The Legend of Vox Machina continues to shine in newest episodes

After a jam-packed premiere trio, Amazon Prime’s The Legend of Vox Machina returns for three more episodes this week. Episodes 4, 5, and 6 find the series finally settling into a rhythm. One that feels much less fast-paced allowing for interesting character moments and progression of the overarching story.

When we last saw Vox Machina they were being arrested after Percy quite literally blew up a dinner party at Sovereign Tal’Dorei’s palace. Episode 4, “Shadows at the Gates,” picks up right where we left off, with Vox Machina being placed under house arrest.

We learn that Scanlan stole Delilah Briarwood’s necromancy book, making the group a target for her undead assassins while under lock and key at their new, government-issued home. This episode feels like a much-needed stand-alone, in some ways. It gives the group a “monster of the week,” to fight, and allows for the show to hit its stride when writing for such a large ensemble cast.

The series does an incredibly smart thing by splitting the party, allowing for moments between each pair of characters to explore backstories and allow the audience to learn more about them individually.

Episode 5, titled “Fate’s Journey,” provides an even more fitting respite. It’s a travel episode, something incredibly common in the Critical Role live streams, from which the series hails. It feels particularly D&D in certain moments, especially around the campfire, where we can see Vox Machina bonding.

Vex ponders, during episode 4, why she and Vax don’t just leave, and episode 5 answers that question. As hesitant as their bond is this early on, it’s clear they have an attachment to each other that will carry them through to the end.

This latest batch of Legend of Vox Machina episodes also features the first inklings of a B-plot, which does wonders for the series. Pike’s journey to recapture her magic adds a sense of suspense to her scenes. The audience doesn’t quite know why she is unable to cast spells, while also adding tension to the group’s scenes in the A-plot. She’s their only healer, and her absence makes each battle all the more nerve-racking.

Episode 6, “Spark of Rebellion,” is gruesome and heartbreaking, but it finally allows the audience to truly witness just how awful the Briarwoods are, as we take in the ruins of Whitestone. With an incredible Game of Thrones reference, the audience is also given more insight into “No Mercy,” Percy, with the names of those who wronged him engraved onto his gun.

Keyleth truly shines during these episodes, with Marisha Ray’s ever-endearing performance to enhance her journey. She allows herself to finally feel worthy and can then use her powers to help Vox Machina in ways that they wouldn’t have survived without. Pike telling Keyleth that she is the group’s light while she’s away was a true highlight and felt like an incredibly pivotal moment for both of their characters going forward.

Overall, these episodes of The Legend of Vox Machina were incredibly enjoyable and felt much more balanced than the premiere. If the overwhelming crude humor and break-neck speed turned you off the first time, these episodes are worth giving it another chance.

The show is a true ensemble, in a similar vein to The CW’s Legends of Tomorrow. This latest batch of episodes proves that the writers of the series know exactly what they’re doing in telling this group’s story.

The Legend of Vox Machina airs new episodes Fridays, only on Prime Video.