What Happened in Arcane Season 2: Episode 5 “Blisters and Bedrock” – Episode Overview

Since November 16, Netflix has released the three episodes of the second act of Arcane’s second season. The story of sisters Jinx and Vi continues to unfold, while the series shifts focus to other key characters such as Mel Medarda, Jayce, Viktor, and Ambessa Medarda.

The second episode of Act 2 and the fifth episode of Arcane Season 2, “Blisters and Bedrock,” is one of the most emotional in the entire series. If you want to know what happened in Episode 5 of Arcane Season 2, read on!

Disclaimer: This article contains spoilers for Arcane Season 2, Episode 5, “Blisters and Bedrock.” If you want to experience the artistry of Fortiche and Riot firsthand, it’s best to watch the series before reading further. Otherwise, proceed at your own risk!

Arcane Season 2 Episode 5 "Blisters And Bedrock" Highlights

The fifth episode begins with a gripping underground fighting pit scene, where Vi, now sporting a new look devoid of her usual pink hues, defeats opponent after opponent. She appears to have gone to a dark place, drowning in alcohol and subjecting herself to unrelenting fights without rules. This self-destructive behavior stems from her falling-out with Caitlyn in Episode 3, “Finally Got the Name Right.”

Shortly after, Vi encounters Jinx. This time, Jinx is far more resolute, convincing Vi that Wander is alive and needs their help.

After the opening sequence, the story shifts to the Steel Water prison, the site of the massacre from Arcane S2 Episode 4 “Paint the Town Blue.” Ambessa Medarda is still alive. Caitlyn and the Matriarch of War interrogate Singed to uncover Warwick’s whereabouts and Jinx’s connection to him.

Meanwhile, Mel Medarda reappears for the first time since Episode 3 “Finally Got the Name Right.” She is imprisoned by the Black Rose order, suffering from hallucinations and nightmares induced by their magic. Sharing her “cell” is her long-lost brother, Kino, previously believed to be dead.

At the same time, Jinx, Vi, and Isha embark on a mission to find Wander. On their journey to his lair, tensions rise between Vi and Jinx, culminating in a physical altercation. Jinx eventually convinces Vi that helping Wander will require their combined effort because he’s their father figure.

Elsewhere, Ambessa Medarda offers Singed a deal: serve the Matriarch of War, or face a fate far worse than a lifetime in Caitlyn’s dungeons.

Kino reveals to Mel that their mother, Ambessa, had an affair, resulting in a child with unique abilities. Kino claims this is why the Black Rose is targeting their family. Meanwhile, Ambessa and Singed are seen in his lab, where Caitlyn uncovers the secret of the former royal alchemist. All of Singed’s inhumane experiments, including the creation of Chemtech monsters, were conducted to “save” his deceased daughter. It is revealed that Singed’s ultimate goal is to conquer death itself.

Mel realizes that her brother Kino is not who he seems, but a manifestation of the Black Rose’s machinations. She attempts to resist but ultimately succumbs to their control, awakening latent powers within herself.

The Climax

Jinx and Vi finally discover Wander’s hideout, where they come across an old message he left for Silco. In the message, Wander requests that Silco find him at a location cryptically referred to as Blisters and Bedrock. The sisters head there, only to find Wander, now completely transformed into a monster.

Vi refuses to believe that this creature is the father figure they once knew. She confronts him, but Wander's monstrous nature overwhelms her. Through a flashback, we learn about Wander’s connection to Silco, and sisters mother. Blisters and Bedrock is revealed to be not a place but a symbol of the ideals Wander and Silco once shared for a brighter future in Zaun.

In the flashback’s aftermath, Wander overcomes the beast within, emotionally and physically reconnects with his family – Vi and Jinx. They hugging and crying all together.

Episode 5 Ending

The episode concludes with Jayce at the Hextech Gate, where he encounters Salo, healed by Viktor’s intervention. Jayce is visibly changed, his body scarred and damaged by Arcane’s influence. Viktor, now able to communicate through what seems to be telekinesis or Arcane magic, reveals that he has gifted Hextech to humanity. This revelation leads to a confrontation between the former friends.

Jayce, despite his hesitations, kills Salo and moves to confront Viktor.

Arcane S2 Episode 5 "Blisters And Bedrock" Explained

Episode 5, “Blisters and Bedrock,” is the most emotional episode of the Arcane Season 2, showcasing the reunion of Vi, Jinx, and Wander, who, despite losing his human form, rediscovered his humanity. However, a happy ending seems unlikely for this family.

Meanwhile, other character arcs – Jayce, Viktor, Mel, and Singed – are further developed. These storylines expand the lore of the universe, introducing elements like Singed’s daughter (known to League of Legends players as Orianna) and teasing the leader of the Black Rose, LeBlanc, whose voice is heard during Mel’s imprisonment.

What’s Next in Arcane Season 2?

The upcoming sixth episode will serve as the finale of Act 2, setting the stage for the climactic events of Act 3. The focus appears to be shifting from Jinx and Vi to other storylines, such as the Black Rose’s schemes and the consequences of Viktor’s Arcane experiments.

The second act of Arcane Season 2 is now available on Netflix.