Review: The Legend of Vox Machina “A Deadly Bargain”;“Prisoners of Ank’Harel”;“Vexations”

Overview:

In disguise, Raishan visits Vox Machina with a promise of aid. She tells them of a vestige capable of defeating Thordak; the Plate of the Dawnmartyr. The team is divided on trusting the duplicitous dragon but journeys to the city of Marquet to test if she speaks the truth.

In Ank’Harel, Vox Machina comes face-to-face with Anna Ripley… and Orthax. But only escape her clutches to stand accused of murder! While Vox Machina stands trial, Scanlan runs into his daughter. The clock is ticking as Scanlan tries to save his friends and relationship with Kaylie.

Go to hell, Vox Machina! But stop in Draconia first. Don’t worry – Kima and Allura know someone there who can help. You’ll love her, she’s great. But first, don’t forget romance. Percy has feelings for Vex, Vax has feelings for Keyleth! What could go wrong?

Our Take(Spoilers):

I was lucky enough to be involved in a press junket with the cast of The Legend of Vox Machina and one thing I noticed they talked about a lot was how the theme of this season was relationships. As most of you know, I’m a huge romance fan, and they mentioned that a few times as well. I know that usually there aren’t many episodes in a season of this series but even still I was surprised at how quickly we got into it. I think all of the relationships in this series are going to frustrate the shit out of me if these episodes are anything to go by. Vax and Keyleth are the first to make a move but Vax has more baggage than an airport. Vex and Percy certainly go the furthest, but their relationship seems stuck in the mud. I’ve played D&D, and I know that tragic backstories are a mainstay but dang I thought they had gotten a little further.

For those of you who don’t care as much about the romance and are here for the adventure then these three episodes got a lot for you as well. The group has been successful in gaining some vestiges of divergence (Legendary magical items) that give them a fighting chance against the Chroma Conclave. But Raishan (A member of the Conclave) tells them it won’t be enough and wants to help take them down. She gives them a tip about a specific vestige that could kill Thordak. Some members of the group don’t trust her and I don’t blame them but after an almost fatal encounter with Thordak, they soon learn they might not have much choice.

To get the vestige they will have to travel to hell. This leads to some of the most interesting imagery of the series thus far. I run a D&D campaign that takes place in hell and while I’m not sure they are the same it was awesome to see what my player’s characters might be witnessing. This isn’t a great place to be and another thing I’ve learned from D&D is that you don’t want to split the party if possible but that is exactly what Vox Machina did here. Everyone is in danger and this season couldn’t have started any better for me. I didn’t expect to see a sex scene in this series but it goes to show you that this is an adult show. You know… if all the gore and curse words weren’t hint enough.