The Mighty Nein welcomes fans back to Exandria, bringing Critical Role’s second campaign to life with stunning animation and epic action.
The Mighty Nein brings fans back into the world of Exandria, but this time, with a darker tone. Self-proclaimed nerdy voice actors – Travis Willingham, Marisha Ray, Taliesin Jaffe, Laura Bailey, Sam Riegel, Ashley Johnson, Liam O’Brien, and Matthew Mercer – play new characters this time around, who also live in Exandria, which means there are ties to Vox Machina, as well as the group’s third campaign, Bells Hells.
I was first introduced to Critical Role by way of Prime Video’s The Legend Of Vox Machina. After that, I went down a rabbit hole that I have yet to climb out of, and quite honestly, never want to. I have watched a fair bit of the actual gameplay of campaign one, but since I do reactions on YouTube, I have stayed away from going too far in an effort not to be spoiled, so I can provide genuine reactions.
Because I knew The Mighty Nein was coming to the screen, I have not yet dived into campaign 2 (or 3), which is killing me. Thankfully, Critical Role’s Campaign 4 is in a whole new world, and even though there is a chance it will be animated eventually, I have allowed myself to become fully immersed since day one, and I have no regrets. All of this explanation is to let you, reader, know where I am coming from in terms of my review, and what I do and do not yet know.
Having seen all eight episodes of The Mighty Nein season one, I can confidently say that this series is a masterpiece. It did not take me long at all to fall in love with a whole new group of characters. I greatly appreciate that we get to know them individually before they cross paths. It truly makes their time together that much more meaningful and impactful.
I honestly expected it to take a little getting used to, not seeing Keyleth, Vax, Vex, Grog, Pike, Percy, and Scanlan on my screen, but these new characters grabbed my attention right away. I found myself wanting to know everything and anything about them. They all bring something to the table, and they all most definitely have secrets they are hiding.
Due to the extended runtime of the episodes, showrunner Tasha Huo and the Critical Role team were able to explore these characters and their pasts more in-depth. We do not know everything about everyone yet, of course, but all will be revealed in due time. Prime Video has picked the series up for two seasons so far, but I have my fingers crossed for Critical Role to get the amount that they feel they need to tell these stories.
Liam O’Brien (Voice of Caleb Widogast), Laura Bailey (Voice of Jester Lavorre), Sam Riegel (Voice of Nott the Brave), Marisha Ray (Voice of Beauregard), Ashley Johnson (Voice of Yasha), Travis Willingham (Voice of Fjord), Taliesin Jaffe (Voice of Mollymauk Tealeaf) are all some of the best in the voice over business. That is simply a fact. So it should come as no surprise that they know what they are doing here and make it pretty easy to cause viewers to invest in each and every character in a different way.
Matthew Mercer is the Game Master in the actual play campaigns, but he pops in and out of The Legend Of Vox Machina to voice characters here and there. This time around, however, he finds himself as Essek, an antagonist that I was instantly drawn to. There is something about him that makes me want to give him a big hug and then slap him across the face. He confuses me. But I love that about him.
As for guest voices, the list is long and, quite frankly, pretty insane. The talent that Critical Role has joining them for The Mighty Nein includes Ming-Na Wen, Alan Cumming, Tim McGraw, Anika Noni Rose, and Auli’i Cravalho – and that is not even the tip of the iceberg.
The Mighty Nein features quieter moments with each of the members of the group, but it also delivers some truly epic action sequences. Titmouse Animation once again brings its A-game with jaw-dropping visuals. This series is magic-heavy, and to see the spells that I use as a wizard in my campaign with friends and family come to life on the screen so perfectly has had me squealing with glee. So much of this series could be printed out as a poster and look absolutely fantastic.
While I do not want to say too much about the story itself, for fear of spoiling it for those who do not know what is to come, just know that what we are given is pure perfection. From the opening sequence to the final moments in episode 8, I was on the edge of my seat. I was laughing one moment, cheering the next, and then wiping away tears. Yes, this series is darker than the previous one, but it is also filled with just as much heart, so get ready to feel all the things.
I love The Legend Of Vox Machina, and I never expected to fall so head over heels in love with The Mighty Nein as quickly as I did. Everyone left it all out on the table with this one, and after THAT cliffhanger ending, I cannot wait to see what comes next.
Be sure to watch the interview with Critical Role about The Mighty Nein and tune into Prime Video on November 19th for the first three episodes of season one.
NEXT: The Mighty Nein Interview: Critical Role & Showrunner Tasha Huo
Tessa Smith is a Rotten Tomatoes Tomatometer-approved Film and TV Critic. On Camera personality and TV / Film Critic with 10+ years of experience in video editing, writing, editing, moderating, and hosting.