Ronit J

Rick & Morty Season 9 Synopsis:

The fractured domestic lives of a nihilistic mad scientist and his anxious grandson are further complicated by their inter-dimensional misadventures.

Rick & Morty Season 9 Review:

Man, I completely missed the season’s premier. I only found out that it’s out two days later because of a random Reddit post. Well, given how much I loved Season 8, I was super stoked to return to this absurdly creative world.

Like I did for Season 8, I decided to write mini reviews for each episode. After all, each episode is a stand-alone story. Anyway, here’s what I thought for all of the episodes in season 9—

Episode 1: There’s Something About Morty

Literally half of this episode did a more spectacular job of delivering an action-packed superhero adventure than all of the MCU’s Phases 4-6. While it might not be perfect, the opening episode of Season 9 was an absolute blast to watch. Especially as a fan. It was quite a pleasant surprise to hear Tilda Swinton as The Collective, as well as having Keegan-Micheal Key returning as the Time Cop. The action was charged up and exciting. The humour was genuinely laugh-out-loud funny. And overall, this was a powerful start to the new season.

I’ll admit, the way they kind of brushed off Evil Morty in the end felt a little underwhelming. However, let’s be honest. He isn’t going to stay silent for too long now, is he?

Episode 2: Ricks Days, Seven Nights

For an episode that’s so wild with its concept, this one was quite emotionally heavy. Vacation Rick or Ted, as he likes to be known on that Earth-like planet with the bowling alley, was a carefree Rick that I did not expect to like so much. The heartbreaking twist of when he returns to his normal self, existential crisis and all, was quite a punch to end on. Plus, we got cameos from Ed Helms, Paul Lieberstein, Oscar Nuñez, Rob Riggle & Amy Ryan, which added a familiarly warm group dynamic to the emotional arc of the episode.

That being said, the action and the sci-fi elements kicked just as strongly as the last episode. Plus, seeing the Smith family almost apathetic towards Rick’s antics made that whole confrontation between Vacation Rick and them quite hilarious.

Episode 3: Rick Fu Hustle

I honestly liked the B-plot with Jerry a lot more than the A-plot. I was expecting a lot more from the Kung-Fu Master jerk and Rick clashing egos, but it mostly played out like a meh fan fiction story. Sadly, this didn’t work with me on multiple levels. Maybe Iw as just not interested. Jerry hooking up with the pool cleaning bot, along with all the subtle AI commentary, on the other hand, was absolutely brilliant. If not for that plot, I’d have said this was a below average, borderline bad episode.

Episode 4: A Ricker Runs Through It

Okay, I’m not particularly happy with how this season is playing out. The first two episodes were great. However, I wasn’t a fan of the third and fourth episodes.

I loved the idea of Reese, a robot that basically serves as Rick’s password keychain. However, that’s pretty much where my interest ended. I found the conflict progression a little weird and dull for my taste. The episode was fun, but largely forgettable. The post-credits scene was dark and hilarious, but the episode itself didn’t stay with me like the classic ones.

Episode 5: Jer Bud

I was excited to see Snowball again, because Lawnmower Dog was one of my favourite episodes from the first season. However, I was also skeptical because I was worried it’s episodes that rely on past storylines that are largely concluded can end up messing things up. And that’s exactly how I felt about this episode too. The whole eugenics-coded authoritarian regime that Snowball runs felt a tad too much.

On the other hand, the Flaxian worm plot with Rick, Jerry, Beth & Space Beth was epic. Since Rick and Morty were split up, the balance between the two plots made this one far more enjoyable than the last two episodes. Plus, watching Jerry slowly become 100% worm was eerily enjoyable.

Episode 6: Erickerhead

Okay, this is what I loved Rick & Morty for! After my mixed feelings for the last three episodes, Erickerhead was a breath of fresh air. This felt like a classic Rick & Morty episode with the conflict progression hilariously epic. I preferred Summer’s gimmicks with Rick’s body as opposed to Morty’s banter with Rick’s head. However, overall, the two plots were on par, with their colliding conflict feeling much natural and engaging.

I did find the ending a tad underwhelming. It made sense, but still. Also, yes, I think Rick indulged in autofellatio.

Episode 7: Mortgully: The Rick Forest

I have to admit, Mortgully: The Rick Forest is one of the most magical episodes of Rick & Morty ever. This had elements of classic Rick & Morty, but it also featured something of the newer seasons: heart and depth. The beautifully cosmic philosophy of this episode that hilariously—and suddenly—smacks into absurdism is just one of the many brilliancies that make this episode so enlightening and enjoyable.

For sure, one of my top rated episodes of the season, maybe even the series.

Episode 8: Rickuiem Mort a Dream

Another episode where I felt like the b-plot was much more enjoyable. Don’t get me wrong, I loved seeing Morty empathising with an explosion. The a-plot was hilarious. However, I found the b-plot with the serial killer a lot more engaging and interesting.

That being said, this one also didn’t quite scratch that itch for me. It was a good episode, but apart from a few moments, it was largely forgettable.

Episode 9: Salute Your Morts

Probably the funniest episode of the season, this one had everything that I love about Rick and Morty. Both, the a & b plots were hilarious. Although, I have to admit that the camp storyline grew boring for me pretty quickly. Beth, Jerry and Rick getting high, on the other hand, was an S-tier plot. If it were paired with a better plot for Morty & Summer, I’d have ranked this episode much higher than it is right now.

Episode 10: Field of Dreams

Given how the last season’s finale was so stunning, I had very high hopes from this one. However, given my experience with this season, I also managed my expectations. That is probably why I enjoyed Field of Dreams so much. On the humour front, it was standard. On the depth and character side, however, this was S-tier work. I can imagine this episode being a lot of fans’ favourite, and with good reason. There is so much to unpack here, and the ending really left me with this eerily uncomfortable feeling, similar to the ending of ‘Rick Potion No. 9’.

Rick & Morty Season 9 Episodes Ranked

Because I’ve reviewed each episode above, I will only rank the episodes here. And my ranking is:

1. Ep 2: Ricks Days, Seven Nights
2. Ep 7: Mortgully: The Rick Forest
3. Ep 6: Erickerhead
4. Ep 10: Field of Dreams
5. Ep 9: Salute Your Morts
6. Ep 1: There’s Something About Morty
7. Ep 8: Rickuiem Mort a Dream
8. Ep 5: Jer-Bud
9. Ep 4: A Ricker Runs Through It
10. Ep 3: Rick Fu Hustle

Agree or disagree? Let me know your rankings in the comments below!

Rick & Morty Season 9 Watching?

Yes. Despite my mixed feelings, I can’t deny that Rick & Morty continues to entertain in a familiar-yet-sometimes-shocking manner. Some episodes might not land as expected, but most of them will scratch that Rick & Morty itch.

In Conclusion:

Rick & Morty Season 9 left me with mixed feelings. The best of the season can compete with the show’s peak episodes, but the worst of it is comparable to its lowest points too. All that being said, Season 9 was a fun and enjoyable watch, and I cannot wait for season 10!

Also check out:

• Island of the Dying Goddess

What did you think of my Rick & Morty Season 9 Review? Any other show/movie/book you would like me to review? Let me know in the comments below!

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Until next time.