Summary
Rick and Morty season 7's promo hints at Jessica's return, but bringing her back may not be a good idea due to past criticisms.
The show has already made improvements to Jessica's character by giving her more screen time and allowing Morty to move on. Therefore, bringing her back may be considered a step backwards.
For Rick and Morty season 7, it would be more beneficial to focus on developing Morty's character further and staying true to the show's strengths, instead of bringing back a character who had a minor impact.
Rick and Morty season 7's latest promo has hinted at the return of a controversial character, but reintroducing them may not be a wise move for the Adult Swim series. Despite its critical acclaim and commercial success, Rick and Morty has faced its fair share of criticism. Some episodes have been criticized for their tasteless jokes on sensitive topics, and certain supporting characters have been accused of objectification. Jessica, Morty's former love interest, serves as a prime example of this.
In season 7, Rick and Morty might bring back Morty's first romantic interest, marking their first appearance since season 5. During that period, the show started incorporating a more serialized approach, delving deeper into the inner lives of its main characters. Season 5 revisited previous storylines and exposed the root cause of Rick's antisocial behavior. The redemption of Morty's crush began with the first episode of season 5, titled "Mort Dinner Rick Andre."
Rick and Morty Fixed Its Most Problematic Character
Rick and Morty's Jessica used to be merely an object of Marty's desire and a plot device for many years. However, in the season 5 premiere, the show addressed this by giving her the role of a Time God and allowing Morty to move on. Although Jessica was not mentioned in the episode titles of Rick and Morty's season 7 and there were no hints of her presence, the recent trailer suggests that she may return when the series comes back in October 2023, as Summer implies. In the latest promo of Rick and Morty season 7, Morty's sister suggests that Morty might finally start dating Jessica. However, this may not be the best idea.
Throughout their time on-screen, Morty and Jessica's relationship was one-sided and she never even spoke more than a few words to him, until her final appearance. Despite Jessica's frequent appearances in the earlier seasons of Rick and Morty, her role never went beyond being a catalyst for Morty's crazy adventures, which he would have otherwise avoided. Since Rick and Morty season 7 has the opportunity to fix any missed opportunities from season 6 with its new episodes, it would be disappointing if the show's creators chose to bring back a poorly developed character who never played a significant role.
Rick and Morty Season 7 Bringing Back Jessica Is Risky
Rick and Morty season 7 possibly reintroducing Jessica might seem like a regression considering the progress made with Morty's romantic relationships in season 5. Season 6 of Rick and Morty had already neglected Morty's character development in this aspect as the focus shifted to Rick's inner struggles. Given the upcoming challenges in the new season, bringing back a problematic character from the show's past seems needlessly risky. Rather than replacing Justin Roiland, the show should concentrate on its established strengths. Therefore, Jessica's return is unnecessary for Rick and Morty season 7.