The New Animated Series' Introductory Sequence Chose the Incorrect Critical Role Track
This latest animated series, the most recent animated adventure by the beloved role-playing group, unveiled a new introductory sequence. It features our favorite cast of misfits, misfits, and rogues fighting hard and making their mark, while teasing at several heart-wrenching backstories for characters such as the voice actor's mage Caleb, and another actor's orc warlock, the character Fjord.
All in all, the intro looks amazing. However, I felt that an element was missing in the song choice.
The intro uses "Welcome to Wildemount", an exceptional composition created by artist the talented musician. This piece originating from the official score of the same name, the second one released by the production company's record label Scanlan Shorthalt Music. It's a wonderful sentimental option, and I suspect that fans of the sequel series will appreciate its presence.
But for me, The Mighty Nein's intro fails to capture the excitement and energy that was part of the show's live-play sessions. "Your Turn to Roll", composed by musician Jason Charles Miller, became an immediate hit for me when it was initially unveiled in that year, and it only got better when cast member the performer wrote words to the melody for the animated Campaign 2 opening in the later year.
Including singing from one actress, Laura Bailey, a co-star, as well as the writer, the song was catchy and fun. At the time, I hadn't even watched the follow-up series at that point, but this was such an earworm that I kept it on my device. It's a song that knows how to get you pumped before you start an episode of fantasy hijinks.
The Mighty Nein's opening with "Welcome to Wildemount" fails to hit the same chords in my opinion. It's a grand composition, but from what I know of this party, I feel that its mood is a little off.
Of course, the creators has already said that the series will have some surprises and variations from the original live sessions. A tonal change for its intro seems to be one of them.
The Mighty Nein will be released on Prime Video from November 19. For those eager before that, or want a head start to learn about the personas of the second series, the original episodes are available on the audio platform and YouTube.