In the annals of history there are certain events and people that alter the course of humanity as we know it. Here today we will talk about none of these things. Mostly because that sounds super boring. Also because Rick and Morty Season Three is approaching with each passing day! We are going to break down the top five episodes that have aired so far! First lets do a very basic rundown of this television masterpiece.
So What is Rick and Morty?
If you are unfamiliar with the show then you should probably stop whatever you are doing and go check it out. Both seasons are available and it is well worth the time. In any case the synopsis of the show is as follows, elegant in its brevity:
Rick and Morty is an American adult animated science fiction sitcom created by Justin Roiland and Dan Harmon for Adult Swim. The series follows the misadventures of alcoholic scientist Rick and his easily influenced grandson Morty, who split their time between domestic family life and interdimensional travel. (Source: Wikipedia)
The best way to describe it beyond that wonderfully crafted blurb is pretty simple. Take Doc. Brown (Rick) and Marty McFly (Morty) from Back to the Future. Now say they are in a grandfather/grandson dynamic. Also make Doc. Brown a raging alcoholic and narcissist. There you go! That's Rick and Morty. Of course there is more to it than that but this was Rick and Morty 101, if you want an in depth look you should look into a grad school degree.
Everyone loves a countdown!
Now before we begin it has to be stated that every episode of Rick and Morty has its own charm. They all bring something to the table. That being said, there are those that rise above. We now count down the top five episodes!
5) Anatomy Park (Season 1, Episode 3)
This is a wonderful homage to Steven Spielberg's classic film Jurassic Park. However this adventure takes place inside the body of a homeless man (Reuben). Instead of dinosaurs our gang is pitted against deadly diseases that have broken loose from their exhibits. It plays like a dark version of The Magic School Bus that would definitely make Ms. Frizzle blush. Morty shrinks down and enters Reuben's Body. Reuben soon dies and it becomes a raise against the clock to get out of his decaying body as a myriad of infectious diseases run loose creating havoc.
The secondary story is of Jerry and his parents on Christmas Day which Jerry has deemed a "Human Holiday". As always Jerry is always trying to control everything around him to no avail. When his parents show up with a guest Jacob, who has entered a three way relationship with his parents, Jerry's perfect Christmas starts to slip away from him.
The whole episode is filled with moments both heartfelt and weird. More of the latter of course. The most note worthy being Rick taking Reuben's body into space, enlarging it to allow Morty and Annie to escape, then blowing it up with dynamite. Chucks of blood and viscera rain down on America. Merry Christmas to all! The interweaving of the stories and the very dark humor make this episode both memorable and wonderful. Rightfully earning the number five spot!
4) Close Rick-Counters of the Rick Kind (Season 1, Episode 10)
Parallel dimensions and outrageous aliens are par for the course when it comes to Rick and Morty. This episode brought something different to the forefront. When a dancing plethora of Ricks are killed all over the multi-verse, the council of Ricks has reason to believe that the Rick we know and love is the perpetrator these crimes. Subsequently Rick and Morty are ceased and brought before the Trans-Dimensional Council of Ricks. Our Rick denies such allegations and escapes.
Meanwhile Jerry bonds with the kindest Rick while A bunch of Ricks occupy the Smith house. Morty soon discovers that he is nothing but a shield that masks Rick's specific genius brainwaves. Our Rick and Morty soon discover that Evil Rick is behind the murders and has stolen all of the dead Rick's Mortys to make a gigantic shield to hide himself. Morty, distraught and frustrated rallies the other Mortys and leads an attack that subdues evil rick. Leaving the others to believe he is the fabled: One True Morty. The last reveal is that it was really a Morty who was controlling evil rick. He disappears into a crowd of Mortys, seemingly getting away with it.
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As convoluted as this sounds it actually works brilliantly. It also opens up the universe even wider. The episode gave birth to the premise that would become the popular mobile game: Pocket Mortys. Which is a parody of the game Pokemon. The impact this episode has makes it an extremely important episode in the shows lore.
3) Rick Potion No. 9 (Season 1, Episode 6)
Prior to Morty's high school dance, Morty asks for Rick to give him a potion that will make his crush Jessica find him attractive. Rick gives him a potion and Morty goes on his way. Unbeknownst to Morty this potion is known to have adverse effects on humans when it comes in contact with the flu virus. Rick mentions this after Morty has left to attend The Flu Awareness Dance. The potion works too well and as would be expected mutates and causes anyone to become obsessed with Morty.
After being persued in a violent fashion, Rick shows up with an "antidote". This concoction mutates those infected further, turning them into horny mantis-monsters. Now those infected want to copulate and then abruptly kill Morty. This appropriately named "Mantis-Love Virus" quickly infects the entire population.
The secondary story line involves Jerry questioning Beth's fidelity. The two story lines merge as the outbreak continues. Jerry becomes a bonfide badass while defending himself and Beth from the mantis monsters. Beth and Jerry's marriage woes are mended and for the first time; they are happy.
Rick crafts a third airborne virus that turns those infected into which he calls "Cronenbergs'. These monsters reek havoc on the town. In a last ditch effort Rick says he has a plan. They cut to Rick and Morty who have saved the day yet again! Well, not really. They die in an explosion. Our Rick and Morty then arrive and it is explained to Morty that Rick had just found another version of themselves, waited for them to die and took there spots. The episode ends with Rick and Morty burying these alternate versions of themselves in the backyard.
This episode is extremely dark. It is also one that backs up the theme of existentialism which runs through the entire series. It is also one of the most creative episodes in the way it ends. The fall out being that Jerry and Beth never fixed their marriage issues and Rick and Morty are living out the rest of their days in a world that is not there own.
2) The Wedding Squanchers (Season 2, Episode 10)
In the season two finale, Rick is invited to the wedding of his best friend Birdperson and Summer's best friend Tammy. Rick shows no interest in going but after a mishap that sends Jerry across the universe (Via a Courier Flap) to Planet Squanch. Beth persuades him to attend. At the wedding Rick drinks profusely while Beth, chronically trying to bond with Rick, tries to get information about her father out of Birdperson.
After the wedding ceremony Morty encourages Rick to give a toast about Birdperson and Tammy. This rare moment of vulnerability ends quite abruptly. Tammy reveals herself to be an agent for the Galactic Federation who has been deep undercover and plans to arrest all of the wanted fugitives at the wedding. The party erupts into chaos and Birdperson is killed. Rick mounts an offensive, collects his family and escapes.
Once Rick and The Smith family are out of the reach of the federation, Rick opens up about his past. It is revealed that Rick, Birdperson, and other like minded rebels joined forces and brought up arms against the Galactic Federation. Because of his past, Rick is the Federations most wanted fugitive. The family travels to several odd planets, one of which is where the entire planet is on a cob.
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They end up settling on a tiny planet that can be circumnavigated in about two minutes. Rick over hears his family discussing their unhappiness and makes one of the few unselfish decisions he ever makes. Rick turns himself into the Federation in return for The Smith family's return to earth. The episode ends with the Earth becoming part of the Galactic Federation and Rick being locked up for his crimes.
Whatever happens next is unknown. We will have to wait until season three to see what happens to Rick and the Smith family. What we do know is that the sacrifice made by Rick shows the evolution of the once apathetic character. It's impact should have ramifications from this point forward. Although, knowing Justin Roiland and Dan Harmon, he might just go right back to his old self. We also got a little background information on Rick's fabled past. So who knows where there going from here. All that is known is that it will be a fun ride.
1) Total Rickall (Season 2, Episode 4)
We open on The Smith Family at the breakfast table talking to Jerry's wacky brother Uncle Steve. When Rick arrives he quickly shoots him. The revelation being that Uncle Steve was not real. He was an intergalactic parasite that feeds off of memories.
Rick warns the family to be on the look out of "wacky, zany characters that suddenly appear". Mr. Poopybutthole enters the room and co-signs Rick's statement.
Through a series of flashbacks more and more crazy characters appear. Using memories to get a foothold they replicate faster and faster. Some of these characters include:
Uncle Steve - Jerry's brother
Cousin Nicky - A stereotypical Italian-American New Yorker
Mr. Beauregard - The Family's British butler
Frankenstein - Technically Frankenstein's Monster
Sleepy Gary - Beth's Husband/ Jerry's Lover
Photography Raptor - A Raptor that takes old timey photographs
Pencilvestyr - An anthropomorphic pencil
Tinkles - Resembles a small unicorn/ Summer's imaginary friend
Hamurai - A samurai with pork products for armor
Amish Cyborg - Half Amish/ Half Robot
Reverse Giraffe - A giraffe with a short neck and long body
Ghost in a Jar - Resembles a Pac-Man ghost/ lives in a jar
Baby Wizard - A baby dressed in wizards clothing
Mrs. Refrigerator - A sassy talking refrigerator
Duck With Muscles - A rubber duck with large biceps/ Baby Wizard introduced him to his wife
All of these characters are dispatched of when Morty discovers the parasites can only plant fond memories in their heads. Each one pleads for mercy but quickly meets their end. After all of the parasites are killed Mr. Poopybutthole returns and Beth shoots him. Revealing that he is not a parasite.
On paper this episode looks like nonsensical gibberish, which it is at times. It is fun and chaotic while being entertaining and silly. It accomplishes being completely insane but telling a cohesive story. This encompasses the entire essence of the show as a whole. Thus earning it's spot at number one. If not for anything else than for the usage of a character named Photography Raptor.
Looking Forward to Season Three
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It goes without saying that all the episodes are wonderful. That is not opinion but a point of fact. They each have their own moments that live on in the hearts of fans. From Mr. Meeseeks to your very favorite Interdimensional Cable channels. Maybe even the Ball Fondlers movie! What ever it is, it lives on as the show has been renewed and will hit your eyeholes sooner rather than later. The third season is set for release next year. Until then you can re-watch your favorite episodes, speculate on what might happen, or go pay your respects to Birdperson. May he rest in peace.
P.S.- Mr. Poopybutthole lives:
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Sound Off! What do you guys think of the list? Anything left off? Anything that shouldn't be on? Let it be known in the comments below!