The New Animated Series' Opening Sequence Selected the Wrong Critical Role Track
This latest animated series, the newest animated series by Critical Role, revealed an exciting introductory sequence. It features the beloved cast of misfits, outcasts, and criminals kicking ass and taking names, while also hinting at several heart-wrenching backstories for key figures including the voice actor's wizard Caleb, and Travis Willingham's warlock orc, Fjord.
Overall, the opening appears stunning. But I couldn't help feeling that an element was lost in the music selection.
This sequence uses "Welcome to the Continent", a truly stellar composition created by artist Colm McGuinness. This piece from the soundtrack album of the same name, the second one put out by Critical Role Productions LLC's record label Scanlan Shorthalt Music. It's a great nostalgic choice, and I suspect that fans of the sequel series will appreciate its inclusion.
Personally, The Mighty Nein's intro fails to capture the hype and energy that accompanied the show's live-play sessions. "Your Turn to Roll", written by singer-songwriter Jason Charles Miller, became an immediate hit for me when it was first revealed in that year, and it only got better when co-founder Sam Riegel wrote words to the melody for the animated Campaign 2 opening in 2018.
Including singing from Ashley Johnson, another performer, Travis Willingham, as well as the writer, the track was memorable and fun. At the time, I hadn't even watched the second campaign at that point, but it was so infectious that I still saved it on my device. It's a song that excites you before you dive into an installment of adventurous fun.
The Mighty Nein's opening with "the new song" doesn't strike the right notes for me. It's a grand composition, but based on my understanding of this party, I can't help but feel that its tone is a little off.
Of course, Critical Role has stated that the series will have some surprises and differences from the original live sessions. A tonal change for its intro appears as among these.
The Mighty Nein will be released on the streaming service from Nov. 19. If you can't wait until then, or want a head start to learn about the characters of the second series, the original episodes are available on the audio platform and the video site.