The Mythic Quest gang is back for a third season, with 3×01, “Across the Universe.” After a massive shake-up at the end of Season 2, this loveable cast of characters has to forge a new path for themselves. This was always an (I can’t believe I’m typing these words) workplace family. As dysfunctional as they were together, it was hard to root against them. Now, the family members are moving on. The brave new world starts here.
Poppy and Ian:
Ian’s (Rob McElhenney) lack of facial hair will probably remain jarring to anyone who binged this series leading up to the new season (*raises hand*). As much as he’s made a massive change in his life by leaving Mythic Quest, he’s still the same Ian with nothing but a dream and a tiny, tiny sliver of self-awareness. He and Poppy (Charlotte Nicdao) now have to completely re-negotiate their relationship, which was always built on chaos.
Poppy, on the other hand, is clearly trying to thrive in her new environment. She is in her element, alone and unincumbered by crushing expectations of bosses who don’t understand her vision. It’s frustrating to see Ian undercut her business decisions. This is an older, less mature version of Ian. This move was supposed to represent growth for this character. Instead, he’s causing Poppy gastrointestinal issues that no one deserves. He needs to show less of his bullishness and more of his heart of gold if he wants to succeed.
David, Jo, and…Brad?
Jo (Jessie Ennis) and David (David Hornsby) are back to old habits, with Jo being David’s assistant again. While this feels like a step backward, Jo in particular has clearly grown a lot in the time since she worked for David. She can hold her own. Jo and David do bring out the worst in each other, though, and nothing seems to have changed on that front. Throw in Brad (Danny Pudi), the newly reformed criminal, and we have a recipe for a beautiful disaster.
I for one agree with David (barf), in that I too don’t trust Brad one bit. This man is clearly playing a game of four-dimensional chess, where no one is going to win. He’s walking around, being a “janitor,” but the wheels in his head are working overtime. He’s 150 steps ahead of everyone else. Fans should stay vigilant. This man lives for chaos and destruction, and a cutesy uniform isn’t going to change that so easily.
Sweet Hellos and Sad Good-Byes:
While Dana (Imani Hakim) and Rachel (Ashly Burch) absolutely deserved to advance in their respective careers, Season 2 ended on a sad note, with the implication that they may not be around as much. Happily, Mythic Quest 3×01, “Across the Universe” remedies this. It’s obviously not easy for them to balance school and new careers. If anyone can make it work, it’s this incredible pair.
Who this show absolutely needs more of is Carol (Naomi Ekperigin), the intrepid HR professional who’s just tired. She comes with a new title this season, Head of Diversity and Inclusion, because why would David ever miss a chance to be so overtly offensive? It’s a testament to the strength of this character, that even when she’s saying she’s being overpaid to do not enough work, we still love her immensely.
Spoiler alert: You could pay this woman all the money in the world, and it wouldn’t be enough.
Sadly, Mythic Quest is saying goodbye to game writer extraordinaire, C.W. Longbottom (F. Murray Abraham). The devastating reveal packs a massive punch. It seems that the audience just got to know C.W. in a deeper way. Unfortunately, the journey ends here. C.W.’s departure is as offensive as it is theatric, and there may not be a better way to have this character sign off for a final time.
Mythic Quest 3×01 “Across the Universe” is back with a bang. The new dynamics are still so new, that it’s unclear where everyone will be left standing. Some people need to get their acts together. Others need to stand in their power. What’s clear is that this family is far more dysfunctional apart than they ever were together. We’re still cheering for their success.
Mythic Quest streams Fridays on Apple TV+.
