What makes Side Quest a notable expansion of the Mythic Quest universe? How does the anthology structure impact the storytelling approach in this spinoff? What themes emerge from the various standalone tales presented in Side Quest? In what ways does the show balance familiarity for existing fans with the introduction of new characters and narratives?
If there’s one thing Apple TV+’s Mythic Quest loves, it’s a detour. This has been true since the very first season, which paused midway through for a one-off about two characters we hadn’t met before and haven’t seen since. It’s remained so through subsequent seasons that devoted entire episodes to detailing the backstories of members from the core ensemble, or catching up with a minor character we hadn’t seen in years.
Now it extends all the way to the series’ first spinoff, Side Quest. As the cute title might suggest, this is essentially a Mythic Quest that’s nothing but those standalone chapters — that steps well outside MQ HQ to explore the other corners of the show’s universe, one quirky tale at a time. But as it turns out, a detour’s only a detour when there’s a set path to be deviating from. Without one, it’s just an aimless, if largely pleasant, wander.
Created by Mythic Quest vets Ashly Burch, John Howell Harris and Katie McElhenney, Side Quest begins in a place that will be familiar to fans of its predecessor. The premiere, “Song and Dance,” is the most overtly Mythic Quest-y entry of the season’s four half-hours, to the point where it feels less like the start of a new project than a leftover segment from the old one.
It focuses on a character we already know (Derek Waters’ perpetually put-upon art director Phil), and features a cameo by an already existing lead (Rob McElhenney’s Ian Grimm, pestering Phil with ever-more-unreasonable demands). Plot-wise, it’s another variation on the well-trod “MQ staffer has no sense of work-life balance” formula. It even ties directly into mainline Mythic Quest by showing us the other side of a phone call we’d seen referenced a few weeks earlier on that other series.
But the fact that it begins with Phil on vacation with his beautiful and patient but increasingly frustrated girlfriend (Anna Konkle), rather than in the office, is a subtle but crucial distinction. While a typical Mythic Quest arc might see an employee’s workday derailed by their personal issues, this choice subtly reframes the dynamic so the job becomes the thing impinging on the parts of Phil’s life that actually matter most to him. It’s the opening argument in what will turn out to be a recurring thesis for Side Quest: the idea that there might be more to life than this game.
In that vein, the third outing, “Fugue,” serves up another account of an artist nearly undone by her devotion to her career — this time a cellist, Sylvie (Annamarie Kasper), buckling under her own perfectionism after landing a dream job with the Mythic Quest touring orchestra. Parts two and four jump over to the consumer side to visit with fans, but place the emphasis less on their love of the game than the opportunity it represents for them to connect with other people.
If the broader themes don’t vary much, though, the styles do. Side Quest’s anthology structure — none of these self-contained arcs have anything to do with the others, and aside from “Song and Dance” have little connection to mainline Mythic Quest — frees it to experiment with form and tone, to agreeably varied effect.
The fourth in this quartet, “The Last Raid,” follows Team Dab Queef, a group of high school buddies gathered for a long-overdue play session. Lightly echoing Mythic Quest‘s 2020 standout “Quarantine,” it plays out completely over a screen — we’re mostly watching in-game footage of avatars battling monsters while the players bicker over headsets, only occasionally displaying their real faces in video chat mode. The plot becomes a testament to the power of such digital spaces to bring people together, but also their limitations: In the end, despite the best efforts of team leader Devon (Van Crosby), not even the gravitational pull of a virtual watering hole can keep together a friend group that’s been drifting apart IRL.
And episode two, “Pull List,” feels so much like its own thing that it might as well be a backdoor pilot for a whole other Mythic Quest spinoff. Written by Leann Bowen and Javier Scott and directed by Mo Marable, it’s a hangout comedy set within a comic shop owned by the dedicated but exhausted Janae (Shalita Grant).
Her customers represent a lively cross-section of the geek community — brash misfit Cherry (Bria Samoné Henderson), the thirst trap cosplayer Mike (Rome Flynn), old timer Earl (William Stanford Davis) and so on — and they serve up a specifically Black take on nerd culture while also finding a diverse array of opinions and tastes within that purview. While its comedy can occasionally veer too mannered, with chunks of dialogue that feel like repurposed bits from a stand-up set, it’s refreshing to get such a clear-cut perspective. It’s also simply fun to kick back and hang out as this group argues over who’s got the most nerd cred or riffs on which characters they “claim as Black” (Skeeter from Doug, Piccolo from Dragon Ball Z, the Teletubbies because they’re “a group of friends singing, dancing, living their best life — it’s basically Living Single“).
But if “Pull List” represents the most promising of what Side Quest has to offer, it also highlights the oddness of this enterprise.
On one hand, it’s endearing how keen Mythic Quest is to get to know the more obscure recesses of its broader universe. On the other, it’s not always clear what these yarns gain creatively from being positioned as Mythic Quest spin-offs, particularly when (unlike alt-histories like For All Mankind or outright fantasies like Marvel) the show’s reality isn’t much different from our own. A standout like “Pull List” works well enough on its own that the tenuous link to the original property seems unnecessary. Meanwhile, a sweet but thinly conceived entry like “Fugue” doesn’t feel richer just because Sylvie and her colleagues theoretically breathe the same air as Ian and Phil.
The best of Mythic Quest’s detours have been the ones that have deepened the main narrative’s themes or the people within it. “A Dark Quiet Death” distilled and refracted its central ideas about art versus commerce. “Backstory!” or “Sarian” expanded our understanding not just of the characters at their center but the passions and tensions they bring with them into their work.
Side Quest, presumably, means to do the same. But the distance it puts between itself and its parent proves as much a curse as a blessing. Siloed off into a separate realm, these odds and ends struggle to find much of a way forward on their own.
Apple TV+ Launches ‘Mythic Quest’ Spinoff: A New Chapter in Gaming Comedy
Apple TV+ has recently expanded its successful original content portfolio with the announcement of a spinoff from the beloved workplace comedy series ‘Mythic Quest: Raven’s Banquet.’ Known for its unique blend of humor, creativity, and the vibrant yet chaotic world of game development, ‘Mythic Quest’ has resonated with audiences since its debut in February 2020. The spinoff aims to further explore the show’s rich universe, diving deeper into the characters and themes that have captivated fans over the past few seasons.
The Original Series: A Journey of Success
‘Mythic Quest: Raven’s Banquet’ was co-created by Charlie Day, Megan Ganz, and David Hornsby, and produced by the acclaimed team at Rob McElhenney’s RCG. Set in a fictional video game studio, the series deftly navigates the dynamics of creativity, workplace relationships, and the struggles of running a business in a rapidly evolving industry. Its ensemble cast, featuring McElhenney as the brash and ambitious creative director Ian Grimm, alongside other charismatic characters, has provided a humorous yet insightful look into the gaming culture.
The original series has been praised for its witty writing, strong performances, and its ability to tackle serious themes amidst the comedic backdrop of a gaming office. It has attracted not only gamers but a wider audience that appreciates well-crafted humor and character-driven stories. With its successful run, it’s no surprise that Apple TV+ would leverage this recognizable IP to explore new avenues in storytelling.
The Spinoff: Expanding the Mythic Quest Universe
The newly announced spinoff aims to capture the same spirit that has made ‘Mythic Quest’ a cultural phenomenon while offering fresh narratives and new characters. While details surrounding the spinoff remain somewhat under wraps, the creators have hinted at a focus on untold stories from the Mythic Quest universe, potentially spotlighting secondary characters who may have flown under the radar in the original series.
One of the key elements that made ‘Mythic Quest’ successful was its unique character dynamics and the camaraderie among the staff at the game studio. The spinoff is expected to harness that same sense of community, possibly shifting its focus to different teams within the gaming industry or even extending beyond the walls of the studio itself. Fans are speculating about seeing what happens during game development processes, like department clashes, creative disagreements, or the impact of real-world events on the gaming landscape.
The Power of Spin-offs in Modern Television
Spin-offs have become a popular strategy for studios looking to capitalize on existing viewer interest in characters and story worlds. When done right, they can enrich the original material, offering fresh perspectives and storytelling opportunities. Shows like "Better Call Saul," a spinoff of "Breaking Bad," have shown that there is potential for spin-offs to stand on their own merit while continuing to satisfy fans of the original series.
Apple TV+ appears eager to embrace this trend, allowing the world of ‘Mythic Quest’ to extend beyond its core narrative. By doing so, they not only satisfy existing fans but also attract new viewers who may be curious about the quirky and entertaining universe of game development.
Fans’ Expectations
As news of the spinoff continues to generate excitement, fans are eager to learn more about what they can expect from this new series. Will it retain the same comedic tone, or will it delve deeper into the mythology of the original show? One can anticipate a mix of humor with poignant moments that reflect real-world issues within the gaming industry, such as diversity, game monetization, or the mental health struggles that developers often face.
Additionally, many are hoping that familiar faces from ‘Mythic Quest’ will return in guest appearances or recurring roles. The original series boasted an impressive guest roster, with appearances from notable figures in the gaming industry and beyond. Bringing back these characters could provide an extra layer of continuity and nostalgia for loyal viewers.
What Lies Ahead
Apple TV+ has been steadily bolstering its catalogue of original programming, continually seeking to establish itself as a strong contender in the streaming arena. With the success of shows like ‘Ted Lasso’ and ‘The Morning Show,’ and the recent influx of quality content, the launch of a ‘Mythic Quest’ spinoff seems a natural progression for Apple.
As the details emerge and production for the spinoff progresses, anticipation builds not only for the return of beloved characters but also for the new opportunities that lie beyond the confines of the original series. The gaming world remains an ever-expanding universe ripe for exploration and storytelling, and with its unique comedic perspective, this new spinoff is set to delve into its intricacies.
In conclusion, as ‘Mythic Quest’ embarks on a new adventure through its exciting spinoff, fans can expect a delightful continuation of the artistry, humor, and technology-driven narratives that have made the series something truly special. The expansion of this universe hints at a clever blend of creativity and comedy that is sure to entertain both longtime fans and newcomers alike.
Apple TV+ has expanded its lineup with the launch of a new spinoff series from the acclaimed show “Mythic Quest.” This new series explores unique narratives and characters within the established universe, providing fans with fresh content while maintaining the humor and charm that made the original series popular. The spinoff aims to delve deeper into the world of game development, with a focus on different perspectives and stories, appealing to both existing fans and newcomers alike. The creative team behind “Mythic Quest” continues to push boundaries, ensuring that the spinoff remains engaging and relevant in today’s entertainment landscape.