The Mighty Nein's Opening Sequence Chose the Incorrect Critical Role Song
This latest animated series, the most recent animated series by Critical Role, unveiled a new opening credits. It showcases our favorite cast of misfits, outcasts, and criminals kicking ass and taking names, while teasing at multiple agonizing backstories for characters such as Liam O'Brien's wizard Caleb, and another actor's orc warlock, Fjord.
Overall, the opening looks amazing. But I couldn't help feeling that something was lost in the song choice.
This sequence employs "Welcome to Wildemount", a truly stellar composition created by producer and singer Colm McGuinness. It's a track from the official score of the same name, the second one released by Critical Role Productions LLC's music division Scanlan Shorthalt Music. It's a wonderful nostalgic option, and I believe that fans of the sequel series will love its inclusion.
But for me, The series' intro fails to capture the hype and energy that was part of the show's live-play sessions. "Your Turn to Roll", composed by singer-songwriter Jason Charles Miller, became an immediate hit in my view when it was first revealed in 2015, and it only got better when cast member the performer wrote words to the melody for the animated Campaign 2 opening in the later year.
Including singing from one actress, another performer, Travis Willingham, as well as the writer, the track was memorable and enjoyable. At the time, I hadn't even watched the follow-up series at that point, but this was such an earworm that I kept it on my phone. This track that knows how to get you pumped before you start an episode of fantasy hijinks.
The Mighty Nein's opening with "the new song" doesn't strike the right notes in my opinion. It's an impressive composition, but from what I know of the group, I can't help but feel that its tone is somewhat mismatched.
Of course, Critical Role has stated that the animated show will have some surprises and variations from the actual-play campaign. A tonal change for its opening seems to be one of them.
The Mighty Nein will be released on Prime Video from Nov. 19. For those eager until then, or want a head start to get to know the characters of Critical Role's Campaign 2, the actual play are accessible on Spotify and YouTube.