The Mighty Nein Review – Episodes 1 to 3: A Bold, Dark, and Brilliant Start

Prime Video’s The Mighty Nein arrives with extraordinary confidence, delivering a premiere arc that immediately positions the series as one of the most ambitious and emotionally rich fantasy animations of the decade. Darker, sharper, and more narratively focused than its predecessor, the show transforms Critical Role’s beloved second campaign into a polished, character-driven epic. From the very first episode, it is clear that The Mighty Nein earns its acclamation through its breathtaking worldbuilding, deep emotional resonance, and masterful tonal balance between comedy, tragedy, and high stakes.

Story – An Epic Slow-Burn Story

The opening three episodes present a world on the edge of collapse: two great powers teeter toward war after the theft of a powerful arcane artifact, while political tensions, secret agendas, and ancient magic converge across the continent. Rather than rushing through exposition, the series takes a deliberate and cinematic approach, choosing to reveal its mysteries through grounded character perspectives and carefully built narrative tension.

This slow-burn strategy pays off beautifully. The plot feels both massive and intimate, with the looming geopolitical crisis intertwined with the personal struggles of a group of misfits who are nowhere near ready to save the world—yet inevitably drawn into its turmoil. The first three episodes perfectly establish the stakes: the danger is real, the mystery is compelling, and the story is already pushing toward something far larger than the characters can comprehend.

Critters’ favorite losers are back.

Characters & Performances – Perfect Acting for Perfect Losers

The core cast of The Mighty Nein delivers exceptional performances across the board. Liam O’Brien brings a quiet, devastating intensity to Caleb Widogast, while Sam Riegel infuses Nott the Brave with a seamless blend of humor, anxiety, and emotional vulnerability. Marisha Ray grounds Beauregard with sharp intellect and guarded sincerity, contrasted beautifully by Laura Bailey’s electrifying portrayal of Jester Lavorre, whose chaotic joy masks deeper layers of fragility.

Taliesin Jaffe gives Mollymauk Tealeaf flamboyant charisma and mysterious depth, while Travis Willingham delivers a nuanced, introspective performance as Fjord Stone, shaped by guilt and growing responsibility. Even with limited screen time, Ashley Johnson’s haunting and stoic approach to Yasha Nydoorin instantly marks her as one of the series’ most intriguing characters.

Beyond the core party, the supporting cast adds remarkable strength to the narrative. Matthew Mercer offers a subtle and emotionally complex performance as Essek Thelyss, enriching the political tension at the heart of the story. On the opposite side of the moral spectrum, Mark Strong delivers a chilling, commanding portrayal of Trent Ikithon, whose presence shapes the show’s darker undertones with precision and menace. Together, these performances create a layered, emotionally resonant ensemble that elevates every moment of the series.

Critical Role’s cast is perfect.

Cinematography & Sound – Dark, Modern and Fantastic (Literally)

Visually, The Mighty Nein is a triumph. The animation embraces a darker color palette and cinematic composition that heighten both emotion and intensity. Spellcasting is rendered with impressive attention to detail—fluid, physical, and grounded in the show’s lore. Action scenes are dynamic and visceral, while quieter moments use lighting and framing to underscore character vulnerability.

The score is equally exceptional, weaving electronic textures with sweeping orchestral motifs to create an identity that feels modern but deeply fantasy-rooted. Sound design enhances every moment, from the hum of arcane energy to the emotional weight of character interactions. The audiovisual experience alone could justify the series’ 10 /10 rating.

Jester and Fjord.

Editing & Pacing – When Slow-Burn Matches With The Characters

With extended episode lengths, The Mighty Nein embraces a mature pacing that allows its world and characters to breathe. The editing is precise, ensuring that shifts between storylines remain seamless. Even before the party officially forms, the structure feels intentional—guiding viewers through parallel threads without ever losing momentum.

The early episodes balance intensity with introspection, humor with tragedy, and character focus with narrative progression. Instead of rushing toward action, the series invests in emotional foundations that make every future conflict feel earned. It is a masterclass in serialized storytelling, setting the stage for a season that promises to escalate dramatically.