The Epic Evolution of Birdperson: Unveiling the Untold Story of Rick and Morty

Highlights

Birdperson is a wise, calm, and loyal friend to Rick, offering him advice and support throughout the series.

In season 2, Birdperson's history with Rick is delved into, uncovering their strong bond and shared adventures.

The strain between Birdperson and Rick emerged after his demise and subsequent rebirth as Phoenixperson, but they managed to mend their relationship, paving the way for Birdperson's comeback in season 7.

When it comes to Rick and Morty, the spotlight isn't just on the main characters. One of the series' most beloved aspects is its diverse and quirky side characters who add even more personality to the already strange blend of science fiction and dark humor. Among them is Birdperson, a character who quickly captured the hearts of fans. Throughout the series, Birdperson's journey has seen significant development, allowing viewers to witness important moments in his life.

True to his name, Birdperson is a humanoid creature with bird-like qualities and happens to be Rick's closest companion. He possesses wisdom and tranquility, always ready to offer sincere advice, which stands in stark contrast to Rick's impulsive and cynical nature. Rick and Morty delves into Rick's past, particularly his involvement in the battle against the Galactic Federation. Birdperson fought alongside him and, despite their contrasting personalities, their friendship has remained strong.

Which Rick and Morty Episode Introduces Birdperson?

Birdperson is introduced in the season 1 finale, "Ricksy Business." The episode begins with Beth and Jerry embarking on a Titanic-themed trip, leaving Morty and Summer in the care of Rick. Summer and Rick decide to throw a wild house party, inviting a variety of eccentric characters, including Glip Glops, Squanchy, Gearhead, Abradolf Lincler, and Birdperson. Rick is thrilled when Birdperson arrives, indicating a long-standing friendship between them. During the party, Birdperson connects with Tammy, one of Summer's school friends, and they quickly form a romantic bond.

As the party gets out of control and the house becomes a mess, Morty becomes upset with Rick's reckless behavior and puts an end to the festivities, kicking everyone out. Birdperson offers to assist Morty in cleaning up and reveals the meaning behind Rick's catchphrase, "Wubba lubba dub dub" in his people's language, signifying that Rick is in intense pain and requires help, which is why he attempts to numb himself. Birdperson proves himself to be a loyal and supportive friend to Rick as he departs with Tammy. He encourages Morty to decide whether he wants to continue their adventures or break free from Rick's influence. This revelation leads Morty to realize that he genuinely enjoys going on adventures with his grandfather and desires to continue doing so.

Birdperson’s Friendship With Rick

In Season 2, Episode 5 titled "Get Schwifty," there is a glimpse into Birdperson and Rick's backstory. After Morty mistakenly takes Rick's portal gun and ends up in a dangerous dimension, Birdperson saves him. Birdperson takes Morty to his home planet where he displays several pictures on his wall, showcasing their shared history from their youth. These pictures include them being in a band, standing next to an aircraft, and Rick holding Morty as a baby. Birdperson mentions that he owes his life to Rick and eventually sends Morty back to Earth. In the episode "The Wedding Squanchers," Birdperson reveals to Beth that he and Rick are wanted by the Galactic Federation for their acts of terrorism.

In the eighth episode of the fifth season, titled "Rickternal Friendshine of the Spotless Mort," a portion of the story takes place within Birdperson's mind. Within his subconscious, important moments from Birdperson's life are depicted, some of which involve his past with Rick. When Rick enters Birdperson's subconscious, a memory surfaces of their initial meeting at an alien music festival. This memory reveals that their bond was formed through shared experiences with hallucinogens. Rick, Birdperson, and Squanchy then formed a strong friendship and even started a band together. Another memory shows Birdperson assisting Rick in a battle against multiple evil versions of himself, while Rick also aids Birdperson in his own fights.

Together with Squanchy and others, they formed the Ragtag Resistance Group against the Galactic Federation. After triumphing over the Federation in a war and successfully saving Birdperson's home planet, Rick opened up and displayed vulnerability. He earnestly asked Birdperson to accompany him on his adventures and explore any reality of his choosing, sincerely expressing his deep affection for him. However, Birdperson declined the offer, emphasizing that it would compromise his integrity. Instead, he provided Rick with a beacon, assuring him of assistance whenever needed in the future. Despite being deeply hurt by his friend's rejection, Rick and Birdperson remained incredibly close over the years, with Birdperson even being present for the birth of Morty.

Birdperson’s Death and Rebirth

Birdperson and Tammy's relationship evolves throughout season 2. In the season finale titled "The Wedding Squanchers," the duo ties the knot on Planet Squanch surrounded by Rick, the Smiths, and numerous friends. However, the joyful atmosphere is shattered when Tammy unveils her true identity as an undercover agent for the Galactic Federation. In a shocking twist, she declares that everyone present is under arrest. Pandemonium erupts at the wedding as chaos ensues. Tragically, Tammy ruthlessly fires multiple shots at Birdperson, ultimately ending his life. The devastating loss leaves Rick deeply wounded, leading him and Squanchy to take down multiple agents in retaliation.

After his death, Birdperson's story didn't end there. In the post-credits scene of the first episode of season three, "The Rickshank Rickdemption," Tammy and other Federation agents revamp Birdperson's lifeless body using cybernetic enhancements, resurrecting him. However, when he awakens, he introduces himself as Phoenixperson and flies away with Tammy. Phoenixperson remains absent until the season four finale, "Star Mort Rickturn of the Jerri," where it is revealed to Rick that his once-deceased friend is still technically alive. During their long-awaited reunion, Rick confesses to killing Tammy, which infuriates Phoenixperson and leads to a deadly confrontation where he accuses Rick of being a bad friend. Luckily, Beth, Jerry, and Space Beth come to Rick's rescue and deactivate Phoenixperson by flicking a switch on his cyborg form. The episode concludes with the revelation that Rick is keeping Phoenixperson's body in his garage.

In "Rickternal Friendshine of the Spotless Mort," a parody of the film "Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind," Rick finally makes the decision to restore Birdperson's life. By reviving his physical body and entering his mind, Rick hopes to awaken him. During this process, Rick encounters all the memories they shared in the past, including those involving Tammy. However, when Rick locates Birdperson within his subconscious, the bird expresses no desire to return to reality and prefers to remain in his memories.

Rick's revelation to his closest companion about Tammy's secret childbirth involving Birdperson's offspring sparks a newfound purpose in Birdperson's life. Together, they manage to escape from the haunting memories and awaken from their ordeal. While Rick eagerly anticipates rekindling their friendship, Birdperson feels betrayed by the scientist's silence about their child. This confrontation prompts Birdperson to part ways with Rick. Subsequently, it is disclosed that Birdperson's daughter is held captive in a high-security prison by the Federation. Following these events, Birdperson remains absent until the release of the season 7 trailer of Rick and Morty, confirming his return to the series.