Going back to what I was saying earlier about adaptations and how I wish people were able to engage with them/understand what goes into making one. I'm not an expert at TV/animation writing by any means, but hopefully this will help explain better what I mean:
A common structure for TV/Animation writing (that the Mighty Nein has used) is to have an A plot and a B plot. There's plenty of reasons to do this, sometimes it's to give the audience a break (especially if the A plot is very serious and the B plot has more comic relief), to show different groups of characters, etc etc. and its become a staple for the medium. Often the 2 plots will explore a similar idea or theme, or otherwise have some connection that paints a larger picture in the overall narrative.
Avatar: the Last Airbender did this with Aang & friends in the A plot and Zuko in the B plot, and by putting them side by side, they showcased the similarities and differences between the characters and their struggles, utilizing the structure to their advantage is part of why Zuko's arc and character development were successful.
If we look at Episode 4 of the Mighty Nein, we follow the Nein in the A plot as they break out of jail and fight the devil toad, and Essek in the B plot doing experiments with Trent Ikithon.
The Nein start the episode arguing in a jail cell and begin working together and becoming more aligned as the episode progresses. And Essek starts the episode assuming he and Trent are aligned and ends the episode with mistrust and nearly coming to blows.
Beau and Caleb have a conversation and conclude "Books don't prepare you for this", this idea also applies to Essek's situation. He's out of his depth with Trent's "research" methods and manipulation tactics, and he crashes to the floor when gravity gets reversed.
Beau and Essek both lack experience and struggle with arrogance. Essek being manipulated by Trent is setting up for Caleb's backstory to be revealed. Nott is a mother trying to save a child, and Essek is a child trying to save a mother. Even though it hasn't been revealed yet, it's planting seeds for the future.
The audience is already curious about Nott's strong reaction to a child in danger, and using Essek as a mirror is a way to hint at that without being as overt. Essek's parent-child relationship is already on the mind, so the audience is more likely to make the connection and get the satisfaction of guessing that Nott is a mother.
There are plenty of books, classes and other resources that go more in depth about TV/Animation writing, but hopefully this quick intro helps illustrate what I'm talking about regarding adaptations and how differently they work from a book or especially a d&d actual play show.
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