Mythic Quest Season 4 Episode 4 Review: The Villain’s Feast

Mythic Quest Season 4 Episode 4, “The Villain’s Feast,” is one of its best outings thus far, complete with atmospheric yet silly murder mystery vibes, top-tier performances, and a heartwarming development. It embodies the best elements of this series and is proof positive of the heights it can achieve when it fires on all cylinders. 

The Villain’s Feast 

This episode leans into the whimsical, immersive nature of its narrative. Mythic Quest presents a delightful bottle episode that digs deep into these characters while propelling the overarching seasonal storyline. Dana and Rachel’s engagement is a legitimate — and welcome — plot twist that had this reviewer reaching for the tissues. It feels like a wonderfully organic next step for them. 

Poppy’s potential pregnancy is an intriguing development for her, a character who’s never shown a desire to start a family. That said, perhaps Poppy assumed it was never an inevitability for her. If her relationship with Storm is merely a fling, what does this spell for them? From what we’ve seen of Storm so far, he doesn’t seem like the type to head for the hills when the unexpected strikes. 

Then, there’s the Ian of it all. He shows immense growth in “The Villain’s Feast” when he admits that Poppy deserves a loving romantic relationship where her partner supports her ideas. It’ll be interesting to see how he reacts. If he’s overprotective of Poppy, he’ll undoubtedly be a helicopter uncle for her bundle of joy. Regardless, this will test Poppy’s mettle and provide narrative fodder for fascinating character development. 

Mythic Quest Goes to Cresswell Manor 

“The Villain’s Feast” not only offers fuel for Poppy and Ian’s messy dynamic and takes Rachel and Dana’s relationship to the next level, but it also pairs Brad and David for some fun story beats. For starters, the episode cleverly subverts expectations by “killing” off Brad first. He and Jo are the closest Mythic Quest has to baddies. Dana winds up being the “Villain,” but only because she orchestrates an incredibly sweet surprise proposal/engagement party for Rachel. 

It’s a great continuation of what the season plants in the premiere — Brad sets his sights on “hunting” David, but in this episode, they seemingly become friends, if only for the murder mystery game. Meanwhile, David introduces “Fun Dave” to the group, although his version of fun wildly varies from the others. Hey, who says Cary Grant, Cole Porter, and Vermouth aren’t fun? David learns to loosen up, and the episode highlights something seldom seen on TV: How difficult it is to make friends in your 40s. 

Naomi Ekperigin kills it as Carol in “The Villain’s Feast.” For most of the series, Carol has had more of a supporting role; however, Mythic Quest Season 4 shines a brighter light on her life and gives her a chewy plotline. While we abandon her one-night stand with Andy for the time being, this outing reminds us why she’s one of the funniest characters on this show. Her calling Rachel “Cumberbatch” during the latter’s Poirot-esque denouement cracked me up. 

Crossing Boundaries 

Poppy stages an elaborate prank to teach Ian a lesson. It’s not often that she gets the upper hand over Ian, and that seems to be much of her arc this season. Well, that and the importance of boundaries. Ian’s attachment issues due to a deep-seated fear of abandonment have him overstepping the line with Poppy. 

Thankfully, Storm isn’t actually a scumbag, and he and Poppy are on the same page. Ian being helpless, in a way, or in an inferior position, is uncharted territory for him. It’s lovely to see Poppy in the lead, in a healthy relationship, and succeeding in the workplace. 

“The Villain’s Feast” allows Mythic Quest to let loose and embrace the campiness of this episodic story, as it were. I love the cheesy horror vibes and the clear homage to Agatha Christie as well as The Traitors. The score and that incredible mansion also lend themselves to the murder mystery atmosphere of it all. 

If you’re looking for unadulterated escapism, look no further than one of this show’s best episodes. It’s the perfect blend of humor and heart.

(Dana and Rachel 4eva.)

Stray Observations: 

• That Victorian Goth look fits Jo to a tee. This should be her look now. I also love that her accent keeps changing whenever someone “dies.” 
• Dana and Rachel are gonna have the cutest nuptials. I’m speaking this into (fictional) existence. 
• When David mutters, “You’ll see. You’ll all see,” I feel like Cricket jumped out at that moment. 
• On another David-related note, it’s hilarious to me but also on brand that he knows “spill the tea.” 
• It really does feel out of place that these Millennials don’t know who Cary Grant is, especially since they live in SoCal. 
• Storm pulls off those glasses. Although, with that femme/masc energy, he can pull off anything. 
• Please, someone help Carol get her ex through pastry school. Or at least persuade him to make her desserts. She deserves all the flan. 

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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