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Going to Hell appears to have fried the part of Pike’s brain that makes good decisions.

You know the one that says you probably shouldn’t bet your friends souls without even talking to them first!

I’d be kind of pissed if my friend bartered with my soul without so much as a conversation beforehand. I don’t care how good of friends we are. I’d be especially more pissed if you lost my soul in this bet.

Jeez, Pike.

I know you’re troubled by the fact that the Everlight has basically abandoned you in Hell, but I think this was a bit of an overreaction to that information. Although, to be fair, I’ve never had my trusted god just outright tell me I’m on my own after everything we’ve been through together.

Probably doesn’t feel great.

However, keeping that from her friends also feels super weird. Aren’t we past the point of keeping secrets from each other? I mean, they never end well. And Grog is trying to be helpful.

Which is more than the Everlight can say. Who is just like, hey, you go down there with your friends in an attempt to save the world from certain doom, I’m not going to help you. You’re on your own and I’m out. Good luck.

That’s pretty cruel.

I honestly don’t know if I disagree with Zerxus or not about the favor of the gods.

Sometimes, it doesn’t feel like they care.

Not every god has their disciples’ best interest in heart. I mean, even if we look at the Traveler who arguably a fairly decent god by most measures. He’s still not the greatest of people. He was willing to unload his followers off onto an island where they’d forget themselves and serve a terrible god who only wants more and more.

He only promised that he never intended to leave Jester and her friends on the island to that fate. Something, that it did not appear that Jester completely believed, fracturing their relationship for a time.

I do – however – believe the Traveler.

Jester gave him the power in the first place by believing in him so much. I do not think he would do anything to hurt her. Not truly. I think he would do anything for her and only her. Which is another reason to point out that he’s not even the best god to follow.

Stormlord seems pretty chill but he also speaks through riddles instead of directly to his disciples.

Let’s not even mention, Ukatoa. Ukatoa. Ukatoa.

He’s just terrible. I’m still undecided about whether or not the matron of ravens isn’t just completely devoid of most emotion in her wish to keep the balance of life and death and fate. For that, there’s going to be a certain amount of cold and callousness to her.

Maybe the Wildmother is the most trustworthy not to just let you die because you stray from the path she sets for you. Or simply to use you for a means to her own end.

Gods are finicky creatures.

I’m not sure I came completely disregard what Zerxus said.

However, I am exceedingly curious to know what he was talking about with Pike’s blood and that she’s special. What does he want her for? Is it the same reason the Everlight was drawn to her? Or that Pike was drawn to the Everlight? Is Pike powerful all on her own?

Also, for a guy who doesn’t lie, it appears to me like you lied at the end there. You’re not doing much better than the gods you hate so much.

Love that he’s gay though.

Also, his style, and voice actor is sublime. I could listen to him speak and watch his animations all day long. Sometimes, they just make a villain or a character so smooth with an excellent actor paired with that and I’m just like, yesssss. See Omni-Man from Invincible. Could listen to him speak forever.

All of Matt Mercer’s characters.

The voice of Thordak.

It just hits, you know what I mean?

I am sorry for Zerxus for the loss he suffered for what appeared to be doing what he thought was right. On the other hand, I loved the conversation between him and Pike.

There’s nothing like seeing two actors going head-to-head that are just completely in character and in the moment together. Just willing to let things flow and allow themselves to be vulnerable. It’s such a joy to watch.

So watching Ashley Johnson and Luis Carazo go head-to-head only letting their voices shine is such a feat to me. Combined with the animators for bringing each character to life with what the actors gave them. It’s amazing thing to see.

I also love that this show is totally willing to just let the actors act. We will simply place two powerhouse actors across from each other and let them go to town. I also believe that this is the first season where all the actors were allowed to record together again after covid. Which means the real live chemistry gets to play through the moment and I love that.

Because this cast has such good chemistry and it’s what makes them shine at the campaign tables.

Like the inside jokes. Referencing Blindspot for example. Loved that so much!

This is what I love about bringing the show to life from the campaign. The cast is so good about letting characters breath. Take moments for themselves and feel things. Experience consequences for their actions. Like Pike losing the first game before she figures out how to play.

They’re so good with each other and being vulnerable. Accepting whatever Matt throws at them and vice versa to tell a good story while having fun. The depths they reach is amazing and so much fun.

I really enjoy it. I enjoy them as storytellers.

Also, I love that this game was concocted for the show I believe. Which makes me wonder what it looked like at the table before the screen. I might have to look that up and answer the question for myself. Unless a fellow Critter has the answer or at least the episode I might find it within.

The game is played not by asking questions about where the card is located but by throwing each other off balance. Though to be honest, I thought to just outright ask where the card is. There was no rule established that said I couldn’t when going first and you must be honest, soooo…

That’s just my thought. Unless I missed a reason you couldn’t just ask them to tell you the location of the card.

Of course, you’d have to be specific. Because if you asked me this, I’d just say in my hand. Still the truth, but no help whatsoever. What can I say? I like to be punk.

Overall, this episode is very good.

I love the disguises that Scanlan puts together. How much Pike wishes to help those suffering around her but cannot. Probably because each of them earned their place there.

Them slowly faking their way through Hell trying to find the right guy. Only to find him and have it revealed that the guy isn’t as smart as he boasted himself to be by hiding the real Vestige. No, he simply lost it in a game. I take back what I said about him having a brain.

Because who the hell bets a scared Vestige in a card game?

Gambling addicts. He needs some help. Yeesh.

Also, since he lied about that, I can see how he lost the game in the first place. Yikes.

Other news, Keyleth is cracking me up this season. Eating whatever that was to convince them she really was a demon like the rest of them only to shudder seconds later because of how gross it was. Keyleth is something else this season. It’s like they decided to really let her shine through this season and I love it.

This is the Keyleth Vex was screaming for all season one. The absolute powerhouse who shouldn’t doubt herself so much.

Oh, and Vax needs to get his head out of his ass and make a move on her. Or apologize. Or something to make up for the fact that he was a gigantic moron. Can’t be together because one day she’ll be without him. Jeez dude, that could literally happen to anyone at any time.

You’ve lived through this with your own sister dying before you. I’m telling you man, better to be happy, and enjoy life while you can rather than just make yourself miserable. And Keyleth, who you’re making miserable by refusing to enjoy the connection between you. Dumbass.

Whew, well, onto the next episode! And the new season is out so I’ll be reviewing that once I’m done with season three! Can’t wait! Stay tuned!

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