In the gripping third installment of Arcane's second season, titled "Finally Got the Name Right," the intertwined narratives of Piltover and Zaun converge into a tangled web of conflict and revelation. Caitlyn (Katie Leung) grapples with a maelstrom of inner conflict, while a enigmatic new force emerges, casting an ominous pallor over the unfolding events.
The episode unfolds with a nostalgic flashback to Caitlyn at the Kiramman archive device, her mother's soothing voice guiding her through the intricate plans of Zaun's ventilation system. This elaborate network, designed to expel harmful emissions from Piltover's factories into the treacherous Fissures, evolves into the cornerstone of Caitlyn's audacious scheme to smoke out Jinx (Ella Purnell). Her strike team stealthily infiltrates Zaun, turning the ventilation system against Jinx by flooding the Undercity with The Grey, sparking panic in its labyrinthine alleys.
The strike team's daring incursion into Zaun greets them with a macabre spectacle. They find themselves ensnared in a vast, cavernous expanse where Heenot (Mick Wingert) is grotesquely tethered to a propeller blade. As they hastily liberate him, their eyes are drawn to a harrowing sight: eerie doll effigies of themselves dangling ominously from the ceiling, signaling the commencement of a perilous game of cat and mouse with Jinx, who harbors sinister designs within the labyrinthine pipeworks.
On her battleship, Ambessa (Ellen Thomas) hosts Amara (Salli Saffioti), whose arrival is shrouded in dark intent. Amara, a clandestine member of the Black Rose, wields her magic to immobilize Ambessa and her guard, unveiling a black rose—a chilling emblem of her allegiance. The confrontation culminates in Ambessa dispatching Amara, but not before unraveling the Black Rose's true motives in Piltover.
Within the labyrinthine pipeworks, Vi (Hailee Steinfeld) and Caitlyn share a fleeting, tender moment, their kiss serving as a poignant oasis of tranquility amidst the tempest. However, their nascent unity is swiftly shattered as Caitlyn's relentless pursuit of Jinx at any expense creates an insurmountable rift between them. When Caitlyn harshly accuses Vi of being kindred spirits with Jinx, it is a poignant moment of stark truth and betrayal that tears at their souls.
Salo, portrayed with relish by Josh Keaton, succumbs to the allure of Shimmer, blissfully unaware of the intricate schemes unfolding around him. Ambessa arrives to confront his self-indulgence, chastising him while unveiling an audacious plot to elevate him to the position of the city's authority, with her as the puppeteer pulling the strings. This intricate web becomes further entangled with the entrance of Amara and the shadowy Black Rose.
Meanwhile, Jayce (Kevin Alejandro), Ekko (Reed Shannon), and Heimerdinger (Mick Wingert) delve into the HexGates' failsafe chamber, uncovering ominous signs of Arcane contamination. As they find themselves ensnared by a sphere of pulsating Arcane energy, Jayce's hammer reacts with a ferocity that hints at the untamed power lurking within the Arcane.
Elsewhere, Vi and Caitlyn stumble upon a shrine adorned with murals painted by Jinx, depicting her turbulent past with Vi and Vander. The confrontation between Vi and Jinx ignites into a fierce clash, with Caitlyn aiming to fire at Jinx. However, Jinx's mocking taunts and the sudden appearance of Isha, a child caught in the perilous crossfire, complicate the already tense situation, culminating in a catastrophic explosion orchestrated by the ruthless Sevika.
The shrine's explosion unleashes a powerful gust of wind, carrying Jinx's signature powder across Piltover, sparking widespread destruction and chaos. In the aftermath, Mel and Elora prepare to act, but Elora is abruptly assaulted by the Black Rose, while Mel falls prey to their sinister magic. In Piltover, Ambessa proposes martial law and nominates Caitlyn as the leader to quell the emerging threat. Torn between her sworn duty and her personal vendetta against Jinx, Caitlyn faces a daunting dilemma.
The episode concludes with a chilling stinger scene, revealing Singed (Brett Tucker) engrossed in dark and foreboding experiments, hinting at the monstrous creations soon to emerge. "Finally Got the Name Right" stands as a masterpiece of storytelling, skillfully intertwining personal dramas with expansive conflicts. It expertly balances thrilling action, profound character development, and intricate world-building, leaving viewers eagerly anticipating the next chapter in Arcane's sophomore season.
