The New Animated Series' Introductory Sequence Chose the Wrong Critical Role Track

The Mighty Nein, the newest animated series by Critical Role, unveiled an exciting opening credits. It features the beloved group of outcasts, misfits, and rogues fighting hard and taking names, while teasing at several agonizing personal histories for key figures including the voice actor's wizard Caleb, and Travis Willingham's orc warlock, the character Fjord.

Overall, the intro appears stunning. But I couldn't help feeling that something was missing in the music selection.

This sequence uses "Welcome to Wildemount", a truly stellar song composed by producer and singer the talented musician. It's a track originating from the official score of that title, the second release released by the production company's record label Scanlan Shorthalt Music. It's a wonderful nostalgic option, and I believe that devotees of the second campaign will love its inclusion.

But for me, The series' intro doesn't quite capture the hype and energy that was part of the second campaign's actual-play adventure. "Your Turn to Roll", written by musician Jason Charles Miller, became an immediate hit 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 animated Campaign 2 opening in the later year.

Featuring vocals from Ashley Johnson, another performer, a co-star, as well as the writer, the song was memorable and enjoyable. Back then, I hadn't even watched the second campaign yet, but this was such an earworm that I kept it on my phone. It's a song that excites you before you start an installment of adventurous fun.

The show's opening with "the new song" fails to hit the right notes for me. It's an impressive piece of music, but based on my understanding of the group, I feel that its tone is somewhat mismatched.

Naturally, Critical Role has already said that the series will have a few surprises and variations from the original live sessions. An adjusted mood for its opening seems to be among these.

The Mighty Nein will be released on the streaming service from Nov. 19. If you can't wait before that, or want a head start to learn about the characters of Critical Role's Campaign 2, the original episodes are accessible on the audio platform and the video site.

Crystal Fischer
Crystal Fischer

A passionate film critic and cinema historian with over a decade of experience analyzing movies across genres and cultures.