The New Animated Series' Opening Sequence Selected the Incorrect Critical Role Song
This latest animated series, the most recent animated adventure by Critical Role, unveiled an exciting opening credits. It features the beloved cast of misfits, misfits, and rogues fighting hard and making their mark, while also hinting at several agonizing backstories for key figures such as the voice actor's mage Caleb, and another actor's orc warlock, the character Fjord.
All in all, the intro looks amazing. But I couldn't help feeling that an element was missing in the music selection.
The intro uses "Welcome to the Continent", a truly stellar song created by producer and singer Colm McGuinness. This piece from the official score of that title, the second release put out by Critical Role Productions LLC's music division their music brand. It's a great sentimental choice, and I suspect that fans of the second campaign will love its presence.
But for me, The Mighty Nein's opening fails to capture the excitement and energy that accompanied the show's live-play sessions. "It's Your Turn", composed by singer-songwriter Jason Charles Miller, was an instant classic in my view when it was initially unveiled in 2015, and it only got better when co-founder Sam Riegel added lyrics to the tune for the animated Campaign 2 opening in 2018.
Including singing from one actress, another performer, Travis Willingham, as well as Riegel himself, the song was catchy and enjoyable. Back then, I hadn't even watched the follow-up series yet, but it was so infectious that I kept it on my device. This track that excites you before you start an episode of fantasy hijinks.
The show's opening with "the new song" doesn't strike the same chords for me. It's an impressive composition, but based on my understanding of this party, I can't help but feel that its tone is somewhat mismatched.
Of course, Critical Role has stated that the animated show will have a few surprises and variations from the actual-play campaign. A tonal change for its opening appears as one of them.
This animated adventure will be available to watch on the streaming service from November 19. For those eager before that, or wish to prepare to learn about the characters of Critical Role's Campaign 2, the original episodes are available on Spotify and the video site.