The Legend of Vox Machina Season 4 Review: A Ferociously Bittersweet Penultimatum

When things slowly come to a close, it’s sad, but there’s always something good that sticks. In The Legend of Vox Machina Season 4, the series’ penultimate season gives fans good things they can cling to heading into the end.

Of course, it takes some time for fans to receive those things as Critical Role’s first group of misfits have disbanded. After defeating the Chroma Conclave back in The Legend of Vox Machina Season 3, they all went their own ways. However, like any good team, there always needs to be a reunion storyline.

Fortunately, that happens with the introduction of a new face, Taryon Darrington, whose ever-charismatic heroism ties Vox Machina together. In those first four episodes, the reuniting does provide some much needed reflection on these characters.

Through Grog’s merry song, we learn that Vex’halia and Percy are now Whitestone royalty while Vax’ildan is helping Keyleth become the Voice of the Tempest. All the meanwhile, Grog and Pike still rummage around bars, but Scanlan’s the only one who’s truly moved on.

Although some fans may miss Scanlan’s bravado, Taryon’s enigmatic personality makes quite the impact in the beginning episodes. Inspired by the musings of the team, the ways that Taryon, with help of his trusty scribe Doty, strives to permeate these lost bonds adds some needed light.

Wayne Brady’s lively performance as Taryon will slowly grow on viewers as it takes some time to get acquainted with his character. He’s always wanting to join in on the fun at every moment, but sometimes, it can be a bit much in the moment.

However, by the time that most of Vox Machina reunite for the wild heist of Season 4 Episode 5, his presence simply lifts up the mood quite nicely. His shenanigans in attempting to fit in lead to some fun scenes, particularly with Percy and Vax.

It does a good job balancing out the overall team dynamics with the two main duos of Vox Machina. Although Vex-Percy and Vax-Keyleth are in different situations initially, the ways that they parallel each other drive this really add to the emotional core of The Legend of Vox Machina Season 4.

Vax and Keyleth’s situation specifically drives home the emotions as Vax is struggling with the Matron of Ravens’ curse. While Keyleth believes it is a curse, Vax only believes in the inevitability of the fate the goddess places upon him. It’s a secret that causes a divide early on, leading to some sincere moments between lovers.

When Vex and Percy ultimately learn about this too, The Legend of Vox Machina Season 4 does a good job tying it back to what they face. Although they’re royalty, the action can’t escape them. In the first two episodes alone, they’re thrust back into things quite quickly.

Once they’re all together, the post-reunion mood is feels fittingly depressing, but allows the right amount of space for growth. Both couples have their kinks to work out together, which does work out well in terms of Season 4’s overall darker tone.

That being said, out of every character in Vox Machina, it certainly feels like Pike is the underdog of Season 4. Watching her journey of doubt in her faith to the Everlight and dealing with being everyone’s solution perfectly heightens the tension. This is especially so when her close ones are pulled into this world.

What Pike goes through this season is unlike anything previously seen as Season 4 revolves around her too. She slowly becomes the center of Vox Machina’s world in the latter half with some development that adds some needed layers following the Chroma Conclave.

This is very much due to the necromantic danger of the Whispered One, whose antagonistic role truly fits into that idea of never letting go. This theme about not moving on is explored in some really smart ways through Vox Machina’s interactions and arcs. Specifically through Percy, whose sins of the past return, this theme hits harder.

The only issue with The Legend of Vox Machina Season 4 is that, sometimes, the over-the-top shenanigans can be a bit overdone. Fortunately, its contained within the middle of the season and the focus is placed on the honest character interactions.

The Legend of Vox Machina Season 4 proves Critical Role excels by digging deeper into darker, more poignant, themes while allowing those comical and action-packed moments to shine.

With one more season to go, it’s left me excited for how the end of Critical Role’s first animated show will play out.

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The Legend of Vox Machina Season 4 premieres on Wednesday, July 3, on Prime Video. Three new episodes release every week.

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