Reviews: The Legend of Vox Machina delivers big, action-packed battles and escapes in Episodes 4-6

As a seasoned gamer with decades of Dungeons & Dragons under my belt, I can confidently say that The Legend of Vox Machina has become one of my favorite animated series. With each episode, it continues to deliver on action, humor, and character development – much like a well-crafted D&D campaign.

Please note: there are minor SPOILERS in this article.

The saga of Vox Machina unfolds in season 3, brimming with clever quips, emotional turmoil, and a plethora of thrilling moments. Frankly, it’s improving more and more with every installment.

Vox Machina’s storyline is derived from the initial Dungeons & Dragons campaign played by the Critical Role cast members, yet it occasionally references characters from their subsequent campaigns such as The Mighty Nein and Bells Hells. For instance, I heard a bard singing about Ruby of the Sea, who belongs to The Mighty Nein. Interestingly, The Mighty Nein is also being adapted into an animated series, so it seems like Vox Machina might be setting the stage for something similar.

Let’s dive into the most recent three installments of “The Legend of Vox Machina” now available on Amazon Prime Video.

Episode 304: “Hell to Pay”

The Everlight has a discussion with Keyleth and strictly advises against her venturing into the Hells. Such an action could result in losing the influence of her deity. Despite this warning, Keyleth chooses to go there. Once inside, she feels helpless when it comes to assisting the tormented souls and encounters a mysterious figure at the end of her conversation with the Everlight, causing her concern.

Allura, Percy, and Vex, having faced Vourgal in the snow, look for Kima after they were separated.

Under disguise, Keyleth, Grog, Pike, Scanlan, and Vax venture into the depths of Despath’s Hells in search of Zerxus, who possesses the magical armor artifact. They manage to bypass a demon they encounter through clever dialogue instead of resorting to conflict.

In a turn of unfortunate events, Pike’s diminished efforts lead to trouble for the group. As they escape a crowd of demons en route to Zerxus’ skull fortress, they are granted entrance by his demonic butler. To their surprise, Zerxus had anticipated their arrival. He lays claim to Pike’s armor and proposes a trade; something in exchange for it. Intriguingly, he challenges Pike to a bet: if she loses, she will be bound to reside in hell forever. Agreeing to the terms, she signs his contract. Meanwhile, her companions are confined to a quiet observation zone to witness the spectacle. Throughout the contest, the demon’s questions make Pike question her religious beliefs. However, she manages to coax information from him regarding his part in the Calamity and his subsequent transformation into the devil he now is.

In the card game known as Five Skulls, the storyline becomes ominous when the spirits or characters represented by Keyleth, Grog, Pike, Scanlan, and Vax are placed face-up on the playing surface.

Episode 305: “The Frigid Wastes”

The initial part of this episode showcases moments from the past where Allura, Kima, and their exploratory group are featured. It subtly reveals aspects of how their friendship developed over time.

In a snow-covered terrain, Vorugal pursues Kima. At first, she manages to evade him, yet he persists with his sharp words and icy jibes.

I’m captivated by the way a tumbleweed drifts past as it zeroes in on Allura, Percy, and Vex. This is a common cinematic device often seen in western films, and it’s interestingly reminiscent of Francis Ford Coppola’s film Bram Stoker’s Dracula.

Allura intends to pursue Vorugal, with Vex advocating for caution. However, Percy supports Allura’s decision, leading to a disagreement. As they search for Vorugal, they also look for any trace of Kima. The bond between Allura and Kima mirrors that of Vex and Percy. This similarity becomes more apparent when Vorugal locates Kima, prompting Allura to attempt a rescue, putting herself in grave danger. Initially hesitant, Vex and Percy eventually engage in the battle.

Deep within the fiery depths of Hell, I find myself on the run alongside my comrades – Keyleth, Grog, Pike, Scanlan, and Vax. The demonic butler of Zerxus is hot on our heels, intent on ending our lives before we can reach the exit portal. Upon reaching the portal, our hearts soar with hope, only to be crushed when we discover it remains stubbornly closed. Keyleth bravely attempts to force it open from this side of the inferno, but to no avail.

Pursued relentlessly by Vorugal, Allura, Kima, Percy, and Vex manage to reach the portal. Meanwhile, fights erupt on either side of the gateway. Eventually, they successfully open the portal, allowing members of Vox Machina trapped in hell to rush through before it swiftly closes again.

The demonic entity makes it through as well. We get a nice Kaiju fight when Vorugal attacks it. Allura protects the characters with a shield spell. Then Scanlan and Grog make a bet on which monster will win. I won’t spoil which prevails but want to mention that Kima rushes in to face it. The others come up to join the fight.

Following the fight, everyone could use some well-deserved relaxation. Scanlan then summons his enchanted Chateau Shorthalt, bringing an end to this chapter, yet not before we witness Thordak’s eggs beginning to hatch.

Episode 306: “The Coming Storm”

Chateau Shorthalt turned out to be exactly as I envisioned Scanlan would inhabit – flamboyant, lively, bursting with boisterous indulgences and amusement. A towering Scanlan statue graces the fountain, while gold records adorn the walls. Don’t forget to check out the song titles! Each member of Vox Machina has their own designated space: for instance, Grog has a combat arena, and Keyleth enjoys a woodland retreat.

Pike struggles to understand a mysterious artifact, and Grog offers her peculiar suggestions that are typically Grog-like. The bond between Vax and Keyleth remains tense for both parties. Percy and Vex become more friendly. Scanlan, gazing at an image of him and his child, feels sad and aggravated over their strained relationship.

Gathering together for a communal meal featuring chicken, everyone deliberates on strategies concerning the Conclave and Ripley. Vax ponders if it’s necessary to retain all five relics (vestiges). Scanlan, however, loses his cool, halting further debate.

Trying to comfort Scanlan, Pike reveals a vision of his daughter in Nicodranas to him. The girl, too, is distressed about her father. In the end, he resolves to locate her, while Allura swiftly transports the rest of them to Whitestone using her teleportation abilities (known as ‘bampfing’ in Critical Role).

Upon their arrival, Whitestone is ablaze and young, destructive dragons are wreaking havoc! Our heroes split up in an effort to rescue the castle and the beloved Sun Tree of the city. Some townsfolk retaliate with large projectile weapons, launching massive javelins. Percy desperately looks for Cassandra and locates her battling a young dragon within the castle’s boundaries.

After Whitestone lay in ruins, the surviving dragons took flight. Efforts were made to find any survivors, as people pondered over how the dragons had knowledge of Whitestone – a place believed to be hidden. Who revealed its location? Was it Raishan, Ripley, or some other entity? The mystery remains unsolved.

Moving ahead, there’s much to anticipate involving Vox Machina and the whole universe. I can hardly wait to witness more! Don’t miss the fresh episodes airing every Wednesday, starting October 9, only on Amazon Prime.

2024-10-10 16:41