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Managing editor & film and television critic with a Bachelor's of Arts in English Literature with a Writing Minor from the University of Guam. Currently in graduate school completing a Master's in English Literature.
Rick Sanchez (Justin Roiland) returns to the metaphysical plane of existence. This past week’s Rick and Morty — Season 5 Episode 8 — is titled, “Rickternal Friendshine of the Spotless Mort”. Producer Albro Lundy serves as the episode’s writer, while storyboard artist Erica Hayes serves as its director.
In this spoiler review, I will discuss and analyze the details of the episode. Please beware if you have not yet seen it.
Plot Summary
Season 5 Episode 8 follows from the previous episode. Rick Sanchez’s daughter Beth Smith (Sarah Chalke) leaves him in charge of the house, while she and the Smith family go on a cruise ship trip. In his garage, Sanchez uses pieces of Phoenixperson to turn back into Birdperson (Dan Harmon). However, Sanchez’s long-time friend is stuck inside of his own mind, so Sanchez enters that realm to retrieve him. He revisits the moments of their years-long time together, resulting in an event reminiscent of Tenet‘s ending.
The elderly mad scientist crosses paths with his 35-year-old self and Birdperson’s former partner, Tammy (Cassie Steele). Matters get a little stressful when Birdperson’s consciousness begins to decay and it is revealed that he sired a child. In the end, Sanchez welcomes Birdperson as a father figure before his friend departs for his child.
Tom Kenny returns as Squanchy. Kari Walgren voices the A.I. of the Smith garage, while animation editor Nick Reczynski also makes a voice appearance.
Chris Parnell and Spencer Grammer make small voice cameos as Jerry and Summer Smith, with Roiland making a small appearance as Morty Smith.
Discussion
“How can a mind be hidden by itself inside itself?” Rick’s question pretty much explains the sub-consciousnesses of human beings, and in this episode, the plot takes inspiration from Charlie Kaufman’s 2004 science-fiction romance film, Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind. In the same way, the episode is also a bottle episode, going nowhere except for the Smiths’ garage. (Does the mind count as a place setting? That’s up for you to ponder.)
Aside from Tammy and Squanchy, the story also features a return of the Galactic Federation. It’s been a while since we’ve last seen them, having last appeared in Season 3 with Rick taking them down and escaping imprisonment.
The series introduces 35-year-old Rick Sanchez as sort of a new character, one that we will have to be mindful of (no pun intended) as it moves forward. It would be interesting to see more of him in future episodes. Not only that, but we get a sneak peek of Birdperson’s offspring, who has yet to be named.
I also appreciate the references to Shrek and the Marvel Cinematic Universe’s JARVIS, the former of which isn’t so foregrounded in dialogue but is noteworthy. Sanchez pokes fun at Pickle Rick, which would be interesting to return to in the future.
This Week’s Rick and Morty Crew
In this episode, Robbie Erwin returns as the art director. Teddy O’Connor and Jim Shellhorn join in storyboard art, while Carlos Ortega Madden and Maya Shavzin return as character designers.
Demetrice Wilson and Gen Wolfe join the prop design for this week’s episode, while Emi Chan returns for the design clean-up. Mike Bear, Sean Bodley, Rafael “Rafa” Hurtado, Joey McCormick, Phillip K. Burrows, Jr., Daniel Chiu, Steven Hai, and Monica Smith join the team of background designers.
Dresden Douglas, Doreen Nguyen, and Wontaek Yoo join in color design, while Courtney Coffman, Iris Lin, Sophia Nelson, Melissa Rodriguez, and Sophie Story join in background paint.
Performances and Character Developments
Roiland performs well in the episode, but his character has an even stronger dynamic with Harmon’s Birdperson. The episode shows that Sanchez has feelings for other people besides himself. This also suggests that he may have emotions for his friend, although maybe only time can tell.
Birdperson’s reintroduction into the series makes for some great character development. With the revelation of his daughter in space prison, it would be interesting to see what direction the show takes next.
Lastly, we see more of Rick Sanchez’s personal A.I. program, having last heard from her a few episodes ago. I feel like all this is a set-up for something good. Of course, only time will tell.
Final Thoughts
“Rickternal Friendshine of the Spotless Mort” probably does not offer much without the Smiths. However, it does test the waters of what the series can do with just the inclusion of Rick. Perhaps we should see what it can do with just the Smith family, but maybe we’ve seen what that would be like. The episode may not look like it has few to offer, although that is far from the case.
Rick and Morty Season 5 is now on Adult Swim!
Have you seen this season? What are your thoughts on it? Let us know! For more animation, adventure, comedy, fantasy, and science-fiction-related news and reviews, follow The Cinema Spot on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram!
Managing editor & film and television critic with a Bachelor's of Arts in English Literature with a Writing Minor from the University of Guam. Currently in graduate school completing a Master's in English Literature.
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