SPOILERS ahead for The Legend of Vox Machina season 4, episode 11.
The Legend of Vox Machina season 4, episode 10 presents Pike with a choice, and she makes it in episode 11 — though it takes a while to fully get there. That's because much of "Let the End Begin" deals with Vox Machina arriving in Thar Amphala and facing the Unalive Five. It makes for an action-heavy installment that builds anticipation for the finale, especially with the Whispered One beginning the ascension ritual.
The looming dread and darkness is palpable in The Legend of Vox Machina season 4's penultimate chapter, even if it feels like Pike is spinning her wheels a bit. And the final moments of this episode more than make up for that. They'll leave fans hyped for the finale and eager for more Legend of Vox Machina episodes in general. Season 5 truly can't get here soon enough.
Vox Machina's arrival in Thar Amphala is as thrilling as you'd expect
"Let the End Begin" opens with the Whispered One telling Pike that it's time for her "answer," but the episode brings us back to the rest of Vox Machina following its opening theme. They aren't in Thar Amphala for very long before they're noticed by the enemy. However, they do have enough time to realize Vax's blight becomes something else entirely in this realm...something that makes him glow with golden light, and conveniently, is capable of sensing where Pike is.
And when the Beastmaster and his undead creatures attack the team, Vax receives more useful "gifts" from the Matron. Surrounded by the enemy and his beasts, Vax's armor and knives transform. His senses also show him there's Shadowstone within the Beastmaster's chest. This is what the Whispered One is using to keep his faithful servants "alive." As Vax realizes this, he seizes the opportunity to plunge his upgraded knife into the villain and kill him — permanently this time.
Once the Beastmaster is gone, the team still must forge a path to Pike. Fortunately, Keyleth is able to use her powers to control the villain's deadly creatures. So, the team puts together a new plan: ride these monsters toward the Whispered One and draw out the Unalive Five...er, Four?...in the process. While Keyleth, Percy, and Vex distract the remaining underlings, Vax flies toward the tower where the ascension is happening. There, he hopes to secure Pike.
It's a good plan, and it pits Vox Machina against Death Knight, the Priestess of Night, and the Dark Bard in a gorgeously animated face-off. The metal music blaring as it unfolds is also an incredible touch, and it makes a strong case for the Dark Bard being involved in all of the show's fights.
The Legend of Vox Machina's choice to keep viewers in the dark about Vax's part of the plan is also clever. When the Beastmaster's body — which the group uses as a decoy — is struck down, Vox Machina's reactions really sell it. It's a ruse, but it heightens the tensions. And it gives the group an opening to kill the trio with Vax's knives for good. The series even works in a quick "It's a trap," reference, something Star Wars fans will appreciate. It all comes together nicely, leaving only the two biggest enemies to overcome in the finale: Delilah Briarwood and the Whispered One.
The Whispered One's true colors come out in "Let the End Begin"
Delilah Briarwood is the only member of the Unalive Five not caught up in episode 11's big fight, as she's busy performing the ascension ritual for her master. And despite how compelling episode 10 makes the Whispered One, his true colors come out in this installment. When his servants question his approach with Pike, he lashes out at them. It's only for a moment, but it's enough to know he isn't truly better than the gods he condemns.
To that end, The Lord of the Rings alum Andy Serkis portrays the manipulative nature of the villain well. His dynamic with Delilah also shines here. The glimpses of her beginning the ritual complement the episode's action nicely, ramping up the tensions and stakes as it all unfolds. Things reach a boiling point at the end, too, which all but confirms the Whispered One's ritual will happen as planned.
Pike's predicament continues from The Legend of Vox Machina season 4, episode 10 (with chilling results)
Pike's narrative throughout "Let the End Begin" gets a bit repetitive, as she continues to remember her friendship with Grog — and consider the Whispered One's offer from episode 10. Ashley Johnson nails the performance through all the stages of Pike's moral dilemma. However, the show does rehash how conflicted she is several times. Fortunately, it's all worthwhile at the end.
When Vax reaches Pike, he's met with an ominous scene. She sticks to the shadows, angry and despondent. And eventually, her rage toward the gods and Vox Machina comes spilling out. It's an excellent way to pay off her feeligs of abandonment from earlier in season 4. Her final words to Vax confirm which choice she's made: "I am not your friend, I am his blood." It's a chilling sentiment heading into the finale, and it gives Vox Machina yet another challenge to overcome.
Verdict
The Legend of Vox Machina season 4, episode 11 is an excellent lead-up to the finale, accomplishing everything it needs to. It gets the minor villains out of the way, so that the series can focus on the bigger threats in season 4's send-off. It also leaves Vox Machina in a precarious place, with the Whispered One about to rise to new heights...and Pike siding with him.
There's still one episode left for The Legend of Vox Machina season 4 to stick the landing, but it's starting to tie all of its threads together nicely. It's pulling it off with style, too, and by taking its main characters to some genuinely surprising places. Things are getting intense, exactly as they should.
Episode Grade: A-
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