The Shocking Twist That's Reigniting Rick & Morty: Season 7's Brilliant Comeback
Roiland's departure breathes new life into Rick & Morty Season 7, bringing refreshing changes to the tired series formula Mr Poopybutthole's storyline offers much-needed resolutions for beloved characters, highlighting the necessity of this transformative shift (350 characters)
Summary
Justin Roiland's exit from Rick and Morty may be the best thing that could have happened to the series, as it prompts much-needed change and revitalization.
The premiere of Rick and Morty season 7 astutely defies audience expectations and effectively addresses previous criticisms, demonstrating the show's creators' receptiveness and willingness to take bold risks. With satisfying conclusions to stagnant storylines and the return of beloved characters, Rick and Morty season 7 exemplifies a more robust and intricately woven approach to storytelling.
The exit of Justin Roiland, coupled with the need to revitalize the tired formula of Rick and Morty season 7, may turn out to be the best thing that has happened to the series. Initially, Rick and Morty gained immense popularity and critical acclaim, evolving from an obscure hit on Adult Swim to a significant pop culture phenomenon. However, as the show's hype grew, so did the backlash, with accusations that season 6 relied too heavily on audience goodwill after a monumental season 5 finale.
However, the troubles escalated when Justin Roiland, the star of Rick and Morty, faced allegations of domestic battery in January 2023. This resulted in Adult Swim cutting ties with the actor, leaving the creators of Rick and Morty season 7 with the task of recasting the voices of both title characters and addressing the criticisms of the previous lackluster season. Although this was no small feat, the show's creative team seems to have embraced the challenge. The first episode of Rick and Morty season 7, titled "How Poopy Got His Poop Back," demonstrates that Roiland's departure could be a positive development.
Rick & Morty Season 7 Is Finally Breaking A Tired Series Formula
Rick and Morty's last two seasons left fans hanging with major cliffhangers, but then they added a twist by featuring Mr. Poopybutthole in a short scene. Although this was refreshing in the season 5 finale, it became predictable by the end of season 6. However, in the premiere of season 7, it was revealed that Mr. Poopybutthole was now living with the Smith family, which surprised the show's viewers. Previously, Mr. Poopybutthole had been a meta-character who commented on the events of the show but didn't interact with the main characters. However, "How Poopy Got His Poop Back" changed this.
The opening scene of "How Poopy Got His Poop Back" picked up right where the stinger from season 6 ended, suggesting that the show wouldn't repeat this formula. The episode addressed the criticism of season 6, where Mr. Poopybutthole's gloomy and repetitive storyline was finally resolved by the main characters. This also brought back other supporting characters like Squanchy, Gearhead, Birdperson, and Gene, who had been unofficially retired. Ultimately, the risky self-parody of Rick and Morty season 7 paid off.
Mr. Poopybutthole’s Story Offered Resolutions For Several Characters
Not only did "How Poopy Got His Poop Back" bring closure to Mr. Poopybutthole's character development, which had remained stagnant for years, but the episode also rekindled some forgotten storylines from season 6. It was revealed that Birdperson and Rick were still friends, Squanchy was confirmed to be alive, and Rick's search for Rick Prime didn't drive him completely insane. These unresolved plotlines could have been left hanging if Rick and Morty season 7 had followed the self-contained, standalone episode format of season 6. However, addressing these mysteries proved to be a stronger approach for the show.
Why Rick & Morty Season 7 Needed Change
Justin Roiland’s departure from Rick and Morty had a significant impact on the show's direction in season 7. Unfortunately, the formulaic nature of the episodes in season 6 failed to bring a sense of novelty or contribute to the overall narrative of the characters. As a result, the decision to replace Roiland with voice actors who sounded like him seemed like a risky move. However, as it turned out, this was the least of the show's concerns. In season 7, it was crucial for the series to demonstrate its ability to maintain the presence of supporting characters from Roiland's era, progress Rick's storyline, and deliver stories that seamlessly integrated into the show's expansive universe.
Rick and Morty season 7 proved itself capable of handling these challenges in the episode "How Poopy Got His Poop Back." The inclusion of beloved characters Birdperson and Mr. Poopybutthole played a crucial role in the storyline, avoiding any sense of pandering. Additionally, Rick's humorous attempts at friendship while avoiding responsibility were both in line with his character and reflected his personal growth. Ultimately, this episode demonstrated that Rick and Morty can thrive without its former star, solidifying the belief that Roiland's departure was necessary and beneficial for the show.
