Mythic Quest Season 4 Episode 8, “Rebrand,” is this season’s one-off outing, and it’s all about Pootie Shoe. It’s even penned by Pootie himself, Elisha Henig, who writes some wise words for his 20 years. We finally get that highly anticipated Charlie Day guest spot, and I’m hoping this lays the groundwork for more It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia appearances (ahem, Kaitlin Olson, Glenn Howerton, Danny DeVito — if you’re reading this, and I know you are).
“Rebrand” isn’t the show’s strongest episode, but it’s fun to see a different side of Pootie Shoe. Plus, it gives more context to Ian’s arc, especially his headspace after his falling out with Poppy.
RELATED: Read our recap of the previous Mythic Quest episode, “The Room Where It Happens”
Mythic Quest, “Rebrand”
We open with Brendan (Henig), aka Pootie Shoe, doing a live stream for his Pootie Nation. We see him reminisce about building his Pootie empire over the years, with footage from past live streams. After he ends the stream, Brendan drops the facade. His demeanor instantly changes. It’s his 17th birthday, but he doesn’t seem particularly celebratory.
In the kitchen, his mom, Shannon (Alanna Ubach), has birthday pancakes at the ready. Brendan mentions the upcoming meeting with his management team. He also addresses the prospect of emancipation — he wants to live on his own. However, Shannon would rather not entertain that idea.
Just Pootie
Later, Brendan and Shannon arrive for the meeting with his manager, Spencer (Day). Brendan gets down to brass tacks. He believes it’s high time for a rebrand. After all, he’ll be 18 next year. So, he wants to do away with the “Shoe” in his moniker and just go by “Pootie.” Additionally, he plans to dispose of the “butthole” rating system he uses for games. Who wants to be 25 and talking about buttholes?
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Spencer reminds Brendan about his contract with Cold Alliance (we met the bigwig from that studio in the last episode, played by John DiMaggio). Cold Alliance wants Pootie Shoe, not whatever “adult” rebrand Brendan has in mind. Brendan learns it’ll cost $10 million to get out of his contract with Cold Alliance. Challenge accepted. Brendan knows someone who might have that lying around… Side note: Charlie Day yelling in a scene just feels right. He’s exhibiting some It’s Always Sunny levels of screeching here.
Next, Brendan uses ChatGPT to figure out how to raise $10 million without resorting to crime. Then, he types a text to Ian but doesn’t send it. He doesn’t want to ask his dad for money. However, Brendan scrolls up a few texts in their chain and is reminded of his and Ian’s Mythic Quest in-game battle. This gives Brendan an idea.
I Challenge You, LOL_Trevor
After this, Brendan hops on for a live stream to announce something special: An MMA-style fight. He challenges LOL_Trevor to a fight, thinking this will garner millions of views as it did for the MQ battle. Perhaps this is how he’ll collect the $10 million he needs to end his contract with Cold Alliance.
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Then, Shannon and Spencer scold Brendan for his live stream announcement. Spencer shows him LOL_Trevor’s response to Brendan’s challenge. Trevor accepts said challenge. Oh, and he’s ripped now. He’ll undoubtedly send Brendan to the hospital. Resigned to letting Brendan live out his MMA fantasy, Spencer hires him a trainer for the upcoming fight.
Ian (Rob McElhenney) arrives unexpectedly with Cowboy Cerrone in tow. He wishes Brendan a happy birthday before offering Cowboy as an exceptional trainer. Even Brendan’s current trainer admits that Cowboy is leagues better. Ian reveals that Shannon called him, explained the pickle Brendan got himself in and asked him to give our Pootie the $10 million.
However, Ian recently learned that money doesn’t solve problems (so this takes place directly after episode seven). He thanks Brendan for accepting Cowboy as his trainer. Then, Ian asks Brendan to text Poppy about his selfless act. Oh, Ian. Poppy must still be giving him the silent treatment.
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Down (and Knocked Out)
What transpires next is a training montage. Who doesn’t love those? Brendan gets his ass kicked in the ring until Cowboy’s training starts to sink in. We see podcasters across the digital sphere gossip about the Pootie versus LOL_Trevor battle, with the consensus being that Brendan won’t be the winner.
Later, it’s finally the big day. Cowboy gives Brendan a pep talk before the fight. He’s made great strides over the past few weeks in his training sessions. Cowboy calls Brendan “son” before the latter enters the ring. Oof. Let’s bring those daddy issues back to the surface.
As expected, LOL_Trevor delivers one punch, and Brendan is out cold. Afterward, we see Brendan in bed with frozen veggie bags over his face. Shannon remarks that the swelling is down. Brendan reveals that his “fight” with LOL_Trevor got millions of views. He now has enough money to break his Cold Alliance contract.
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Get Your Ass Emancipated
Shannon strikes a deal with her son. If he vows not to do something as reckless as fight a jacked live streamer again, she’ll get the ball rolling on emancipation. Naturally, Brendan agrees to this. Then, Brendan knocks on Spencer’s door to discuss next steps. Spencer’s wife answers the door. Before this, we hear her and Spencer arguing loudly.
Spencer wonders why Brendan is at his home on a Saturday. Brendan informs him about his plans to end his contract now that he’s loaded. Spencer delivers an incisive monologue about being an adult and taking hit after hit because, let’s face it, life is relentless. He encourages Brendan to hold onto his youth. Don’t be in such a rush to grow up. Charlie Day is great here. Spencer proposes they discuss the contract on Monday.
Listen, I wish someone had given me this advice when I was 17, especially as a traumatized kid who had to grow up too quickly.
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Not Feeling It
Later, Shannon asks Brendan if he’s ready for their court date for his emancipation. Brendan plays guitar on his bed. He claims he’s not “feeling it.” Maybe they can tackle it another time. Or not. He’s in no hurry. Shannon smiles.
Next, Brendan has another live stream. He doesn’t announce a rebrand or the nixing of the butthole rating system. Instead, Brendan casts aside his Blessed Beast sponsor because he’s vegan. He wants to be honest with his Pootie Nation. Then, he announces his upcoming review of the Cold Alliance Nebulon DLC. So, he’s keeping his contract with them.
RELATED: Read our Mythic Quest recaps
Mythic Quest drops new episodes every Wednesday on Apple TV+.
Geek Girl Authority Crush of the Week: RACHEL
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What I do: I'm GGA's Managing Editor, a Senior Contributor, and Press Coordinator. I manage, contribute, and coordinate. Sometimes all at once. Joking aside, I oversee day-to-day operations for GGA, write, edit, and assess interview opportunities/press events.
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