The New Animated Series' Introductory Sequence Selected the Wrong Critical Role Track
This latest animated series, the most recent animated adventure by the beloved role-playing group, revealed a new introductory sequence. It features the beloved cast of misfits, outcasts, and rogues kicking ass and taking names, while teasing at multiple agonizing personal histories for characters such as Liam O'Brien's wizard Caleb, and Travis Willingham's warlock orc, Fjord.
Overall, the intro appears stunning. But I couldn't help feeling that something was lost in the song choice.
This sequence employs "Welcome to the Continent", an exceptional song composed by artist Colm McGuinness. This piece originating from the soundtrack album of that title, the second one put out by Critical Role Productions LLC's music division their music brand. It's a wonderful sentimental option, and I believe that fans of the sequel series will appreciate its presence.
But for me, The Mighty Nein's opening doesn't quite capture the excitement and energy that accompanied the show's live-play sessions. "It's Your Turn", composed by musician Jason Charles Miller, was an instant classic for me when it was first revealed in that year, and it only got better when cast member Sam Riegel added lyrics to the tune for the series' animated intro in the later year.
Featuring vocals from Ashley Johnson, another performer, a co-star, as well as Riegel himself, the track was memorable and fun. Back then, I hadn't even watched the second campaign at that point, but it was so infectious that I kept it on my phone. It's a song that excites you before you dive into an installment of fantasy hijinks.
The show's opening with "the new song" fails to hit the same chords for me. It's a grand piece of music, but from what I know of this party, I feel that its mood is somewhat mismatched.
Naturally, Critical Role has already said that the animated show will have a few changes and differences from the actual-play campaign. A tonal change for its intro seems to be one of them.
The Mighty Nein will be released on the streaming service from November 19. For those eager until then, or want a head start to learn about the personas of the second series, the original episodes are available on the audio platform and the video site.
