Mythic Quest Season 4 Episode 6 Review: The Fish and the Whale

Mythic Quest Season 4 Episode 6, “The Fish and the Whale,” shows us a different side of David as Brad closes in on him while Poppy’s baby shower takes an unexpected turn (Can you believe she just found out she was pregnant a week ago?). It’s also a somewhat Brad-heavy episode, and we see most of the narrative unfold from his perspective. 

The Fish and the Whale 

Perhaps the most intriguing aspect of this outing is David’s seasons-long development, which finally pays off.

As for Brad, his “hunting” David was established in the premiere, so it’s nice to have this as a solid throughline for the season, starting from befriending David in episode four to setting the trap for him in episode six. 

This series loves to subvert tropes and expectations, and “The Fish and the Whale” cleverly turns what we expect from Brad on its head. Brad always categorizes himself as a “shark.” However, in the final minutes of this episode, David proves he might be more of a predator than Brad thought he was. 

David Hornsby adds a new layer to his character, taking him beyond the bumbling, anxiety-stricken, hapless executive producer we normally see. Brad being on the back foot is uncharted territory for him, and Danny Pudi deftly conveys the crushing weight of defeat he feels.

That moment, which is easily one of Mythic Quest‘s most shocking cliffhangers, will undoubtedly take us to new narrative highs — and lows — for the rest of the season, at least as far as Brad and Dana are concerned. 

Poppy vs. Tracy

Natasha Liu Bordizzo guest stars as Poppy’s older sister, Tracy, whose existence was already hinted at a few episodes ago. We know Poppy isn’t her number-one fan.

Bordizzo seamlessly fits in with this crew, matching everyone’s comedic sensibilities. She holds her own against Charlotte Nicdao, who’s easily one of the funniest performers on the show. 

The best part of the Poppy baby shower arc is that it strengthens her relationship with Dana, Rachel, Carol, and Jo. Despite Poppy’s penchant for burying herself in her work to avoid life (an accurate observation on Tracy’s part), these women are still on her team.

She has genuine friends she didn’t know she had. The scene of them embracing while Poppy cries is so sweet and heartwarming. May we all have pals who throw melted candy diapers at our foes. 

Out of Water 

Poppy and Ian’s respective episodic storylines always seem to run parallel with each other on Mythic Quest. “The Fish and the Whale” is no exception. Here, they’re both out of their element.

Poppy attempts to play nice at a baby shower with her sister, and Ian desperately tries to win the affection of David’s friends, who he views as “real men.” 

Additionally, they’re both fighting tooth and nail to win. Their inherent competitiveness kicks into high gear. At one point, Poppy thinks about texting Ian because she doesn’t want to stay at her own baby shower.

These two, even when not in the same room, are on the same wavelength. Their relationship continues to fascinate and befuddle in the best way. Codependency to the max. 

The prevailing theme of “The Fish and the Whale” is “fish out of water.” Ian’s not used to being on the outside, to not being the center of attention. Brad’s not accustomed to losing. In addition, Poppy stumbles when coming up against the unexpected — her sister.

Moreover, the only person truly in their element is the unusually cool and confident David Brittlesbee. The creatives clearly enjoy playing with these new dynamics, colors, and layers to this story and these characters. 

And if the show is having fun switching things up, we, as viewers, are more apt to stick around for the journey. 

Stray Observations: 

• We have another It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia and Community crossover with actor Travis Schuldt. Schuldt plays Ben the Soldier on the former and Subway on the latter. 
• Poppy is God’s strongest soldier. I don’t know if I would have the fortitude to power through a nausea-inducing revulsion in the name of besting an enemy. 
• Carol gifting Poppy a bottle of Xanax is classic Carol. I love her energy. 
• Few things are funnier than Jo literally barking at someone to leave. It’s reminiscent of Charlie on Sunny “salting the snail.” 
• Ian would think we’ve gone paperless as a society. What’s it like to be that filthy rich, I wonder? 
• Have we, as a race, met all the Hemsworths? I wouldn’t be surprised if Australia’s hiding a few more, just waiting for the opportune moment to sick them upon the world. 

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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