Mythic Quest Review: Boundaries / 1000% (Season 4 Episodes 1 and 2)

Mythic Quest Season 4 Episodes 1 and 2, “Boundaries” and “1000%,” serve as a solid double-episode season opener, complete with an extra helping of office hijinks, new personal life developments for Poppy, and more.

It also features Charlotte Nicdao’s directorial debut for episode two and David Hornsby’s tight writing for both outings. Nicdao’s debut showcases her innate eye for directing and brims with potential should she continue down this path. 

Setting Boundaries 

The series wastes no time exploring the new dynamics and narrative threads for Season 4 while laying the groundwork for what’s to come. “Boundaries” is the name of the game, folks.

Ian and Poppy embark on a new chapter in their work relationship, navigating uncharted terrain (for them) when Poppy gets a boyfriend. Admittedly, Poppy and Ian’s bond is the crux — the heart and soul — of Mythic Quest. 

“Boundaries” presents intriguing complications for Poppy and Ian’s dynamic. Instead of relying on the tired “friends-to-lovers” or, sometimes, in their case, “enemies-to-lovers” romance, the show subverts that trope by adding more nuance and shades of gray. Their relationship is far more than a mere friendship, partnership, or romance. It’s undefinable. 

Instead of retreading ground and rehashing old storylines, “Boundaries” and “1000%” make Ian jealous of Poppy’s creative partnership with Storm. He’s not envious that Storm gets to be with Poppy. In fact, he seems to get on with Storm at the art gallery. Well, before he learns about Poppy giving Storm her creativity to collaborate on a project. 

It deftly speaks to Ian’s well-known abandonment issues and his fear that Poppy will inevitably leave him for something — or someone — better. Mythic Quest handles this well this go-round. In episode two, Ian admits to his jealousy outright, and interestingly enough, he confesses he misses more than Poppy’s “big, beautiful brain.” 

Taking It to 1,000 Percent

Poppy and Ian aren’t the only ones grappling with that “work-work-life” balance. Dana and Rachel, everyone’s favorite MQ couple, establish healthy boundaries between their home and professional lives.

Our former testers are now on opposing sides in the studio hierarchy, with Dana firmly in creative and Rachel in management. Whether this bears entertaining fruit or conflict in future episodes remains to be seen. Still, I love how direct they are in their communication, even when David demands Rachel remain silent about Cozy Galaxy‘s success. 

Beyond that, Mythic Quest plants seeds for David’s own conflict as he balances creative and management while appeasing the Montreal gods.

This isn’t new territory for him, but now you have Poppy and Ian’s Elysium expansion for a game that’s no longer the “It girl” and Dana’s game, which is MQ’s new crown jewel. Does David placate Ian, who’s somewhat of a friend, or does he follow the money (Dana)? We already know the answer to this, but watching David navigate this arena will be pretty damn entertaining. 

In addition to boundaries, these episodes tackle change and how challenging it is to adapt to an ever-changing, constantly evolving landscape like the video game industry.

We’ve seen these characters, as David aptly states in the opening minutes of the premiere, weather lows and highs aplenty. If there’s one thing this show knocks out of the park, it’s finding the comedy in the most ludicrous of situations. 

“Boundaries” and “1000%” are a stark reminder of why this series is one of the smartest comedies out there. It’s as sharp, funny, and endearing as ever.

Bring on the rest of Season 4. 

Stray Observations: 

• Brad talking about the predator-prey situation brewing between him and David is a fun nod to the It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia episode where Mac and Dennis hunt Cricket — also played by David Hornsby. Funnily enough, it’s also Season 4 Episode 1 (“Mac & Dennis: Manhunters”). David just can’t escape being hunted. 
• I love the phone-slapping running gag in “Boundaries” and that Ian puts a stop to it before it happens a third time. He said, “Comedy doesn’t happen in threes today, Satan.” 
• Both testers are also of It’s Always Sunny fame. Andrew Friedman plays Uncle Jack, and Michael Naughton plays the harried waiter from Guigino’s. Of course, we know another star will appear this season…
• I love the horror movie vibes at the beginning of “1000%” and that Sue and Jackie are reminiscent of those creepy twins from The Shining. 
• I agree with the Ethics Committee — paper straws are a menace to society. Also, “cringe” should definitely be a slur (she says as a Millennial). 
• I hope Poppy dispenses obnoxious double entendres all season long. 

What did you think of these episodes of Mythic Quest? Share your thoughts in the comments below!

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Mythic Quest drops new episodes every Wednesday on Apple TV+. 

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