In Arcane, the romantic dynamics between the sisters Jinx and Vi have captivated fans, with the pairing of Jinx and Ekko—known as the “Timebomb” duo—garnering more support than Vi and Caitlyn’s “Caitvi” pairing. In an official fan poll, Timebomb led by a striking margin of 78% to 17% over Caitvi.
Beyond their nearly unrealistic romantic moment in Season 2, Episode 7’s alternate timeline, Ekko’s pivotal moment in Episode 9, where he successfully stops Jinx from committing suicide, seemed to hint at future developments in their story. Yet, nothing followed, leaving many supporters frustrated.
I personally enjoy the dynamic between Jinx and Ekko. Their interaction broadens Ekko’s perspective, allowing him to envision a better Zaun and future possibilities. However, in the real timeline, I prefer that their relationship doesn’t progress further. This isn’t because I dislike their potential romance, but because Jinx’s struggles in this timeline aren’t something that a romantic relationship with Ekko could resolve.
．Jinx’s Inner World and Motivation
Ekko’s attempt to stop Jinx from ending her life clearly illustrates that her driving force has never been external love or care, but rather her own internal struggle for self-acceptance and fulfillment.
The first time Ekko said, “I want to talk to you,” he failed because his desires were irrelevant to Jinx; she didn’t even pause for a second.
The second time, he added “Jinx” at the end, making it personally relevant, slightly delaying her, but still not stopping her from detonating the bomb.
The third time, despite Ekko appearing bloodied, it still didn’t matter to Jinx—she detonated the bomb without hesitation.
The fourth time, Ekko admitted, “I can’t keep up anymore,” piquing Jinx’s curiosity. She waited until Ekko finished explaining that he wanted to stop an old friend from killing everyone. Yet, once her curiosity was satisfied, she still acted on her original plan, choosing a method that wouldn’t harm Ekko, though she didn’t realize it would emotionally devastate him.
The fifth time, Ekko finally understood how to reach Jinx—by telling a story. He repeated words from his favorite girl in another timeline: “Let the past be the past. Don’t dwell on it. It’s never too late to start over. There’s always someone worth doing it for.” This moment shook Jinx. The turning point wasn’t the words themselves but seeing her own monkey symbol carved on Ekko’s weapon, sparking her curiosity.
From Vi’s earlier description of Jinx, we know Jinx is an inquisitive person. Now, faced with something directly tied to her, she needed to stay and understand it.
．From “Powder” to “Jinx”
For Jinx, the conflict between Piltover and Zaun means little. The Season 1 council bombing was purely driven by Silco’s acceptance of her as “perfect,” pushing her to fulfill his vision. Similarly, her decision to save Piltover with Ekko in Season 2 was simply because Vi finally acknowledged she could never abandon her. Jinx followed Vi’s lead.
The only two moments where Jinx acted purely on her own will—free from the desire for validation—were in Season 1, Episode 1, and at the end of Season 2, Episode 9.
In the first episode, when Vi kneeled on Progress Day Bridge, grieving their parents’ deaths, it was Powder (young Jinx) who hugged and comforted her. But the next time Powder appeared, she was the little sister Vi had to physically protect. Despite bringing Powder along on dangerous missions, Vi didn’t trust Powder’s capabilities—Vi trusted herself to protect her. That’s why Vi dared to bring Powder on a well-planned theft but excluded her during the uncertain mission to rescue Vander.
After transforming into Jinx, her combat abilities flourished. Free from Vi’s head-on fighting style, Jinx developed her own formidable combat techniques, becoming feared by both Piltover and Zaun. Yet, her constant imitation of Vi’s actions—mirroring her in fights and seeking approval—reveals she still evaluated herself by Vi’s standards, trapped in her sister’s shadow.
It wasn’t until the final battle in Season 2, Episode 9—after failing to defeat the werewolf-like Vander—that Vi broke down, becoming the helpless girl she once was. Only then did Jinx finally get the chance to step up, acting not for recognition but purely to protect Vi, returning to who she truly was. Jinx even knew Vi’s greatest fear was being abandoned, so when she faked her death with Vander, she reassured Vi that she had always been there.
．In Another World, There’s You and Me—But in This World, I’m Just Starting to Become Myself
Jinx has always been deeply perceptive of those around her. She knew:
Vi’s protection of her was laced with condescension toward her abilities. Vi’s affection had shifted toward Caitlyn, making Jinx feel deeply insecure, driving her to eliminate Caitlyn. Vi was searching for “Powder,” not “Jinx.” Vi could never truly abandon her, which is why Jinx ultimately chose to board the airship—for Vi and for herself.
Jinx returning to her roots—leaving Vi to become her own person—is a powerful, moving resolution. Her character arc is complete. Now, she embarks on her own journey, leaving Zaun to explore the world and fulfill her childhood dreams. Meanwhile, Ekko returns with visions of a better future for Zaun from another timeline.
Love is not a redemption story where a boy, after overcoming hardship, is guaranteed the girl. Real love is built on mutual understanding, respect, and support—not on nostalgia or unresolved emotions. In this timeline, Jinx and Ekko haven’t even spent enough meaningful time together to build a foundation, as they each have their own battles to fight.
The ending of Timebomb’s separation truly reflects the characters’ growth. Whether Jinx and Ekko will ever “dance” again in this timeline remains to be seen, leaving fans hoping the League of Legends universe will eventually explore and expand upon their story.
