Why The Legend of Vox Machina season 3’s shock death needed to happen

Why The Legend of Vox Machina season 3’s shock death needed to happen

As a devoted fan who has followed The Legend of Vox Machina from its humble beginnings, I must say that episode 7 of season 3 has left me both heartbroken and awestruck. The demise of Percy, our beloved inventor, was a shocking twist that took the show to new heights.


Warning: Major spoilers ahead for The Legend of Vox Machina season 3 episode 7.

As a dedicated movie enthusiast, let me share that the emotional impact in The Legend of Vox Machina’s third season has been quite substantial, but the latest episode on Amazon Prime Video has left viewers reeling with a gut-wrenching twist: the tragic demise of Percy following his confrontation with Ripley and Orthax.

Although initially bitter and disappointing, the end of the fight aligns perfectly with Percy’s character development, making it clear that the seemingly big loss was essential for completing his journey.

Following a clever scheme that caused Orthax and Ripley to be caught in an explosion of black powder, leaving Ripley exposed for an effortless single shot, this moment presented the opportunity Percy had long been anticipating ever since season 1.

Moreover, it’s clear that Ripley is aware, given her key role in overthrowing Whitestone and the tragic event involving his family.

Why The Legend of Vox Machina season 3’s shock death needed to happen

With a near-prideful grin, Ripley remarks: “You’ve always been resourceful, Percival, and now it’s your turn for revenge. Go on, watch me go up in flames.

In other words, just like her, Percy took the same course of action after her father’s death, as depicted in the flashback that opened the episode.

However, Percy demonstrates understanding towards Ripley. Despite the fact that Ripley’s actions throughout the series have negatively impacted countless lives, including Percy’s, it would not be right to seek revenge solely for his own sake, as true justice demands consideration for all those affected.

Despite this, it’s ultimately Percy’s downfall as Ripley seizes the opportunity to fire at him instead. Later in episode 7, the group discovers Percy’s lifeless body, marking one of the most shocking and impactful ending scenes we’ve witnessed thus far.

Although Ripley’s defeat of Percy is distressing, considering that the fatal blow could have been struck earlier and Exandria would have been rid of her once and for all, the context surrounding it underscores how much Percy has evolved since season 1. Choosing to take the opportunity to kill her at that moment would have negated the character growth he had achieved until then.

Why The Legend of Vox Machina season 3’s shock death needed to happen

According to Taliesin Jaffe, Percy’s voice actor, this development aligns with what he shared during our interview with The Legend of Vox Machina cast about the character’s storyline for season 3. He discussed this when we inquired about it after noticing the Whispered One in the opening credits, given its connection to Whitestone.

In my perspective as a film critic, this movie delves deep into the themes of mourning and acceptance. The protagonist grapples not only with the loss of someone dear but also with the heartache of losing a piece of himself. This profound exploration of grief forms the central narrative throughout the storyline.

I see a great deal of his efforts centered around taking care of Whitestone – making it beneficial for his friends, personally rewarding for him, and most importantly, advantageous for those he cherishes.

It’s clear that Jaffe’s thoughts align with the reasons behind Percy’s actions: his intention to save Ripley, liberate her from Orthax, ensure she faces justice fairly, and avoid seeking personal vengeance.

If he had seized the opportunity to shoot her without warning, Ripley appearing defenseless, it would have signaled a return to Percy’s mentality from season 1 – acting on vengeance solely for himself and catering only to Orthax, allowing the demon to fuel his growing animosity.

At the beginning of The Legend of Vox Machina, Percy embarked on a solo pursuit as he delved into the Whitestone arc aimed at combating the Briarwoods, working independently in his own quest.

So far, my battle with Ripley and now this new foe, Orthax, has transcended personal stakes. It’s no longer about me seeking justice; it’s about the people I care for – my friends, the folks of Whitestone, and even the entire Exandria. They all deserve to witness Ripley being held accountable for her actions, not just me. As a movie lover might say, this isn’t just my fight anymore, but our shared quest for justice.

Why The Legend of Vox Machina season 3’s shock death needed to happen

Ultimately, Percy’s decision to spare Ripley’s life marked the culmination of his transformation into the person he could have been if not for the trauma of losing his family and the subsequent torture: a leader fit to rule Whitestone. His newfound relationship and expressed affection for Vex represented the pinnacle of Percy seeking a life beyond his initial quest for vengeance.

As a result, Ripley seized the opportunity that character development provided, removing Percy as an impediment to herself. In a surprising twist, Ripley’s journey mirrors what Percy might have achieved if he had pursued justice against those who harmed him instead of resisting it.

As a survivor of my village’s tragic demise and the loss of my father at the hands of those in power, I have vowed to equip the powerless of Exandria with Pepperboxes as part of my mission for retribution against those who destroyed my life. Even if this path leads to chaos throughout the land, I am determined to see it through.

In essence, Percy’s last moments in The Legend of Vox Machina episode 7 served as a moving demonstration of his growth, but unfortunately, it turned into a tragic situation. This was because, despite starting from the same point, their opposite paths placed Percy directly against Ripley.

It’s uncertain if she’ll receive retribution for her actions during the rest of season 3, or if Percy might return to life – we’ll have to wait and see.

The Legend of Vox Machina is now streaming on Prime Video.

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2024-10-17 14:36