The Legend of Vox Machina Season 4 Episode 2 Review

The Legend of Vox Machina

Prime Video

Season 4 Episode 2

Trial By Water

Doty, take this down. Antlers has gone off to do something terribly dangerous involving water. Meanwhile, Short Stuff and Jumbo are poking around places they probably shouldn’t be. I’ve arrived with important news. Doty, underline “important”.

Episode 2 of the fourth season of The Legend of Vox Machina begins with the return of Keyleth (Marisha Ray) and Vax’ildan (Liam O’Brien) sailing the rough waters of the ocean as well as their own personal journeys. Vax is dealing with the Blight and Keyleth is nervous about completing the last part of her Aramente which will make her the Voice of the Tempest and the leader of her people.

I love the contrast between Vax and Keyleth’s relationship in relation to Vex and Percy. While Percy and Vex have a rapport and ease with each other they have developed over their year together, Vax and Keyleth are still learning each other and dealing with bigger personal issues both with Vax’s condition and Keyleth’s responsibility. It’s a great contrast and really enhances the story.

I am also continually blown away by the visual style of this series and this episode is no different. It looks amazing with a visual language that enhances the beauty of the characters while also crafting and growing the beauty of the world they inhabit. The village of Vesrah looks stunning on screen as it and its inhabitants feel like part of the water they live on and protect. The city grows out of the waves and has a wonderful presence in its imagery.

Vex and Percy compare notes on their recent encounters and both begin to see something brewing right before Taryon (Wayne Brady) arrives to add both comic relief, but also a connection back to their friends. His arrival allows for more comedic moments in the story as the rest of the team finds themselves steeped in the mystery unfolding around them and its heightened dangers. Dangers that Pike and Grog will discover first hand as their investigation takes a dangerous turn.

While the rest of Vox Machina find themselves on similar dangerous journeys, the episode is mainly about Keyleth facing the final test of her Aramente and what that will mean for her future. Like last season, she will have to face not only a physical danger that could end her life, but also the conflict inside her as this part of her journey forces her to confront the fate of her mother. It’s a great moment and Marisha Ray does an amazing job of showing the growth in Keyleth as a person.

Episode 2 is a great follow up that delivers on every character moment as well as great action, thrills and a mystery that is becoming more engaging and compelling with every reveal.