Pickle Rick: The Brainy Transformation Behind Rick and Morty's Iconic Episode

Highlights

Pickle Rick, one of Rick Sanchez's iconic alter egos, was originally just meant to spend the day in his garage but ended up going on a murderous rampage.

Rick transforms into a pickle as an alternative to attending therapy with his family, who have made plans to separate for some time.

During this episode, Pickle Rick embarks on a thrilling journey where he eliminates security guards, forms an alliance with a Russian inmate named Jaguar, and ultimately reverts to his human state just before attending therapy with Beth.

Throughout Rick and Morty's numerous adventures, they have inhabited various bodies that were not their own. From Tiny Rick to Wasp Rick, Cronenberg Rick and Morty, and many more, the list is endless. It is clear that Rick is the one who frequently leaves his own body, whether intentionally or accidentally.

Among Rick Sanchez's notable alter egos is the infamous Pickle Rick, a small warrior known for his murderous tendencies. Despite premiering on Adult Swim over six years ago, Pickle Rick remains a topic of conversation, references, and can be seen on t-shirts everywhere. Interestingly, Pickle Rick was not originally intended to be a killing machine. He was simply supposed to spend the day in his garage, minding his own business. However, fans of Rick and Morty are well aware that none of Rick's plans ever go as expected. There is always something that disrupts their crazy adventures. Some may say that Rick found himself in a challenging situation, quite literally in a pickle.

When Is Pickle Rick Introduced?

Pickle Rick makes his debut in the third episode of season 3, appropriately titled "Pickle Rick". This episode follows shortly after Beth and Jerry decide to take a break from their marriage, and the entire family is adjusting to their new dynamic. Despite this, Rick remains unperturbed, pursuing his bizarre experiments and intergalactic escapades.

In one of his experiments, Rick nonchalantly transforms himself into a pickle, much to the bemusement of everyone else. However, Rick is thrilled with his accomplishment, despite now lacking limbs and having pickle juice for blood. Nonchalantly resting on his workbench, Rick's true identity is unveiled when Morty realizes that the crunchy green vegetable is no ordinary pickle – it's Pickle Rick!

Why Does Rick Turn Himself Into a Pickle?

Initially appearing to be a seemingly arbitrary experiment concocted by Rick, it is soon unveiled as a comically lackadaisical ploy to evade familial obligations. The instance in which he transformed himself into a pickle coincided with the day the family – aside from Jerry – was scheduled to attend therapy. At this point, Beth and Jerry had recently separated, leading to noteworthy behavioral issues from both Morty and Summer. Summer, apparently disregarding any correlation with the family turmoil, resorted to inhaling enamel, while Morty experienced the unfortunate embarrassment of wetting his pants during class.

Rick, despite his willingness to discuss his emotions and confront personal issues, vehemently rejects the idea of therapy and dismisses its benefits entirely. In order to avoid attending therapy sessions, he resorts to an unconventional and characteristic solution: transforming himself into a pickle, utilizing his skills as a mad scientist.

Attempting to deceive his daughter and grandchildren, Rick insists that he simply forgot about therapy and impulsively decided to challenge his scientific prowess by attempting to revert back to his normal state after transforming into a pickle. However, the family easily sees through his ruse when they discover a timer linked to a pair of scissors, poised to sever a string holding a mysterious syringe. Sensing that the syringe contains an antidote for Rick's pickle form, the Smiths suspect his true intentions. Despite Rick's protests, Beth cunningly seizes the syringe before heading to therapy, ensuring his safety during his experiments. As they depart from the house, an authentic adventure awaits them.

What Happens in the "Pickle Rick" Episode?

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The episode alternates between Rick's pickle adventure and the Smiths' therapy session. Once the family departs, Rick is left idle in the garage. The neighboring cat becomes fascinated by the pickle on the workbench and, in typical cat fashion, knocks it to the floor. Rick rolls out of the garage into an unexpected rainstorm, propelling him into the sewer.

Underground, he eliminates a roach and ingeniously utilizes its body for transportation. Rick then constructs an assortment of machines resembling Tony Stark's contraption, which aids him in merging with the limbs and brain of a rat. This transforms him into a small but deadly pickle. He successfully escapes the sewers and ends up in an unfamiliar bathroom belonging to someone heavily guarded. His only desire is to return home, yet due to a cultural superstition, they mistakenly perceive him as a malevolent deity and attempt to eliminate him. It turns out to be a grave error.

Rick goes on a killing spree, eliminating almost every security guard in his path. In response, their leader tasks Jaguar, a Russian prisoner, with the mission of assassinating the malicious pickle, known as "solenya". However, Jaguar's strategy fails, as Rick persuades him to join forces and dismantle the peculiar criminal activities that have ensnared them. Pickle Rick and Jaguar successfully flee after causing a massive explosion in the facility. They part ways, and with no other option, Rick seeks therapy to acquire an unrelated syringe, which turns out to be anti-pickle serum. After restoring his human form, Rick and Beth decide to head to Shoney's for a drink, seeking relaxation after a demanding day. Thus, this Rick and Morty (or solely Rick) adventure concludes.