REVIEW: ‘Dragon Age: Absolution,’ Season 1 – Delivers A Heist Story, And A Great Prologue

In the waning days of the Inquisition, two agents, Fairbanks and Hira, are tasked with recovering a powerful artifact called the Circulum Infinitus from its resting place in the Tevinter Empire. But to do it, they will need help. But a lot of history will need to be confronted if their mission is to succeed in Dragon Age: Absolution Season 1.

At its core, this six-episode story delivers so many of the big plot beats people have come to love in heist stories. An intricate plan, questionable loyalties, and a well-executed double cross. Just this heist series also has wizards, battles with the undead, and a dragon.

While the entire five-person team that is assembled to pull off this fantasy caper has its starring moments, the central spoke that this movie’s narrative wheel turns on is Miriam. Brought into the mission by her former love, Hira, Miriam escaped enslavement from the Tevinter Empire and has intimate knowledge of the structure the squad needs to break into. Needless to say, Miriam isn’t excited to be headed back to the house that stole so many years of her life from her. But faced with the possibility of living out her years with the love of her life, Miriam sets out with the others to pull off the job.

But as I already alluded to, Dragon Age: Absolution Season 1 delivers a story that isn’t nearly as simple as a quick heist. Without spoilers, the story unfolds in a far more layered way than I had expected. History, relationships, and past traumas are all woven together, along with a fair bit of action and monster slaying, to deliver three hours of fantasy storytelling that is as emotional as it is exciting. Also, for those unfamiliar with the Dragon Age setting, no prior knowledge is necessary to appreciate this series. Sure, when place names like Kirkwall are dropped or a flashback shows fan-favorite Inquisition members, those who have kept up with the larger lore will get an extra thrill. But even if you don’t know their significance, you won’t be losing anything of the show’s key narrative.

Also, if anyone ever wants to know how to make a series a stand-alone adventure that also serves as a launching platform for a larger tale, Dragon Age: Absolution Season 1 is how you do it. Once the final elements of the season’s arc are complete, and it feels like everything is going to be wrapped up nicely, the show reveals a larger journey ahead. While I am thrilled at the prospect of traveling with Miriam and company on further adventures, if you watch this series as a simple one-and-done heist tale, it will not leave you unsatisfied.

While the visual presentation in this series does a strong job overall, where it shines most is in its action. Dragon Age was one of the original entries in the modern “dark fantasy” trend, and Dragon Age: Absolution Season 1 doesn’t shy away from its roots in the slightest. The combat is bloody and brutal, and when the magic devolves into moments of sacrifice and slaughter, the show uses some great designs to give the dark moments a truly unsettling energy.

When it all comes together, Dragon Age: Absolution Season 1 delivers a tale that serves as a great heist story while also paving the way for something larger. It hits all its story beats wonderfully, allowing both the action and the emotion their time to shine.

Dragon Age: Absolution Season 1 is streaming now on Netflix.