Arcane: Caitlyn’s And Violet’s Colors Hint At Future Relationship Challenges

Ever since Violet (Hailee Steinfeld) and Caitlyn (Katie Leung) were introduced to each other, the Arcane fandom has been wondering what the future of their relationship holds – and the color symbolism in the show hints towards both potential romance and potential conflict on the horizon. Arcane has already been lauded for its positive representation of a diverse cast, and its knack for immersive storytelling. As viewers wait with bated breath to see where the relationship between Vi and Caitlyn goes in Arcane season 2, there are some hints offered by season 1 that give some insight into just that question.

Arcane is a three-act prequel set before League of Legends, the video game on which it is based. The show is abundant with dichotomous characters, ones that can often be separated according to their morals, ambitions, and goals. As Violet (Vi) says to Caitlyn in season 1, episode 8, the two are a prime example of this, as human equivalents of “oil and water.”

The animation in Arcane is incredibly distinct from other anime shows and so it is not unreasonable to think that the artistic choices the creators made were purposeful. Vi, with her fiery red and angular appearance, set against Caitlyn’s softer blue aesthetic, not only suggests that Arcane is setting up the two for an “opposites attract” bond, but also that this very same dynamic could be what challenges their relationship most down the line. Vi’s own metaphor comparing the two is evidence alone of that, as oil and water themselves cannot mix properly, suggesting the pair’s differences may remain a constant barrier between them.

From the moment the two women meet, it is clear that the experiences they come to the table with are very different. Yet very quickly, Vi and Caitlyn realize that while they bring various strengths (and weaknesses) into play, they are wise to work with one another in this video game adaptation. Red and blue manifests itself in a variety of ways throughout the season. One significant moment in which the colors clash is during Caitlyn’s shower scene in season 1, episode 8, when blood can be seen mixing with water as she has a flashback to the moment in which Vi walked away from her. Earlier in the season, Caitlyn was also seen mopping up some of the blood on Vi’s face. Blood and water could be referencing the red and blue associated with Vi and Caitlyn respectively. The mixing of the two is symbolic of the fact that the two are intertwined, while also a reminder of just how different the pair are at the same time, and how different their respective worlds and lives have been.

An important part of Arcane’s commitment to positive LGBTQ+ representation is that the relationship between Vi and Caitlyn is being given time and sensitivity to grow organically, as it is clear the two are bound to have challenges that they will need to overcome. While these challenges may delay the gratification of seeing these two come together, working through their differences may ultimately make them stronger. While many shows and movies treat LGBTQ+ relationships like an afterthought, devoid of the nuances they deserve, it is refreshing to see a different approach taken here.

Given the growing tension between the two characters in Arcane, it could easily be surmised that a romance between Vi and Caitlyn is on the horizon. It would be unrealistic to suggest that the two could quickly fall in love without any conflict, given their very different personalities. While their relationship at the end of season 1 has been dampened, there’s a very real chance that it may be reignited in Arcane season 2.

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