Ashley Johnson explains how The Legend of Vox Machina fully incorporates Pike into Vox Machina's story rewriting the behind-the-scenes history of Critical Role's first campaign. When Critical Role began streaming, Johnson was working on the NBC series Blindspot in New York. Critical Role films in Los Angeles, resulting in Johnson missing numerous episodes when she was working on Blindspot. She did return to film in person and through video conference when she was able to, but this resulted in Matt Mercer explaining Pike's disappearance throughout the campaign.
The first season took inspiration from this, with Pike exploring a crisis of faith storyline separate from Vox Machina's arc in Whitestone. However, this culminated in Pike appearing via astral projection to assist Vox Machina and the people of Whitestone in their fight against the Briarwoods and their corrupt forces. While Pike was separated from Vox Machina in the first season, similar to the first campaign, her story was still a prominent arc. In an exclusive interview with Screen Rant, Johnson explained how The Legend of Vox Machina rewrites history by incorporating Pike into storylines she wasn't a part of in the original campaign.
Ashley Johnson: Leaving and having to go to work in New York, and then having to come back and trying to have that make sense in the story, gave Matt so much he had to do [to explain] the reasons why Pike had to go in and out. For the series, we didn't want to have that. It was our chance to rewrite history in a way. Not change the story of Vox Machina, but more change our personal story and let me have a chance to actually be there and experience some of the parts that I didn't get to. For me, it's really special and very cool that I finally get to be there in some parts that I wasn't.
What To Expect From Pike's Story In The Legend of Vox Machina Season 2
Pike's absence was often felt during Critical Role's first campaign, especially given her abilities as a healer and confidant for the group. The Legend of Vox Machina is an opportunity to fully explore Pike's arc alongside Vox Machina instead of constantly bringing the character in and out of the story. Pike's crisis of faith was inspired by the character's struggles in the first campaign and Johnson's absence. Season 2 could dive deeper into this crisis, especially if the Chroma Conclave brings about more questions.
Pike's friendship with Grog will likely be further explored in season two of The Legend of Vox Machina. Grog and Pike have been best buddies for many years. Although they seem an unlikely pair—a Goliath barbarian and a gnome cleric—they love each other deeply and are hilariously similar. The Legend of Vox Machina is an opportunity to not only show more of this comedic friendship but also explore how they became best buddies.
Percy's backstory was a major part of The Legend of Vox Machina season one, given how it was the driving force behind Vox Machina taking on the Briarwoods. In the original campaign, the other members of Vox Machina were more fleshed out during the Chroma Conclave arc with Grog's origins, Keyleth's Aramente, and romances blossoming. Seasons two and three will likely explore each of Vox Machina member's backstories and how they play into each character's arc in the new season. Pike's could dovetail with Grog's past and her ties to the Everlight.