I personally could not get into the first season of EXU, it felt uneven and floaty in a way that made it hard to get invested in the story.
However, EXU: Calamity may be one of the greatest pieces of actual play content ever produced.
It is completely independent from the earlier EXU seasons so you can jump right into it, and while it may be enhanced by having watched Critical role prior it is by no means required, it stands on its own just as well
For long term critters it offers illumination into events that live in myth for the characters we've spent time with so far. Seeing the events as they occured at the time is a joy for anyone who's been intrigued and titillated by the scraps and hints of the calamity we have seen so far.
And for both critters and people entirely uninvolved in the fandom it is an incredible story, an amazing show.
The characters are complex and feel real, both endearing and deeply frustrating in turn, as the people in the age of arcanum should be. The descriptions, tone setting and improvised moments and lines from Brennan only heighten that, with many of the phrases used still echoing in my head long after watching.
On top of Brennan's wonderful DMing every player gives it their all, you can tell they are all deeply invested in this story.
They all act their asses off whilst remaining believable and enjoyable to watch. For me Lou, Luis and Travis are stand outs but all of them do remarkable work to bring this epic to life.
The narrative arc is so very satisfying, and the knowledge of the tragedy to come only enhances the tension that already abounds in this tale.
If you have not yet watched it I beg you, give this series a chance because I truly believe you will enjoy it.
