Critical Role Review: One-Shots!
By: I.Am.No.Man
Critical Role Hiatus Got You Down?
As we enter our first full week with no new Critical Role episodes, many critters are looking to fill the gap with as much Critical Content they can get their hands on. Whether this means finishing up the last few episodes of Campaign 1 (episode 100-115 reviews coming soon) or finally getting around to watching Travis Willingham's Yee Haw Game Ranch (you know, for the games...definitely not the puppet gore), we are here to help you choose which content to consume!
Have no fear, Critical Role has a whopping 52 one shots in their 5 year streaming history. So while we wait for Fjord's final showdown with Uk'atoa and that teased Dragon Turtle fight, let's rate some one-shots! (For a comprehensive list of all one-shots and specials, check out Critical Role Wiki's page HERE)
Fan of Campaign 1?
This list will cover the one-shots that directly take place in the Vox Machina/Tal Dorei campaign. If you're new to Critical Role, or still madly avoiding spoilers while desperately trying to catch up, skip ahead to the next section.
The Search for Grog!
Set immediately after the end of campaign 1, Vox Machina must travel to the Plane of Pandemonium to find Grog's trapped soul.
Watching the cast settle back into their old characters, as well as debuting a couple new ones was such a blast from the past. The action is through the roof, the story is intense, the humor is top notch, plus you have a live crowd to watch along with if that's something you enjoy.
The Search for Bob!
It's basically a fan-driven joke fueled one shot. Matt had to joke that they'd have to do a part two after everyone fell in love with poor Bob. He quickly learned you never dangle an encore in front of Critters. Just as fun and action packed as Search for Grog, this is a fun little popcorn muncher.
Dalen's Closet!
The wedding episode we never knew we wanted. There were gorgeously dressed cast members, new lovable PC's, a De Rolo baby, and...VAMPIRES. Who doesn't want a vampire fight during their wedding?
The Adventures of the Darrington Brigade!
It's Tarry! and Doty, and a whole slew of incredible PC's to fall in love with. Marisha and Travis shine particularly bright in this hilarious side quest. I was more than excited to see more Taryon Darrington and Sam did not disappoint.
Vox Machina Adjacent
Just because you haven't watched Campaign 1 doesn't mean you can't enjoy a little Tal Dorei/ Exandria action. These one shots take place in the realm of Vox Machina but don't have a direct connection to the story of Vox Machina itself.
Marisha's Honey Heist, Honey Heist 2, and Honey Heist 3!
That's right! It's DnD...but they're bears! Trinket, of Vox Machina fame, has a wild backstory. Marisha DM's Matt and friends through three unique and hilarious bear themed scenarios. Watching everyone mime their way through an intense car chase while making "vroom vroom" noises had me laughing for days. Definitely high up there on my rewatch list.
Liam's One Shot Song of the Lorelei!
It's DnD but with werewolves. Long time DnD player TJ Storm commands the action during this howling good time.
Grog's One Shot: AKA Bunions and Flagons!
DnD in Grog's world! Even if you don't know who Grog is, you quickly pick up the threads in this innuendo packed barrel of laughs.
Critical Role EXTRA-The Return of Liam!
This one shot is a little peek into the lives of The Clasp! The notorious group of thieves and criminals that Vax has ties to in Vox Machina. My absolute favorite of Sam's characters shines bright in this story Obby the Rat. Also, there's Travis Willingham playing...Tarvis. so creative. Also, the cast write poetic haiku. Also, everyone has a secret mission! The ending is edge of your seat exciting and Liam does a fantastic job as DM. And if that still hasn't captured you, Ashly Burch AND Mary Elizabeth McGlynn guest star!
The Classics
To The Poop! It's DnD but they're goblins. Its funny, its obnoxious, there's a slime, and some goblin singing. Everything you could want from a good old One Shot.
Critical Role EXTRA-Liam's Quest, and Liam's Quest Full Circle! Liam O'Brien Dm's his friends through a 'real life' scenario where his friends play themselves as children, fighting an evil AI mech. The story is intense, and emotional, as you'd expect from a Liam Special. Plus Liam's robot voice is the most talked about voice effect in Critical Role!
Bar Room Blitz! Sam Riegel DM's. Liam O'Brien, Ashly Burch, Mary Elizabeth McGlynn, Brian W Foster, and Erica Bauza guest star. The role play is great, the guest stars are amazing, Sam as DM is always a good time.
Shadow of War Part 1 and 2!
It's DnD but Lord of the Rings! This WB sponsored set take place in Middle Earth. Matthew Mercer DM's, Laura Bailey, Travis Willingham, Sam Riegel, and Darin De Paul guest star. I have no idea how I missed these one shots! This is my jam! You'd best believe this is the first thing I'll be watching on this Quarantine Binge.
Thursday By Night Part 1 and 2! It's DnD but they're Vampires. Taliesin Jaffe takes the DM chair for the first time in this two part blood-sucking good time.
Night Before Critmas! It's DnD but Christmas! I only have one word for this INSANELY funny special...Chutney...he knows what he did!
Crash Pandas! It's DnD but they're street racing racoons on a mission! Sam Riegel DM's this wild and crazy rodent fueled race.
Club of Misfits! It's DnD but Harry Potter...sort of...don't sue us please. Laura Bailey lords the DM chair for this magical Schmogwarts School of teenage hi-jinks. Featuring Travis Willingham, Taliesin Jaffe, Liam O'Brien, Sam Riegel, and guest star Brian W Foster!
Call of Cthulhu: Shadow of the Crystal Palace!
It's DnD but H.P. Lovecraft. Eternal and mysterious pyramid Taliesin Jaffe DM's this brilliant horror themed one-shot featuring Marisha Ray, Liam O'Brien, Erika Iishi, Travis Willingham, Phil Lamar, and Ashly Burch.
Cinderbrush: A Monsterhearts Story! It's DnD but everyone is a horny teenage high school monsters! Guest stars Erika Iishi, Ally Beardsley and wonderful Ashley Johnson were lovely shining stars in this hilariously awkward coming of age story.
And finally DOOM Eternal!
Another sponsored one-shot just in time for your quarantine viewing pleasure. I didn't know what to expect from an all demon party...but what they gave us was Ah-mazing! They came in strong in their characters and left us rolling on the floor by the end. Anjali Bhimani, Jasmine Bhullar, Sam Riegel, Taliesin Jaffe, and Laura Bailey guest star as the lovable horror bugs from hell.
Hopefully this little summary of Critical Role One-Shot highlights can help you navigate your daily binge. Stay tuned for next week's Critical Role Review's deep dive into other Dungeons and Dragons media you may have missed. If you love Critical Role, you'll love these other podcasts and streams! Until next time, stay safe, and don't worry...it's almost Thursday!
