Mythic Quest Season 4 Episode 7 Review: The Room Where It Happens

Mythic Quest Season 4 Episode 7, “The Room Where It Happens,” sees Rachel live her Hamilton dreams while Ian’s grand gesture for Poppy falls flat, creating a rift between them.

The emotional work cultivated for Ian and Poppy’s complex dynamic really pays off here, with Charlotte Nicdao, as usual, delivering a devastating performance in the episode’s final moments. 

The Room Where It Happens (and Beyond)

Ashly Burch is indisputably this outing’s MVP. Well, at least comedically. It feels like Season 4 has finally nailed who Rachel is — an overly enthusiastic and idealistic character who, while genuine in her efforts, doesn’t know quite as much as she thinks she does. Her penchant for believing conspiracy theories like the government faking the moon landing totally works. 

The Congressional hearing scenes slowly (or rapidly, depending on if you’re David Brittlesbee) devolve into chaos as Rachel steadfastly digs her grave and drives the bus that runs over David.

Burch’s comedic timing here is pitch-perfect, as is David Hornsby’s, whose job as the “straight man” character in these scenes is understated, making the impact of Rachel’s responses all the funnier. These actors fully lean into the absurdity of this show. 

Dana and Brad and Jo and Carol 

Poor Dana begins “The Room Where It Happens” without a job and MQ stealing her new game, building on the shocking cliffhanger from last week’s episode. What’s great about this arc is that Mythic Quest doesn’t drive a wedge between Dana and Rachel for being on different sides of the same coin. They’re successfully implementing boundaries in their relationship, whereas Poppy and Ian, despite not being a couple, struggle on that front. 

Dana winds up seeking advice from her mentors, Ian and Poppy. Imani Hakim gets to stretch her wings here, with Dana teetering on the edge of a breakdown as she threatens to destroy Poppy and Ian’s expansion.

Dana is often the level-headed, voice-of-reason-type character, but thankfully, Season 4 explores a different side of her. Hakim is also at the helm for this episode and proves she has a keen directorial eye with potential for growth. 

As for our other MQ characters, Brad and Jo try to get rehired by Carol, whose love life implodes when her one-night stand handcuffs himself to her desk. Shenanigans ensue.

It’s a fun, lighthearted side story, even though it’s not as strong as the Rachel/David plot. It also lays the groundwork for a Carol/Mikey encounter, which will undoubtedly sow the seeds of division between Mikey and Andy.

The Machine Can’t Be Fixed 

Mythic Quest Season 4 effectively builds toward Poppy pulling away from Ian, even though they’re the most communicative they’ve ever been in their partnership. Ian doubles down in a bid to keep Poppy, believing work is the only common ground they share. However, Poppy wants to explore life beyond her job. He won’t admit it, but Ian sees the writing on the wall a mile away. 

It’s no secret that, deep down, Ian is a self-loathing, insecure man, and Poppy challenges him to explore why his solution won’t fix their problem — only his. Poppy doesn’t want to be the machine anymore. This season really plants the seeds for Poppy’s growth, organically bringing us to this point. With her taking an early leave of absence, she’s finally putting herself first and protecting her peace. 

Could this be a turning point for Ian? Will he do the work to understand why his attachment issues and fear of abandonment are pushing Poppy away? Poppy and Ian are the heart and soul of this series. The writing for their dynamic is as deft as it is compelling and nuanced. 

Where the season goes from here with their relationship will be fascinating indeed. It could force Ian down the path of development like Poppy, or his refusal to change could be their downfall as creative partners and friends. 

Only time will tell. I can’t wait to see what happens next. 

Stray Observations: 

• It’s a struggle not to picture Bender every time I see John DiMaggio. To be fair, Bender’s one of the most iconic characters in adult animation. Side note: Bender testifying before Congress would make for a fun Futurama B-plot. 
• Did you start singing “The Room Where It Happens” to yourself upon reading this episode’s title? No? Just me? It’s 2017 all over again, in more ways than one (unfortunately). 
• I love the running gag in which Brad gets fired and rehired in other departments at MQ. 
• Rachel and David in matching suits are giving Blues Brothers vibes. 
• Oh, Ian. The fact that you think maternity leave will be rejuvenating for Poppy is high-larious. 

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

Critic Rating:

User Rating:

 

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

Follow us on X and Instagram!

Want more from Tell-Tale TV? Subscribe to our newsletter here!