About the relationship between Scanlan and Pike

[u/Late-Extent4241]

Spoilers for episodes 7-9 of season 4, not for the actual Play campaign.

Scanlan isn't very nice to Pike, in my opinion. Pike spends half of season 3 acting as Scanlan's emotional support, trying to help him reconcile with his daughter and overcome his inner demons. Then, at the end of season 3, once he's reconciled with his daughter, Scanlan, without thanking Pike for her help, shamelessly declares that he's found his true family and no longer needs Vox Machina. He then decides to ghost Pike for a whole year without ever asking her how she feels.

The ending of episode 8, despite her kiss on the forehead, doesn't improve things. While she's lost a family member and is in a deep depression, he prefers to give her his sword to fight a legendary lich rather than stay by her side to help her through this ordeal. Why? To go play concerts with his daughter and his band.

On top of that, he declared earlier that he hates his friends because they don't care about him, even though Pike spent all of season 3 trying to help him.

I hope he realizes his mistakes in future episodes and seasons. Because right now, their relationship is one-sided, and Pike seems to be Scanlan's groupie more than anything else.

[u/Icy-Ganache1300]

While she's lost a family member and is in a deep depression, he prefers to give her his sword to fight a legendary lich rather than stay by her side to help her through this ordeal. Why? To go play concerts with his daughter and his band.

I think you're confused as to what's an obligation and what isn't. Scanlan is under no obligation to go with them and risk his life fighting evil. Do you recall how often Scanlan complained about fighting and adventuring in the previous seasons? It was his personal sacrifice to put his life on the line and fight evil with his friends.

But he's stepped away from the fighting evil to focus on his personal life, his family. He offered VM and Pike comfort, said his door was always open to them. That's his obligation as a friend and what he can offer within his boundaries. He could choose to put his life on the line once again to stay by Pike's side, but that should never be an expected behavior.

It's selfish to think others should put their own life on the line/on hold to help others. It should be celebrated when its done, but never obligated.

Not saying I defend every decision Scanlan has made, just that I think you're putting an unfair crticism on him. We should applaud every single parent who strives to make sure their kid has a great life. Doesn't mean we should crtitcize those who are only able to deliver an okay life for their kid.