Alongside Slow Horses and For All Mankind, Apple TV+ workplace comedy Mythic Quest is one of the streaming services’ longest-running shows – and undoubtedly one of its funniest. With the fourth series recently coming to a close, fans of the sitcom exploring the inner workings of the fictional video game company haven’t had long to wait for the next installment, with the new spin-off anthology series Side Quest further exploring the Mythic Quest universe through the lens of players, employees and fans of the multiplayer online role-playing game.
Mythic Quest creators Charlie Day, Megan Ganz, and Rob McElhenney certainly aren’t strangers when it comes to standalone episodes, with season one’s excellent “Dark Quiet Death” – starring Jake Johnson and Cristin Milioti – kick-starting the seasonal standalone tradition. While the first standalone installment is unquestionably the best and most impactful, season 2’s “Backstory!” comes a close second, so it’s understandable that the creative team decided to go in the same direction for their first spin-off series. But does Side Quest live up to the same lofty heights of the first two self-contained episodes?
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Well, to put it frankly, none of the four spin-off episodes are of the same quality and depth as the aforementioned Mythic Quest episodes. However, it is refreshing to step outside the Mythic Quest headquarters to further explore other corners of the universe, with just enough connective tissue and familiar community-based themes to keep fans engaged.
“Pull List” feels like a pilot for an Mythic Quest spin-off
While the sweet-but-forgettable season opener “Song and Dance” delves deeper into the personal life of Mythic Quest art director Phil (Derek Waters) as he juggles his tricky work-life balance with the ever-demanding Ian (Rob McElhenney) whilst on a luxury holiday, the second episode refreshingly steps away from any direct ties. Set in the black-owned comic book store Comics Galore!, the promising installment spotlights a variety of customers as they await the delivery of the latest Mythic Quest tie-in comic issue, which features a major reveal involving the first black character of the series.
Directed by Mo Marable and written by Leann Bowen and Javier Scott, “Pull List” explores the varied intersections of nerd culture through a black lens, while spotlighting key issues relating to diversity which aren’t often explored. Featuring an electric array of authentically crafted regulars – including a welcome appearance by Abbott Elementary’s William Stanford Davis – who often bickers over who’s the biggest nerd, this installment feels like an endearing crossover between High Fidelity and Comic Book Men.
Along with a fun central mystery, the episode also features a distinct visual identity from the other episodes, incorporating Scott Pilgrim-esque split screens, comic book panel effects and fun animated overlays into the real-world action. With a strong cast, witty comedic script and a distinct angle, “Pull List” genuinely feels like a backdoor pilot or soft launch for a whole other Mythic Quest spin-off – watch this space!
“Fugue” is the biggest departure totally.
The third episode marks the greatest pivot from the original series tonally and thematically, as the installment centers on a growing trend in the gaming, film and TV industry – soundtrack concerts with full orchestras. In this case, the music of Mythic Quest in concert, as we follow a touring company as they embark on a packed worldwide schedule.
Concert cellist Sylvie (Annamarie Kasper) achieves her dream and joins the Mythic Quest touring company, but soon experiences burn out and a growing anxiety on stage. Thematically similar to the expectations vs. the reality of being a professional musician in Whiplash, “Fugue” features a particularly empathetic character arc, with Sylvie experiencing a particularly heartbreaking case of identity crisis.
The episode is undeniably a drastic shift in tone from the other episodes, with a far more dramatic lean, so it certainly won’t be to everyone’s taste. (Plus, the increasingly grim abscess/hallucination makes for a tough watch at times!) However, there’s no denying the artistry on display, with a particularly excellent score, a moving central performance from Annamarie Kasper and a beautiful visual representation of music.
“The Last Raid” is Side Quest’s MVP
The fourth and final episode is undoubtedly the show’s strongest chapter, rounding the spin-off series out with an authentic, relatable and touching tribute to the power of community and digital spaces in connecting people.
Using a mix of in-game footage from an MMORPG and screen capture from the character’s video chat mode – à la Felicia Day’s web series The Guild – “The Last Raid” embodies the perfect blend of Mythic Quest’s heart and humor in an accurate setting and group dynamic. The concept feels like a natural progression from the original series, as we witness a long-running raid group’s eclectic avatars face their biggest foes yet in-game, while friendships begin to come apart IRL.
Anyone who’s played World of Warcraft or Dungeons and Dragons campaigns can attest to how accurately this episode portrays a typical gaming session. Watching the drama unfold via the game (relying heavily on voice performance) is also a bold but perfect move, with a creative concept similar to the GTA documentary Grand Theft Hamlet and the incredibly moving The Remarkable Life of Ibelin.
Is Side Quest worth watching?
With only four episodes in total and a somewhat inconsistent scatter-gun approach, Side Quest unfortunately feels more like a DLC expansion pack than a full-blown spin-off. However, “The Last Raid” and “Pull List” are genuinely excellent installments which could hopefully lead to further shows set in the much-loved universe.
All four episodes of Side Quest are streaming now on Apple TV+.