The Legend of Vox Machina season 4, Episode 6 ends with a major twist, and Episode 7 follows its reveal in the most fitting way: by returning the team (and viewers) to Whitestone. Percy's ancestral home is the right place to connect The Legend of Vox Machina season 4's current narrative to the earlier Briarwood arc. And the aptly named "The Ghosts of Whitestone" highlights how the past tends to haunt us — in the case of Vox Machina, both literally and figuratively. As the group realizes how all their adventures are tied together, this feels like the right message to send heading into the back half of the season. SPOILERS ahead for The Legend of Vox Machina season 4, Episode 7.
"The Ghosts of Whitestone" opens with Percy and Vex arguing over his obsession with checking on the now-contained orb. Percy's anxiety and lack of sleep are understandable though, especially after all Vox Machina's been through. And the trauma isn't ready to release its hold on them yet, especially Percy. Woken by a noise, he ends up wandering the castle at night. That's how he finds mysterious footprints and a secret tunnel created by the Briarwoods. It's the catalyst for what feels like a well-done Halloween episode (but is actually crucial for connecting Vox Machina's past and present).
"The Ghosts of Whitestone" feels like a Halloween episode (but with a point)
The Legend of Vox Machina season 4, Episode 7 is primarily focused on the team — sans Pike and Grog — uncovering the secrets of Whitestone as they deal with intruders. It's structured like a haunted-house story, with the group splitting up, then facing individual threats. Of course, the main villain behind it all is Delilah Briarwood, who is revealed to be one of the Whispered One's resurrected recruits in Episode 6. We get more insight into her return once Percy and Vax face her.
"All things are possible if you put your faith in the right god," she tells them, and it confirms a terrifying truth. The Whispered One doesn't just want a deadly and dedicated following; he's hoping to achieve godhood. He's the one responsible for Delilah being "reborn" as the necro-ninja, and her commitment makes more sense after this chapter. She believes he can resurrect Sylas in the same way, this time without the vampirism that made him all instinct and violence.
Delilah gives Percy and Vax the rundown on her resurrection and the Whispered One's cultists — many of whom, it seems, are also being manipulated through grief. Meanwhile, Keyleth reads about her failed attempts to cure Sylas' vampirism in her journal. Keyleth's interest stems from her desire to save Vax, and she locates a possible way: using the Renatus Flower. The rare plant is "said to heal any wound, undo any curse, even if divinely dealt." Unfortunately, the last one withered while Delilah transported it. (Keyleth still plants it inside the Sun Tree later, though, so perhaps Vox Machina will see some good luck for a change.)
If you're someone who misses the days of Halloween episodes on TV, The Legend of Vox Machina season 4, Episode 7 is going to be a treat. While the heart of the episode is Delilah Briarwood's story, the group finds themselves facing her failed experiments as they explore the castle. And between the members of Vox Machina getting split up, the dark atmosphere, and the creatures lurking in the shadows, "The Ghosts of Whitestone" has all the workings of a great scary story. Even Delilah's journals are giving Dr. Frankenstein in the best way.
The Legend of Vox Machina season 4, Episode 7 ties together previous arcs and the endgame
By using Delilah Briarwood's backstory and return, The Legend of Vox Machina season 4 masterfully weaves its previous arcs and the current one together. It digs into the motivations of the Whispered One and his cultists, and it also lays the groundwork for the fight ahead.
Keyleth's refusal to cave to "fate" and the Matron's Blight suggests a potentially dark turn for her, especially when she's taking notes from Delilah Briarwood. Keyleth's not the only one to be concerned about, either. When Pike and Grog return at the end of "The Ghosts of Whitestone," it's obvious Pike wants vengeance. Percy may confront his trauma and come out on top in "The Ghosts of Whitestone," but the Whispered One is about to face some serious feminine rage.
There's another exciting development before Episode 7 closes out, too. With the group realizing the Whispered One intends to become a god, they accept they'll need the proper weapon to kill him. Scanlan has been missing for much of The Legend of Vox Machina season 4, but the group now needs Mythcarver, so they're finally planning to seek him out.
Verdict
While some episodes of The Legend of Vox Machina are stronger than others, there's yet to be a "bad" installment in this outing. "The Ghosts of Whitestone" continues that trend. While it takes on a slightly different tone than the chapters before and after it, it's a fun and necessary shift. It's installments like this that stand out as some of the series' most memorable, even if they're not as action heavy or high stakes as others.
And "The Ghosts of Whitestone" will make the looming conflict that much better, infusing it with emotional stakes on both sides and tying everything together. It does a brilliant job of balancing its episode narrative with the larger picture. Like so many recent episodes of The Legend of Vox Machina, it will leave fans eager to dive into the next chapter, too.
Episode Grade: A-
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