The first three episodes of The Legend of Vox Machina season 4 are here, and they mark a thrilling return to Prime Video's animated fantasy series — though they take their time bringing the titular team back together again. The Legend of Vox Machina season 4 Episode 1 picks up a year after season 3's ending, which saw the gang splitting up after defeating the Chroma Conclave. They're still apart when "One Year Later..." kicks off, and season 4's opener makes the wise choice to steadily ease both the fans and the characters into new adventures. SPOILERS ahead for The Legend of Vox Machina season 4 Episode 1.
"One Year Later..." even opens with a recap, which comes in the form of a hilarious song from Grog. Travis Willingham's goliath barbarian is growing restless without new adventures, and he's clearly not the only one. The Legend of Vox Machina season 4's first episode catches us up with two pairs at once: Grog and Pike, who spend their days reveling in the glory of being heroes, and Percy and Vex'ahlia, both of whom are navigating noble life at Whitestone. Vex is clearly as antsy as Grog and Pike, even if she and Percy seem happy together.
Fortunately — or unfortunately? — for Vox Machina, danger arrives on their doorstep before "One Year Later..." is through, giving them the chance to see some action again. The installment doesn't offer the full picture of what they're facing, but it lays the groundwork for another high-stakes conflict. It's enough to draw fans right back in.
The Legend of Vox Machina season 4 Episode 1 nails the transition from season 3
Character work is something The Legend of Vox Machina excels at, and that continues into season 4. The opening nails the transition from season 3, picking up with Vox Machina in a believable place. The group hasn't talked much since parting ways, and they're doing their best to move on from their former antics. Yet, as you'd expect, they miss the thrill of their adventures...and more importantly, they miss each other.
Grog and Pike might look like they're having fun, but Grog jumps at the prospect of a new mission — even one with incompetent newcomer Taryon Darrington leading the charge. Meanwhile, Pike appears to be drinking her resentment away. She's clearly not thrilled with their friends' distance, and it lays the foundation for a compelling season 4 arc. She's less eager to help Taryon uncover who's behind his father's interrupted gem deliveries. However, Grog convinces her to go along with the aspiring adventurer's plans, and it's a good thing, too. Their seemingly straightforward mission ends with them facing an undead opponent.
While Grog and Pike fill their days with ale, Percy and Vex are making a habit of throwing balls and eating canapés. Vex is growing exasperated with this lifestyle, and she too leaps headfirst into danger at the first opportunity. She seeks out a so-called panther in the woods near Whitestone, and the creature turns out to be something far more sinister. And even Percy, who seems to be coping just fine, is obsessing over the mysterious orb at Whitestone.
The orb, the creature in the woods, and the woman who attacks Taryon's wagon are clearly all related, and Vox Machina will need to reconnect to piece it all together. For now, Episode 1's adventures tease a dark threat on the horizon. Between the characters and the obvious stakes, it marks a strong start to this outing.
"One Year Later..." lays the groundwork for a dark and suspenseful season
"One Year Later..." paints a believable picture of the characters and their circumstances post-Legend of Vox Machina season 3. It also sets the stage for a dark and suspenseful next chapter, one with lots of death magic. With the Whispered One set to make his entrance this season, this isn't a surprise. But Episode 1 does an impressive job of shifting tone while introducing the mysterious new villain and his cultists. It does so without giving everything away. It leaves viewers with enough questions to immediately press play on Episode 2. When it comes to the looming threat, Episode 1 offers a steady drip, but it still conveys how worrisome things are.
Vex's fight against the monster in the woods adds gripping action to Episode 1, as does Pike and Grog's showdown with the now-undead Priestess Talia. Such sequences ensure there's no lull as we segue into season 4, and they balance the character moments nicely.
The Legend of Vox Machina's new character adds needed levity
Despite the darkness and the characters' personal plights, The Legend of Vox Machina season 4, Episode 1 manages to work in its signature humor, just from a brand-new source. Aspiring author and adventurer Taryon Darrington already looks to be a highlight of this chapter, and he brings necessary levity to "One Year Later..." From the moment he crashes into the tavern and recruits Pike and Grog, he proves a scene-stealer. He's deeply unserious, but that's exactly why the show needs him (especially in Scanlan's absence). Voice actor Wayne Brady lands Taryon's jokes well, and his narration adds meta humor that feels fitting for a show based on a D&D campaign.
Verdict
The Legend of Vox Machina season 4 Episode 1 may follow just half the team, but it starts the newest outing with a bang. It blends all the things fans love about the Prime Video series — action, humor, mystery, and heart — and manages to introduce new narratives and dynamics simultaneously. Seeing the characters separated takes some getting used to, but we're supposed to feel this adjustment alongside them. There's little to complain about in this opener, except perhaps that we're missing half the team. Thanks to Prime Video's three-episode release model, there's an easy fix for that. And taking it a few characters at a time does come with benefits, including greater depth for the ones the show is focused on.
Episode Grade: A-
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