The ending for Arcane may have been bloody and eye-watering, but League of Legends fans can’t hold back their excitement for one reason. One of the most popular ships in the LoL community — the Timebomb ship — has been confirmed to be canon, albeit with a catch. Still, fans can’t hold back from expressing their adoration for the couple and discussing Ekko and Jinx’s relationship online. So, if you are curious about the Timebomb ship in Arcane (or League of Legends), find out all about it below.
Spoiler Warning: This post includes heavy spoilers for Arcane Season 2, now out on Netflix.
Ekko and Jinx Relationship Explained
While fans were prepared to witness a war-torn Piltover in Season 2 Act 3, the first episode of the Act delivered something unexpected. It finally shed light on one of the most asked questions from the previous few weeks — where the heck is Ekko?
We finally learn the answer to that in Arcane Season 2 Episode 7, titled ‘Pretend Like It’s the First Time.’ We see Ekko dressed nicely in Benzo’s shop of surprises, alongside Powder, in an alternate timeline. Sadly, Vi is no longer alive in this timeline.
Later, we see Ekko and Powder working together, along with Professor Heimerdinger, on building the Hextech device that could send them back to his timeline. Once their little experiment is done, Ekko and Powder attend a party that night and can be seen dancing together, enjoying themselves in this timeline where Zaun is not at war with Piltover.
TIMEBOMB SHIPPERS WE WON pic.twitter.com/9jXydQZTe6— devyn ✩ arcane s2 spoilers (@visjuicymuscles) November 23, 2024
The couple then ends up on the roof of the Last Drop bar, where they can be seen talking and flirting with each other. Then, Powder (not Jinx) rests her head on Ekko’s shoulder, which then leads to the two sharing a gentle kiss. I mean, Ekko does interrupt and spoil the first attempt. But, he then adds, “Can we just pretend like it’s the first time?” and they finally kiss.
Arcane and LoL Fans Adore the Timebomb Ship
Thus, the Arcane animated show, which is confirmed to be canon to the League of Legends universe, makes the Timebomb ship real, though in a parallel dimension. And well, this makes sense as one of Ekko’s voice line to Jinx in League of Legends mentions, “I had a crush [on you]…until you started talking to the gun.” Moreover, there are other voice lines in Legends of Runeterra that hinted at the attraction between the two.
Though Ekko and Jinx may not have had the same amicable and loving relationship in the original timeline of Arcane, the two were good friends in their childhood. The bridge fight between the two also simulated the paintball game they played as kids, thus, adding weight to the closeness in their relationship.
However, for League of Legends fans, the Timebomb ship in the alternate timeline turned out to be quite the treat as can be seen in social media posts.
“can we just pretend like it's the first time?” #arcane pic.twitter.com/y1j8MMXTDY— julha | arcane spoilers (@taylorincel) November 23, 2024
Compiling screenshots of the moments Ekko and Powder spent together, fans posted “Timebomb was canon in another universe” on X. Some even called themselves petty for calling out the while LoL fandom who didn’t believe Ekko and Jinx’s relationship was canon.
TIMEBOMB WAS CANON IN ANOTHER UNIVERSE #arcane #Arcanes2spoilers pic.twitter.com/TGVcw6Nd5q— Angeles ☾ 🇪🇨 spoilers Arcanes2 (@AngelesFtYNWA) November 23, 2024
While some others decided to make my eyes water while quoting Billie Eilish’s lyrics with Ekko and Powder’s pictures. While Timebomb was canon in Arcane’s parallel dimension, the final few scenes of the last episode left us in a puddle of tears. In the original timeline, Ekko can be seen sitting alone on the roof of the Last Drop bar, possibly reminiscing what could’ve been.
"I knew you in another life
— Clover 🍉 (@Clovmoon) November 23, 2024
You had that same look in your eyes
I love you, don't act so surprised"#Arcane #ArcaneSeason2 #arcaneseason2spoilers #TimeBomb pic.twitter.com/BjoZW3p9s3
TIMEBOMB IS CANNON Y'ALL #Arcane pic.twitter.com/bU6eRz38JL— Ekko's ZDrive (@reesepuffsjones) November 23, 2024
Now, the Arcane TV show by Riot Games and Fortiche concluded with the second season, delivering a story that was equal parts lovable and gut-wrenching. Though several fans like me were new to the massive League of Legends universe, we ultimately fell in love with all the characters and the stories encompassing them. And that’s the beauty of a well-made TV show.
Aparna Ukil
