'Mythic Quest: Raven's Banquet' Quarantine Special Review: A cathartic episode that will lift your mood
The gloom of the coronavirus pandemic dug in its claws in all fields -- entertainment, business, economic and political. Personal lives were uprooted and shaken up, as countries enforced lockdowns on their citizens to spread their citizens. People could only work from home, and social life was at standstill. Capturing on this state of affairs in their usual sharp and slick style, 'Mythic Quest: Raven's Banquet' released a quarantine special episode, where the team behind the biggest video game in the world, struggled to work from home. It all seems fun and games at first, packed with the constant bickering, sniping, Ian Grimm's (Rob McElhenney) usual dose of narcissism and ego trips.
David tries to keep a video conference going, but he forgets who he is dealing with. Ian is chilling in the pool with hot water jets, while Poppy (Charlotte Nicdao) is disheveled...like the rest of us, who feel that working from home doesn't require much grooming. In another window, Rachel (Ashly Burch) and Dana (Imani Hakim) have to deal with Lou's mansplaining, while CW (F Murray Abraham) tries to figure out video conferencing. We see the tired HR explaining to Ian, to please not send out random videos to his colleagues.
But that's just the surface. One emotional scene in the 25-minute episode, between Poppy and Ian, shows the frustration and restlessness that most of us have been feeling, sitting alone at home. We worry about our family, as we are far away from them. Poppy finally breaks, and Ian gives her something that we all need right now: a hug. The two find each other in these lonely times, and their friendship is always wonderful to watch. This scene touches the chord and is like a gem embedded in a cake. 'Mythic Quest' has always managed to strike the right notes, without going overboard and appearing soppy. The ending of the episode is delightful, as the team plays around with video conferencing, and you can't help but have a smile on your face. Even if the second season has been stalled due to the pandemic, this breezy episode was the catharsis that many of us needed. It was like a warm hug.
'Mythic Quest: Raven's Banquet' is streaming on Apple TV+. Catch it now!