An episodic anthology sequence…. that’s a by-product… of an Apple present… with no relation to “Ted Lasso” or “Severance” — in this economic system?! Not a single phrase of that pitch ought to encourage confidence in anybody, not to mention skilled TV programmers, but Rob McElhenney & Co. efficiently offered Apple TV+ on the brand new “Mythic Quest” spinoff, “Aspect Quest.”
Developed and government produced by Ashly Burch, John Howell Harris, and Katie McElhenney (Rob’s sister), “Aspect Quest” is impressed by the unique sequence’ well-received departure episodes, the primary of which was written by Katie and directed by Rob. “A Darkish Quiet Loss of life” is the fifth episode of “Mythic Quest‘s” first season, and relatively than proceed the chronological story following Ian (McElhenney) and Poppy (Charlotte Nicdao) as they to construct on the success of their hit MMORPG, the episode jumps again just a few a long time, introduces two brand-new characters, and doesn’t hook up with the present’s ongoing plot till the ultimate seconds. As an alternative, it tells a tragic story about married online game builders whose creative imaginative and prescient and private relationship are ruined by the rampant success of their hit sport.
Critics cherished it, and “Mythic Quest” quickly constructed on that buzz with additional ingenuity: by releasing two particular episodes, by themselves, in between seasons. “Quarantine” was shot and debuted in the course of the first few months of COVID (and months after Season 1 ended), whereas “Everlight” dropped a yr later, just some weeks previous to the Season 2 premiere. Not like “A Darkish Quiet Loss of life,” each episodes function common forged members and might slot proper into “Mythic Quest’s” ongoing storyline, however the solo launch technique lent them the same artistic spirit. These episodes operated a bit of in another way, they usually weren’t the final ones to take action.
Season 2 contains a full-episode flashback centered on C.W. Longbottom, F. Murray Abraham’s character, who’s performed by Josh Brener in “Backstory!” Season 3 tugs the same string by dedicating Episode 7 to 2 instrumental moments from Ian and Poppy’s childhood. Even Season 4 departs from its main focus to spend an episode with Brendan, aka Pootie_Shoe, a live-streaming gaming influencer performed by Elisha Henig (who additionally wrote the script).
Crafting episodic tales with their very own standalone arcs has all the time been part of “Mythic Quest’s” DNA (which is smart, contemplating its co-creators all come from “It’s At all times Sunny in Philadelphia,” one of many smartest, most dependable, and most ingenious sitcoms on the market). However relying on the way you have a look at it, “Aspect Quest” is both a easy continuation of its predecessor’s penchant for departure episodes — like a “Mythic Quest” growth pack — or it’s a special proposition completely.
In different phrases, is it only for present followers of “Mythic Quest,” or is it meant to draw new viewers, as effectively?
Truly watching solely gives a handful of solutions. At solely 4 episodes, “Aspect Quest” can’t assist however really feel slight. The primary episode follows a tertiary “Mythic Quest” character, the overworked and taken-for-granted artwork director, Phil (Derek Waters), who lastly will get to take a trip along with his long-term girlfriend, Maude (Anna Konkle). In fact, Phil can’t escape his oblivious boss, Ian, which not solely permits McElhenney to visitor star (which helps to bridge the hole between the unique sequence and its spinoff) but in addition lends the entry its function: Phil must develop a spine, however extra importantly, he must study why he’s been OK dwelling with out one for this lengthy. If “Mythic Quest” Season 4 didn’t have already got a departure episode, the “Aspect Quest” premiere would slot proper in.
However the second episode, “Pull Listing,” wouldn’t. Directed by Mo Marable and written by Leann Bowen and Javier Scott, Episode 2 feels extra like a backdoor pilot than something “Mythic Quest” has accomplished earlier than. It’s set in a comic book e book retailer, because the proprietor (performed by Shalita Grant) and a gaggle of her purchasers await the newest situation of the “Mythic Quest” comedian to reach. (A fictional spinoff of the fictional sport in the actual spinoff of the actual sequence? Enjoyable!) The ensemble takes precedent over any single character, the forged steps up (shortly enlivening their sitcom archetypes), the path features inspiration from zippy comedian e book designs, and the narrative makes it simple to think about how the story may proceed.
“Pull Listing” simply clicks. It really works so easily, viewers could be upset they don’t get to revisit Comics Galore within the subsequent episode, which pivots once more, additional away from the core “Mythic Quest” story to observe knowledgeable cellist (Annamarie Kasper) who lands her dream job as a part of an orchestra’s upcoming world tour. (The tie-in: They play the “Mythic Quest” theme music.)
However “Fugue” isn’t a riff on “Tár.” Its conductor (Esai Morales) is actually as much as no good within the “Mission: Not possible” franchise, however right here he’s only a mentor determine, presenting music as “our coronary heart’s companion” — a guiding power that may buoy us in occasions of sorrow and ship us larger when issues are nice. If that sounds fairly tacky and a bit broad, it’s, however Episode 3 can be bookended by moments the place younger women really feel the ability of music, which supplies it an innocence distinctive to itself.
Episode 4, “The Final Raid,” takes one other tonal shift by specializing in a gaggle of associates of their late teenagers who’ve been logging on to play “Mythic Quest” collectively for years, however now arrive at a crossroads. Private variations, college commitments, and profession alternatives threaten to completely break up the merry band of role-players. “The Final Raid” acknowledges fears of a altering future whereas pausing to recollect why the current can really feel so treasured.
It’s a bittersweet observe to finish on, however one which’s thematically aligned with the remainder of “Aspect Quest.” These are good, easy, encouraging tales. They’re nice, pint-sized, pick-me-ups. They’re about good folks doing good issues whereas nonetheless attempting to be higher. Very similar to “Mythic Quest” exhibits immense empathy for every of its oddball workplace staff, “Aspect Quest” extends that compassion throughout an open-world framework.
Burch, Harris, and McElhenney may have constructed a by-product the old school approach. They may’ve made a present filled with easter eggs for present followers to hunt out. They may’ve made a present that will solely make sense to new viewers in the event that they went again and watched 4 seasons of “Mythic Quest.” They may’ve made a present so reliant on what got here earlier than that it turns into purely, totally, dully by-product.
As an alternative, “Aspect Quest” is an growth pack designed to unfold pleasure by creating extra of it. I’ve my doubts over how clever an funding it’s from Apple’s perspective, simply as I had my doubts over “Mythic Quest’s” preliminary resolution to desert the crackling chemistry of its established workplace comedy for an episode set in a completely completely different place with completely completely different folks. Sure, I used to be the (lone) critic who thought the departure episodes had been a foul thought — an opinion that, defensible or not, no less than helped facilitate a protracted, informative dialog with Mr. McElhenney, who welcomed the controversy.
However “Aspect Quest” is completely different. Its freedom to be something and go wherever is its main asset. You’re not ready for Ian and Poppy to come back again, a lot as you’re eagerly awaiting no matter new thought is about to be unveiled within the subsequent episode. Plus, from a enterprise standpoint, it might’t price one-tenth as a lot as a few of the firm’s lavish one-and-done endeavors, and it’s an funding that would pay dividends past its personal stability sheet.
Who is aware of what expertise will probably be found? Who is aware of what inspiration will probably be derived behind-the-scenes? Nobody is aware of what the subsequent massive factor in streaming will probably be, so why not experiment? Why not make extra bizarre exhibits like “Everyone’s Reside with John Mulaney,” or “Frequent Aspect Results,” or “Fantasmas”? Why not look ahead and look again, like “The Pitt”? Why not attempt somefactor, as a substitute of attempting the identical factor?
As an alternative of asking why make “Aspect Quest,” the query needs to be: Why not take extra aspect quests?
“Aspect Quest” premieres Wednesday, March 26 on Apple TV+. All 4 episodes will probably be launched directly.