Following The Legend of Vox Machina season 4 Episode 3's attack on the Ashari, Vox Machina sets out for Deastok in Episode 4. This chapter of Prime Video's fantasy show peels back the layers of newcomer Taryon Darrington, proving he's more than just comic relief — though we're still grateful for his ability to make us laugh in Scanlan's continued absence. SPOILERS ahead for The Legend of Vox Machina season 4, Episode 4.
The trip to Taryon's home is meant to uncover truths about the shadowstone used by the cultists, but it proves something of a trust-building exercise between Taryon and Vox Machina. As Percy laments early in Episode 4, "At best, he's an idiot. At worst, he's a bloody mastermind leading us to our doom." The truth ends up closer to the middle. Taryon may be gullible and outrageous, but he demonstrates he can be a proper member of the team in "Taryon, My Wayward Son."
The Legend of Vox Machina season 4 Episode 4 takes Taryon Darrington beyond comic relief
Anyone who has spent the first three episodes laughing at Taryon's behavior might feel a little bad about it after meeting his father. The Legend of Vox Machina season 4 Episode 3 introduces Howaardt Darrington — and though he initially seems thrilled to have Vox Machina in his home, he's less enthusiastic to see his own son. Howaardt finds any reason to poke at Taryon's flaws, and it's a wonder he's still so good natured in spite of it all.
Of course, Taryon's naivety when it comes to his father is challenged in "Taryon, My Wayward Son." It may take Tary far too long to catch on, but Vox Machina immediately clocks that Howaardt is hiding something. He claims he doesn't know about the shadowstone or the site where it's mined. However, the group is suspicious enough to break into his office and uncover the truth for themselves.
With all the staff and guards around Taryon's home, this requires a fair bit of distraction. Fortunately, Percy's able to tempt Howaardt with talk of a business deal and a nightcap. Keyleth and Pike are forced to improvise when it comes to his righthand man, Cleeves, though. In one of the episode's more hilarious moments, Keyleth pretends Pike is going into labor.
While Cleeves and Howaardt are distracted, Vex and Vax sneak into the office and confirm what they suspected. Howaardt knows about the shadowstone; it's actually in the stolen shipments Taryon is sent to investigate in The Legend of Vox Machina season 4 Episode 1. The mine is also open, so naturally, Vox Machina heads there. The subsequent showdown proves Taryon's one of them after all.
"Taryon, My Wayward Son" brings truths and betrayal in the mine
As Percy and Grog continue to keep Howaardt occupied — this time, with a Deck of Infinite Possibilities, which soon finds them fighting a unicorn — the rest of the group heads to the nearby mine. They realize that it isn't just active; the presence of Howaardt's guards also means it's under his command. As Keyleth so cleanly puts it, "Darrington guards are working a Darrington mine to make weapons kept in a secret Darrington ledger."
Unfortunately, her comment still isn't enough for Taryon to connect the dots. Despite his father's harsh treatment, Taryon continues to make excuses for him. His insistence that Howaardt's business rivals and staff must be framing him is tragic in its sincerity. However, the illusion doesn't last long, as Cleeves eventually shows up and tells the guards to kill Vox Machina.
What ensues is a fight that forces Taryon to choose sides. And after some tough love from Vex, he makes the right choice and helps Vox Machina win. He even gets their names right, a true step in the right direction for the team. The whole thing concludes with Taryon confronting Howaardt and giving him a very good speech — one that, comically, his biographer robot isn't around to record.
Following Taryon's display of bravery, it seems he's officially a member of Vox Machina. Vax and Vex probably put it best: "In the span of 24 hours, you've caused unfathomable amounts of property damage and confronted a lifetime of internalized parental issues. Welcome to Vox Machina." With the team's dynamic feeling sturdier, The Legend of Vox Machina season 4 can now focus more fully on the looming arrival of the Whispered One. And although the trip to Deastok doesn't give Vox Machina all the answers, it's enough to point them toward the villain and give them more sleuthing to do.
Verdict
The Legend of Vox Machina season 4 Episode 4 feels like a necessary breather after Episode 3's explosive coronation, and it features just enough drama and action to keep the momentum going, even as it takes a step back. Taryon's character writing is the strongest part of this chapter, highlighting the Prime Video show's continued ability to juggle humor with depth. The trip to Deastok proves the perfect means of officially inducting Taryon into Vox Machina. It is a tad frustrating Howaardt's guilt doesn't provide clearer answers, though.
Of course, "Taryon, My Wayward Son" still moves the needle on the main plot, if in ways viewers don't expect. Pike has a vision during the fight at the mines, and it could be the key to finding and defeating the team's current enemy. The vision confirms the Whispered One is at the center of all this, and it sees a hero — who looks a lot like one of Pike's ancestors — confronting his forces. That raises plenty of questions heading into The Legend of Vox Machina season 4 Episode 5, which is the perfect incentive to press play on it, really.
Episode Grade: A-
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