Morty might disagree, but Rick brings the fun!
Rick’s actions with the Galactic Federation have caused a giant rift in the family leading to a pending divorce between Beth and Jerry. As Rick finds himself as the new head of the household, his adventures with Morty and Summer are a distraction for the problems between Rick and Beth. While Jerry considers his own life choices, Rick continues to live his with his family as guests.
Rick and Morty—Season 3 aired from April 1, 2017 to October 1, 2017 on Adult Swim. The show continued to have strong cult following. The series received a Primetime Emmy for Outstanding Animated Program (“Pickle Rick”) Though there were questions on if the series would continue (and when), Dan Harmon was signed for an additional seventy episodes following this season.
Summer gets a bigger role
Rick and Morty was a fun surprise. It wasn’t necessarily the comedy which was a surprise (there are a lot of funny comedies), but it was the smart science-fiction aspect of the series. Often the episodes really do have a serious science fiction story to their telling…even if it is a joke. Rick and Morty—Season 3 continues the trend.
The series writing is tight and concise. Fans of all genres can enjoy it, but it is the type of series loaded with little references that force the viewer to be pretty up to date on popular culture and nerd culture. Even little references to things like Neil Gaiman’s Sandman pop up in unmentioned context (Dream of the Endless can be seen in an adventure at the beginning of episode “Morty’s Mind Blowers”). It gives viewers credit for watching and being a fan, and it makes the series very easy to rewatch as a result.
I turned myself into a pickle!!! A pickle!!!
The one issue I do have with Rick and Morty is starting to go away. As you get use to the series, Rick’s irritating belch (which gets made fun of in the season) and Morty’s Mr. Bill-esque voice grow less and less annoying. This season also spends a lot of time focusing on the Beth-Morty relationship and has much less Jerry and even in certain aspects less Morty. This isn’t a complaint so much in that it helps keep the stories different and changing (I like Summer/Rick adventures).
The animation is a lot like the writing. It benefits frequent viewers with repeating jokes, pop-culture references and little visual cues you might miss on the first viewing. The animators also seem to have fun playing games with the show and the animation.
Rick and Morty: Yeah or Nay?
Rick and Morty—Season 3 continues a fun series that owes a lot to both The Simpsons and South Park in particular. Smart writing + science fiction + comedy + rabid fans = events like the great McDonalds Szechuan Sauce debacle that spun off the show and demonstrates that Rick and Morty is gaining weight in the animated community while becoming socially aware. Are you allowed to hate Rick and Morty? I think so, but I argue that it should be given a chance…it is smarter than many shows around right now. I look forward to more Rick and Morty…bring it on!!!
Rick and Morty—Season 3 Complete Episode Guide:
“The Rickshank Rickdemption”
3.1 The Rickshank Rickdemption Airdate: 04/01/17
Rick is held prisoner by the Galactic Federation and interrogated…but Rick has a plan. When Summer and Morty try to rescue Rick, Rick reveals his true intentions and why he allowed it to happen, but Rick’s actions could destroy Morty’s family forever.
“Rickmancing the Stone”
3.2 Rickmancing the Stone Airdate: 07/30/17
With Beth and Jerry potentially divorcing, Rick finds himself taking a bigger part in Summer and Morty’s life. Summer has found love. In a post-apocalyptic world, Summer has found her place among the Death Stalkers, and Morty has his own means of dealing with his parents divorce.
“Pickle Rick”
3.3 Pickle Rick Airdate: 08/06/17
With the family falling apart, counseling is required. Unfortunately, Rick has decided to turn himself into a pickle. As Rick finds himself fighting for his life against a terrorist organization, Morty, Beth, and Summer face a more dangerous threat in their psychiatrist Dr. Wong.
“Vindicators 3: The Return of Worldender”
3.4 Vindicators 3: The Return of Worldender Airdate: 08/13/17
It’s Morty’s turn to choose an adventure and Morty decides to help the Vindicators fight the Worldender. Unfortunately, Rick goes on a bender and the Worldenders and Morty must escape Rick’s Saw trap…or die!
“The Whirly Dirty Conspiracy”
3.5 The Whirly Dirty Conspiracy Airdate: 08/20/17
Rick takes Jerry on an adventure to a resort where no one can die. When Jerry is contacted by Risotto Groupon who wants Rick dead, Jerry realizes that Rick’s death could reunite him with his family. Meanwhile on Earth, Beth tries to fix Summer’s decision to enlarge her breasts using Rick’s invention.
“Rest and Ricklaxation”
3.6 Rest and Ricklaxation Airdate: 08/27/17
After a tense adventure, Rick and Morty decide to detoxify themselves at an alien spa…unfortunately, Rick and Morty discover that without their toxic side, they are incomplete. When the toxic Rick and Morty decide to destroy the world, Rick and Morty must make a big sacrifice to save it.
“The Ricklantis Mixup”
3.7 The Ricklantis Mixup Airdate: 09/10/17
Rick and Morty are headed to Atlantis for an adventure, but the revelation that the Citadel still exists leaves Rick and Morty what is happening there.
“Morty’s Mind Blowers”
3.8 Morty’s Mind Blowers Airdate: 09/17/17
Morty learns that Rick has been removing memories from his mind when he’s done things wrong…but Rick might have his own motivation for removing memories which leads to a massive battle of the past.
“The ABCs of Beth”
3.9 The ABC’s of Beth Airdate: 09/24/17
Jerry’s dating an alien named Keara but Morty and Summer learn that he wants to break it off. Beth discovers Rick left her long lost friend Tommy in a world he created for her and sets to fix her past before Tommy’s father is executed for cannibalism.
“The Rickchurian Mortydate”
3.10 The Rickchurian Mortydate Airdate: 10/01/17
Rick and Morty have had enough of doing the President’s requests, and Rick sets out to prove that he and Morty can protect the world better. Beth finds herself questioning if she is real or a clone.
Related Links:
Rick and Morty—Season 1 Review and Complete Episode Guide
Rick and Morty—Season 2 Review and Complete Episode Guide
