Recap and review: Vox Machina season 2, Episodes 4-6

Vox Machina Episode 205: “Pass Through Fire”

In this episode we see the Air and Fire Ashari and get a glimpse at a younger Keyleth. Her mother, preparing to leave for her own Aramante, explains how they, as Air Ashari, were made to pass through fire. “Flame cannot live without air and we are Air Ashari, are we not? We were made to pass through fire,” she says. “It doesn’t hurt you?” Keyleth asks. “Only if you let it.”

I loved the bit where Grog talks to his sword Craven’s Edge while pretending to…relieve himself, with Scanlan serenading him in the background. It honored the improvised moment from Critical Role very nicely.

Grog’s moments with Craven’s Edge are straight-up creepy. The way it begs to be fed blood and the way it had Grog looking at Pike made me question my favorite Goliath’s motives for a second. However, he’s now fighting the sword’s influence. Does he want to get rid of it?

But Keyleth is the main focus of this episode, we see just how much her powers have grown. Keyleth is normally one to talk down on herself or not carry herself confidently, but that all changes once she passes through the fire and embraces her power.

By admitting she’s too scared to go through with her trials, Keyleth lets go of her anxiety and sees that she’s able to do what it takes to protect those she loves. “I am Keyleth, an Air Ashari, like my mother before me. I was made to pass through fire.” Keyleth not only masters Fire, but she is now also able to turn into the Fire Elemental.

As far as comparing it to the source material goes, this episode is pretty accurate to the Critical Role campaign save for a few differences. The big takeaway is that Keyleth is a sleeping giant. She’s much more powerful than she gives herself credit for and much more capable than she lets on.