Deron Generally
Deron GenerallyThe Legend of Vox Machina
Prime Video
Season 3 Episode 7
Cloak and Dagger
In the ruins of Whitestone, Vox Machina makes a startling discovery – a clue from Ripley luring them to her remote island lair. Before they can resume the fight against the Chroma Conclave, they must deal with the serpent who’s been nipping at their heels.
One of the things that I have loved about this season of The Legend of Vox Machina is seeing the writers flesh out the characters that could traditionally only be seen as villains. The opening scene of the episode shows the backstory of Anna Ripley and gives new context to her villainous arc as well as the motivations behind her actions. Motivations that are interesting to see. I also really enjoyed the shout out to an organization that was featured heavily in another Critical Role campaign.
Vox Machina finds themselves dealing with the aftermath of the attack on Whitestone and Percy is not only feeling guilty, but realizes that there is something more behind the attack. Something that will prompt him to look to the rest of the team to take on a personal mission to find Ripley and stop her. A mission that will also bring up more uncomfortable conversation between Percy and Vex as he reveals his feelings for her. I continue to enjoy the complications of this relationship and how those complications make their moments have more meaning.
Unfortunately, things take a dark turn with a trap that not only debilitates the team, but leaves Percy vulnerable to Ripley’s forces. A moment that will force him to confront his inner and outer demons again as he discovers the full scope of her plans. A scope that will lead to a deadly confrontation that fans have been prepared for, but will still shock and surprise both in the intensity of the moment, but also how beautifully action packed it is.
The episode is a beautiful, complex and brilliantly builds on its tension throughout both with Percy’s confrontation with Ripley and the rest of the team confronting their own inner demons. In the wake of the darker elements of the last episode and the opening of this one, I was expecting to be emotionally devastated by what happens and was not disappointed. The episode fires on all cylinders and ended with an emotional gut punch that only made me appreciate the series and this level of storytelling even more.
The Legend of Vox Machina Season 3 Episode 7
