Vox Machina
Amazon Prime’s The Legend of Vox Machina is a breath of fresh air in the world of adult animation, blending the quirky charm of role-playing games with the enthralling storytelling we have come to expect from the professional voice actors at Critical Role. Based on the first campaign from Critical Role, the show brings back all the players to voice their original characters, as well as a new host of celebrity voice actors to listen for. It is not only a gift to longtime fans of the original show but also accessible and enjoyable for new viewers who may have never rolled (or heard of) a D20. With the third season marking the conclusion of the Chroma Conclave arc, let’s dive into what makes this chapter great and as well as where it perhaps stumbles.
Characters of Vox Machina
The series follows the ragtag mercenaries of Vox Machina, an eclectic group of misfits who stumble their way through life-and-death situations, political intrigue, and dangerous battles. At first glance, each character fits a recognizable archetype: the brooding ranger and rogue duo, the caring cleric, the dull-witted barbarian, the crafty fighter, the nature-loving Druid, and of course the wild and seductive bard. However, the show quickly reveals their emotional depth and ability to grow, elevating them from caricatures to well-rounded personalities. The characters ground the world in relatable emotions, such as Vex’s struggle to connect with those she loves, or Scanlan’s self-doubt as he builds a relationship with his daughter while staying connected to his friends. This emotional complexity not only shapes the characters’ personal journeys but also enhances the show’s unique blend of humor and intensity, setting the stage for a tonal balance that defines The Legend of Vox Machina.
Tone and Humor
The show leans into its adult audience with blood, gore, and vulgar humor, staying true to the original spirit of the Critical Role campaign. However, this crassness doesn’t feel unwarranted as it serves to highlight the chaotic, “anything can happen” nature of the characters as well as the dangers that this world faces. The humor is character driven, with witty dialogue and physical comedy. Despite its humor, Vox Machina doesn’t shy away from serious themes. This tonal balance is what makes it more than just a comedy, it’s an emotional journey that resonates with its audience. This careful balance of humor and seriousness paves the way for deeper exploration of the themes explored in Season 3.
All You Need is Love
Season 3 dives deep into themes of love, and loss, with relationships both romantic, and not taking center stage. The relationship between Vex and Percy is given particular weight, exploring how love demands vulnerability. Their relationship grows as Vex confronts her fear of losing him, allowing her emotions to surface in meaningful ways. Vax and Keyleth’s evolving relationship is also highlighted, showing the nuances of trust. Meanwhile, Scanlan’s many attempts to connect with his estranged daughter, Kaylie, reflects the complexities of familial love. Alongside tangible loves, the show also touches on Pike’s faith in the Everlight, adding a spiritual dimension to the season’s themes. Pike’s journey reflects the balance between self-love and love for a higher purpose, but the series takes a new direction in questioning her faith, leaving her spiritual path unresolved. The show also explores the idea that with love there must also come loss.
The theme of loss is explored powerfully throughout the season, with Percy’s sacrifice standing out as a poignant moment. In a departure from the source material, Percy gives his life to protect the team, his soul becoming trapped in the cursed pepperbox. This act of selflessness adds emotional weight to Vex’s journey, making her love for Percy all the more meaningful as she confronts the reality of his death. Though Percy is ultimately resurrected in the season’s final moment, it does not diminish the gravity of his initial sacrifice. Scanlan’s coma after the Thordak fight further emphasizes the season’s exploration of loss, highlighting the fragility of love. The show culminates these ideas with Vox Machina temporarily parting ways, reflecting that love and loss go hand in hand. Loss is inevitable, but just because someone is gone doesn’t mean they are lost forever.
Comic Relief at the Expense of Growth
With Love and Loss taking the stage for season 3, Grog, for much of the season, serves as purely comic relief. With the arc’s emotional stakes so high, integrating Grog’s character into season 3 would have brought better balance to the narrative. Grog’s deep bonds with Pike and Scanlan could have given the show a deeper look at the love that comes from friends. Grog could have been a shoulder for Pike and Scanlan to lean on when their faith or self worth wavered. After playing a major role in Season 2’s arc, his absence from key moments in this season feels like a missed opportunity. As evident when Grog leads the party against the Chroma Conclave, this could have been a chance to show his growth beyond just a brute. Instead, the scene relies on jokes about his smarts, turning a potentially pivotal moment into comic relief.
Overcoming Hardships
The Legend of Vox Machina persevered and continued production, despite facing significant challenges behind the scenes. Sam Riegel, the voice of Scanlan, underwent cancer treatment during production, yet his unwavering commitment to the project ensured that the performance quality never faltered. Additionally, the tragic passing of Lance Reddick last year deeply affected the cast and crew, as he lent his voice to the menacing dragon Thordak. Reddick’s death was a heavy emotional blow, and The Legend of Vox Machina may mark one of the last times we hear his commanding voice in an ongoing production. The team honored his legacy by preserving his contributions, celebrating the depth and gravitas he brought to the series. Through these hardships, Vox Machina emerged stronger, driven by the passion of its creators and fans, proving that even in moments of loss and difficulty, storytelling has the power to endure.
Conclusion
In conclusion, The Legend of Vox Machina Season 3 delivers a heartfelt and thrilling continuation of the series, blending humor, drama, and emotion to create something worth watching. While the show excels in character development, relationships, and honoring its RPG roots, some narrative imbalances hold it back slightly. Nonetheless, the cast’s stellar performances, especially in the face of real-world challenges, and the show’s ability to embrace both chaos and vulnerability make it a worthy addition to the series. With its mix of heart, humor, and spectacle, Vox Machina earns a solid…
