Critical Role C4 EP 002: Broken Wing
Quite a few things happened in this episode. What stands out most is that the Sundered Houses are seeking greater control. They seem to want to be the only magic casters. As someone in the US, the themes are a little too close to home when it comes to a class of people who are consolidating power.
We did get a lore drop about the relationship between Thjazi and Thimble. She was a gift from Aranessa on their wedding day. It seems that at least House Royce has a connection to the Fae. But one thing that seems unique to this world is Thjazi treating her as an equal. This is a point she made to Vaelus in the episode.
Speaking of Thimble, one of the cliffhangers of this episode is the brawl that is happening with the Crow Keepers. Tonight, we will find out what happens in the first combat of the campaign. I’m excited to see these characters in action.
The other important moment for me is the revelation of Wicander’s family. We learned only a little about celestials in this episode. That they went feral after the death of their Gods. They are mentioned several times in the episode. For good reason, as it turns out that Wicander is descended from one that is kept in the basement. It is revealed that Wicander’s grandpa is a celestial. He is being tapped for his blood, which is being turned into the filament the Candescent Creed uses. As Aabria said in the after-show on Beacon, “Your grandma hit that.”
I wanted to point out the possible origin of Aramán. It could be a reference from The Silmarillion as discussed in this YouTube video. Brennan is a fan of The Lord of the Rings . He knows it very well. There is no doubt that it is an easter egg for other fans to find.