The Legend of Vox Machina season 4 review: A refreshing return to form thanks to one brilliant addition

After an unsteady third season, The Legend of Vox Machina marks a return to form for the animated series’ fourth run. And it’s all thanks to the addition of the long-awaited fan-favourite character, the adventuring artificer and writer, Taryon Darrington (voiced by Wayne Brady).

Given this is the penultimate instalment, it could have felt like a filler season – largely due to the amount of groundwork being laid for the fifth and final season, alongside several side quests and the resolution of lingering story arcs.

Yet it ultimately acts as a refreshing reset, with the addition of Taryon (and his automaton scribe Doty) reuniting Exandria’s heroes for more chaotic adventures one year on from the costly defeat of the Chroma Conclave.

With brand new faces and even more deadly foes, plenty more mayhem-filled side quests (complete with more magical items!) and a return to the more comedic tone of earlier seasons, there’s a lot for fans to enjoy. Standouts include an excellent Ocean’s Eleven-esque heist, Percy (Taliesin Jaffe) and Taryon’s entertaining dynamic, and Keyleth’s (Marisha Ray) wonderfully animated water trial.

Thankfully there’s a much stronger balance tonally between the darker central mystery – revolving around a certain Whispered One’s death cultists and the Raven Queen’s (Courtenay Taylor) impending warnings – and the party’s various entertaining adventures and dysfunctional dynamics; something that was sorely missing from the last outing.

The CR gang have again captured the fun spirit of a classic Dungeons & Dragons session, upping the humour and calamity despite the imminent threat, for an excellently paced fantasy outing.

Brady is undoubtedly the season’s MVP as the endearing “entitled himbo”, wonderfully bringing Taryon’s buffoonish persona to life despite having such big boots to fill.

While it’s initially strange not to hear Sam Riegel voicing the artificer, Brady better differentiates Darrington from Scanlan Shorthalt, giving the new addition much more of his own identity. As well as his comedic moments, he’s also given a heartfelt character arc.

With less of an expanded roster to juggle, there’s also more time afforded to character growth for the merry band of misfits, particularly that of Grog (Travis Willingham) and Pike’s (Ashley Johnson) charming found family dynamic.

Fans of the gang’s musical numbers will also be treated, particularly Grog’s hilarious opening recap, plus an earworm of a bop from Taryon. Keyleth’s journey, meanwhile, comes to a thrilling conclusion, while Vax’s (Liam O’Brien) arc – intertwined with the Raven Queen – is propelled to the forefront, following plenty of setup in previous seasons.

The animation from Titmouse, Inc is once again stunning, particularly as the show takes on the underwater realm, however not everything is as plain sailing as Vex’s (Laura Bailey) Broom of Flying.

Those keen for a wholly faithful adaptation may be disappointed, as much like season 3, there are significant changes to certain key events. And compared to CR’s second animated series The Mighty Nein, The Legend of Vox Machina features much shorter episode runtimes which can feel unsatisfying.

Yet overall, this fourth season proves a welcome course-correction for the show – and should leave Critters eagerly awaiting Vox Machina’s final battle, as we head into the calm before the Whispered One-shaped storm.

The Legend of Vox Machina season 4 will premiere on Prime Video on 3 June 2026.

The Legend of Vox Machina seasons 1-3 are currently available to stream on Prime Video – you can sign up now for a free 30-day Prime Video trial.

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