‘Mythic Quest’ Recap: ‘To Catch a Mouse’

Written by John Edward Betancourt

Caution: This article contains spoilers for Episode 308 of ‘Mythic Quest’. To revisit the previous episode, click here.
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It is always a wonderful thing when a television series makes a point to connect every single moment it presents us with, in a smooth and subtle manner. Because it simply means that the people behind the scenes, genuinely want to create a tapestry of sorts, and one particular series that does an incredible job of connecting the dots is Mythic Quest on Apple TV+. Because everything that happens in this show, is never forgotten, and there are lasting consequences and changes that come forth from every decision and action. Which has in fact, created a rich world that feels real and moves us at every turn in the most unexpected ways imaginable… and this is top of mind today, simply because this week’s episode, ‘To Catch a Mouse’, features that connective tissue once again.

Which was quite the surprise. Because at first, this seemed like another day in the life story. Since David had a rat sneaking about in the MQ proper and wanted Jo to handle it. Which she did with Brad’s help. That of course, led to plenty of laughs, the kind that only this show can produce since this dynamic duo set up the most elaborate of traps, wherein they emptied out the office and attempted to make the rat feel comfortable with its surroundings so it would show itself and of course… be captured. A plan that mostly worked, save for the fact that everyone was struggling with being outside in some wild heat, which brought everyone back inside and ruined Jo and Brad’s immediate chance to capture the rodent, but not before they had a quick glimpse of the rat. One that helped them to understand it needed a nest for its babies. That of course, allowed for them to capture her, and her new family, and gift them to David, who appeared to be ready to take them home to feed them. Which was a plot that was supremely hilarious in nature and oddly enough, the funny didn’t end there.

Because downstairs at GrimPop, Poppy and Ian were battling it out as only they can. Because they found themselves at odds over generalized environmental settings in the office and they were also at odds over simple daily work decisions and habits. To the point where they drove off Dana since they asked her to mediate their silly and constant disputes. But a strange attempt from Ian to bring peace to their day, is what allowed for this episode to begin to explore something far more critical. Specifically, how the foundations of their working relationship are beginning to crumble. Courtesy of the fact that the change in their working dynamic has brought forth struggles to one party in this partnership. Because Ian finally outright admitted to Poppy, when she called him to the carpet regarding his constant absences and desire to work on other things… that he actually didn’t want to work on her game.

Also that he gave it his best shot… but just couldn’t bring himself to work on someone else’s project. An admission that hurt Poppy dearly and truly projected an air of uncertainty, regarding the future for this once strong duo. Because they were supposed to be the left and right hands of a powerhouse brain. One that thrived when they did their thing, as they learned long ago when they first met. But clearly, that give, and take doesn’t go both ways, and that definitely leaves their working relationship and future up in the air. Simply because… if they cannot truly aid one another in what they love to do, there simply is no point to continuing their partnership and possibly even their friendship. Which is a stunning turn of events, considering how well these two normally work together, but it… does indeed speak to the connective tissue of this season’s storytelling.

Because this… makes sense. For what we learned about them in ‘Sarian’, helped us to understand their quirks and proclivities now, and how they function and operate and how they also have… room to grow. Which what this moment presents, a chance to move beyond the survival mechanisms they have used for so long and barely dropped for one another. And kudos to the show and the writing staff for taking a story that could have been just a one-off and find a way to tie it into now and use that to more or less… set up a grand conflict for the end of season three. One that could once again bring great change to this series, and that is going to make the wait for next week’s story unbearable, as we wait to see if Poppy and Ian can move beyond their roadblocks and truly grow as coworkers and people… and friends. Until next time.  

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