This made their gradual falling out especially heartbreaking, and the writers did a fantastic job of making me worry that Caitlyn and Vi would never fully resolve their problems before the end. Thankfully, this depressing turn of events throughout the middle of the season also makes it incredibly satisfying when things work out, giving this fan-favorite couple the ending we all wanted. I’m not exaggerating when I say that the way Vi’s story ends may be my favorite part of Arcane season 2, Act III, and her standing with Caitlyn only makes Arcane season 2’s ending even better.
Caitlyn & Vi Are Reunited In Arcane Season 2, Act 3
It was a long wait but well worth it
After Vi and Caitlyn teamed up again in Arcane season 2, Act II, I was eagerly anticipating what it would mean for their relationship. Of course, in typical Arcane fashion, the first episode of Act III instead follows Ekko and Heimerdinger’s exploits in an alternate timeline. This was certainly a big gamble, especially since most of us had no idea if season 2 was going to have enough time to wrap everything up in a satisfying manner. However, I think adding just a little more time for us to anticipate Vi and Caitlyn’s next reunion made a big difference.
“I know you’re sweet on her. Hope you got a chance to, you know…”
– Jinx ( Arcane season 2, episode 3 “Finally Got the Name Right)
Having them working together again but still keeping each other at a distance kept me guessing whether they would end up together. Their conversation in the cell was already beautiful, but even I was taken completely by surprise by just how passionate the scene got. I like that they briefly brought up Caitlyn’s time with Maddie Nolen (I was wondering if it would matter) only for Vi to not care. I have to give major props to the creative team for this incredibly satisfying payoff after having Vi and Caitlyn go back and forth for a season and a half.
Caitlyn’s Other Relationship Turns Sour
One of the most unexpected twists in the finale
Speaking of Maddie, I don’t think I’ve ever seen a character death that was so unexpectedly satisfying. Perhaps that sounds a bit harsh, but to be clear, I did like Maddie as a character and defended her. Sure, she was a bit eager to go along with Ambessa Medarda’s plans, but so were many other Enforcers, and that could be attributed to her being young and naive. Then she started seeing Caitlyn while Vi was gone, something I did not like at all, but I could at least appreciate that her scenes with Caitlyn were written, animated, and performed beautifully.
I actually felt bad for Maddie when Vi and Caitlyn got back together, and I figured there would be an inevitable awkward breakup. Then Maddie betrayed Caitlyn, revealed her loyalty to Ambessa, and tried to shoot Caitlyn in the head. After a good bit of audible surprise on my part, Maddie’s betrayal started to make more sense in hindsight, though I still have questions about when and why she joined Ambessa. Either way, Maddie getting killed by her own bullet after the ultimate act of betrayal was a fitting end to her character, even if I never saw it coming.
Vi & Cait Get The Happy Ending They Deserve
As happy as an ending can be in Arcane
Arcane‘s series finale is definitely bittersweet and tragic, but considering how things normally go in this show, Vi and Caitlyn got the happiest ending they could have expected. Like other fans, I do have some problems with the finale, mostly in the last few minutes. I think the episode could have used a little more time for character moments, resolving storylines, and showing how everyone reacted to the outcome. This has been the biggest criticism of season 2 overall, but even with this issue, I still love the ending, and Vi and Caitlyn are a big part of it.
However, instead of giving into despair again, Vi could smile and move on from her grief, standing by who she loves now .
Vi has suffered and lost nearly everyone she loved throughout the show, including in the last episode. However, instead of giving into despair again, Vi could smile and move on from her grief, standing by who she loves now. The final scene also hints that Caitlyn suspects Jinx survived and feels guilty for not telling Vi, but considering how Vi has found people only to lose them, I can’t blame Caitlyn for being cautious. Vi and Caitlyn’s final embrace is a beautiful moment that captures all the emotions present in Arcane, and I’m glad the show gave them this payoff.
All 3 acts of Arcane season 2 are now streaming on Netflix.
