'Mythic Quest: Raven's Banquet': Will gamers get the justice that popular culture has denied them till now?
When it comes to television or films, gamers haven't been dealt a fair card. Gamers are always portrayed as 'losers', 'nerds' and 'dweebs' chilling in the stereotypical 'Mom's basement'. They are portrayed as people with no love life, no fashion aesthetic, lacking in interpersonal skills, no athletic ability and often become the laughing point in sitcoms. Moreso, a girl playing video games is looked upon as novelty.
The idea of gamers that films and television have normally perpetuated is of stocky bespectacled fellows, who just keep spewing trivia on popular culture. And that's just sad, because video games are inspiring and powerful activities but we rarely get to see the full picture on the big or small screen. When in fact, video games are exciting and appealing because they provide an escape into an imaginary world and also a means to excel at something.
One big example of cringe-worthy portrayals of gamers is 'The Big Bang Theory', where the female lead scorns her neighbors' obsessive love of playing video games and tunes out most of the time when they talk about it. Many video game names are thrown about but it is just to momentarily stump the lead, Penny (Kaley Cuoco), rather than actually enjoy the full effect of it. Another instance is the 2011 film 'Man Up', for making fun of fathers who wish to play 'Call Of Duty', which further perpetuates the cliche. There are nuanced films like 'Scott Pilgrim Vs The World', but those are few and far in between.
Yet, going by the trailer of 'Mythic Quest: Raven's Banquet', the Apple TV+ show promises something different. It's surprising that television has not attempted to demonstrate the workings of the video-game industry, as an office comedy. 'Mythic Quest' delves into the workplace tale of an office behind the success of an enormously popular video game, and the politics that goes on behind it. Going by the appearances itself, these people don't follow the stereotype that mainstream culture has perpetuated for so long. It does look sharp, slick and intriguing, regular people, with regular problems, trying to make their way in the business of video gaming.
It's clear that the show adopts several of the popular workplace archetypes, including a boss who wishes to take all the credit, a rather devilish assistant, a man who thinks of only the money and lucre that the video game brings to the business, as well as the little hints of romance on the side. There's the man who doesn't understand what the subject Women Studies is, much to a female colleague's irritation and more. It's a show that deserves a chance.
Rob McElhenny plays both the star and creator of an epic fantasy video game as he tries to hoard all the credit and glory, frustrating the team around him that’s just trying to bring his wild vision to life. McElhenny has an able supporting cast in the form of F. Murray Abraham as C.W. Longbottom, Danny Pudi as Brad, Imani Hakim as Dana, Charlotte Nicdao as Poppy, David Hornsby as David, Ashly Burch as Rachel and Jessie Ennis as Jo. Plus, the trailer also has comedian Aparna Nancherla making an appearance at the end, not much is known about her role at this point.
The video game show is executive produced by Rob McElhenney and Charlie Day through their own RCG production banner. Additionally, the show is also executive produced and co-created by Megan Ganz, who has written and executive produced for 'It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia', 'Modern Family', 'Community' and 'The Last Man on Earth'.
'Mystic Quest: Raven's Banquet' premieres on February 7 on Apple TV+.