Great episode and i like how it tied up at the end of it instead of waiting to reveal how it would relate to the present on another episode. The name CW was already a reveal but still nice backstory in 30mins, very well done.
33 Reviews
True drama for a change
robertsig6 June 2021
MQ is a funny show, but this isn't one of those episodes. It was however, fantastic from start to finish. Amazing writing, directing and acting. It reminds me of the best of MASH. It's a comedy, but when challenged to do a drama episode, they hold a masterclass. You want drama? Hold my beer.
Rarely review.
nickbergmann4 June 2021
Rarely review. I rarely ever review on here, but after watching this episode I knew I had to say something. Absolutely fantastic episode with great depth. The writers and Director have really shown that they can depict any story with amazing prowess.
It's these episodes that really pull you into the lives of the characters and ultimately make you a part of their lives and their story.
So far, I am so glad that this second season is turning out to be as strong, if not stronger, than the first season.
It's these episodes that really pull you into the lives of the characters and ultimately make you a part of their lives and their story.
So far, I am so glad that this second season is turning out to be as strong, if not stronger, than the first season.
Stellar!
KalpeshHemant45 June 2021
Ever since the aptly made Quarantine and follow up sublime Everlight episodes, Mythic Quest has elevated itself into an absolute masterclass of a series in season 2.
I'm awed and thoroughly thrilled with this origin episode. Beautifully crafted and directed.
Emmy episode surely?
Certainly worth a rewatch.
Wow.
I'm awed and thoroughly thrilled with this origin episode. Beautifully crafted and directed.
Emmy episode surely?
Certainly worth a rewatch.
Wow.
Professional stuff
aovannor17 June 2021
This episode is a huge departure from the rest of the series so far. It is legit the best episode they've done.
C. W. Is a bit of caracture character but this episode really pulls him into the limelight and we probably won't look at him the same again.
The greatest comedy shows become great when they have hard hitting, well written serious moments that make you care or make you think. This was exactly that and I'm sure Rob is very proud of this one.
C. W. Is a bit of caracture character but this episode really pulls him into the limelight and we probably won't look at him the same again.
The greatest comedy shows become great when they have hard hitting, well written serious moments that make you care or make you think. This was exactly that and I'm sure Rob is very proud of this one.
The Emmy Episode
ericnh-456055 June 2021
I've been a fan since S01E01 but this season is truly showing the capability of all involved. The actors are perfecting their roles, the writers have shown that they ADORE the subject matter and the storyline is engaging and massively entertaining.
But THIS episode shines even brighter than last season's Dark Quiet Death episode.
Rob McElhenny's direction is really what stood out for me. Followed very closely by Josh Brener's performance. Emmy worthy on both accounts. C. W.'s "backstory!" is heartwarming, heartbreaking, poignant and features a masterfully done payoff.
Brener shows depth I never knew he was capable of. He absolutely NAILS a young C. W. Longbottom in every way. I came away from this episode with a deep desire to see Josh and Rob team up again for something, anything. They definitely work very well together.
But THIS episode shines even brighter than last season's Dark Quiet Death episode.
Rob McElhenny's direction is really what stood out for me. Followed very closely by Josh Brener's performance. Emmy worthy on both accounts. C. W.'s "backstory!" is heartwarming, heartbreaking, poignant and features a masterfully done payoff.
Brener shows depth I never knew he was capable of. He absolutely NAILS a young C. W. Longbottom in every way. I came away from this episode with a deep desire to see Josh and Rob team up again for something, anything. They definitely work very well together.
A Home Run
arh-094724 June 2021
The highlight of the series so far
Dethronizer10 June 2021
WOW.
MQ is usually a plucky, fun, and light show, but DAMN, they warped my mind with this one.
The period, the actors, the pacing, the atmosphere, the story, the feelings... this was flawless.
Hats off to the showrunners and everyone involved.
MQ is usually a plucky, fun, and light show, but DAMN, they warped my mind with this one.
The period, the actors, the pacing, the atmosphere, the story, the feelings... this was flawless.
Hats off to the showrunners and everyone involved.
Amazing episode, best of the season maybe series
Moronlife_DVD5 June 2021
I had to pause it and make sure I was watching the correct show, but once I confirmed I was floored it was so good just as good as the season 1 standalone episode. Performances were great and this could be its own series with more origin stories. Bravo!!!
Masterpiece
ofckingb10 June 2021
I rarely review single episodes, but man, have I never given an easier 10/10. Simply stunning. Incredible. Loved it so much. The atmosphere or the 70s is incredible and the story...the backstory, amazing. As we say in french, a tour de force! Bravo!
Didn't need a whole episode for CW back story
roLo17015 June 2021
I was disappointed with this episode, missed the regular episode ensemble cast and interplay. Didn't laugh once in this episode. Could have done the back story for CW in a much shorter flash back if needed. The pacing was slow and was not invested in these new characters that were introduced. I'd give this episode a miss of you haven't watched it. Didn't really add to the overall story.
A touching backstory for CW
therageroom4 June 2021
It's only one way down from here
acetrail8 June 2021
There is no easy way to say this, so I'll just put it out there. It's going to be near impossible for Mythic Quest to top this episode.
The absolute brilliance of the acting and writing in this episode - that they manage to cram such a rich, intriguing story into less than an hour of screen time is sheer Emmy-worthy effort!
Until now, Carl was this annoying drunk that loved backstories, but never had one of his own besides his drugfueled sex escapades.
This truly sheds a different light on his character and it really expands Mythic Quest and I am here for it.
The absolute brilliance of the acting and writing in this episode - that they manage to cram such a rich, intriguing story into less than an hour of screen time is sheer Emmy-worthy effort!
Until now, Carl was this annoying drunk that loved backstories, but never had one of his own besides his drugfueled sex escapades.
This truly sheds a different light on his character and it really expands Mythic Quest and I am here for it.
Mazin & McElhenney: The Dream Team
dallonbrobeck5 June 2021
A Little Close to Home
PEGShane23 October 2021
I'm an author...who has also worked in video games. I've been fortunate, but I know a few "Carl Longbottoms," and this was a beautiful tale beautifully told.
I worked in MMOs for years, and can attest to the "spiritual truth" of a lot of what goes on in the show...and far more, of course. I laugh frequently at MQ and wince at some of the memories it conjures. It's a good, funny show and I wouldn't want it's *overall* tone to change.
But "Backstory!" and "A Dark Quiet Death" are masterpieces. It's one thing to write funny...even laughable... characters. When you bring this kind of humanity to them it makes running gags so much more bittersweet.
I'm so glad the studio and creators allow these occasional "side quests" to exist. Major kudos to the writers, creators, and performers for bringing that kind of soulful triumph and tragedy to the series.
I was already a fan. Now I'm a fan for life.
I worked in MMOs for years, and can attest to the "spiritual truth" of a lot of what goes on in the show...and far more, of course. I laugh frequently at MQ and wince at some of the memories it conjures. It's a good, funny show and I wouldn't want it's *overall* tone to change.
But "Backstory!" and "A Dark Quiet Death" are masterpieces. It's one thing to write funny...even laughable... characters. When you bring this kind of humanity to them it makes running gags so much more bittersweet.
I'm so glad the studio and creators allow these occasional "side quests" to exist. Major kudos to the writers, creators, and performers for bringing that kind of soulful triumph and tragedy to the series.
I was already a fan. Now I'm a fan for life.
And the Award goes to...
maitrex5 June 2021
Masterpiece
rallder1921 June 2021
Wow... this episode is so powerful.
The struggles of a young writer being shut down over and over again and never taking no as an answer only to aspire to become the very thing he's always wanted to be.
The writing is absolutely superb.
The struggles of a young writer being shut down over and over again and never taking no as an answer only to aspire to become the very thing he's always wanted to be.
The writing is absolutely superb.
Fantastic
etcadambrown7 June 2021
Something. In. My eye...
Calling this a bottle episode would almost be a disservice. It felt like a wonderful short film more than an episode of Mythic Quest . Much like they did with Quarantine, Backstory had a wonderful emotional pay-off that will serve well to humanize CW when he pops up in the current timeline acting like 'CW 2021'.
Calling this a bottle episode would almost be a disservice. It felt like a wonderful short film more than an episode of Mythic Quest . Much like they did with Quarantine, Backstory had a wonderful emotional pay-off that will serve well to humanize CW when he pops up in the current timeline acting like 'CW 2021'.
AE did it.
yk-763-31489326 September 2022
Warning: Spoilers
Loved this episode. The end of it literally had me "tear".
My theory is that is wasn't Asimov who wrote all those notes for the original novella but A. E. No way a famous writer would make so many notes. He threw away in the trash or something and A. E. picked it up. She probably copied Asimov's signature from one of his books and basically rewrote the whole novella. And when she says it sounded exactly like Asimov, it's her cheeky way of saying she knows he stole Asimov's work because it was actually her work that he stole.
Now back to the ending which had me getting tears. I loved it that he was working at a Renaissance fair and Ian saves him to see his vision from his first glance at pong. Perfect storytelling.
My theory is that is wasn't Asimov who wrote all those notes for the original novella but A. E. No way a famous writer would make so many notes. He threw away in the trash or something and A. E. picked it up. She probably copied Asimov's signature from one of his books and basically rewrote the whole novella. And when she says it sounded exactly like Asimov, it's her cheeky way of saying she knows he stole Asimov's work because it was actually her work that he stole.
Now back to the ending which had me getting tears. I loved it that he was working at a Renaissance fair and Ian saves him to see his vision from his first glance at pong. Perfect storytelling.
Unrelated to actual show.
jkend-013599 June 2021
I cant stand these mostly unrelated flashback backstories that series seem to do once and a while.
It's like the writers/creators get bored with their actual show so they write these episodes to excite themselves again.
In the end it's a filler EP that is nothing like Mythic Quest.
Good acting and production but that's about it.
It's like the writers/creators get bored with their actual show so they write these episodes to excite themselves again.
In the end it's a filler EP that is nothing like Mythic Quest.
Good acting and production but that's about it.
Now that's what you call a backstory!
boyidrus-046576 June 2021
Warning: Spoilers
I guess it's very easy to 'choose' hating on C. W. but truthfully mythic quest was never about making us rooting for 'all around role model' characters, arguably and ironically the nice tester is someone you can fit to basic personality people root for but even that, she's 'not' that interesting to watch.
Now, in my opinion C. W is (or was) a writer ahead of its time in backstory episode. He was probably never meant to make linear story, just like he said, he pretty much described a game story and was torn down both by his peers and idol. I guess we expect world has a way of balancing thing and the fact that probably C. W was struggling to make a name for himself, parading his nebula award, up to the point when Ian found him and decided to have him (after 30-40 years?), that's probably why he has a justified backstory.
Now, in my opinion C. W is (or was) a writer ahead of its time in backstory episode. He was probably never meant to make linear story, just like he said, he pretty much described a game story and was torn down both by his peers and idol. I guess we expect world has a way of balancing thing and the fact that probably C. W was struggling to make a name for himself, parading his nebula award, up to the point when Ian found him and decided to have him (after 30-40 years?), that's probably why he has a justified backstory.
Outstanding episode, literally
BertramHull17 June 2021
Warning: Spoilers
We get a new cast, a new environment, a new/old time it is set in.
This is basically not a Mythic Quest episode, it is kind of what Pennyworth is to Batman.
This is for me by far the best episode of the whole show. While the storyline and character arc is somewhat predictable, it is executed so well, that I was extraordinarily enterntained.
SO MUCH FUN!
This is basically not a Mythic Quest episode, it is kind of what Pennyworth is to Batman.
This is for me by far the best episode of the whole show. While the storyline and character arc is somewhat predictable, it is executed so well, that I was extraordinarily enterntained.
SO MUCH FUN!
JUST PERFECT
shadys-4811519 September 2021
I love video games. I love comedy tv series.
So,ofc i like mythic quest Not a masterpiece but a good show.
But this episode, this episode was just wow From cinematography to music to acting to setting. And ofc the story Also i am a casual viewer of the show.
I didn't remember the name of CW.i just remembered him to have some 2 letter short name.
So the ending was more beautiful to me.
So,ofc i like mythic quest Not a masterpiece but a good show.
But this episode, this episode was just wow From cinematography to music to acting to setting. And ofc the story Also i am a casual viewer of the show.
I didn't remember the name of CW.i just remembered him to have some 2 letter short name.
So the ending was more beautiful to me.
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