Vox Machina returns to the screen in The Legend of Vox Machina season 4, but there's one character notably absent from the fantasy show's three-episode premiere: Scanlan. As the other members of the titular team are pulled back into action, either by the appearance of supernatural threats or via aspiring adventurer Taryon Darrington, Scanlan remains separated. This isn't a total surprise, at least not to anyone familiar with the Critical Role campaign the show is based on. It is a bit jarring, though, even with Taryon providing the comic relief that Scanlan is known for.
It's been a while since The Legend of Vox Machina season 3 ended, so fans may need a refresher of where Scanlan's gone off to. During Grog's season 4 opening song, he jokes that Scanlan is "definitely dead" — and is instantly corrected by Pike. She reveals they simply haven't heard from him, and it doesn't seem like the rest of Vox Machina has either. The season 3 finale alludes to his reasons for being distant, and the Critical Role campaign sheds further light on his continued absence.
Where Scanlan is in The Legend of Vox Machina season 4?
When Vox Machina parts ways in The Legend of Vox Machina season 3, Scanlan leaves with his daughter, Kaylie. After discovering he has a daughter in season 2, much of his season 3 story involves proving he can be a worthy father to her. And after being absent from her life all those years, it makes sense he'd want to spend more time together. Following season 3's climax, Scanlan tells the rest of the group he's leaving Vox Machina behind. He claims he's "looking for something else" beyond treasure and adventure, and he seems to believe Kaylie is the answer.
"I like myself better when I'm with Kaylie," he tells Grog and Pike, touching on another reason for his departure. He doesn't leave on bad terms with Vox Machina — he even tells Grog and Pike they're "like family" — but season 3 sees him questioning his role on the team. The Critical Role campaign digs even deeper into his feelings of frustration, underscoring that Scanlan doesn't feel valued by his friends. We may see that explored more deeply in season 4, as his radio silence likely goes beyond bonding with his daughter.
As for where Scanlan and Kaylie actually are, they mention going on a world tour during The Legend of Vox Machina's season 3 finale. With both being musicians, and Scanlan being the group's resident bard, it's a logical next step. How it plays out remains to be seen, but Scanlan is certainly busy doing something away from the group.
Will Scanlan appear at all in The Legend of Vox Machina season 4?
Despite Scanlan's absence in the early episodes of The Legend of Vox Machina season 4, Sam Riegel's character will show up eventually. We know this from the season 4 trailer, which shows him reunited with the rest of the crew. There's a shot of him with a drink and sunglasses, saying, "Classic Vox Max. I did not miss the constant peril." Once again, the show highlights his reluctance to be a member of the team. Scanlan truly seems done with his adventuring days, though the arrival of the Whispered One may force him back into them.
Speaking of which, there are also clips of Scanlan playing music and fighting in the footage — so he'll definitely be wrapped up in season 4's chaos eventually. Whether he'll permanently rejoin Vox Machina or lend them a temporary helping hand is the real question. SPOILERS ahead for Critical Role campaign and the future of The Legend of Vox Machina.
Assuming the show follows the campaign's story, we'll likely see Scanlan briefly in this chapter, then witness a full return closer to The Legend of Vox Machina season 5. With the next chapter marking the Prime Video show's last, it would feel wrong to keep him absent. Hopefully, the series can make his reentry feel seamless after time spent away. And if all goes according to the campaign, Scanlan should do a better job of keeping in touch with his friends after the story's final showdown.
The first three episodes of The Legend of Vox Machina season 4 are now streaming on Prime Video.
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