Mythic Quest Season 4, Episode 10, “Heaven and Hell,” ushers in a new era of power and romance worthy of a season finale. This episode, written by Javier Scott and directed by Ashly Burch, could function as a series finale if it doesn’t inspire a whole new chapter of stories for the show. The big yet frequently subtle swings that “Heaven and Hell” takes should not be understated. Storylines find conclusions after efforts – for some – that have been in the works since the series premiere. After five years and four seasons, Mythic Quest finds itself in “Heaven and Hell” – pun absolutely intended.
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Jo’s Big Assist – Or Promotion
This episode plays with the semantics of “assistant” and “assist” in a way that makes this English major and nerd very happy. Its real success is that Mythic Quest never drags the joke out for too long. It hits the payoff of Jo getting the promotion she never wanted. Jessie Ennis skillfully plays Jo’s reaction, leaning into juxtaposing the words’ connotation and denotation. The entire sequence of events is the right amount of outrageous. The introduction of Jean-Georges also underscores the influence and power of assistants.
“Heaven and Hell” aptly threads that needle – as Mythic Quest often does – of the pros and cons of a very involved assistant. Whether it’s Jo or Jean-Georges, these characters are usually one step ahead of the people above them. Like with Brad and Jo’s scenes, it’s exciting to watch Jo and Jean-Georges go toe-to-toe for that reason. Jean-Georges is the only one who knocks Jo back, and he does it with a smile on his face. It’s also fantastic that Mythic Quest uses Jean-Georges to maintain the elusiveness of the Montreal team.
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A New Era at Mythic Quest
Jo begrudgingly becoming David’s boss and the most powerful person at MQ will have a domino effect. As much as this new era feels full circle, it also creates an entirely new circle for the show to explore. It’s exciting because “Heaven and Hell” pays off many series-long stories while setting up more for future seasons.
It’s satisfying and propulsive. This episode is the kind of season finale that shows aren’t always afforded anymore. Cliffhangers don’t always find resolution, and arcs don’t always find closure. Mythic Quest has enough longevity – and in the world of streaming, no less – that it mines rewarding reactions to cliffhangers and stories. Likewise, it seems the show feels a bit more confident to set up stories for (and to ensure) its future.
The shuffled power dynamics alone open Mythic Quest to plenty of new material for characters and plots. Not to mention, “Heaven and Hell” pulls the outstanding MQ employees – Rachel, Dana, and Brad – back in with Elysium. The A-team is back together with new personal motivations and tighter oversight. Even though this season finale establishes a new sense of stability, it’s fragile enough to keep audiences and characters on the tips of their toes.
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Poppy and Ian Find Elysium
Meanwhile, Mythic Quest isolates Ian and Poppy in what can only be described as their version of a romantic comedy. It becomes a sound vehicle for Poppy to unpack any questions she has about her relationship with Storm. Although it would have been nice to see these thoughts more consistently throughout the season, especially because of Storm’s inconsistent screen time, it works for the clock “Heaven and Hell” sets. Likewise, it works that Mythic Quest closes Poppy and Ian’s loop with Poppy’s joke but opens up a new one when she makes another – right before she gets on the plane. There is more to Poppy and Ian.
Mythic Quest is doing some incredible, intricate storytelling that it deserves credit for pulling off. Ian seeing right through Poppy’s latest art piece after seeing her for more than the machine after buying said machine is fantastic. However, Poppy and Ian creating heaven – Elysium – together, only for Ian’s hell to be when they’re apart, is on another level. It’s spectacular to watch Poppy and Ian slowly understand that they are inextricably intertwined. Expectedly but delightfully, Charlotte Nicdao and Rob McElhenney play every beat perfectly.
Nicdao and McElhenney make every joke and longing look land up through that final scene. After five years and four seasons of Mythic Quest making in-story denials, any romantic relationship between Poppy and Ian starts to become an ill-fated wish. However, this season shifts that to more pointed explorations of their relationship in direct parallel to Poppy’s first big, on-screen romance.
For once, the possibility seems more possible than impossible. Still, Mythic Quest uses that motif of “It’s never going to happen” to build the tension until it cuts it with Poppy and Ian’s kiss. It’s excellent and gratifying storytelling that embraces change and certainly reflects a new era.
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What did you think of Mythic Quest Season 4, Episode 10, “Heaven and Hell?” Let us know in the comments below!
Mythic Quest Season 4 is streaming on Apple TV+ now.
