Rick and Morty Undermines Important Episode’s Message Just 4 Years Later: What to Expect in Season 8

Over the years, Rick and Morty has transformed significantly, yet it continues to embrace its distinctive blend of absurdity and charm while preserving its meta humor. However, recent developments, particularly in Season 7, seem to contradict the message of one of its most pivotal episodes. While some viewers argue that the series has lost its original appeal, it remains among the most discussed shows on television and is already gearing up for its eighth season, illustrating its enduring popularity more than a decade after it first aired.

The challenge for Rick and Morty lies in maintaining its core themes amidst constant evolution. While the show features an overarching narrative, it predominantly consists of standalone adventures, creating a unique structure that diverges from traditional storytelling. Despite its episodic format, the series frequently aims to convey deeper messages. Ironically, one of its standout anthology episodes conveyed a significant theme that seems compromised in the later seasons, particularly heading into Season 8.

The Message of “Never Ricking Morty”

Addressing the Clichés of Grand Narratives

Another Image from Rick and Morty Episode

In Season 4, Episode 6, titled “Never Ricking Morty,”the protagonists confront Story Lord, a character who exploits Rick and Morty’s narrative potential. Throughout the episode, tales of Rick Sanchez are shared by various characters, highlighting the excitement of individual adventures, while simultaneously satirizing the need for a central storyline. The moment when Rick and Morty inhale “emergency continuity”serves as a tongue-in-cheek reference to fans fixated on returning characters and overall plot developments, further enhancing this comedic commentary.

Despite the showrunners’ awareness of the importance of overarching narratives, Rick and Morty has thrived on standalone episodes. The essence of creativity shines through in these one-off adventures, which have often outperformed attempts at deeper storylines. The implications of “Never Ricking Morty”suggested that the franchise could flourish independently of a comprehensive plot, making it surprising to witness recent seasons diverging from this principle.

Canonical Storylines Gaining Importance

The Rise of Canonical Episodes in Season 7

Despite earlier indications that the series could excel without significant overarching narratives, the last seasons, particularly Season 7, have leaned heavily into canonical storytelling. With Season 6 opening and closing its narrative with the Citadel and Rick Prime, Season 7 strongly featured these central antagonists. The latest episodes struggled to innovate outside the established storyline, as “Unmortricken”and “Fear No Mort”stood out as the season’s highlights, both addressing the implications of Rick Prime’s demise.

While the balance of canonical episodes compared to standalone experiences may not drastically differ, the quality of individual narratives appears to have diminished in recent outings. Nevertheless, the narrative-driven episodes have thrived, and though Rick Prime’s death represents a pivotal moment, the lingering presence of Evil Morty suggests that future adventures may continue to rely heavily on overarching stories.

As Season 7 concludes, it leaves viewers speculating about the trajectory for Rick and Morty, especially concerning the character development that has taken center stage. Following the arc of Rick Prime might have been an effort to wrap up this storyline, yet the prominence of Rick’s and Morty’s growth signals ongoing narrative complexity in upcoming seasons.

The Future of Evil Morty Amid the End of Rick Prime

Evil Morty’s Future in the Series

With the demise of Rick Prime in Season 7, it seems his storyline has reached a close; however, Evil Morty’s narrative is far from over. Fans can anticipate seeing more of Evil Morty, potentially reappearing in 2025. While the universe of Rick and Morty includes numerous means of reversing character deaths, the conclusion of the Rick Prime arc seems fitting, especially in light of its significance to Rick C-137’s character development.

Remarkably, Evil Morty remains a formidable presence in the series. According to Variety, writer Scott Marder confirmed plans for the character’s future.

We can expect to see him in the future. We certainly have plans and grand designs with him, for sure.

Evil Morty’s cunning nature and resourcefulness make him one of the most intriguing characters, and his return is anticipated by many fans. Despite the absence of Rick Prime, the series retains substantial potential for narrative depth, especially with Evil Morty’s character set to play a crucial role in the unfolding storylines.

The Future of Rick and Morty: Balancing Storytelling Formats

Continuing the Blend of Canonical and Standalone Narratives

Looking ahead, Rick and Morty’s new phase hints at significant transformations, yet it appears the series will continue to balance canonical and standalone episodes. Historically, the show has adeptly juggled these formats, successfully integrating more serialized narratives without losing the charm of its episodic adventures. Although finding the right balance has been a recent challenge, Dan Harmon reassured fans that they can expect a mix of storylines alongside the return of beloved characters.

Rick and Morty has been confirmed for renewals through seasons 11 and 12 by Adult Swim, indicating a bright future for the series.

Striking a balance between both storytelling approaches will optimize Rick and Morty’s appeal, allowing fans to enjoy both whimsical escapades and interconnected plots. The whimsical explorations of alternate dimensions and the introduction of new characters would lack substance without strong linkages. Conversely, focusing solely on a continuous narrative risks diminishing the show’s humorous essence. With hopes to recapture the enchantment of earlier seasons, retaining the “vibe and flow”approach can enhance the series’ trajectory for years to come.

Source: Variety

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