Season Review: Rick and Morty Season Five

 

 

America’s most popular adult animated sitcom, Rick and Morty, has entered the tumultuous territory known as the fifth season. Too many of our favourite shows have drastically declined in the quality of content when reaching season five. An aftermath effect of most programs peaking in performance through seasons three and four. After putting up a stellar batch of episodes last year, the microscope was on Rick and Morty this year, on whether it could maintain its own high standards.

The stakes for Justin Roland, Dan Harmon, and team are much lower than they are for other shows at this point in their run.  Rick and Morty is still in the front end of a cushy 70-episode contract, officially delivering 20 pieces to that deal after this season. Although, that does not guarantee that fans are completely on board for a ride to season ten.  

Shows change. It is a fact. And as beloved as Rick and Morty is, it is very much a series that grows and morphs. There was a time when everybody was quoting The Simpsons, Family Guy, or South Park. Each has individually fallen from the mantel of being America’s most popular cartoon. And right now, more than ever, the competition is thick of shows clamouring to take that top spot.  

These points deserve mentioning because of the reception around Rick and Morty season five. Critics and audiences are beginning to see flaws in the titan. There are some particular editions to the ten-episode collection that tread shaky ground. Cracks in the foundation which could spell disaster if not rectified.

“A Rickconvenient Mort” and “Amortycan Grickfitti” are two examples of episodes that did not ‘cut the chut’. Both are pieces that stayed grounded, focusing more on familial relationship development. The potentially exciting plots were generally wasted on underdeveloped stories that went in predictable directions. Not enough energy was put into challenging the audience with the bold concepts that are expected.

These off episodes had their purpose. The stories were intended to lay some necessary groundwork for Morty and Rick’s relationship heading into the climactic conclusion of the season. Additionally, intermixing the family for hybrid adventures is essential for the series. Unfortunately, too much is invested into character and relationship development. The show suffered from putting its subversive and intelligent themes behind the unoriginal family drama.

The truth of the matter is the franchise will not suffer from a couple of slower episodes. There is no harm in showing a bit of flaw. Honestly, it shows how strong the series is, that even at its worst, it is some of the best content on television.

Coincidentally, one of the strengths of Rick and Morty is how well it balances character development with wacky adventures. The growth of the Smith-Sanchez family is one of the biggest draws to the show. The highly conceptual interdimensional stories are grounded in relatability thanks to our connection to the characters and their relationships.  

The balance of the franchise is showcased every season with its bold finales. Season five was no different as it continued the major universe-altering storyline embedded through the series while also straining the delicate connection of the main heroes. Although this tightrope was walked multiple times this year in episodes like “Gotron Jerrysis Rickvangelion”, “Mortyplicity”, and “Thanksploitation Spectacular”.

Truthfully, there was a different feel to the family this season. Each of the Smiths has stepped up their game after being privy to Rick’s adventures for years. They have become more cohesive as a group and more formidable as individuals. They were called upon more than once this season to save the world from sentient sperm or treacherous turkeys. And as indirect as it may be at times, they typically come out on top.

The Smith family have gained their own reputation and are as dangerous as the grandfather at times. Reversely, it was Rick that showed flaw this season and had some significant growth to face. “Rickternal Friendshine of the Spotless Mort” dived deep into Rick’s internal conflict ala his historical relationship with Birdperson. The turmoil reached a climax in “Forgetting Sarick Mortshall” when he fires his grandson as partner and heads out on his own – well, with two crows.

The season finale, “Rickmurai Jack”, truly brought this season together. The uncertain ground below Rick and Morty’s partnership faced its ultimate test. Rick is forced to share his past, potentially destroying their dynamic pairing when facing his selfishness and self-centered nature. Thankfully, Morty steps up with loyalty and compassion, showcasing just how invaluable the kid is to their alliance.  

Thankfully, aside from all of the drama, there was still much fun to be had throughout the season. “Mortyplicity” stands out as the most conceptual piece of the year, introducing the concept and demise of decoys. There were some incredible parodies throughout the season with subversive takes on pop culture icons like Transformers, Samurai Jack, and Power Rangers. And while the adventures seemed to be more grounded to earth, the fights for the planet were enjoyable ventures.

So, perhaps it is true that Rick and Morty is beginning its descent from the top. Though it is a result of its own excellence. Matching the energy and concepts that have been established through the series thus far is a difficult thing to maintain. 

Especially when exploring old ideas would become tiresome quickly. As much as everybody wants to see Pickle Rick again, bringing things back for fan service would go against what the show stands for, i.e. being original and challenging its audiences.

There is also a significant chance that Rick and Morty will make a bounce back next season. The series goes through themes and changes with each new season. With where things were left off at the season finale, the doors of opportunity are wide open. 

Seemingly, the energy seems to be turning back to the roots. The titular characters have struck a deal to return to more of their solitary adventures and put away with their conflicts. Much of the bigger plots have reached some sort of resolution within this season. Enough that they can be placed on the back burner until characters like Birdperson, Evil Morty, or Clone Beth are required once more.

A return to classic Rick and Morty adventures may be just what the series and fans need as we head into five more seasons. It is doubtful that anyone would be upset if season six put away the old themes and instead delivered ten completely original plots and concepts. Even if there is pressure from fans to revisit established ideas and characters.

Rick and Morty season five may have been an off-year or the beginning of the end; only time will tell. The fact of the matter is that the series still has a lot of life still left in it, and it is still one of the most intelligent shows on television. A few slower episodes are not enough to break the franchise. Especially when they are equally counteracted with some stand-out pieces. We will settle with calling this an up-and-down season and see where the franchise plans to take us next.