Dividing a series of television into four three-episode chunks released weekly is a strange choice. In the streaming era, shows usually either drop weekly episodes or entire seasons. The Legend of Vox Machina's unique distribution method allows the show to communicate full stories in each episode and set up arcs in each chunk. The penultimate entires bring characters together as it splits them apart and delves deep into the psyche of Vox Machina.
For the first time since last season's "Scanbo," the ninth episode of season two features Travis Willingham and Sam Riegel as credited writers. Their name in the credits twice implies a certain focus, and the mastery of their characters makes their episodes a real treat.
After the epic dragon battle of episode 6, Keyleth's desperate escape attempt is interrupted, sending the party spiraling in different directions. Episode 7: "The Fey Realm" sees Keyleth, Vex, Vax, and Percy wandering through the titular alternate realm. This is one of the first full visual depictions of the domain of the Fey, and it's just as beautiful as it's built up to be. The colorful expanse of wonder and mystery, made all the more magical by its open hostility. The party discovers a mischievous satyr who is entertained by their antics and willing to lead the way. There are a few great action scenes, some solid back-and-forth between party members, and an emotionally devastating secret buried in the wilds.
While the majority of the party struggles against mystical enemies on all sides in the Fey Realm, Grog, Scanlan, and Pike stay in their home dimension but land in the middle of nowhere. Pike is grievously injured and Grog knows who's responsible. It's finally time to reckon with Grog's use of the classic evil weapon known as the Craven Edge. Grog is ostensibly a simple character, but his emotional struggle against a weapon that makes him more powerful is handled well. Spoilers: Grog comes away the victor, but the sword takes much more of his strength away in the struggle. As such, Scanlan and Pike are forced to carry their massive friend through the woods to get him his muscles back. On the way, Ashley Johnson finally gets to join Sam Riegel for a song, making it one of the best in the series thus far. A lot of the comedy bits feel pulled straight from Swiss Army Man, but they are getting somewhere interesting.
Vax, Vex, and Grog have to face their pasts in this chunk of episodes. It's an impressive amount of storytelling in such a short time. As the show prepares to enter its second season finale, the big fireworks show seems set to pay off more than several great action scenes. Much like a TTRPG campaign, the show has a unique approach to character arcs. The story arc is largely set in place by the DM, governed by the overarching narrative sweep and the big antagonist on the horizon. The character arcs occur around, throughout, and in between the story arcs. Chance encounters and fated exchanges slowly result in old trauma being brought up and laid to rest. Rather than the entire show building up to one cathartic peak, Vox Machina is constantly building up and constantly paying off. It's a consequence of an ensemble cast that actually gives equal billing to each of its major players and a clever way of making a season of TV compelling 100% of the time.
Throughout this season, The Legend of Vox Machina has been guaranteed a third season and there will almost certainly be more to come. Critical Role has partnered with Amazon for far more than the outstanding animated series that began life as the best-funded Kickstarter of all time. Two or three years from now, this show where a bunch of nerdy-ass voice actors sit around and play Dungeons & Dragons may be a media property to rival the Marvel Cinematic Universe. It was a group of friends playing tabletop games in someone's kitchen, then it was a Twitch stream, and now it's a massive company and a hit streaming series. Despite the usual understanding of growth, Vox Machina still feels like one of the purest examples of artists doing what they want to do in the modern era of franchise media. At the risk of reading too much into the silly D&D show's rise to power, it's an inspiration and a lesson in what can happen when creators are given the freedom they need.
The Legend of Vox Machina does everything it sets out to do and more. It's a series that manages to be perfect for fans and perfect for making new fans. The show is non-stop fun, its most emotional moments are heartrending, and the characters feel more well-realized than any live-action figure. The series finale is on its way, but every episode is a new cathartic peak. Vox Machina is as legendary as the name suggests.