius inventor, Ekko utilizes the Zero-Drive to navigate the myriad possibilities of reality, fashioning ideal moments to his advantage. While he relishes in this power, his loyalty towards friends runs deep, compelling him to act fiercely when danger approaches.
Ekko Takes His Journey Back
Although Ekko experiences bliss in this alternate universe—where he shares a deep bond with Powder and Zaun resembles Piltover—he feels an undeniable urge to return and save his original world. Heimerdinger manages to recreate the anomaly, but tragically sacrifices himself in the process. Farewell, Heimerdinger.
With the Hextech technology now stable, Powder rushes in to find that Ekko has essentially split; a version of him remains in this new reality while the beloved character we know still exists. Before departing, he shares a warm smile with Powder.
Armed with his Z-Drive, expectations run high for its future implications. In a poignant end to Episode 7, Jinx places the necklace that the current Ekko gifted her into a drawer, alongside the Hextech crystals she salvaged from the heist.
The fanbase has responded enthusiastically to these developments. One individual posted on Reddit, questioning, “So Powder kept the crystals! What are they hinting at by showing that? Could she potentially create Hextech in this universe?”
Another user remarked on the Z-Drive’s introduction, stating, “Time loop established. How far back will they allow Ekko to go? This is visually stunning.” A third added, “Oh wow, we see the origins of him becoming a time traveler.”
Fans can now catch all the latest episodes of Arcane Season 2 streaming on Netflix.
Leave a Reply