What an episode. Truly a spectacle from start to finish. I honestly cannot believe this episode was 20 minutes long because it felt like an entire movie. Haven't even watched the finale yet, but felt the need to praise this episode immediately.
Of course we have to give kudos to the animators at Amazon Studios for just going absolutely NUTS this episode. Not only were the fights exciting and well choreographed, there were some extremely daring and sweeping shots through them. The 2D blended with the 3D well and creates some spectacular fight scenes that put this show even above many "Invincible" fights for me. Every fight against Sylas, no matter who it was with was a treat. Keyleth showed up like a boss, and the fight between Vax and Vex was not only hard to watch but extremely intricate and complex. Clearly much effort was put into all of these sequences.
Despite that, the story in this episode moves quick as a gun. It doesn't take any time for things to begin, and once they do, it doesn't ever stop. I'm glad we got the backstory for the Briarwoods, because I was able to really feel Delilah's loss here. Not only due to her being a well written character (I also enjoy the reversal of the "typical man does everything to save his wife" trope to an extreme degree), but also Grey Griffin's incredible voice acting. No shockers there. Her death was also so well done- her disappointment in this...orb? I guess? And then- BAM! Out of nowhere. I'm interested to see what the whispered one even is at this point.
They also did wall developing Percy, as I now understand the smoke is clearly some opposite demon. When he struggles against it, that was a very shocking scene. His fight against Cassandra was emotional as well (and beautiful). I'm glad she was able to return to our side (although I'm a big fan of that shot last episode where her name appears on Percy's gun).
And then, when you're out of breath, they threaten to kill Keyleth. OUR SWEET KEYLETH DONT YOU DARE TAKE HER!!
Amazing stuff. Can't wait to watch the finale. If it's even HALF as good as this episode, I'll be wowed. Everyone should watch this, regardless of whether you're familiar with Critical Role!
Of course we have to give kudos to the animators at Amazon Studios for just going absolutely NUTS this episode. Not only were the fights exciting and well choreographed, there were some extremely daring and sweeping shots through them. The 2D blended with the 3D well and creates some spectacular fight scenes that put this show even above many "Invincible" fights for me. Every fight against Sylas, no matter who it was with was a treat. Keyleth showed up like a boss, and the fight between Vax and Vex was not only hard to watch but extremely intricate and complex. Clearly much effort was put into all of these sequences.
Despite that, the story in this episode moves quick as a gun. It doesn't take any time for things to begin, and once they do, it doesn't ever stop. I'm glad we got the backstory for the Briarwoods, because I was able to really feel Delilah's loss here. Not only due to her being a well written character (I also enjoy the reversal of the "typical man does everything to save his wife" trope to an extreme degree), but also Grey Griffin's incredible voice acting. No shockers there. Her death was also so well done- her disappointment in this...orb? I guess? And then- BAM! Out of nowhere. I'm interested to see what the whispered one even is at this point.
They also did wall developing Percy, as I now understand the smoke is clearly some opposite demon. When he struggles against it, that was a very shocking scene. His fight against Cassandra was emotional as well (and beautiful). I'm glad she was able to return to our side (although I'm a big fan of that shot last episode where her name appears on Percy's gun).
And then, when you're out of breath, they threaten to kill Keyleth. OUR SWEET KEYLETH DONT YOU DARE TAKE HER!!
Amazing stuff. Can't wait to watch the finale. If it's even HALF as good as this episode, I'll be wowed. Everyone should watch this, regardless of whether you're familiar with Critical Role!
