Mythic Quest Season 4, Episode 5, “Second Skeleton,” forgoes subtle metaphors in favor of forthright character developments worthy of a mid-season outing. Written and directed (for the first time!) by Ashly Burch, this episode handles rather hefty subject matter with levity and sincerity. Even when this episode makes time for familiar faces (Alanna Uback is back!), “Second Skeleton” doesn’t miss a beat on its journey to take season-long arcs to new peaks. Instead, this episode slows everything down to (almost) every story’s benefit. Consequently, Mythic Quest reiterates that it’s still making something special – though not a second skeleton – four seasons into its run.
MORE: Don’t miss our Mythic Quest Season 4, Episode 3, “Breakthrough,” review.
Brad’s Fight Gains Definition
While Mythic Quest continues to take baby steps with Jo’s arc, “Second Skeleton” maintains the season’s momentum with steady breakthroughs for Brad. The episode makes his newfound care for Dana (He calls her “a brilliant artist!”) more complex with the introduction of Anna. It’s only an episode ago that Brad prides himself in David (and his other coworkers) not knowing anything about him. Now, “Second Skeleton” reveals more of Brad’s personal life than ever.
Tying back to the season’s work-work-life balance theme, Mythic Quest gives Brad’s storyline a serialized component while making it entirely unique. It’s also interesting that Anna appears to be an answer to Brad hunting himself in “Boundaries” – they’re so similar. Even so, Danny Pudi and Karolina Szymczak’s scenes almost suspend time in their own world, benefiting Brad’s eventual realization that he must fight Anna to help Dana. Given that “Second Skeleton” is the only time Brad and Anna interact, their few scenes must hold that weight to make what is (presumably) ahead hit even more challenging.
MORE: Have you read our Mythic Quest Season 4, Episode 2, “1000%,” review?
Dana Has a New Goal
After all, Dana has her sights set on big things – Game of the Year Award. Until “Second Skeleton,” Mythic Quest speaks of Cozy Galaxy’s success more than it shows, so seeing Dana celebrate her nomination is exciting. It’s refreshing that the show doesn’t stop there – Rachel proves Dana’s game’s profitable success to David. Moreover, “Second Skeleton” reiterates Dana as an inspiration – not only for Cozy Galaxy. The episode pulls back to Mythic Quest Season 1, Episode 4, “The Convention,” when Girls Can Code comes to the office and brings Yara, one of those girls who can code, back to further contextualize Dana’s achievements.
It’s such a great callback that spearheads an even better commentary. Dana puts her “heart and soul” into Cozy Galaxy – Rachel even calls the game “her baby.” Until Yara calls Dana her “games mama” in her Game of the Year acceptance speech, Dana feels confident about her success. A 17-year-old girl having two games to her name – literally, she owns the IP – and winning an award for one serves as a reminder that everyone is on their own timeline. Although, for the rest of Mythic Quest’s season, it also means there’s a (not-so) healthy competition fueling Dana’s next moves.
MORE: Revisit Mythic Quest Season 4, Episode 1, “Boundaries,” with our review.
Shannon Is Back
“Second Skeleton” also reaches to Mythic Quest’s past with the return of Alanna Uback as Shannon – Ian’s ex and Brendan’s (Pootie Shoe) mom. Uback hasn’t appeared on the show since Mythic Quest Season 1, Episode 8, “Brendan,” but she walks back into the VR simulation like she never left. The episode using VR as a storytelling tool is beyond innovative – a creative way to make the show and video games dependent on one another. Nevertheless, Shannon’s presence comes with a multifaceted purpose, and Uback excels at every turn.
On the one hand, Shannon mentions her perception of Ian’s complicated relationship with his mother, which almost encourages a rewatch of Mythic Quest Season 3, Episode 7, “Sarian.” As for “Second Skeleton,” Shannon’s comments frame Ian’s motherhood tips for Poppy differently. Most importantly, Shannon disarms Poppy with the thing she needs to hear – her biggest fear.
Uback and Charlotte Nicdao play that exchange with deep honesty, sincerity, and a bit of discomfort. Shannon telling Poppy, “You’re gonna be a terrible mom sometimes,” is perfect – it’s what Poppy needs to move forward. Ironically, Shannon is – once again – unconvinced that Poppy is doing so with someone who isn’t Ian. She always names Ian and Poppy’s “weirdest relationship.”
MORE: Read all about the Mythic Quest spinoff anthology series, Side Quest.
Ian Is with Poppy, But What About Storm?
“Second Skeleton” makes Poppy and Ian’s dynamic even weirder – and stronger. In their defense, it’s not much of a challenge compared to Poppy and Storm’s relationship. Any good faith that the show builds for Storm over the last two episodes dwindles by the end of this one. Of course, Poppy doesn’t ask Storm to stay, but he doesn’t try to either. Instead, Mythic Quest seemingly cosigns Storm’s (at least) five-month move to the Netherlands. The couple’s lack of communication culminates in Nicdao’s heartbreaking delivery of “1000%.”
Calling back to that bit underscores that Poppy feels the opposite of what she’s saying – as does Ian in that previous episode. That in-story confirmation that Ian is jealous of Poppy’s relationship with Storm makes the differences in their relationships all the more glaring. Ian doubles down and tells Poppy he’s “in it” with her. For now, Ian is, though Shannon warns what could happen next.
Regardless of any romantic drama, “Second Skeleton” ends on a strong note – Poppy and Ian moving forward with the expansion. Mythic Quest packs so much in that decision. It lands as a propulsive culmination of the season’s themes so far. It fuels tension and suggests confrontation for the rest of the season. One thing is sure: the characters still aren’t succeeding at work-work-life balance.
MORE: Did you miss Mythic Quest‘s Season 4 trailer? You can watch it here.
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What did you think of Mythic Quest Season 4, Episode 5, “Second Skeleton?” Let us know in the comments below!
New episodes of Mythic Quest stream on Wednesdays on Apple TV+.
