The Legend of Vox Machina Review | Episodes 7-9
The Legend of Vox Machina Review — Episodes 7, 8 & 9 were my favorite episodes so far of season 1! While not perfect, the cemented my investment of the show.
Watch my video review of The Legend of Vox Machina Episodes 7 – 9 for my complete breakdown and analysis.
Video Review – Episodes 7, 8 & 9.The Legend of Vox Machina Episode 7
Episode 7 starts with a flashback to Percy’s past, as we’re introduced to Anders, who is promptly shut down by the de Rolo’s for his Residuum refinery schemes.
The episode is actually full of flashbacks, as Vax & Vex call out Percy for his insane, murder rampages; they want to know the truth of Percy’s past, and he obliges. We see Percy’s life post escaping the Briarwoods acquisition of Whitestone; most importantly, the origins of the pepperbox, which came from nightmares and visions of revenge.
We learn the names etched into Percy’s gun barrels:
- Professor Anders
- Anna Ripley
- Sylas Briarwood
- Delilah Briarwood
- Kerrion Stonefell
Scanlan points out that a sixth name is missing, and I can only assume that Percy has already taken care of this unknown, sixth person on his list, as we are shown that when Percy kills one (Stonefell), their name is magically removed from the barrel.
I’m curious as to what happens when Percy completes his list; it seems like some sort of dark entity has formed a bond with Percy through his thirst for revenge, giving him extra powers to see it through. Does Percy sever his relationship with this entity when he’s done?
The rest of the episode follows Scanlan and his voluntary plan to create a diversion so the rest of Vox Machina can run in and free Cassandra from the Briarwoods.
Scanlan’s plan is to run into a keep, create chaos with a bunch of potions that he has no idea what they do.
Scanlan’s escape after creating chaos.
Scanlan is ultimately, succesful. Percy makes his way to Cassandra, only to see Anders slit his sister’s throat.
The Legend of Vox Machina Episode 8
Episode 8 starts with Pike still looking to regain her powers from the Everlight, and still failing by falling into darkness.
Moving back over to Vox Machina, Keyleth is attempting to save Cassandra’s life while the rest battle with Ander’s and the suits of armor he brought to life. Things get hairy when Grog is charmed, followed by the rest of Vox Machina, save Percy.
Luckily, Percy calls forth his dark powers and shoots a perfect ricocheted bullet through Anders’ jaw and tongue, releasing the charm hold on his companions.
Percival Fredrickstein von Musel Klossowski de Rolo III.
Percy has definitely taken center stage of season 1 since episode 3, and I’m really enjoying his character thus far. I like that his dark powers seem to only show up when he’s in danger or extremely angry, so it doesn’t leave him over-powered at all times.
Episode 8 wraps up with Lady Briarwood raising a horde of undead.
The Legend of Vox Machina Episode 9
More flashbacks in Episode 9, as we see Delilah Briarwood using some sort of evil, blood magic on Sylas to save his life, and ultimately, turn him into a vampire. The tome summons some sort of skull, which reminded me of Vecna, which is exactly who “The Whispered One” is; it’s confusing because Vecna is copyrighted by Wizards of the Coast, so The Legend of Vox Machina can’t use that name (which is also why you see no reference to D&D spells and abilities in the series).
I liked this sequence because it sort of gave the Briarwoods a reason for all their actions. Up until now, they have just sort of been the “bad guys” because the season needed some. While I still don’t completely understand their motives, being servants of “The Whispered One” is probably enough, especially for a show being based on Dungeons and Dragons.
The episode mostly deals with Vox Machina and the rebels fighting a losing battle against a horde of undead. Percy’s friend Archie is taken out due to saving Scanlan. When everything is looking as if it is over, Pike returns to save the day!
Pike’s Return!
After their victory against the undead, Vox Machina makes their way into a secret passage of the castle. While in the dungeons, they run into a prisoner; a woman who says she can help them find the Briarwoods, if she is freed. Percy, recognizing this woman, offers freedom from her life, via his pepperbox pistol. Fade to black.
These episodes really fly by! I loved the flashbacks for both Percy and the Briarwoods. I wonder if this Whitestone/Briarwood arc is going to wrap up by the end of season 1, as we only have three episodes left.
While I thought Episodes 7, 8, and 9 of The Legend of Vox Machina were great, I still have some issues.
I still don’t think the comedy is working for me. I think I’ve honed in on what I think is the majority of my problems — the little thinking out loud quips that many of the characters perform. Mostly related to Scanlan and Keyleth (See examples in my video review)
I understand that the writer’s intentions are to inform the viewer how the characters are feeling or what they are thinking, but it’s coming off as very forced to me. Combine that with sub-par voice-over performances, and it sticks out like a sore thumb.
I also have found the action in the series to still be completely underwhelming. A lot of action is implied but I’m not seeing it on-screen. Maybe we’ll have an epic boss battle showdown in the season finale?
But these were minor nitpicks to a great trio of episodes.
Overall, I enjoyed my time with episodes 7-9 of Critical Role’s The Legend of Vox Machina animated series. I thought they were great!
If you haven’t seen my thoughts on The Legend of Vox Machina Episodes 4-6, head over HERE!
The post The Legend of Vox Machina Review | Episodes 7-9 appeared first on Current Kick.
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