Critical Role: Campaign 4 has already seen a major shake up thanks to the unprecedented 13-person cast quickly dividing themselves into three groups with interconnecting stories, rather than following a single, linear narrative. The biggest change is the introduction of Brennan Lee Mulligan as long term Dungeon Master, taking over from ‘forever DM’ Matthew Mercer. Mulligan, best known for his role as showrunner of another D&D show, Dropout’s Dimension 20, brings his own distinct style to CR. The breadth of Campaign 4 is unlike his previous work, but despite the hefty legacy he has to uphold, there’s already some clear divergence from the previous seasons which might surprise those new to him. His comedy experience, heavy focus on genre, and willingness to bend the rules for one of the best tabletop RPGs are already starting to change CR, and that impact will only be felt more keenly as the campaign rumbles on.
I’m a big Dungeons & Dragons actual play fan and was introduced to the medium through an obsessive watch of CR’s second campaign. Once I’d cried my way through the final episode, I went back to Campaign 1 and tried out Campaign 3. It was only after hundreds of hours with Mercer and co that I thought I’d try out D20 and quickly became hooked. I’d thought I wanted the character deep dives, epic romances, and quiet discovery that CR offered, but a few episodes of D20 made me realize I’d been craving something slick, sharp, and funny. I’ve since watched every series, but now, in returning to CR for Campaign 4, I’ve been reminded of why I first fell for the show - the long campaigns leave space for a deeper experience. But I want CR to learn from its new DM, even if that means some major changes.
