Challenges Await Rick & Morty in Season 8 Following the Impact of Season 7's Standout Episode

Rick and Morty season 8 faced a tough challenge in surpassing the popular Rick Prime storyline. The show's promise of more canon episodes added to the difficulty. In the season 5 finale, viewers learned about Rick's tragic past. His wife was killed by an alternate version of himself, Rick Prime, leading Rick on a lifelong mission to seek revenge. This experience had a profound impact on Rick's mental state, shaping him into the beloved cynical antihero we know.

Season 6 of Rick and Morty brought back Rick Prime in the premiere, with Rick intensifying his pursuit of the character in the finale. Many expected a showdown between Rick and Rick Prime in the season 7 finale, but the series took an unexpected turn. In episode 5 of season 7, titled "Unmortricken," Rick and Morty teamed up with Evil Morty to outsmart Rick Prime. In a surprising twist, Evil Morty disabled Rick Prime, leaving Rick to ultimately defeat his long-time nemesis.

Rick Prime’s Death Makes Rick & Morty Season 8's Canon Story Promise Harder

Losing Rick Prime means Rick and Morty has no high-stakes canonical plot

Rick facepalms while Rick Prime stands in front of him and a hologram Rick Prime stands behind him in Rick and Morty season 7 episode 5 - Losing Rick Prime means Rick and Morty has no high-stakes canonical plot - Rick Prime’s Death Makes Rick & Morty Season 8's Canon Story Promise Harder

Rick Prime's death was not a fake-out as some fans speculated. In the subsequent episodes of the season, it became clear that Rick, Morty, and Evil Morty truly defeated and killed Rick Prime, leaving viewers shocked with half of season 7 still to go. This major event raised questions about how the series would be impacted, considering that the show's longest-running plot had come to an end. Co-creator Dan Harmon and showrunner Scott Marder have hinted that season 8 will continue to explore canon-centric adventures, but the future direction of the series remains uncertain.

Rick & Morty Season 8's Canon Plot Needs High Stakes

In an interview with Variety, Marder and Harmon shared that season 8 would feature a mix of standalone adventures and serialized episodes. However, the unexpected death of Rick Prime has thrown a wrench into their plans. Throughout the show, Rick's main goal was to defeat his long-time enemy. With this goal now obsolete, the upcoming season lacks a cohesive overarching storyline to follow. While Rick Prime's demise provided a fitting conclusion, the absence of a compelling replacement plot is evident. Marder hinted at Evil Morty taking on a significant role as a villain, but this may not be enough to fill the void left by Rick Prime's absence.

Rick and Morty must find a story as compelling as Rick Prime’s arc

Rick and Morty react to a rotting zombie hand rising from the ground - Rick and Morty must find a story as compelling as Rick Prime’s arc - Rick & Morty Season 8's Canon Plot Needs High Stakes

After the shocking events of the season 5 finale, Rick and Morty has shifted its focus to the character who poses a threat to Rick and the one responsible for his transformation into who he is now. The upcoming canon arc needs to have high stakes just like before. While Evil Morty seems like a possible choice due to his connection to the main characters, his immense powers, and his grudge against Rick, he clarified in “Unmortricken” that he has no issue with Rick.

It's hard to imagine how Rick and Morty season 8 could bring back Evil Morty as a major villain without the main characters provoking him, which could be a challenge. Although the season 7 finale hinted at more development for Morty, he still lacks the depth of Rick's character. Similarly, Evil Morty has been present for a while, and he already had his revenge on Rick in the season 5 finale. Rekindling the conflict between them would risk repeating the events of season 5.

Rick and Morty season 8 has the opportunity for one great serialized episode.

Evil Morty's storyline may need a new twist to keep it fresh. In the past, Evil Morty has already defeated Rick and Morty and even teamed up with them to take down Rick Prime. This limits the ways in which their dynamic can be rearranged.

The recent Summer episode in season 7 showed that the show can effectively use supporting characters in surprising ways. This hints that Marder and Harmon might explore a story from Evil Morty's perspective or a plot where he seeks help from Rick and Morty. However, it is suggested that Evil Morty should not be the main villain of season 8.

Any episode in season 8 could turn out to be a major turning point

Mr. Poopybutthole sits on the floor drooling and clutching a bottle of booze while Beth looks on in Rick and Morty season 7 - Any episode in season 8 could turn out to be a major turning point - Rick & Morty Season 8 Has 1 Great Serialized Episode Opportunity

Rick and Morty can create new villains for the show by taking a different approach, as suggested by Harmon. He mentioned that the show should focus on developing canonical storylines that start off as seemingly ordinary plots but later gain significance. This approach can add depth and complexity to the show's overarching story. In season 8, the show could surprise viewers by revealing that seemingly mundane events are actually crucial parts of the show's canon. Some fans have even speculated that characters like Mr. Poopybutthole could become significant antagonists in the future.

Although Marder and Harmon dismissed the theory about Mr. Poopybutthole, they acknowledged its potential. They mentioned that any random storyline from a standalone episode could later become a key element in a canonical story arc. This opens up opportunities for season 8 to use fan theories to create suspense and unexpected plot twists. Initially, Rick and Morty's adventures revolved around Rick leading the Smith family on intergalactic escapades. In season 8, the show can revisit this episodic format, only to later unveil a hidden canon plot that ties everything together.

Season 8 of Rick and Morty can surprise viewers by bringing back the old formula of the show. It may start off by lulling viewers into a false sense of security before revealing the significant impact of a seemingly unimportant character on the show's universe. For example, Evil Morty's debut did not suggest the important role he would eventually play in the series. This unpredictability keeps viewers on their toes, making them unsure of what to expect. The show's silliness disarms viewers, allowing season 8 to initially appear as a lighter, simpler sitcom before gradually unveiling its hidden depths.

Editor's P/S:

The article effectively highlights the challenges faced by Rick and Morty season 8 in surpassing the popular Rick Prime storyline. The death of Rick Prime, a major antagonist and the driving force behind Rick's character development, has left a void in the show's overarching plot. The article raises valid concerns about the need for a compelling replacement plot and the potential limitations of Evil Morty as the sole villain.

The article also proposes intriguing possibilities for season 8, suggesting that seemingly mundane events could become crucial parts of the canon. This approach would allow the show to maintain its episodic format while also weaving in a cohesive overarching story. By exploring fan theories and revisiting the show's original formula, season 8 has the potential to surprise viewers with unexpected plot twists and a deeper exploration of the show's universe.