Let’s recap and review the first 3 episodes of Vox Machina season 2

Vox Machina Episode 3: “The Sunken Tomb”

I’ll admit: I cried watching this episode. But before we get to the tearful moments, let’s talk about what led up to them.

Yep… Zahra and Kash are definitely friendly-competition-with-potential-to-turn-deadly material. The passive-aggressiveness between Zahra and Vex, even when “saving each other,” suggests they could have a great friendship if only they could trust each other a little more. Also, Kash fiercely flirting with Keyleth was refreshing. But is it just Kash rolling a 17 or higher, or is he really interested?

Grog got a beard; now he really almost looks like Kratos.

"“Ah, beardy. This one is a pull.” “Oh.”"

Again, the dialogue. And Grog activating every trap down in the tombs. My inner Rogue who always checks for traps was screaming internally.

It’s easy to think of Grog as the comic relief character, but no one fits that role perfectly in this show. Every character gets some funny moments, just as they get moments of triumph and epic failure.The characters feel real, and say things people would say in real situations…Unless you’re talking about Scanlan. Please do not use his humor in public and with strangers.

Grog channels Kratos in the fight against the kuo-tua in the tombs, and it just looks SO cool. There are more hints that Grog is being affected by Craven’s Edge as he slaughters the kuo-tuas and really seems to enjoy it, much to Pike’s horror.

A beloved character dies

Let’s rip the band-aid off. Having watched the campaign, I knew this was coming. But seeing it play out this way hit differently. Seeing the desperation in everyone’s faces and seeing Vax’s reaction to Vex dying because of an accident was heartbreaking. Even if you’re not familiar with the campaign, those little flashbacks to Vax and Vex’s childhood and how they escaped their horrible father seemed a little too conspicuous. They were there so we would feel it more when Vax is on the ground, holding a dead Vex as he sobs.

"You left me. I was lost. (…) No you don’t understand. You don’t need me,  I… Need.. Do not go far from me."

This also hit me on a personal level; I am a parent to twins. Much like Vex and Vax, my six-year-olds are inseparable and always lookout for each other, even when they’re fighting. Imagining a bond of that magnitude breaking in one second and because of an accident…Ah. Good thing I have tissues with me.

Next week on Vox Machina…

These first three episodes are a solid intro to season 2. The story is unfolding in a way that is easy to follow, the characters are all complex and constantly learning during this adventure, the animation is fantastic, and the voice acting is literally everything. There are some small changes from the Critical Role campaign (with bigger ones coming soon), but the show is still an excellent tribute to the beloved stream.

Only seven more sleeps until we see how Vox Machina bounces back from this unfortunate and cruel turn. Is it Friday yet?

To stay up to date on everything fantasy, science fiction, and WiC, follow our all-encompassing Facebook page and sign up for our exclusive newsletter.

Get HBO, Starz, Showtime and MORE for FREE with a no-risk, 7-day free trial of Amazon Channels