Mythic Quest
Typically, quests involve a series of challenges that test the mettle of a hero or heroes. Among those challenges is time spent lost and confused. The protagonists must wander as they struggle with double until, finally, they rediscover the correct path. In Mythic Quest Season 4, it isn’t until the fifth episode of the nine screened for critics (out of a 10-episode season) that our favorite motley crew of video game company employees find their way. The path until then is not devoid of its pleasures. Episode 4, “The Villain’s Feast,” in particular, is a delight. The crew, including Poppy’s (Charlotte Nicdao) new boyfriend Storm (Chase Yi), travel to a remote island for a murder mystery party. As the episode unfolds, each character gets a spotlight moment, a chance to demonstrate their comedic talents while hinting at further depths. Alas, the three episodes that precede it feel like filler in comparison, a sensation that only grows stronger as the season ramps up on its back end. Danny Pudi, Imani Hakim, and Jessie Ennis mount a search for life's most precious element. Money. (AppleTV+) Throughout, the writing is still capable of delivering laughs. The performances remain appealingly odd. Even as they grown more lived-in, there continues to be a sense of comedic anarchy to their actions. All of that acknowledged, from this critic’s standpoint, the show was beginning to feel like perhaps the time had come for a little “It’s not you, you’re still great. I’m just not into you anymore” speech. This happens sometimes with a multiple-season series. The quality hasn’t necessarily dipped, but with time, its familiarity has robbed it of some vibrancy. No one is phoning it in, certainly. Nonetheless, to strain the metaphor to near its breaking point, perhaps Mythic Quest and the audience have grown apart. Continue Reading →