Rick & Morty Season 7's Latest Episode Exposes a Vital Challenge to the Show's Future

Article Overview

The biggest problem with Rick and Morty season 7 is the writing, with recycled storylines from other sitcoms and previous seasons.

Season 7's initial three episodes are plagued by trite sitcom clichés and an absence of the show's characteristic originality. The lukewarm reviews for this season suggest that the reliance on unoriginal storytelling has had a detrimental effect on the series as a whole, emphasizing the need for a return to the distinct and imaginative storytelling that is crucial for its success.

The disappointing nature of Rick and Morty season 7 in comparison to its previous seasons is apparent in every episode. This is primarily due to a significant issue that persists throughout the entire season. Unlike previous seasons, season 7 does not feature series co-creator Justin Roiland as the voice of the lead characters. Roiland was dismissed from the show following a string of troubling allegations, resulting in Ian Cardoni and Harry Belden being cast as Rick and Morty, respectively. Although Cardoni and Belden bear an uncanny resemblance in terms of their vocal performances, their portrayal of Rick and Morty feels slightly inadequate. However, the problems with season 7 extend far beyond the differences in voice acting.

The most prominent issues with Rick and Morty season 7 are unrelated to the cast; instead, they stem from the writing. One of the primary criticisms directed towards this season is the neglect of Morty's character as the focus shifts towards Rick's solo escapades. The distinct dynamic between Rick and his grandson is what sets this show apart, and leaving Morty in the background does a disservice to both the character and the entire series. Additionally, Rick's solo adventures suffer from significant narrative flaws, indicating that the show may have reached its conclusion.

Rick & Morty Season 7's First 3 Episodes Repeat Old Sitcom Tropes

The first three episodes of Rick and Morty season 7 have merely recycled clichéd sitcom tropes. The show gained its iconic and esteemed status by venturing beyond conventional boundaries, exploring unique concepts and narratives that were previously unexplored by any other series. However, the seventh season seemed content with adhering to familiar sitcom tropes. In the first episode of season 7, titled "How Poopy Got His Poop Back," Rick and his friends attempt to conduct an intervention for Mr. Poopybutthole, but it quickly spirals into a wild night of debauchery with Hugh Jackman. This particular storyline of the intervention gone wrong has been overdone in numerous other sitcoms, lacking the distinctive originality that defines Rick and Morty.

In episode 2, “The Jerrick Trap,” Rick and Jerry exchange bodies, similar to the concept in Freaky Friday. While it was an enjoyable setup, the idea of a "body swap" has been parodied in various TV shows such as Family Guy, Futurama, Big Mouth, Wizards of Waverly Place, and It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia long before it was attempted in Rick and Morty. Even Dan Harmon's previous show, Community, explored this trope in a much more inventive manner compared to Rick and Morty. Moving on to episode 3, "Air Force Wong," it incorporates well-known sitcom storylines such as running into an ex-girlfriend and attempting to prevent two acquaintances from dating each other.

Rick & Morty Season 7 Can't Let Go Of Past Storylines

Throughout season 7 of Rick and Morty, the show has not only utilized recycled storylines from other sitcoms, but it has also drawn from its own previous seasons. The episode "How Poopy Got His Poop Back" finds most of its humor in Rick's drunken escapades with his friends, a trope we have previously witnessed in several prior episodes. For instance, in season 1, episode 11, titled "Ricksy Business," Rick hosted a large party at the Smith residence. Furthermore, "The Jerrick Trap" follows the familiar narrative of Rick and Jerry's transformation from enemies to friends, which we have seen in season 3, episode 5 ("The Whirly Dirly Conspiracy") and season 5, episode 5 ("Amortycan Grickfitti"). One can't help but wonder how many more times Rick and Jerry will find themselves in a friendship dynamic.

The final act of “The Jerrick Trap,” which depicts the fusion of Rick and Jerry into a single powerful entity, initially appears to offer a fresh take on the concept of body swapping. However, once it becomes apparent that Rick is trapped in this new body and desires liberation, it simply retreads the storyline of “Tiny Rick” from season 2, episode 7, titled “Big Trouble in Little Sanchez.” “Air Force Wong” echoes three previous narratives from Rick and Morty, including Rick's ongoing feud with the President, his doubt regarding the effectiveness of Dr. Wong's therapy, and his fluctuating romantic relationship with Unity. These themes had already been explored more forcefully in earlier episodes.

Rick & Morty Season 7's Mixed Reviews Explained (& How It Compares To Past Seasons)

The seventh season of Rick and Morty has faced a mixed reception from critics, with a notable increase in negative reviews. This discrepancy highlights the detrimental impact of unoriginal storytelling on the overall quality of the series. With a "fresh" Rotten Tomatoes score of 73%, season 7's rating does receive mostly positive feedback. However, it falls significantly behind all previous seasons, which boasted scores in the 90s (with the exception of season 5, scoring 86%). It is evident that season 7 has garnered a higher number of negative reviews compared to its predecessors.

on Rotten Tomatoes, indicating that the recasting has been praised for its seamless execution, but the series appears to be in a repetitive state according to critics. The negative reviews unanimously express disappointment in the lack of fresh ideas from the once brilliant and imaginative show. Prior seasons of Rick and Morty were highly praised for their ambitious and unpredictable nature. With the departure of Roiland, there was an opportunity for the series to reinvent itself, however, season 7 plays it safe with familiar storylines, contradicting the show's previous approach. Consequently, the audience score for Rick and Morty season 7 stands at a disappointing 41%.

Rick & Morty Season 7 Must Fix Its Original Story Problem In Order To Succeed

There are still seven episodes remaining, giving Rick and Morty season 7 ample time to regain its original charm and distinctive storytelling. However, in order to achieve this, it must refrain from rehashing plotlines from sitcom history and its own previous episodes. The show needs to rediscover the unique and idiosyncratic style of storytelling that initially made it successful. Hopefully, this recent decline is only temporary and the show is simply struggling to find a new direction following major behind-the-scenes changes. With a few episodes, it is optimistic that the show will find its footing once again.

To bring Rick and Morty season 7 up to par with its predecessors, a few issues need to be addressed. Morty must return to Rick's side on their adventures instead of being confined at home, as this dynamic is the core of the show (after all, it is called Rick and Morty). While Cardoni and Belden are delivering accurate impressions of Rick and Morty, they need to restore the improvisational energy that the characters possessed in previous seasons. Above all, Rick and Morty season 7 should focus on telling fresh and original stories that have not been seen in other sitcoms or even in previous episodes of Rick and Morty itself.

Editor's P/S

As a Gen Z fan, I have mixed feelings about Rick and Morty Season 7. On the one hand, I appreciate the show's willingness to experiment with different genres and storytelling styles. On the other hand, I feel like the show is starting to lose its freshness.

The biggest problem with Season 7, in my opinion, is the writing. The jokes feel recycled and the storylines are predictable. I also miss the focus on Morty's character. In previous seasons, Morty was an integral part of the show's humor and heart. But in Season 7, he's been sidelined in favor of Rick's solo adventures.

I'm still hopeful that Rick and Morty can turn things around. But the show needs to find a way to reinvent itself if it wants to stay relevant. I'm confident that the writers have the creativity to do it. But they need to start taking some risks.