Mythic Quest 3×08 “To Catch a Mouse” succeeds in disguising itself as a classic comedy before shattering our hearts. This episode is an illustration of what makes this series so magnetic to watch. The uproarious laughter turns to tears in a matter of seconds, and the pain feels so good. In many ways, this feels like a penultimate episode in a season or a season finale. With the end of the season approaching, this episode sets up a finale that will be unforgettable.
Brad and Jo Tackle MQ’s Rat Problem
Jo (Jesse Ennis) and Brad (Dani Pudi) have already been established as the most chaotic duo in this entire series. This is saying something since every character embodies such unhinged energy on their own. Pairing anyone is sure to result in shenanigans. Jo and Brad are so much alike. Particularly this season, neither of them can mask their thirst for power and control beneath an exterior of “assistance”.
The rat metaphor is both hilarious and disturbing, something Mythic Quest is able to balance to perfection. David (David Hornsby) is appropriately baffled and horrified, and he’s never been more relatable. The elaborate plan to catch the actual physical rat is a perfect way to showcase just how deliciously devious Jo and Brad are as characters. This entire scheme may be simple enough. However, it shows that they will go to great lengths, even to a mouse, to prove that they are always the ones pulling the strings at MQ.
An Ode to Dana
Mythic Quest 3×08 “To Catch a Mouse” is proof beyond a shadow of a doubt that Dana (Imani Hakim) is single-handedly the glue that holds this team together. Seriously, this episode shines a spotlight on the fact that no one from the CEO to the janitor can seem to function without her. They may not want to admit it, yet there Dana is in all her glory just doing what she does best.
Dana has been waiting in the wings for her chance in the spotlight. She’s underestimated constantly. People are consistently surprised by her brilliance, which of course is wildly unfair. She’s entering her boss era, as evidenced by the fact that she is completely done dealing with everyone’s nonsense. We love this journey for her. If the feral people at MQ and GrimPop know what’s good for them, they’ll elevate Dana to a place worthy of her many talents.
GrimPop At a Crossroads
The Poppy (Charlotte Nicdao) and Ian (Rob McElhenney) content has not been this physically painful in a long time. This has always been a friendship worth cheering for. They are both so incredibly flawed, and yet so willing to support one another. This is why it’s so devastating to see Ian show an incredibly ugly side of himself and withhold this support at a critical moment for Poppy.
As devastating as this development is, it’s hardly surprising. Even in Mythic Quest 3×08 “To Catch a Mouse” there are indications of Ian’s true character. The cubicle represents Ian’s hubris, and his inability to fully appreciate the universe beyond his own grasp. That anyone else could possibly make anything as innovative as MQ, including his superiorly talented friend. Poppy has something special with PlayPen. If Ian’s not careful, he will be left behind.
Ashly Burch’s Artistic Vision
While she didn’t appear as Rachel in this episode, Ashly Burch left her artistic signature everywhere. This episode represents Burch’s directorial debut, and she didn’t throw away her shot. She shows how intimately she understands these characters and these stories. She also shows how she’s able to perfectly balance the tone that the show has always set from the beginning. The humor is hilarious, and the heartbreak is devastating.
Mythic Quest’s third season has been characterized by top-notch storytelling, and character development for days. This episode is absolutely no different. Arguably, the only thing missing from this episode is the tour-de-force that is Carol (Naomi Ekperigin). The season is approaching the end far too soon. It feels like there is a lot to resolve before the season comes to a close.
Mythic Quest streams Fridays on Apple TV+.
