One cannot undo the depth and enjoyment of watching the earlier seasons of Game of Thrones based on the later seasons’ quality issues. The later seasons diminish the quality for the franchises as a whole but the earlier seasons remain masterpieces.

Imo, regardless of how Arcane Season 2 plays out, the first season is a mostly self-contained masterpiece. The quality of the second season greatly impacts the franchise but can’t undo the quality of season 1, which had a three-year real world time pause between seasons. Amazing first season for years. So now I look to see if it’s maintained or impaired. 

 the end of episode 1 was Max top tier and it was never resolved.  they gave you nothing.  it's true the original experience can't be undone but damn them for ruining it for a Netflix contract that went nowhere afaik.

I haven't given the prequel a shot yet.  I can still taste the disappointment.