Arcane Season 2 episode highlights Ekko's emotional journey in alternate reality

The seventh episode of Arcane's second season, titled "Pretend Like It’s the First Time," has been highlighted as the strongest of the series. It features Ekko in an alternate reality where he confronts choices about his hometown and his relationship with Powder. In this episode, Ekko experiences a thriving Zaun and a different life with Powder, who never became the antagonist Jinx. He ultimately chooses to return to his original world, emphasizing themes of sacrifice and friendship. The episode has drawn comparisons to the game Life Is Strange, particularly in its exploration of time manipulation and emotional decisions. It has also boosted the popularity of the song featured during a key scene, making it a top hit on Spotify.