The Legend of Vox Machina (Season 2) Episodes 1-3 [Review]
By: Mithrandiel
Well Critical Role fans - the wait is finally over! Season 2 of The Legend of Vox Machina has arrived and it is coming in HOT!
For those who are catching up: Vox Machina is a band of assho-, er, heroes that stumbled into the role of “Protectors of the Realm” after dispatching the villainous Briarwoods last season (he’s a vampire, she’s a necromancer - they were both trouble). The troupe is preparing to enjoy some well-earned rest when things take a sudden, unexpected turn for the disastrous.
As Sovereign Uriel makes a speech admitting his faults in overlooking the Briarwood threat and cedes his power to a council in his stead, the capital city of Emon is attacked by not one, not two, but four ancient dragons. Led by the massively powerful Thordak, AKA “The Cinder King”, these dragons are collectively known as The Chroma Conclave, and their alliance could spell the end of civilization.
As countless citizens are crushed by ice, melted by acid, suffocate on noxious gasses, or are charred to cinders, Vox Machina makes an escape with the assistance of their old friend and merchant extraordinaire, Shaun Gilmore. Notably, amidst the death and destruction, Vax keeps catching glimpses of a haunting figure.
After regrouping and strategizing in Whitestone, Vox Machina sets out to find information on how to battle the dragons in the holy city of Vasselheim: the cradle of civilization, and the most defensible city in all of Exandria.
Unfortunately, the holy order of Vasselheim isn’t entirely interested in seeking out a fight with four ancient dragons, and insists instead they will defend their land when the time comes. Thankfully, an unnamed member of the order gives the group a tip to stop by The Slayer’s Take - a legendary mercenary group that specializes in dispatching powerful monsters. Vex has an “in” with a mysterious figure named Zahra, and is confident that she’ll be able to utilize her reputation, or charm, to get what they need.
As it turns out, Vex (and Vax) have a…less than stellar reputation with the Take, and their attempts at diplomacy are quickly shut down by Zahra and fellow Slayer’s Take member Kashaw. Just as Zahra and Kashaw are about to sort out Vex’s “payment plan” for her previous prank, they are granted a last minute reprieve by Osysa, a revered Sphinx, keeper of knowledge, and Patron of the Slayer’s Take. Osysa tells the group of The Vestiges of Divergence, legendary weapons used to battle the gods, and points them in the direction of one nearby.
After making their way (heh) to the sunken tomb, the party encounters hostile forces before ultimately uncovering their quarry. The closing scene of episode 3 is a proper cliffhanger as we wait to see where their journey will take them next!
While season 1 of Legend of Vox Machina has to ramp up a bit to its proper narrative by introducing unfamiliar viewers to the group, after a season of shenanigans, season 2 wasted absolutely no time in setting the tone. The destruction of Emon is breathtaking, with its immense scale, it succeeds in instilling a sense of awe and fear in the audience.
While the previous season’s animation/design for their draconic enemy (Brimscythe) was a bit choppy, I was delighted to see the refinements in animation and design among The Chroma Conclave in the first episode. While the voice acting throughout the Conclave is strong, Cree Summer’s performance as Raishan is already standing out as something special. Longtime fans of the franchise will understand why this is particularly exciting.
The humor has certainly been refined quite a bit this season, and by that I don’t mean it’s any less childish. Rather, the pacing and timing of the jokes is more balanced - not to mention the quality voice acting that perfectly captures moments of sarcasm, sass, and awkwardness.
With an epic scale, memorable characters, and some amazing visuals (there is a Thordak moment during the Chroma Conclave’s attack that had me squealing like the huge geek that I am), The Legend of Vox Machina is off to an amazing start. I cannot wait for next week!
