Mythic Quest Season 4 Episode 3 Review: Breakthrough

Mythic Quest Season 4 Episode 3, “Breakthrough,” sees Ian take Jo and David under his wing for Warrior Within Day while Brad dispenses financial wisdom. As for our girl Poppy, she commits herself to remaining in bed for the day, sending Ian spiraling down a hive-infested path. The outing effectively fleshes out the change in Poppy and Ian’s dynamic, as established in the double-episode season premiere. 

A Breakthrough and a Broadsword 

“Breakthrough” is certainly more character-driven than narrative-driven. It’s slower fare that zeroes in on our characters and gives them much-needed development. Well, most of them, anyway.

Easily the most intriguing aspect is Ian and Poppy reckoning with their bond, which precariously hangs in the balance following the art gallery scene in episode two. In “Breakthrough,” both Poppy and Ian complain about each other to their companions. Interestingly enough, Ian starts breaking out in hives, which is a very Poppy thing to do. 

One thing the episode does well is subvert the familiar Ian/Poppy relationship. This time, Poppy has the upper hand, which is a nice twist to their incessant push-and-pull dynamic. It keeps that aspect of the narrative fresh and entertaining, and while Season 4 injects subtle romantic undertones, it’s not significant enough to make one believe the creatives will go that route. 

Why can’t there be romance in friendships? Poppy and Ian’s bond is ineffable, really. Not to mention, there’s certainly crossover between platonic and romantic relationships. Mythic Quest never shies away from exploring the complexities and messiness of their partnership, and if anything, this exploration in “Breakthrough” allows more ground for defining that partnership and acknowledging those nuances. 

The final scene between them in “Breakthrough” lays the groundwork for what’s to come. Before this, we see Ian at his most pretentious, which always makes for some fun comedic moments. However, all pretense melts away when Poppy mentions an idea for a new art piece with Storm. It cuts him to the quick, especially when Poppy declares that Storm brings out the best in her. 

Ian is so desperate to be loved and so fearful of abandonment. For him, creative collaboration is his lifeblood. His jealousy at not having Poppy’s genius is challenging for him to conceal. What Mythic Quest chooses to do with this will be exciting to watch. Here’s hoping Poppy and Ian stay in platonic territory and the writers mine new depths of their bond. 

Hustlers and Assistants 

David and Jo experience breakthroughs of their own, thanks to Warrior Within Day. David learns to move past his fear, while Jo discovers she wants to be an assistant for the rest of her life. As usual, Davi Hornsby and Jessie Ennis are hilarious, especially together. 

The Brad/Rachel/Dana episodic arc isn’t quite as strong as the other plots. That said, there’s still plenty of fun to be had. Notably, Danny Pudi whipping out a hilarious Don Draper impression. It feels like we haven’t had as much development for Rachel and Dana, in particular, but perhaps we’ll get more growth from them in the coming episodes.

“Breakthrough” isn’t Mythic Quest‘s best episode. However, the Poppy/Ian narrative keeps things interesting, as do some clever one-liners and great performances. Not to mention, “That’s what the money is for.” 

I didn’t think we’d get nudity on this show in the Year of Our Lord 2025, but here we are. 

Stray Observations: 

• I love the dual opening with Ian/David and Poppy/Carol and how it’s edited. It works on a comedic and an artistic level. 
• I need Poppy to build me a mini Roomba robot STAT. I’d accomplish so much more with one (and avoid interacting with people). 
• The “Don Draper” line is a delightful nod to Abed impersonating him on Community Season 1 Episode 17, “Physical Education.” I’d like to think the spirit of Abed possesses Danny Pudi when Brad says this to Dana and Rachel. 
• I want to ride on a horse in slo-mo on the beach while waving a broadsword overhead. Is that too much for a girl to ask? 
• The Waiter and Uncle Jack living together is a spinoff waiting to be written. 
• “I like you, just not as a friend” made me laugh out loud. Hey, at least Ian is honest. 
• Brad, help me with my finances. Please, and thank you. 

What did you think of this episode 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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