This show is NOT for kids! I repeat, NOT for kids! It’s something Adult Swim-esque but it’s not mindless comical jokes. There is actually a good story here. Good STORIES actually! Created by the geniuses at Critical Role, they managed to express their creativity, humour and nerdism magnificently onto screen. It helps they are all well known voice actors so casting wouldn’t have been an issue. Well done to Prime Video for sniffing this one out.
Show follows a band of thieves who, all outcasts and through fate find each other and form what will later be seen as a family (insert Vin Diesel meme here). They go on numerous adventures together and whether it’s talented skill or pure sheer luck, they manage to overcome the odds against them. There is a heavy premise on brotherhood, loyalty and allegiance, I’m a big big sucker for those themes. Its the animated adaptation of Dungeons and Dragons, something we have been lacking in the nerd kingdom.
All of this is displayed in an animation which is splendid. It has a good blend of “serious anime” and has its moments when it switches to the comedic Teen Titans Go type animation. Coupled with the adult themed sex jokes and excess use of profanity… and I mean EXCESS use… it just leaves you waiting to hear what comes out of the next person’s mouth. There are some vulgar showcases here in which humour will be tested. You will come to find out if you have dark humour or not. They are not shy on the gore here. The action is always shown in serious anime mode. Its swift, its smooth, its polished. There are some staggering battles on show. A fantasy world but you feel the power of the threats that these characters face. The stakes always feel high and for that reason, we credit the writers.
Now that perfectly brings me to the highlight of this show. The characters. The balance is well captured within the group from the dopey adolescent character to the super pressing firm no nonsense character. The brilliant pacing of the show allows for a collection of episodes to be utilised as character development so you get full understanding of how, why, when, what these outcasts goals are. You have Grog who if I had to guess is a parody of God of War’s Kratos. A gigantic muscle bound warrior fuelled by rage but also childish, clumsy and befuddled. You have Pike, a gnome, one of the smallest characters and one of my faves. Also voiced by one of the greats, our video game Ellie from The Last of Us, Ashley Johnson (President of Critical Role). The purest of the lot, very spiritual but also a formidable warrior who is able to make shift weapons made out of light. There’s the twin elves Vex and Vax that act as the leaders and also provide the serious tone of the show. Matthew Mercer one of the board members of Critical Role also voices Trinket as well as over 10 other characters. There’s a cute Easter egg rumoured that Matthew’s likeness is represented in every episode so have fun looking for him? I’ve found him 3/4times. This isn’t even half of the heroes on the show. In season 2 we are blessed with legends like Lance Reddick most known for John Wick and Horizon franchise, Kelly Hu and Stephanie Beatriz who lend their fantastic charisma to voice some new characters. With dragons and titans the show just goes up a level in regards to intensity in this latest season.
When I say the voice acting levels in this show is top notch, I’m serious.
There’s a brazy soundtrack that is befitting to the action and adventure on display, best of all its delivered through one of my favourite characters, Scanlan, who is also a gnome, fuelled by magic powered by his little ukelele.
TLOVM is a fun, epic, grim, dark fantasy, action series and it is worth every minute of your time. It’s well written, great pacing and the voice acting is at an absurd high level. The animation is excellent and really brings this fantasy world to life. Very much recommended. We want SEASON 3!!!
Who is your favourite character? How did you take in the humour and gore? Do you want to see more seasons? Think a spin off could work? React and comment below…
Yeah it’s good probably a lot better than I give it credit for especially with all the characters. I think I have to just accept it for what it is without comparison. I think I’d give it a solid 7/10.
I love this show. How it was created is also awesome.
Who know more shows like this …. It so interesting waiting for season 3 here