8 Notable Changes in Rick & Morty Since Justin Roiland's Departure

Article Overview

Rick and Morty season 7 has undergone changes since Justin Roiland's departure, but it maintains its tone and comedic touch.

The show has replaced various characters, such as Rick and Morty, but this has not posed a significant issue thus far. The latest season emphasizes developing lesser-known characters and is unafraid to exclude a central character like Morty in certain episodes.

Caution: Spoilers ahead for episodes 1-2 of Rick and Morty season 7.

The new era of Rick and Morty, following Justin Roiland's departure, brings noticeable differences in comparison to previous seasons. With its peculiar and dark humor, Rick and Morty has become a highly popular animated TV show, garnering over 10 billion views worldwide. Due to serious allegations, co-creator Justin Roiland has left the production of Rick and Morty season 7, resulting in significant changes for the show. Roiland not only played a crucial role in creating and writing the show but also provided the voices for the two main characters, necessitating a fresh direction for the series.

While the show's season 7 premiere received poor reviews, episode 2 proved to be a return to form. Although it may not measure up to some of Rick and Morty's best episodes, the lack of consistency in the last two seasons suggests that the current reviews aren't too uncommon. Even without Roiland, the series has maintained its tone and comedic touch, but there is a discernible difference compared to previous seasons. While it remains unmistakably the same show without any drastic shifts, there have been noticeable changes since Roiland's departure, giving the franchise a fresher feel.

8. Several Rick & Morty Characters Were Recast

One of the most significant changes expected for Rick and Morty season 7 was the recasting of characters. As Dan Roiland played a crucial role in voice acting, his departure inevitably posed challenges for the future of these characters. Rick Sanchez and Morty Smith, both portrayed by Roiland, became the center of discussions regarding their replacements in season 7. Additionally, characters like Mr. Poopybutthole and Mr. Meeseeks, also voiced by Roiland, had to find new voices. This transition of character voices, particularly for the two main characters, was a major shuffle. Surprisingly, however, it has not been a significant issue beyond the first two episodes.

7. Rick & Morty Season 7 Is Giving Previously Minor Characters Bigger Roles

In season 7 of Rick and Morty, there has been a deliberate effort to shine the spotlight on some of the show's lesser-known characters. The very first episode delved into Mr. Poopybutthole's personal struggles with divorce, showing a need for intervention. Along the way, the episode reintroduced fan-favorite side characters like Birdperson, Gearhead, and Squanchy. This shift in focus indicates a growing emphasis on these supporting characters, with Gene also receiving a significant role. Previously just a background character, Gene has now appeared in both episodes so far, potentially becoming a recurring joke throughout the season.

6. Rick & Morty Season 7 Isn't Afraid To Exclude A Title Character

Despite its name, Rick and Morty season 7 proves its willingness to deviate from its usual formula by excluding one of its main characters. In the first episode of the season, Morty's presence is significantly reduced, with his appearance limited to the initial four minutes and absent for the rest of the episode. The focus primarily shifts to Rick's group of companions as they endeavor to help Mr. Poopybutthole overcome his struggles. While Rick assumes a prominent role in this episode, Morty remains largely absent. This departure marks a significant departure from the show's typical approach of incorporating both characters, even when their storylines differ, highlighting the potential new direction the series may take without Roiland.

5. The Smith Family Have Accepted They Are Not Normal

The Smith family has taken their time to adjust to the antics of Rick and Morty, but they have finally come to accept their idiosyncrasies. In previous seasons, Beth and Jerry were genuinely concerned about the adventures Morty would get involved in. Despite all the craziness, Morty still managed to have a school life, and the Smiths held onto the belief that they were somewhat normal. However, in episode 2, Rick and Jerry swapping brains became almost a regular occurrence. The show has moved away from focusing solely on a single dimension, and it is evident that the Smiths have fully embraced the fact that their lives are far from ordinary.

4. Rick & Morty Season 7 Shows Rick And Jerry Finally Getting Along

The lack of respect between Rick and Jerry has been a continuous factor throughout Rick and Morty, but in season 7, they finally start getting along. Although there have been occasional moments of harmony in previous seasons, The Jerrick Trap emphasizes that when their brains merge, they can become the best of friends. The best jokes in episode 2 of Rick and Morty season 7 demonstrate the hilarity that ensues when this duo is on the same wavelength. Despite their stark differences in character, their blended personalities bring a refreshing change from the usual dynamic, proving that more Rick and Jerry is a good thing.

3. Rick & Morty Season 7 Doesn't Follow Up On Its Finale

The finales of previous seasons have typically set the stage for future developments. Season 5's finale directly paved the way for the season 6 premiere, leading viewers to expect a continuation of this pattern. However, season 7 took a different approach, seemingly disregarding the ending of season 6. Instead of picking up where it left off, Rick and Morty opted to begin with an episode featuring Mr. Poopybutthole. This choice suggests a return to the format of standalone episodes, which, although entertaining, may not contribute much to the overall storyline. It's possible that this decision was made to gradually acclimate the new team to the immense popularity of the show.

2. Rick Seems To Have Lost His Obsession With Rick Prime

Season 6 depicted Rick's fixation with Rick Prime, but without much explanation, it seems to have vanished. Rick Prime, as his ultimate adversary, served as the driving force behind the storyline. The previous season concluded with Rick becoming unhinged, nearly losing his sanity while attempting to locate Rick Prime in season 7. However, the recent episodes do not emphasize this aspect. Instead, each episode has been self-contained and relatively insignificant to the overarching plot. The trailer for season 7 did feature Rick Prime, implying that he will play a role in future episodes. Nevertheless, Rick has apparently moved on from his obsession at the moment.

1. There Is No Clear Direction For Rick & Morty Season 7

The lack of direction sets season 7 of Rick and Morty apart from the other seasons. Previous seasons either had a stronger storyline or at least some connection between episodes. However, season 7 seems to be more focused on experimentation. The writers are introducing new ideas and the voice actors are slowly adapting to their roles. Hopefully, the remaining episodes will provide more clarity and direction for the show. This difference between season 7 and the rest of the series is the most prominent aspect as of now.

Editor's P/S

RICK AND MORTY SEASON 7 CHANGES

Rick and Morty is a popular animated TV show that has undergone significant changes in season 7 following the departure of Justin Roiland. Despite these changes, the show has maintained its tone and comedic touch. One of the most notable changes is the recasting of characters, with new voice actors taking over for Rick and Morty. While this transition was initially a concern for fans, it has not been a significant issue beyond the first two episodes.

Another change in season 7 is the increased focus on lesser-known characters. The first episode delves into Mr. Poopybutthole's personal struggles with divorce, showing a need for intervention. Along the way, the episode reintroduced fan-favorite side characters like Birdperson, Gearhead, and Squanchy. This shift in focus indicates a growing emphasis on these supporting characters, with Gene also receiving a significant role.