Rick and Morty season 5, episode 8 sent the rest of the Smith family off on a cruise, focusing fully on Rick as he revisits his past in his efforts to revive his long-time friend Birdperson. Related: Rick & Morty Repeats Community's Goodfellas Riff Something has been off with Grandpa Rick all season, which comes to a head in his solo adventure. There were hints about what was going on with Rick: his attachment to the alien Daphne in episode 3, his willingness to apologize to Jerry in episode 5, and his rapid, downward spiral after completing his Gotron set in episode 6. The presence of the eldest family member was felt throughout but was definitely muted. Rick often took the backseat, allowing the other characters' stories to be the focus. Many of the earlier episodes dived into the other characters, exploring their motivations and what makes them unique. The penultimate episode of Rick and Morty season 5 isn't just one of the best - it also redeems the entire season by retroactively casting previous adventures in a different light. Between uneven storytelling, constant (and often forced) pop-culture riffs, and a lack of the pure wacky, absurd creativity that defines the series, Rick and Morty season 5 often felt lesser than the installments that came before. ![]() ![]() Nimbus story in the premiere or the Hellraiser spoof in episode 5, were fine, but not great - and were weighed down by the heavy-handed references. Yet, there were also stories that worked less well: Rick and Morty season 5 has two Independence Day episodes, and while the celebratory parodies of the action genre are exciting and amusing, the critical and audience receptions for these were mixed. Critics complained that the episodes were stupid or unnecessarily gross, and for many, the jokes didn't land. At the episode's end, the characters seemed to be in a different place than when the episode began: the teenagers were both a bit wiser and Beth had made a positive step forward for developing a healthier relationship with her son. What made the episode work was the Smith family dynamic, particularly Morty and Beth, and Rick and Summer. The gender-bent Captain Planet homage Planetina was a highlight of the season, arguably despite the nostalgia-infused '90s references. Yet, such ideas were mainly delivered through parody - with mixed results. ![]() As the season approaches its end, certain themes are clear: family, friendship, and even forgiveness. There has been no shortage of pop culture references in Rick and Morty season 5. The post-credits scene in Rick and Morty season 5, episode 8 suggests that Birdperson will be back eventually, if not soon - although it remains to be seen what the latest character developments mean for Rick Sanchez. "Rickternal Friendshine of the Spotless Mort" stands out from the rest of season 5 because it offered such a memorable, and meaningful, story, but also because of how weak some of the other episodes this season have been. ![]() Rick's backstory gets expanded via his trip into Birdperson's memories, which depict how the two became friends - as well as how Rick became so jaded. Related: Rick & Morty: Why The Smith Family Has A New Member (Naruto Explained) In many ways, "Rickternal Friendshine of the Spotless Mort" continues the problems of earlier stories in Rick and Morty season 5. While the title is clearly a take on the movie Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind(and there are certain thematic similarities), the episode's premise shares many similarities with the Inceptionparody episode "Lawnmower Dog," from season 1, and there's a certain amount of familiar territory being retread in "Rickternal Friendshine of the Spotless Mort." In general, season 5 has felt more derivative than previous outings however, the approach to the material in episode 8 feels fresh, offering new angles on established ideas in the Rick and Morty universe, and offering to further develop one of the titular leads.
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