The video game industry is forever evolving, and as it goes, so will the workplace comedy Mythic Quest. Well, at least with a slight delay of market trends due to filming and production. The series returns next week shifting the focus from an MMORPG to something more Roblox-esque. Despite the change, it is still heavily character focused with the cast you’ve grown to love over the years.
A constant driving force of the show is the complicated relationship between working partners Ian Grimm and Poppy Li. This season freshens up the dynamic by introducing a love interest for Poppy. The main pair’s love is platonic, but it makes for some laughs to see the petty immaturity of Ian’s reactions. However, there is an emotional impact and sympathy towards him as he wrestles with sharing Poppy creatively. Both are engaging to watch their growth throughout. The only bad part is Poppy’s incessant double entendres that don’t always hit or feel forced.
Speaking of, growth and maturation is a running theme. It’s good to see the characters evolve and not stagnate. The usual one off episode even explores a rite of passage. There are opportunities of romance as well as serious life milestones that we witness, sometimes set up as a pleasant and moving surprise. Sure, Mythic Quest has jokes, but it’s the more intimate moments that stand out and stay with you. The overarching theme helps tie the entire season together and ensures it’s not hitting the same beats of before.
The cast all have strong performances but there are two standouts. Charlotte Nicdao is given more dramatic scenes due to Poppy’s circumstances. You can feel the apprehension and self-doubt as she manages her major life changes. Then, Jessie Ennis is such a delight as Jo. The actress commits 100% to every scene she is in, and she has some of the best one-liners.
Outside of the characters, you come to the series for its video game ties. There are many funny takes across the industry as a whole from the monetization model to the complexities of moderation to influencers. It can find the humor in about anything video game related, even through the technology itself. The use of artificial intelligence and VR brings up silly and entertaining situations with the latter being particularly outlandish.
The new season of Mythic Quest is able to evolve with the industry it is based in providing the same humor, takes, and video game ties you expect. But it keeps things fresh by making the characters grow old and mature.
Mythic Quest season 4 premieres January 29 on Apple TV+.
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