The Evolution of Rick and Morty: A Journey Through Season 7

Exploring Season 7's Narrative Evolution

Rick and Morty season 7 has undeniably showcased a significant shift in the series' storytelling formula, marking a departure from its traditional narrative structure.

Morty and Rick eating spaghetti in Rick and Morty season 7

The evolution of Rick and Morty has been a journey of transformation, as the series has moved away from its previously reliable storytelling formula to explore new depths of character development and thematic exploration.

Morty stuffs his face with spaghetti in Rick and Morty season 7 trailer

The early episodes of Rick and Morty often portrayed Morty as a well-meaning yet guileless fool, while Rick was depicted as a smug and cynical genius. This dynamic, although initially compelling, eventually became repetitive and limited in its scope.

Jerry and Morty eat spaghetti and meatballs in Rick and Morty season 7 trailer

However, the latest season of Rick and Morty addresses this issue head-on, with Morty coming to terms with his role in the dynamic and realizing the need for a change. The finale of season 7, presented from Morty's perspective, solidifies the series' departure from its old formula, signaling a significant narrative evolution.

Rick with Spaghetti in Rick and Morty Season 7

Deconstructing 'Thats Amorte': A Departure from Tradition

Season 7, episode 4, 'Thats Amorte,' stands out as a departure from the traditional Rick and Morty narrative, featuring a more straightforward repetition of the series' old dynamic.

An annoyed Rick, a despondent Morty, and an unknown new character stand in a trashed office in Rick and Morty season 7 trailer

The episode's reliance on an outdated formula weakened its storytelling impact, as it followed a familiar pattern of Rick's morally dubious actions leading to Morty's discovery of moral complexities through gross-out humor.

Morty and Rick dressed as Blade surounded by vampires in a warehouse in Rick and Morty season 7

While 'Thats Amorte' paves the way for potential Morty-focused storytelling in the upcoming season, it falls short in delivering a fresh and innovative narrative, feeling undeniably redundant in its execution.

Summer chops up an alien corpse in Rick and Morty season 7 trailer

The Smith Family's Role: A Missed Opportunity

The portrayal of the Smith family in 'Thats Amorte' reflects a missed opportunity to explore the dynamics of other family members, as the episode primarily focuses on the traditional Rick and Morty dynamic, relegating the Smiths to minor background roles.

Morty attacks a giant gorilla in Rick and Morty season 7 trailer

Contrastingly, previous episodes of season 7 have highlighted the potential of characters like Jerry and Summer, showcasing their comedic and narrative significance when given a full storyline to explore.

Rick and Morty stand in a bathroom stall looking at the floor in the season 7 finale

The underutilization of the Smith family in 'Thats Amorte' emphasizes the limitations of the traditional formula and the need for broader character exploration in the series' future episodes.

Embracing Change: The Evolution of Rick and Morty's Style

Rick and Morty season 7's departure from its traditional narrative structure signifies a positive shift in the series' style, embracing new storytelling avenues and character-focused episodes.

The success of character-centric episodes, such as Summers's episode and the serious tone of 'Unmortricken,' highlights the series' growth and willingness to move beyond the confines of its early-season formula.

The evolution of Rick and Morty's style is a testament to the series' ability to adapt and evolve, signaling a promising future of narrative exploration and thematic depth in the upcoming seasons.