The Legend of Vox Machina season 4 gets off to a strong start with its first two episodes, but Episode 3 thrusts fans fully into the fantasy show's new story — both by reuniting our favorite characters and by bringing its looming threat further into the open. SPOILERS ahead for The Legend of Vox Machina season 4, Episodes 1-3.
After Keyleth completes her Aramenté in season 4, Episode 2, "The Coronation" sees her publicly becoming the Voice of the Tempest. Vox Machina attends the ceremony held in her honor, and it's deliciously awkward. And it doesn't take long for the festivities to go awry, forcing the team to break out their fighting skills (and giving them a new shared enemy to contend with).
The Legend of Vox Machina seasons 4 and 5 will follow Vox Machina as they face the Whispered One. The Critical Role villain doesn't appear in this episode, but his cultists crash Keyleth's coronation. They prove formidable opponents, attacking the Ashari leaders and insisting the Old Order must die. Their arrival raises the stakes of this outing and puts Vox Machina's teamwork to the test. It also gives them a new mission, so we can expect a return to form in the coming episodes of the Prime Video series.
Keyleth's coronation brings Vox Machina back together in The Legend of Vox Machina season 4 Episode 3
Vox Machina's inevitable reunion occurs in The Legend of Vox Machina season 4 Episode 3, and the series does a stellar job of making it land. It's great to see the gang together again — minus Scanlan — and the show continues to use their distance to its advantage. The writing and voice actors play up the awkwardness, and it's comically relatable. If you've ever tried catching up with an old friend, only to realize you have nothing to talk about, you'll feel Percy's "So...you wear shirts now" in your bones.
Pike continues to have one of the most interesting arcs of the season. Her resentment at the others is clearly warring with her desire to see them happy. Percy's question hits the nail on the head, though: unlike the rest of them, Pike isn't happy. It's a nice change of pace for one of Vox Machina's most easygoing members, and it's setting up a compelling journey for her as season 4 continues.
Of course, the other characters don't seem totally content, either. Keyleth's fear that she and Vax have been replaced by Taryon Darrington is telling. There are obvious tensions underlying Vox Machina's interactions throughout this chapter, and they're sure to provide plenty of drama as they pursue the newest threat to Exandria.
"The Coronation" ramps up The Legend of Vox Machina's stakes at the perfect time
"The Coronation" nails The Legend of Vox Machina season 4's big reunion, but its strengths go beyond that. It significantly ups the stakes from the prior chapters, and it does so at the ideal time. The attack and subsequent action in the latter half of "The Coronation" is the thrilling segue into the latest story arc that season 4 needs. It ensures viewers will want to press play on next week's episodes as soon as humanly possible.
Episode 3's showdown also highlights what Vox Machina is up against, cementing the Whispered One and his followers as the terrifying threat they are. The fact that even characters like Grog and Keyleth struggle against the Children of Truth is cause for concern. So is the realization that they don't die. Another observation also underscores how scary these villains are: they don't care about surviving, as long as they're seeing their mission through.
Beyond destroying the Old Order, the details of that mission remain hazy. Vox Machina will need to investigate further, and fortunately, Taryon proves surprisingly useful by giving the group a lead. The wands used by the cultists contain Shadowstone, a gem only found near Dearstok — Taryon's home. It seems the newcomer will be sticking around. With everything getting darker, we can't complain about the continued comic relief.
Verdict
The Legend of Vox Machina season 4 Episode 3 marks a sobering shift, with the latter half of "The Coronation" laying the groundwork for a fight against truly dark forces. If the attack on the Ashari and the blinding of Keyleth's father isn't ominous enough, Vax's warning from the Matron should convey how grim things are.
When it comes to this new plot, The Legend of Vox Machina season 4 is doing an impressive job of building momentum while maintaining some level of mystery. It's exactly the balance the show needs, and it's making the jump from the Chroma Conclave to the Whispered One feel seamless.
On top of nailing its reunion and introducing new villains in glorious fashion, "The Coronation" features some genuinely stunning visuals. From Keyleth's demonstration of the elements to the shot of the cultists in the stands, the show is highlighting why animation is such an effective medium for fantasy stories. The latter gives me chills every time I watch it.
With its solid character work, high-stakes action, and stellar animation, The Legend of Vox Machina season 4 Episode 3 is firing on all fronts. It's easily the best of the three-part premiere, and it's a promising place to leave things.
Episode Grade: A
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