Diandra Reviews It All- Mythic Quest Season 2 Embraces Its Power

Let’s be honest. How many times have we seen a show or movie, and thought…. “I like the secondary character!” I like Anita more than Maria in West Side Story, and I would take Baby Groot over Star-Lord any day when it comes Guardians of Galaxy. Something about the guy behind “the guy” is fascinating and leads to great comedy because, for the most part, we all feel and know what it is to stand behind someone rather than in front of them. Thus, The Office is a prime example of how the many characters you meet can override the love you have for a quirky lead, which happens in Mythic Season 2. Premiering May 7, this “Office” like show, for gamers, embraces the many characters that make Ian (Rob McElhenney) and Poppy (Charlotte Nicdao) oddly seem like saner parties.

I’m going to say it. McElhenney knows how to play the most charming d-bags. He is so funnily self-absorbed, and what makes him shine this season is how he elaborates that behind every ego is extreme insecurity and a desperation to be blindly loved. Yet, this elaboration comes from how he cares for and clashes with newfound, power equal Poppy. Their natural push-pull dynamic is heightened by that fact that Poppy has no idea what it means to be a leader but is sure feeling herself as one. Nicdao is perfect in revealing how “becoming a leader” is a very confusing, emotional process. You are at center of every choice, which means every triumph and trial is on you. Thus, you laugh when seeing these two bosses collide and even unite. Yet, intrigue and belly-laughs are born from the characters that see their dynamic and plot their own rises in power.

I have been a major fan of Danny Pudi since he was Abed in Community. He is 100% a “character actor;” understanding the level of memorability and presence you give to a funny, outlandish being such as Brad. If Season 1 elaborated Brad is power-hungry, Season 2 reveals that even the greedy want to give and receive: not simply take. This is especially revealed in his blooming relationship with Jessie Ennis’ Jo. Her blazing confidence and “eye on the prize”/ epic eye-roll mentality is what intrigues Brad, and gives them their own “push-pull” dynamic. They are like two villains unsure how to trust the other’s power-hungry tendencies, while also being incredibly attracted to them. They are just one core heartbeat of Season 2 that finds its heart in truth: power and relationships clash, especially the relationship with one’s self.

Mythic Quest Season 2 further proves that the more you highlight a character’s backstory or life, beyond work, the more people will laugh and love them. David Hornsby’s David and Naomi Ekperigin’s Carol continue to thrive as two characters whom are hyper-aware that the Mythic Quest game quarters are absolutely deranged, and their further realization that nobody can stop this crazy is hilarious. Meanwhile, I will always ship Dana (Imani Hakim) and Rachel (Ashly Burch) of which the latter’s own rise in power, at times, makes her feel weaker than ever. Meanwhile C.W. (F. Murray Abraham) becomes a highlight of the season by showing that prejudice is not simply born out of a fear of others as much as a fear of self. He particularly embodies that, when it comes to power, we all wear masks to look like we know how to handle it, but those masks don’t work when you are trying to handle the genuineness needed romance, friendship, and, of course, self-love.