Last week on Mythic Quest, Poppy faced the hard truth that she might not be creatively talented when she was told her new game wasn’t any fun. In “Playpen,” she is still wrestling with the humbling critique when she receives some encouragement from an unlikely source.
It all begins with a misunderstanding over stolen code that brings Poppy and Dana together. The latter unlocks the potential of some throwaway busy work the former provides. It’s an amusing dive into the more casual and quirkier side of the industry spotlighting VR games for fishing and working at a candy factory. Not everything needs to be an epic big budget ultraviolent title. Dana’s simple game development is cute and wholesome and the reference to I Love Lucy is a charming touch.
Though Mythic Quest takes Poppy to a more dispiriting place knowing that she doesn’t have Ian’s imagination that can wow fans. Many times this season, including the early parts of this episode, Poppy is a little annoying and too over the top. It’s a testament to Charlotte Nicdao’s abilities that you can instantly sympathize with her character after a vulnerable display filled with frustration and sorrow. Luckily, she has Dana to prop her up to finally give her props in a touching gesture. It’s interesting that something so initially trivial to Poppy can affect so many others and it’s looking like GrimPop Studios might be making a pivot.
Meanwhile, Ian finally catches wind of the Mythic Quest movie and wants in on the project. Rob McElhenney’s comedic chops are on display as his character weasels his way into a consulting position. There is so much entitlement, even though he is no longer working at the company, and I love the pettiness when he hears the star attached to the film. But there is also a level of insecurity; Joe Manganiello will do that to you. If this is a taste of how hysterically insufferable Ian will be, I can’t wait to see him hijack the production.
The other subplot revolving around Carol, Brad, and Rachel is just as entertaining. The Head of Diversity and Inclusion continues to fail upwards after the NFT debacle. Maybe the joke will eventually get old, but it’s still funny that the janitor and a college dropout is fueling Carol’s success. Though with the added resources, Brad can only think bigger with regards to his devious schemes, and Rachel seems like she along for the ride despite of how progressive she thinks she is.
In “Playpen,” Poppy goes through an engaging and emotionally filled journey that ends with her receiving the appreciation she’s longed for.
New episodes of Mythic Quest drop Fridays on Apple TV+.
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