Rick and Morty was a show introduced to me by long lost intern, Nick. That was Nick’s biggest contribution to the site, as well as his shining personality. We miss you Nick. Seriously.
Anyway! Getting back to the point of this review, Rick and Morty season one set a new standard of obscenely intelligent comedy. Shows that usually come in strong, such was the case with Rick and Morty season one, tend to lose some luster by season two. A few shows on Adult Swim have went this route, though not many. Thankfully, season two of Rick and Morty doesn’t hit the wall. In fact, it goes ‘war rig’ on that wall, busts through it and just keeps going through an apocalyptic level of comedy that just leaves you wanting more. What is most shocking about Rick and Morty season two is that none of the episodes feel underwhelming or overcooked with lewdness. Even though the show crosses the line of good taste multiple times, and with reason, it still gives reason through the payoff of why it did what it did. In addition, the acting and delivery of story helps to make up some of the lewdness. It can be downright brilliant at times, though has the possibility of making you blush.
Instead of reading you every episode synopsis, let me just point out some favorites of season two that really showed the writing, acting and direction turned up a notch. Here are a few favorites from the second season:
A Rickle in Time – What a way to start a season off right. Time gets messed up and multiple timelines start opening up with Rick, Morty and Summer – simultaneously. What starts off as two timelines messed up quickly escalates beyond 16+ and the comedy just keeps rolling with each timeline just slightly off sync from the next. In addition to this, a fourth-dimensional being shows up to set right what Rick and crew screwed up, which also means that Rick and Morty are under arrest. Lots of stuff happens in this episode and it’s just an absolute gem. Again, if you want to renew faith in your comedic abilities, this is the way to do it. Plus, this episode really reinforces how intelligent the writing is and how methodical the storylines are when laid out. On top of all this, it’s a visually impressive episode to watch.
Total Rickall – Alien parasites are posing as family members in the household. The parasites implant false memories into everyone’s brains causing them to truly believe the parasite is part of the family. Uncles who have never existed prior to this episode are welcomed like long lost friends. Lovers who have never been seen before in either season make appearances. You also get appearances by Frankenstein, Abraham Lincoln and Mr. Poopy Butthole. It’s a hilarious romp through absurdity and is one of the more even-balanced episodes of the bunch. It probably sits as the tip-top of season two, at least for me. There is a lot of creativity and sick humor garnished.
The Ricks Must Be Crazy – While out in another multi-verse with the kids, watching Ball Fondler’s the movie (last season reference), Rick’s car battery ends up dying, which forces Rick and Morty to make a trip into the battery to see what the heck is going on with the civilization that Rick built to power it. Inside that battery, they find a scientist name Zeep Xanflorp, who has created another civilization to power the power they need to power Rick’s battery (lots of power there) — although no one beyond Rick knows what they’re powering. It’s like a crazy episode based on Christopher Nolan’s inception. To boot, Summer’s adventure of ‘staying put’ in the car while Rick and Morty attend to the power problem becomes a sick and twisted (but oh, so good) adventure into how terrible the shows writers can be (in a good way). Do not miss this episode, it is gold.
The rest of the season is still damn good, but these three really made me laugh along the way. I rewatched the last two multiple times. Sadly, my wife found none of these funny (I know, right), so I watched them alone.
Forever alone.
Anyway, the second season of Rick and Morty is stronger, better and funnier than the first. It also seemed to relax a bit with unedited language on the Blu-ray, so expect some serious f-bombs and other colorful examples of lingo. In short, don’t let the kids watch this show, not that you would, but really-really-really don’t do it now.
Overall, Rick and Morty Season Two just reinforces the talents of its creators, gives a great reason for a third season and doesn’t look like it’s losing steam with the comedy anytime soon. Definitely add this one to your collection.
On the special features side of the tracks, here’s what you should expect:
– Animatics
– Deleted Animatic Sketches
– Featurette
– Commentary
Not a helluva lot to compliment the season, but most Rick and Morty fans won’t mind. I did expect a bit more on this portion of the Blu-ray, though. Maybe more next time? One can hope.
