Critical Role Review: C2 Episode 67
By: I.Am.No.Man
Episode 67: Beyond the Eyes of Angels
Wow what a jam packed episode! If you're into nonstop creepy encounters and battle action then this episode is definitely for you. We got creepy weeping angels. We got giant Shelob spiders, and also giant Shelob spiders on fire. We got spooky killer mist with ultra spooky faces and lightning. AND we got mummy zombie pits complete with glowing magical zombie heart keys. I think this episode was made for me.
While this wasn't a story heavy episode, we did pack in a lot of action into 4 1/2 hours of DnD. And it seems like we still have more of this tomb of horrors to explore next week. Obon is still on the loose and tempting the Nein deeper into the crypts. His incredible cryptic "keep up, don't get spoiled" message to Jester really sets the mood for the next session. I still feel like we haven't even scratched the surface of what is happening in this tomb. What does it all mean?! I am legitimately worried that Ashley Johnson is going to leave back to New York before this arc is finished. I really hope that she has more than two session left before having to ship off again. Oh, I'm calling it now, Ashley/Yasha/the Nein are definitely forgetting to pick up her enchanted bracers and are going to lose all that time and money.
This session reminded me of the two episodes in Campaign 1 when Vox Machina chase down Raishan into an ancient necromancers laboratory on a forgotten island. I mean, maybe it was just the two identical Seas of tortured Undead that made a prominent feature in both episodes. At least the undead horde in this campaign didn't rise up into a demonic face and arm grasping at the Nein. I was also hoping for more from the bloody crying angel statues outside the courtyard! That setup gave me the chills and I need to know what the hell is going on. Maybe we'll get some Weeping Angel action on the way out of this tomb.
Matt pulled out that hourglass this session! The horrified, panicked looks on the casts' faces were priceless. I think the mics were abused by headbutts more in this episode than any other so far. I know I was on the edge of my seat. It all had a strange Bridge of Khazad Dum feel to it (sans Balrog, but plus a lightning storm).
One Shot Nott and her Tinkertop Crossbow get their own special shout out this session. Singlehandedly taking out the Mama Shelob spider with one perfect crossbow was a huge moment to kick off the action.
I think the only segment that I wasn't completely captivated by was the "collect golden Zombie hearts to Pass Go." It began to feel a bit like a difficult video game level. The Nein could see how to 'beat the level' but kept losing the hearts or taking too long or not understanding the mechanics of how to extract a glowing heart from a desiccated corpse. I watched the episode through three times and somehow managed to zone out or doze off during this scene all three times.
I think the most terrifying confrontation for the Nein is still to come. When will Nott finally discover that Jester stole her flask. Someone is going to pay dearly for this treachery.
I have a feeling that the Nein will finally catch Obon in this upcoming session. I think that the confrontation will be the perfect peak for the story before a crazy denouement escape from the Tombs. The Nein may have to go into next session completely drained of spells and sleep, seeing as they have settled down for a long rest right in the middle of a haunted chamber. Any noise they make sets off a horrible series of whispers that seem to be able to hypnotize the group. We'll just have to wait and see what story and action get revealed in next week's session! Don't worry, it's almost Thursday.
Don't Miss It!
Happy One Year Anniversary to Critical Role. It's hard to believe that its already been a whole year since the cast announced they were striking it out on their own. So much has happened in that time and many exciting things are still to come! It's going to be amazing and I know we are all thankful to be a part of it.
The Search for Bob is coming Friday! Keep your eye on the Critical Role Twitch VOD for that sweet Kickstarter stretch goal one shot. The VOD will also be available to us plebs on YouTube on Sunday the 23rd.
If you haven't heard the whispers, All Work No Play is coming back for a second season! I guess dreams really do come true. Also, Between the Sheets will return in August with an interview with the amazingly talented Amanda Palmer. I am seriously looking forward to this interview and you won't want to miss it.
