Lauren Garrison

The plot was very straight forward (heroes win, villains lose, basic adventure romp) BUT- I don’t think anyone can expect too much from such a short season. If Netflix guaranteed 3+ seasons we would have gotten a more robust story, but most shows don’t make it past a single season. It was a well told, fun, and complete story in the DA universe. The relationships are a little forced since characters aren't developed enough before getting paired up. However, I felt that was pretty easy to move past. It had great characters/personalities, top notch animation, and silly banter. My only real qualm is that despite Qunari being hated in Tevinter; one was able to run amok with little notice or comment. DA is known for having a world shaped from gray areas and moral quandaries. Rezaren seems like a great example of someone who grew up and has directly benefitted from those conditions. He’s a well written villain who holds up to the baddies we’ve seen thus far in the franchise. Then we have the captain, who seems like a sympathetic character, trying to maintain peace in a world manipulated by power and greed. In love with a powerful man who reveals himself more and more as monster. Of course, we see her fatal flaw when she turns a blind eye to Rezaren’s dark magic, perpetuating the same abuses the imperium is known for. Simple and well done. An aside: comments that the MC is "unlikeable" seems silly, she’s suffering from PTSD and is being brought back into a country that enslaved and abused her. I think it’s reasonable to assume she’s not going to be flashing a winisome smiles with a witty one-liner. We’re seeing her at her most bitter and scared, but she’s got a job to do and people to protect. Overall, it was a worthwhile watch, and I think any major issues could be resolved with more seasons (which I’ll be hoping for). I’ve missed Thedas, and this felt like I was right back in.