Rolling a Natural 20, A review of the Mighty Nein

Amazon’s The Mighty Nein doesn’t merely expand the world of Exandria—it deepens it. Following in the footsteps of The Legend of Vox Machina, this series confidently proves that Critical Role’s magic isn’t tied to just one party of heroes. The Mighty Nein stands on its own as a bold, emotional, and often hilarious fantasy epic—one that rewards patience, empathy, and a love of beautifully messy characters.

From the outset, the show establishes a distinct tone. Where Vox Machina leaned into bombastic heroics and rowdy bravado, The Mighty Nein feels more intimate and character-driven. This is a story about outsiders—people carrying trauma, secrets, and self-doubt—who slowly, sometimes reluctantly, learn to trust one another. The result is a narrative that feels grounded even when magic is flying and monsters are crashing through walls.

At the heart of the series is its ensemble cast. Each member of the Mighty Nein is richly realized, with clear motivations and emotional scars that shape their choices. The writing gives everyone room to breathe, allowing quieter moments to land just as powerfully as the big action set pieces. Watching these characters collide, clash, and ultimately connect is endlessly compelling. Their relationships evolve naturally, turning awkward alliances into something resembling family—and that slow-burn transformation is one of the show’s greatest strengths.

Visually, the series is a feast. The animation strikes a beautiful balance between stylized fantasy and gritty realism. Spell effects crackle with personality, creature designs feel imaginative and dangerous, and environments are layered with texture and atmosphere. From shadowy city streets to sweeping landscapes, Exandria feels alive—less like a backdrop and more like a character in its own right.

The action sequences are kinetic and thoughtfully staged, but they never overshadow the emotional stakes. Fights aren’t just spectacles; they’re extensions of character, revealing fears, loyalties, and desperation in motion. Equally powerful are the quieter scenes—late-night conversations, moments of doubt, unexpected kindness—handled with care and restraint, giving the story a satisfying rhythm.

Another standout is the voice work. The performances feel authentic and lived-in, delivering humor, vulnerability, and intensity with remarkable range. There’s a warmth to the dialogue that makes even the strangest fantasy situations feel relatable. Paired with a strong musical score that knows when to soar and when to step back, the show demonstrates a masterful command of mood as much as momentum.

Importantly, The Mighty Nein is welcoming to newcomers. You don’t need prior Critical Role knowledge to jump in—the series introduces its world and characters organically. At the same time, longtime fans will appreciate the careful adaptation, respectful nods to the original campaign, and the obvious love poured into every detail.

Humor remains a core ingredient. The show deftly mixes heartfelt drama with absurdity, letting jokes land naturally amid darker themes. This balance keeps things from becoming too heavy and reminds us that even in dire circumstances, laughter can be a lifeline.

At its core, The Mighty Nein is a story about broken people finding connection. It explores identity, redemption, and chosen family with surprising nuance, wrapped in a polished animated package that’s both entertaining and emotionally resonant. My favorite relationship is between Nott the Brave and Caleb Widogast—a bond that beautifully captures the show’s themes of trust, healing, and shared survival.

On a personal note, Psycho Bob and I first discovered role-playing games in college. I later fell in love with Pathfinder and spent over five years in a single campaign. In 2011, I helped test-play a new RPG, and by 2013 I joined friends in developing one of our own, creating a new world and drafting potential campaigns. Sadly, the passing of a close friend led to that project being shelved. Watching The Mighty Nein rekindled my excitement for RPGs and reminded me why I fell in love with collaborative storytelling in the first place.

Rating

Psycho Bob and I give The Mighty Nein a full 5 out of 5 Twitching Whiskers. This isn’t just another fantasy series—it’s a thoughtful, character-first adventure that richly rewards viewers who invest in its world. Whether you’re a devoted RPGer or completely new to Exandria, this is a journey well worth taking. Strap in, roll initiative, and prepare to fall in love with a group of unlikely heroes who prove that sometimes the most powerful magic is simply learning to trust one another.