Legend of Vox Machina transitions to the season’s final act, with Pike walking into Thar Amphala to avenge her grandfather and Grog. Finding herself in the twisted dimension, she comes to face-to-face with the Whispered One and the truth his followers are willing to die for.
Meanwhile, Vox Machina copes with potentially losing two of its family members. Taryon is distraught as he never envisioned failure in his storybook adventure. Vex reassures him that loss is part of the trade. The mourning is placed on hold as Percy surmises they must reactivate the second orb to travel to Thar Amphala and rescue their friend. But his sister, Cassandra, and the other court members of Whitestone object, fearing the potential harm it will bring the land.
Later, Keyleth informs Vax of the elixir she’s forged from Delilah’s failed recipe to cure the Matron’s curse. While Vax is flattered, he views the proposed antidote as a last resort, not trusting anything from the lips of their arch nemesis. That night, in a dream, the Matron returns to Vax and explains that his fate is intertwined with the Whispered One’s demise.
After some mild trickery, the team sneaks the castle, only to meet Percy’s sister and others. A battle ensues with Vox Machina victorious. Taryon, completing his full arc, remains behind to ensure the four members safely pass through the portal. Once inside, Vax’s painful blemishes glow, healing from the inside out. It appears the Matron’s fortune about her Champion was accurate. The four tap into their faith as the recon mission for Pike begins.
Episode 10 is a beautiful start for the series’ final arc. The devastating circumstances illustrate Vox Machina’s unique familial bond and true heroism. Even Taryon is inspired to place others before himself and his self-proclaimed narrative. Pike’s encounter in Thar Amphala is not what she expected. Determined to draw blood, she’s instead forced to question all she’s ever known about Exandria and the way of the world. Will she be willing to take a different leap of faith for the ones she loves?
Rating: 8/10