The Mighty Nein's Introductory Sequence Chose the Wrong Critical Role Song
This latest animated series, the most recent animated series from Critical Role, unveiled an exciting opening credits. It showcases the beloved group of outcasts, outcasts, and rogues kicking ass and making their mark, while teasing at multiple heart-wrenching backstories for key figures such as Liam O'Brien's mage Caleb, and another actor's orc warlock, the character Fjord.
Overall, the intro looks stunning. But I couldn't help feeling that something was missing in the song choice.
The intro uses "Welcome to Wildemount", an exceptional composition composed by artist Colm McGuinness. It's a track from the official score of that title, the second one put out by Critical Role Productions LLC's record label Scanlan Shorthalt Music. It's a wonderful sentimental choice, and I suspect that fans of the second campaign will appreciate its presence.
But for me, The Mighty Nein's opening fails to capture the hype and excitement that was part of the second campaign's actual-play adventure. "It's Your Turn", written by musician the artist, became an immediate hit for me when it was first revealed in 2015, and it only got better when cast member the performer added lyrics to the melody for the animated Campaign 2 opening in the later year.
Including singing from one actress, Laura Bailey, Travis Willingham, as well as Riegel himself, the track was catchy and enjoyable. Back then, I hadn't seen the second campaign at that point, but it was so infectious that I still saved it on my phone. This track that excites you before you dive into an installment of fantasy hijinks.
The show's opening with "Welcome to Wildemount" doesn't strike the right notes for me. It's an impressive piece of music, but based on my understanding of this party, I feel that its tone is a little off.
Naturally, Critical Role has stated that the series will have a few changes and variations from the actual-play campaign. A tonal change for its intro seems to be one of them.
The Mighty Nein will be released on the streaming service from Nov. 19. If you can't wait before that, or wish to prepare to learn about the characters of Critical Role's Campaign 2, the original episodes are available on the audio platform and YouTube.
