The New Animated Series' Introductory Sequence Chose the Wrong Popular RPG Show Track
This latest animated series, the most recent animated series by the beloved role-playing group, revealed a new introductory sequence. It features our favorite cast of misfits, outcasts, and criminals kicking ass and taking names, while teasing at multiple agonizing backstories for key figures including the voice actor's mage Caleb, and Travis Willingham's orc warlock, the character Fjord.
All in all, the intro looks stunning. But I couldn't help feeling that an element was lost in the music selection.
This sequence uses "Welcome to Wildemount", an exceptional song created by artist the talented musician. This piece from the soundtrack album of the same name, the second one put out by the production company's record label their music brand. It's a great nostalgic choice, and I suspect that fans of the second campaign will love its inclusion.
But for me, The series' opening fails to capture the hype and energy that was part of the show's actual-play adventure. "It's Your Turn", composed by musician Jason Charles Miller, became an immediate hit for me when it was initially unveiled in 2015, and it improved further when cast member Sam Riegel wrote words to the melody for the animated Campaign 2 opening in 2018.
Including singing from Ashley Johnson, Laura Bailey, a co-star, as well as Riegel himself, the track was catchy and enjoyable. At the time, 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 knows how to get you pumped before you start an episode of adventurous fun.
The show's opening with "the new song" doesn't strike the same chords in my opinion. It's an impressive piece of music, but based on my understanding of the group, I feel that its mood is a little off.
Of course, the creators has stated that the animated show will have a few surprises and differences from the original live sessions. An adjusted mood for its opening seems to be one of them.
This animated adventure will be released on Prime Video from Nov. 19. If you can't wait until then, or want a head start to get to know the personas of Critical Role's Campaign 2, the original episodes are available on Spotify and YouTube.