Heartwarming / Critical Role The Final Arc

As a Moments subpage, all spoilers are unmarked as per policy. You Have Been Warned.

Episode 125: The Neverending Day

• Yussa is actually very kind to the Nein. He isn't exactly willing to go to Aeor with them, tempted though he is, but he doesn't rule out bailing them out if absolutely necessary. However, he's confident they won't need it. He gives them magical equipment, shows them into a sensitive chamber within Tidepeak Tower, and helps them visit Allura in Emon.
• The Nein are teleported to Allura's tower in Emon. The Nein have never been there before, but the cast has. Their excitement only grows when Kima appears too.
  Marisha (excited): It's like visiting an old friend!
• Kima starts to ask Allura if she should go with them.
  Allura: No. I'm not losing you again.
• Allura gives the Nein some items to help face Lucien. They include magical globes that allow them to see where Lucien's anti-magic effect lies, and 500 gp worth of residuum. She also loans them her staff.
• Kima loans Yasha her Holy Avenger, and Yasha gives her Magician's Judge as collateral.
• Kima is obviously agonizing over the idea of not personally aiding the Nein in their fight, especially since she has no point of reference and clearly (not entirely incorrectly) views them as a ragtag bunch of nobodies in way over their heads. She waffles back and forth about whether to accompany them; the question is finally settled when Allura, hands over her face, quietly says:
  Allura: Kima—Kima, please, just...stay with me.
• Veth asks to speak to Allura alone, and tells her that she's worried for Caleb's safety, since he's not very physically strong. She asks if Allura can teach her a spell that can protect Caleb's mind from influence. Allura seems genuinely touched, and while she can't teach Veth anything on such a short timeframe, she does give her a spell scroll with the Intellect Fortress^note Gives advantage on Intelligence, Wisdom and Charisma saving throws, as well as resistance to psychic damage spell.
• Dairon's investigations into Beau's charges of abduction reveals that Zeenoth took a bribe to basically kidnap Beau. Yudala Fon personally tells Beau everything, and sincerely apologizes for it. Beau is deeply touched, and grateful.
  • Beau is also grateful for coming to the Cobalt Soul, even though her entrance was deeply unorthodox (translation: entirely against how the Soul operates).
  • It needs to be emphasized the degree to which the Cobalt Soul rallies behind Beau on an institutional level—and how utterly gobsmacked she is by it. Beau deflects Yudala's soft and sincere apologies multiple times; breaking the tension, downplaying the seriousness of the situation. Giving them an out. Every time, Yudala firmly and compassionately refuses to let their responsibility be brushed aside that way. They don't stop until Beau's facade finally cracks, and she finally lets herself realize that this is real, and they mean it. As Jester later points out, the Cobalt Soul is collectively, without question, backing their notoriously disobedient problem student over a member of the "old guard" within the order—and doing it with absolute dedication.
    Beau:...Thank you. Thank you for taking these matters so seriously. I didn't expect this. I guess you get used to...cruelty being handed down, as the norm...
    Yudala: We are not absolved of responsibility in accidental cruelty. [...] We are not a body of government. We are not a religious group. We are a people that want to protect those who cannot protect themselves from abuses of power. And you've been abused by somebody in power. We will see that they are properly punished."
• The Nein comfort Beau after she tells them about the corruption Yudala revealed.
  Beau: I guess I just got used to assuming...I mean, money motivates people, right?
  Caduceus: Sometimes. Some people.
• Beau goes to Dairon, and thanks them with a hug. Dairon tells her that they only did for Beau what they wished someone did for them. Beau gives them another hug.
  • Dairon goes on to thank Beau for the seal she gave. Being behind "enemy lines" for so long showed Dairon that people are people wherever they are.
• The Storm Lord visits Yasha in her dreams again after she fails to attune to the Holy Avenger (as it can only be attuned by Paladins), telling her that she is an Avatar of him, and he works through her - but her strength is all her own. Now she just needs to learn how to properly use it. Ashley is clearly very affected by the dream and has to wipe away some tears.

Episode 126: Worth Fighting For

• The Nein decide to contact Astrid and Eodwulf. Caleb settles on having Astrid meet them at the dance hall. When Jester Messages Astrid, Astrid tells her to thank Caleb.
• Veth buys a flower. She bumps into Beau at the market later. She gives Beau the flower to give to Yasha.
  • Beau reveals that she and Yasha are hopefully going out on a date soon. Veth gives Beau some very good advice from the heart, and a pretty good pep talk. Crosses over with Funny, because Sam is also being a massive troll about it, asking some not terribly appropriate questions.
    • Capping it all is a proclamation 126 episodes and a lot of Character Development in the making, as emblematic as anything that Beau has evolved a lot from the cynical, closed-off, mouth-running jerk she was at the start of the campaign.
      Beau: (to Veth, almost in tears) I'm okay. I just love you so much.
• Astrid meets Caleb at the dance hall. As they dance, Astrid tells him to be careful. Ludinus has been spying on them, and has a pretty good idea as to exactly what has happened. But, fortunately, not including their failure to protect Vess DeRogna.
  • Caleb begs Astrid to loan him some of the Amulets that prevent scrying, in the name of the love that he and she and Eodwulf shared.
• Caleb slumps to the ground when Beau tells him what she saw of Astrid in the alley. Jester immediately comforts him.
• Veth lays out her opinion of what Caleb should do. He should take control of his life and his past. If it means killing Trent, then do it, but do it for himself. Not Astrid, or the Empire.
  • Caleb wants Trent dead, but the situation with the City takes precedence. He wants to save the world first, then try and settle matters.
• After everything, Caleb comes to a decision: Beau and Yasha should have their date night now. He summons the Tower and basically pressgangs them into it.
• One of the changes that Caleb makes to the tower is that there are little dachshunds instead of cats. They lead them to a recreation of the Nestled Nook. That is Location One.
  • Beau reveals that she told Caleb that she wants a reset on her and Yasha's relationship. They launch into a heart-to-heart where they reveal their insecurities. Yasha hasn't forgotten how she almost killed Beau while controlled, and Beau hasn't forgotten how she beat up on Yasha in that fight.
• Location Two is a field of wildflowers, with a blanket and a picnic basket waiting for them. It has fish tacos and bugs... some of which are still moving.
  Yasha: My favourite!
  • Yasha reveals how she first met Molly. He was the very first person she met after she left Xhorhas. She was drawn to his vibrant colours and larger than life nature, he introduced her to the rest of the circus, and they swiftly became best friends.
  • Their talk shifts to the Nein. Beau says that she hopes the Nein are her new circus, and Yasha reassures her.
    Yasha: Everyone in (the Nein) is like family, and that's something I've never had.
• Yasha asks how Beau is doing.
  Beau: Hearing that the Cobalt Soul members who kidnapped me are being prosecuted... it cleared away my last reservations about the Soul.
• They both agree to take it slow. Just knowing that the other can confide in them is enough for now. Even so...
  Yasha: Seeing you with your family in Kamordah, seeing your world... I fell in love with you in Kamordah[Beat] Wow, that came out so fast... I just want you to know that I am so proud of the person you have become. Seeing who you are and where you came from, and knowing you did it all on your own, it blew me away.
  Beau: The feeling is mutual.
• Beau admits that she would have taken Isharnai's deal just to control how the Nein fell apart, but realizes now she didn't have to.
  Beau: It was like ripping off a bandaid that wasn't actually there.
• We get a kiss! The cast cheers! Crosses over with Funny, as the dogs get in on the action.
• After the ninja fight, Location Four is a spa. There is a hot tub with waterslides, and lionesses who give massages. They kiss in the tub, and there are fireworks.
  Beau: I love you too.
  Yasha: That's the best thing I've ever heard.
• They don't technically see it, because Matt calls the episode, but Liam reveals a slight change to the picture in Beau's room. It still has the Nein looking over a field in the Empire, but there is one difference: Beau and Yasha are holding hands.

Episode 127: Sarsaparilla, Licorice, and Red Hot

• Caleb reveals that one of the dachshunds is named Sprigg, which is both a reference to the guest player character of Darin De Paul from Campaign 1 and the name of Liam's dog (named after said PC).
• The sheer amount of guard-killing, and the brutality of it, actually makes the cast uncomfortable. Matt reassures them; these people aren't just Rent-A-Cops.
  Laura: They're complicit.

Episode 128: Cat and Mouse

• After they escape to Nicodranas, Caleb immediately pulls Jester and Veth into a fierce hug and apologizes. Veth also apologizes for the extra stuff she stole, figuring that it helped bring Trent to them. When the rest of the party catch up Caleb apologizes to everyone.
• Caleb starts to have a breakdown.
  Caleb: I worry that I am becoming what he always said I was.
  Beau: Not yet. Not yet.
• Jester realizes that she told the guard she charmed about her mother which could lead Trent to them. Beau tries to reassure her that she didn't create any new problems.
  Beau: Everybody already knows about our connections to Nicodranas. Trent already knows about (Marion).
  • Crosses over with Funny when Jester realizes she can use this as an excuse to send her mother to the Gentleman.
• During the short rest, Veth makes sure to stay close to a shell-shocked Caleb.
• Yasha prays to the Stormlord, and Jester decides to help her reach out by casting the Dedication version of Ceremony to give Yasha some extra strength over the next day. Yasha draws a lightning bolt in the sand as a tribute to her god.
• A small one, but Jester tells Yasha that she's available for "other ceremonies" if things keep going well between her and Beau - in other words, subtly telling Yasha that she's willing to marry them.
• Jester reunites with her mother, which is always wonderful. Well, not so much given the circumstances, but the initial reunion is good. Marion isn't angry with Jester. She is only ever worried.
• Veth has come to a decision: she will fix this thing with the city, and that's it. She'll be back with the family for good.
  • Caleb gives Luc the two books he bought in Rexxentrum. One is a book of Zemnian fairy tales, but the other is a starting manual for budding wizards. He gives the latter book to Yeza for now but tells Luc that if he's good, when he grows up Caleb will teach him magic.
• While everyone else is getting the family members ready, Beau and Yasha start making out in the hallways of the Lavish Chateau. It's played for laughs, but it's also a sweet reminder of how crazy they are for each other.
• The two watchers are a disguised Astrid and Eodwulf. Caduceus, Fjord, and Beau confront them. Astrid reveals that they were dispatched to intercept Caleb, but are taking what time they can to tip off Caleb if possible.
  Fjord: Why are you doing this for us?
  Astrid: We're not doing this for you. We're doing this for (Caleb).
  • Sadly this becomes an aversion when Veth tails them back to Trent and learns Astrid was lying about his location. It's clear, however, that Astrid is conflicted about this whole scenario.
• Marion is barely holding it together by the time they reach Yussa's tower. Caduceus casts Calm Emotions to help her which she happily accepts.
• Caleb offers to give himself up to Trent so that the rest of the Nein and their families can escape. The rest of the Nein immediately shut him down.
• As Fjord, Beau, and Yasha head into the Happy Fun Ball, Jester tells him to be safe. Fjord tells her he will be and gives her a wink. After they're gone, Jester picks up the Ball and hugs it to her chest.
• Astrid bursts into the room just as Caleb is finishing the Plane Shift spell. She has a Counterspell ready but she doesn't cast it.
  Sam: She let us go! Like Rolfe in The Sound of Music!
  • Becomes a CMOF when you remember that Rolfe rather significantly sells the Von Trapps out to the Nazis in the film version (in the original stage version, he lets them go as Astrid does).

Episode 129: Between a Ball and a Hot Place

• This episode basically marks the 6th anniversary of Critical Role. Matt is grateful and humble.
  Matt: Thanks for six years, and here's to six more.
  Marisha: Let's make it a baker's dozen.
• As Team Plane Shift gets their bearings, Caleb takes a moment to comfort Caduceus.
  Caleb: Despite the fear and the unknown, this was a good idea.
  Caduceus: Thank you. It was a little last minute.
• Caduceus talks to Luc.
  Luc: I like your face.
  Caduceus: Thank you. I like how tall you are.
  • Caduceus bonds with Luc a lot during this episode, ending with the tiny halfling holding his pinky as they walk in Zadash.
    Sam: Uncle Ducey!
• Jester and Veth talk about what they want to do after they save the world. Jester suggests opening a detective agency for real if Yeza is okay with it. Veth says that she's thought about that, and is open to the idea. They are both into the idea, because they work well together.
• After Luc's resurrection, Yeza thanks Caduceus before joining his family in a group hug.
• After Caleb and Jester restore the collar, Marion takes a moment to comfort Caleb. She talks about how people gaslit her, and how grief and guilt can affect one's own thinking.
  Marion: Many times throughout my life, people have tried to tell me that all of the bad things that have happened in my life are my fault, and it took me a very long time to learn that it isn't true.
• As they go to sleep in the dome, Caleb has Frumpkin snuggle up with Luc, who is very happy.
• Afterwards, Yeza comforts a very guilty Veth.
  Veth: I killed our son.
  Yeza: You did not. That thing did, and you killed it before it could kill anybody else, and your friends saved his life.
  • They resolve to come to whatever decision about Veth staying or going together.
• Fjord helps Marion through the streets of Zadash. She thanks him, and remarks that she's never been to Zadash before.
  Fjord: Your daughter has been to some incredible places.
• After Matt calls the episode, Team Plane Shift thanks Team Happy Fun Ball for being so patient through everything. Crosses over with Funny, because Ashley and Marisha bring up the date and say that Travis should get his own episode at this point. Matt immediately jokes about a three hour shopping episode for Fjord.

Episode 130: The Calm Before The Storm

• In this week's NordVPN skit, Cryptonic Override delivers her valediction for BlackWillow69, who sacrificed himself to defeat the Ultra Kodex.
• Alone with her mother, Jester confesses that she isn't sure the Nein will be able to escape their current challenge alive, and that sacrificing herself may be worth it.
  Marion: Promise me, that if things turn bad...you will come home.

Episode 131: Into the Eye

• As Yasha starts the fight that will prove her worthiness to wield the Holy Avenger, she rages. Travis is thrilled and supportive, even though he's technically fighting her.
  Yasha: First things first, I'm going to fucking rage.
  Matt: Damn right you are!
  Travis: LET'S GOOOO!
  Slightly later, when Yasha takes up the blade...
  Matt: Normal strikes, or reckless?
  Ashley: Reckless.
  Travis: THAT'S WHAT I'M TALKIN' ABOUT!
• Given that the last few episodes have had a lot of time where certain members of the cast have had to sit around and be patient; it's great that Matt found a simple way to include everyone in Yasha's trial by combat by having them play the elementals.
• After the vision ends, Yasha goes to sleep beside Beau. Beau half-wakes and adjusts herself so that she can hold Yasha.
• Jester went behind Fjord's back and scryed on Vandran. She admits it the next day, and he is ultimately not angry that she did it. He wants to reunite with Vandran more than ever... so he can take that fucking book away.
• As they leave, Veth and Constance have a moment between mothers. Constance hugs Veth.
  Constance: What you're doing, saving the world, is the definition of bravery.
  • Immediately before the teleport, Caleb confirms that Veth is going with them.
    Caleb: One last time: are you sure?
    Veth: No. But I'll do it anyway.
• Essek is visibly touched by the Nein's declaration of trust.
• Matt excitedly shows off his Essek mini now that he is joining the Nein for their journey into Aeor. The cast thinks it's adorable.

Episode 132: Aeor

• The Nein reunite with Dagen when they arrive at Aeor. They are very happy to see him.
• Fjord kisses Jester after the frost giant zombies are defeated.

Episode 133: Hunter and the Hunted

• Caleb and Essek get to have a heart-to-heart on their respective situations, inside Widogast's Nine-Sided Tower. Essek praises Caleb's progress and inclusion of Dunamancy in the Tower; they then talk about their shared search for redemption from their troubled pasts, and reassure each other of their progress.
  • In particular, the Nein seem to have brought out the sillier, gentler side of Essek on their journey. He seems genuinely excited to see what Caleb has done with the tower, shyly admits to Jester that his favorite food is soup, and continues to say "up" to ascend in the Tower even after Caleb tells him he doesn't need to because he finds it fun to say.
• Calebs interactions with Frumpkin are still more heartwarming. He has grown to treat his fey familiar with great respect and kindness, not that he didn't before. But his outlook towards the familiar has greatly evolved, and the familiar itself seems less like a servant and more like a concerned pet or family member, towards someone they're worried about.

Episode 134: The Streets of the Forgotten

• Essek is contacted by Dagen. Most of the rangers who attacked the Tomb Takers are alive, if in poor condition. The cast is relieved. The Nein float the idea of having them come down and help, but they decide to just send them back to the outpost. They've done enough.
• The Nein discover an Aeorian Automaton, who needs a name. They decide to name him Charlie, and he very quickly wins them all over. Matt voices him like Baymax.
  Sam: I will die for this creature!
  • For added heartwarming, Charlie was the name of Laura and Travis's now deceased dog.
  • While debating what to name the Automaton, Veth asks if the being has a gender preference. After declaring itself to be male, they choose the name Charlie, which had already been offered as a gender neutral option but everyone liked it so they went with that.

Episode 136: Hell or High Water

• Caleb reveals that he saw Sprinkle talking to Jester when she used Commune to speak to Artagan. The archfey confirms that he's been disguising himself as "Sprinkle" the entire time so he could watch over Jester. He also admits that Jester's shoulder is "quite comfortable" and he doesn't mind being carried around as a pet.
  Artagan: Well how else was I supposed to stay with you and keep tabs on you?
  Jester: You little sneaky. Oh my gosh. And you've been here the whole time?
  Artagan: Told you I'd be keeping an eye.
  Jester: I love you so much.
• As she goes in to face Lucien, Caleb telepathically speaks to Beau.
  Caleb: We believe in you.
• When Cree bids Lucien to stop playing games and just kill the Nein, Beau telepathically goads him, telling him he should listen to her. He twitches. Caleb calls Lucien "circus man". He twitches again, which prompts a round of insight checks. A 30 from Caduceus indicates it's something about those words that's prompting his physical distress.
  • Preceding this, in response to Cree's plea, Lucien responds that part of him still likes them - while Lucien doesn't seem to realize it, it's heavily implied that the aforementioned part of him is Mollymauk.
    Lucien: Because try as I might... a part of me still likes 'em.
    Caleb: (Catching the implication) Well, tell us more, Circus Man.
    Lucien: (Twitches)
    Jester: ...Molly?

Episode 138: Where There Is A Will...

• The heart of the episode is made clear when the M9 decide to find and try to rescue Yussa in the city of Cognouza. He even smiles and thanks them as he is set free.
  Veth: The only thing we've ever done consistently is take care of our friends.

Episode 139: Rebirth

• Artagan takes control of Sprinkle, telling Jester that he'll be there with her for the final battle with Lucien.
• The Nein take a moment to talk to each other before the last battle. Veth admits that she's stolen from all of them (they know), and Caduceus gives them a Rousing Speech in which he says that It Has Been an Honor and he is proud of them all.
  • Essek thanks them for everything he has been able to do with them since their paths crossed, and he thanks them for their trust.
• Once again, Yasha gets charmed and attacks Beau. Her first attack is a Natural 1, the second misses, and the third is another Natural 1. This prompts a brief Shipper on Deck moment from Essek, of all people.
• The group repeatedly calling back to Molly during their fight with Lucien and it causes Lucien to lose Legendary actions.
  Jester: Molly, I've never forgiven myself for not being there when you died. I wish I could've saved you. I wish I could've done something.
  Lucien: Will you please stop saying that name!?
  • Jester attempts to reach out for Molly, calling his name and singing Toya's song.
  • Lucien threatens the Nein by saying if they wouldn't bring him the crest, then he'll infect the dreams of their loved ones and have them do it. He turns to Veth, asking if her husband and son would make the trek. Veth pauses for a moment before quietly saying they won't, because "they don't steal from nice people".
• Marisha rolls incredibly well on one of her rounds (four hits, of which two were natural 20s, combined with Caduceus's Holy Weapon allowing her to deal over 100 damage in a round), and begins dancing around in her seat and gasping with joy. Matt is visibly enamored.
  Matt: I've never been more in love with her.

Episode 140: Long May He Reign

• Sam's flask features Veth thinking happy thoughts to get through the ordeal including "Luc all grown up" and "Yasha hugs"... in addition to "Bald Fjord" and "Cad farting".
  • Later on after Jester is killed, Sam changes it to a speech bubble saying, "I <3 Jester", which Laura briefly smiles at.
• Veth trying to call out to Molly by telling him they don't want to fight nor hurt him. Even as Lucien attacks her, she yells that she forgives him.
• Mixed with awesome, Caleb being able to finally manipulate reality as he declared he wanted to do long ago...and using it to support and aid his friends.
• Seeing how injured Jester is, Caleb decides to try healing her with the malleable reality around them. He succeeds and though it's only 1d8, it means a lot that, for once, Caleb is able to use magic to heal.
• Lucien launches a tower at Essek and Caleb gets trapped underneath. When it's Essek's turn, he rushes to Caleb's side and tries to pull him out the rubble. When that fails he immediately uses his Fortune's Favor and manages to free Caleb. Caleb then places his forehead against Essek's in thanks and Essek helps him stand up.
  Essek: Caleb, they need you!
• When Jester is impaled and killed, Caleb screams out her name as he teleports her to Caduceus, turns to Lucien and yells, "You're killing her! You're killing her! You love her! You're killing her!"
  • Liam rolls a 25 on persuasion: Lucien loses a Legendary Action. As Caleb's telepathic shout breaks through, Lucien's hand comes up and claws a bloody swath across his own face, as if in retribution for Molly's rage and grief.^note Some interpret this action as Molly reaching out to attack Lucien for hurting his friends
  • Yasha who's closest to Jester immediately runs to her side to save her body so the flesh floor didn't take her.
  • After Jester is revived, she looks for Fjord, runs up to him and hugs him tightly. He returns the hug and holds her close for the rest of the fight.
• Yasha attempting to reach out to Molly by reminding him he saved her life, so she wants to save him this time.
• As Caleb takes damage from Lucien, this noticeably enrages Essek who unleashes an eighth level spell on Lucien, trying to crush him to death with gravity.
• Jester's death causes Taliesin to stress out on his turn. Travis tells him to just take his time, and prompts Sam to do one of his little ad bits so Taliesin doesn't feel like the camera's on him while he figures out what to do.
• Beau wrapping Molly's belt around her fist as she goes in to start beating Lucien's face in.
  Beau: If I can't beat you out of him, then I'm gonna beat you with him!
• Jester casting Guiding Bolt and landing the killing blow on Lucien.
  Jester: I know you're in there Molly. We love you so much and we want you back. Lucien doesn't deserve you!!
• Killing Lucien while he was tethered to both the Somnovem and the city finally brings the ongoing tragedy of Cognouza to its end. The souls of all the city's people are freed and are finally able to rest after 1000 years.
  Cognouza: Thank you. Thank you. Thank you.
• Caleb fell in battle, but Jester and Caduceus immediately rush over to revive him. Jester calls on Artagan to help, and all three of them place their hands on Caleb's stomach. After pouring magic into him, his chest starts moving again.
  • During the spell, Artagan apologizes to Jester about the failed Divine Intervention during the battle, stating that he was blocked by the combined powers of Lucien and the Somnovem.
  • As he comes to, Jester cheerfully tells Caleb he did it. Caleb does an Insight Check, and Caduceus tells him they all did it.
• After the battle, Beau runs over to Yasha, holding her hand and kissing her. Yasha returns the kiss. They both continue to hold hands as they look over at Lucien's body.
• The Nein coming together to try and revive Molly, with Yasha tearing the flesh of Cognouza away from Lucien's form to get to him. Caduceus and Jester bring out their diamonds and Caleb prepares the spell as everyone else gathers around to bring Molly back.
  • Yasha kisses Molly's cheek and begs for him to come back. Jester pulls out Molly's tarot cards and says she has no idea what she's doing and wants Molly to come back to teach her. Beau puts Molly's belt over his third eye and says she wants him to come back so there's someone there to remind her she's an asshole.
• As they prepare the spell, Essek worriedly asks the others if it was really worth bringing Molly back, and whether or not if the person they bring back would be Molly. Caleb simply says this:
  Caleb: Once you're a member of the Mighty Nein, you're in. You should know that by now.
• When the spell fails, Caduceus offers to have Molly buried in his grove as Caleb starts creating an amber casket for Molly's body.
  • Caduceus even adds he hopes one day all of the Nein end up being buried in his grove, and says that it would make him really happy. Fjord is wigged out by the idea, but accepts it in the spirit intended.
• Fjord walks away from the group to catch up to Essek, who drifted away and is torn up over the others not being able to bring back Molly. And, in his own way, grieving someone he's never met because his friends are in pain.
  Fjord: Are you alright?
  Essek: It’s not fair. [tearing up] It’s not fair. You’ve all come so far. It’s just not fair.
  Fjord: It rarely is. You did more for us and for him than most anyone we know.
  Essek: I spent my entire life studying intent and not letting things happen to chance. That can’t be it... can it?
  Fjord: I don’t know, but if you were to ask my wise friend Caduceus, he would tell you that life continues on, it evolves, it grows. Don’t think there’s an end. You might not be able to see the next trip. But you have more time, you have more time to study. You have a talent I don’t understand. Use that anger and frustration and let it fuel you. If you have regret over this life, I know you can turn it around. You’ve shown me all I’ve needed to see.
• One of the most amazing and heartwarming parts of the episode: Caduceus decides to use Divine Intervention to see what would happen. It succeeds. Matt rolls the resurrection die again and...
  Matt: I fucking love this game so much.
  • Before their contributions to the ritual, the cast needed a roll of 10 to succeed. After, the cast needed a 5. The first roll was a natural one. The second time, Matt rolls a twelve, beating both possible thresholds.
  • Jester goes over to Caduceus and asks him how he did it. Caduceus replies that he just simply asked politely.
    Cadueceus: Whoever it was, just put it back. I think they've earned it. Put it back.
  • The way the ritual is described is similar to Fjord forging his connection with the Wildmother, with vines and roots growing out of the ground and wrapping themselves around Molly's body. The Nein watch as the plants glow, then shrivel and fall away, and then...
    Matt: Your eyes open for the first time.
• Molly wakes up terrified, tries to make a run for it while babbling "empty, empty, empty" to himself, then stops, turns around, and looks at the Mighty Nein. Specifically, he makes eye contact with Yasha... and calls her "Love". He then goes through the others, referring to Caleb as "Magician", Beau as "Rumors", Veth as "Tinker", Jester as "Joy", and Fjord as "Sea". What he calls them are the names of the tarot cards he made for each of them. Confused, amnesiac and with a brain so severely scrambled he can only speak in one-word phrases, Molly still remembers his friends.
  • After over a hundred episodes and three years of real world time, the Circus Kids are finally reunited. Yasha reintroduces herself, and Molly immediately stumbles over to embrace her, mumbling the word "love" over and over. She tearfully hugs him back.
    • Particular emphasis here, especially compared with how he refers to the others. He remembers nothing about himself and he's currently been reduced to an amnesiac, nearly-mute specter of who he used to be, but the first thing he sees when he looks up and lays eyes upon his old best friend is love. Even as addled as he is, he gravitates to her, hugs her close, and calls her love.
  • Yasha tells her old friend that her appearance has changed a bit, but she's still the same. Except, she adds, that she fell in love. Molly immediately looks over at Beau. Though the two of them sincerely hated each other in life, what follows is just as sweet as anything else.
    Beau: (raising her hand) Beauregard.
    Molly: (contemplates, points at himself) Empty.
    Beau: (gently, pointing at him) Molly. Unless I guess if you feel like you wanna change it, now's the time.
  • Because Molly is fully naked, Jester gives him back his old coat to cover himself, then uses her magic paints to draw a new outfit for him, as flamboyant and colorful as possible.
  • As the other members of the Nein gravitate towards Molly, Caleb stands off to the side, pulling both Veth and Essek in for a side hug and watching the reunion with tears in his eyes.
  • Molly never learned that Veth was originally a Halfling and only knew her as Nott, but he is still able to instinctually recognize her as "Tinker".
• While it's played for all the comedy it's worth, Caduceus finally gets to meet Molly.
• After everything is said and done, Molly says it best.
  Molly: Empty. ...Home?
  Jester: (smiling through tears) Yeah. We can go home.

Episode 141: Fond Farewells

• Caduceus's little sister Clarabelle spots the Nein as they appear in the Blooming Grove. She greets him with a huge hug.
• Jester approaches Molly as he's staring at his own reflection in the pond, and shows him his tarot cards to try to help him re-acclimate. She stays very gentle with him, and when it becomes clear he a) doesn't understand what she's trying to do, and b) wouldn't be able to communicate with her even if he did, she switches to trying to take care of him instead.
  Jester: (rubbing Molly's arm) Do you need anything to eat?
  Molly: Empty? Empty.
  Jester: Empty stomach? We'll get you some food.
• Calliope is initially playfully stern when she talks to Caduceus, but she gives him a big hug and tears up.
• Caleb keeps his promise, and unbinds Frumpkin. Frumpkin rubs against Caleb's legs before leaving. Crosses over with Tear Jerker.
• Jester tells Caleb that he's a good person, Caleb disagrees, Essek says that she's right, and Beau says that she thinks Essek is a good person.
  Beau: Which is a lot, coming from me, because you're a fuckin' war criminal.
• As they go to bed for the night, Jester tells Fjord she loves him.
• While Molly wanders the Blooming Grove, Clarabelle Clay plays with him by following from about 20 feet away, and hiding poorly every time he turns around. He doesn't seem to mind.
• Yasha and Beau discuss the reborn Molly, and their fears that they might influence his development too much. Near the end of the conversation, a still mostly mute and amnesiac Molly wanders over, smiles, gives them both a handful of flowers, then wanders off to fall asleep next to the pond. Yasha and Beau are clearly touched, and stay outside to watch over him the whole night.
• After a Greater Restoration shocks his brain back into working order, it turns out that "Molly" wasn't Molly at all, but someone completely new. The Nein collectively decide to love him all the same, and tell him he can be whoever he wants to be, even if that person is not the person they knew. He seems to appreciate it, and names himself Kingsley.
  • In contrast to Lucien, Kingsley seems much more amicable to his old self. After a chat with the Nein, he decides to think of Mollymauk as a brother, and keeps the Tealeaf surname (though that's mostly because he likes the sound of it).
• Veth reuniting with her family. Luc shows her all the trinkets he managed to steal while Yeza pulls Veth to his bed so she can sit next to him and hold her.
  Yeza: I knew you'd come back.
• Marion has (kind of, it's complicated) gotten back together with the Gentleman, much to Jester's sheer delight!
  • Marion has to gently, but firmly, let Jester know that she and the Gentleman still have a lot to work out, and they may never be what she wants them to be, but they both love her. That's what's important.
• Jester attempting to keep Astrid from attacking them by attempting to convince her that she didn't want to really fight the Nein. Astrid makes her saving throw two rounds later and breaks free of the mind control, but doesn't participate any further in the combat. Her Disintegrate spell attack on Yasha failed, her Lightning Bolt attack on Trent did a small amount of damage to her erstwhile boss, making it seem like her heart was never really in the fight anyway.
• The Brenattos reunite!
• While the entire situation is terrifying, Essek floats behind Caleb and even admits to him that he's scared, but still fights on to help him and the Nein.
• Veth takes a single level in Wizard and casts the cantrip Caleb's Produce Flame, just like her boy, to hit the Fluffernutter.
• Astrid and Eadwulf both side against Trent Ikithon when it counts, with the former being the one to activate the Anti-Magic Collar after its been put on Trent.
• Astrid, despite wanting to kill Trent ends up throwing her knife into the ground, walking off to scream and cry out her frustrations. Jester walks over and quietly puts a hand on her shoulder, letting Astrid vent her feelings.
• Fjord conjures water to put out the fire on the Clay's home. It comes down as rain. What does he do next? Turn to Jester.
  Fjord: I love you, too. *kisses her*
• After everything, the time has finally come for Veth and Caduceus to part from the Nein. Many hugs are shared, and many thank yous exchanged. Veth and Cad each vow to be there for their friends whenever they're needed.
• Essek also takes his leave. He will return to his station at Eiselcross. He thanks the Nein for everything, and admits he doesn't know what else he would have done if he'd never met them.
  Essek: It was all so much easier when it was black and white.
  Beau: But it's so much more beautiful in all the shades of colours.
  Essek: (after a long pause) Thank you, Mighty Nein.
• As Essek leaves, Caleb gives him a hug and a kiss on the cheek.
• In Nicodranas, the Nein take a moment to check in on Yussa. He is relieved to see that they're okay, and even more relieved that the danger has passed. He also assures them that while the world at large don't know what they've done, a number of powerful people do.
  • Before leaving Yussa’s, Veth takes the moment to thank Wentsworth, and tell him he’s a good goblin.
• Fjord and Jester sneak off from Yussa's. She takes him to her special spot close to the Lavish Chateau, and she and Fjord talk. He says that he wants to see Vandren, and finish his business with Sabian, and then he wants to go back to sea. He asks Jester if she wants to come with, and she agrees. They decide to make Nicodranas their home port, and Fjord asks her if maybe she wants to get a place of their own there. She agrees, delighted.
• Beau telling the Cobalt she knows a good detective agency if they ever needed the help.
• As they say their goodbyes to Veth, Jester gives her a painting she did of the Brenattos. Her result is a 15.
  Matt: It's pretty good.
  Veth: It's pretty good!
  • Caleb's farewell.
    Caleb: You found me at my lowest. Thank you, Veth the Brave.
    Veth: For you, I have one wish: leave the cell you're trapped in. There are some locks I can't pick, but you can.
  • Veth reminds Caleb that the reason everything has happened was because of his suggestion that they all travel together, and leaves him with these parting words.
    Veth: I may be brave, but you are mighty.
• Jester sends a message to Orly, letting him know that Kingsley will be coming by to join the crew. She woke him up, but was still happy to hear from her anyway.
  Laura: I love Orly!
  Marisha: Orly's the best!
• Fjord finally finds Vandren! He admits that he wanted to track him down for some time, to thank him, to see if he's alive, and out of guilt. He thanks him for everything.
  Vandren: Looks like you found a better sword than I did.
• Yasha locating Zuala's burial place to give her final farewells and introducing Beau.
• The absolutely lovestruck tenderness with which Yasha calls Beau "my expositor" and confesses that her ultimate dream is to be a homemaker who provides Beau a safe place to return to and a shelter from the stress of her life, and to act as her primary support (the comparison she uses is Yeza) for the rest of their lives.
  Yasha: Sometimes I think of just getting a place with you somewhere and gardening and making you food for when you come home from work. My Expositor...
  Beau: Are you wanting to be my housewife, Yasha?
  Yasha: I mean, I think I'd look pretty good in an apron...
• Caleb and Essek meet to figure out whether or not they will use their experiment to warp time to their will. Essek tells Caleb he once thought of being able to control his fate if he had come across this item before meeting Caleb. But now that he has, he decided he wouldn't change anything.
  • Caleb goes through his plan of saving his parents. Essek doesn't even challenge him on it, only telling Caleb he would help him no matter what. Caleb is silent for a bit as he thinks about his plan... and then burns everything in the room, which Essek approves.
  • Though it comes off as a bit vague on stream, Liam and Matt have confirmed that Caleb and Essek entered into a romantic relationship and stayed together for a time until their difference in aging leads to them amicably parting ways, albeit remaining lifelong friends and appreciating the time together. Matt additionally agreed with a fan's assessment that Essek is demi, causing ace and demi fans to rejoice as they are usually underrepresented.
• Caleb spending the rest of his days teaching people, especially Luc if Veth and Yeza would let him. Veth reassuringly says she wouldn't have had it any other way.
• Kingsley getting to start his life anew as a pirate and clearly going to enjoy all of the adventures he'll have.
• Matt finishes the epilogue with the biggest smile, clearly fighting back the urge to cry. Everyone thanks him for the story, and Travis leaves us with this little gem.
  Travis: Let's do it again.

Campaign 2 Wrap-Up

• After one of the breaks, Sam notes that despite the Mighty Nein not always being the most moral people, they were a good influence on many they met, and inadvertently set several villains (The Gentleman, Essek, and possibly Astrid and Eodwulf) on the path to a Heel–Face Turn simply by befriending them.
• Marisha and Ashley had a long text discussion of Beau and Yasha's future together. They agree that they would eventually adopt children, Yasha hoping to make up for her time as the Orphanmaker by giving orphans a home.
  • Marisha also goes into how Beau would feel about TJ. At first she would think she wouldn't like him, but then her sisterly instincts would kick in. She would hope that when he's older, she'd be the "cool" older sister and take him out to town and have his first drink with him.
  • After Travis admits he and the others had a plan to take out Beau and Caleb if they got to nine eyes, one of the tactics they would have used on Beau was creating an illusion of TJ in hopes Beau would instinctually chase after him to protect him.
• The reveal that, even as Essek felt isolated from society and much of his family, he still maintained a close relationship with his younger brother Verin.
  • Made even better by the fact that, even though Verin is a believer in the Luxon, he still understands why Essek has his reservations and supports him.
• As Liam discusses Caleb's time travel plan, Sam adds in how he was really glad as Veth that Caleb didn't end up going through with his plan because she would worry that all of the work he put into becoming the person he is now would be undone.
• The Gentleman and Marion do eventually end up together! He needs to fake his death first, but they made it work!
• After a campaign full of malevolent entities masquerading as benevolent gods, many feared the Luxon had sinister intentions or otherwise wasn't what it appeared to be. It turns out that the Luxon is an ultimately benign being only looking to understand what it is.
• The members ask about Henry Crabgrass, an NPC of crabgrass they encountered briefly a short while ago and about what happens to him. Matt Mercer explains that he did research on the lifespan of actual crabgrass and that the Henry they met only lived for a few weeks, however, the heartwarming part is that there are generations of Henry Crabgrasses that continue to share the tale of meeting Jester and the importance of consent. Laura mentions that Jester goes by the spot once in a while to check in with them, meeting and talking to new generations of Henry's offspring.
• After months of needling, Matt finally tells the group the names of those on the Tal'Dorei Council. The final member he names is Master of Commerce, Coinmistress Vex'ahlia de Rolo.