In many ways a show like Rick and Morty is tough to review because it is so out there and nutty that it is difficult to describe. It’s the kind of thing I like, but if you hate it I totally understand. It’s just very unique, which is part of its appeal. That said, season two is coming out on DVD and Blu-ray on June 7th, and I will try to give you an idea of what you can expect if you purchase it.
If you don’t know, Rick and Morty is the brainchild of Justin Roiland and Dan Harmon for Adult Swim. It tells the story of a cranky alcoholic old man Rick and his worry-wart of a grandson Morty. Rick is an inventor who constantly drags Morty on his intergalactic travels and, as they meet various aliens, they have the craziest adventures you could imagine.
Going into season two, Rick, Morty, and sister Summer are in a time travel experience where the world is split into multiple realities. This first episode then has the characters trying to reconcile both timelines and dealing with an alien being who is out to get them.
I won’t say any more, but each episode is kind of like that. There’s a catastrophe in the galaxy that Rick and Morty must deal with, usually involving aliens or infestations of some kind. One of my favorites is “Total Rickall,” in which alien parasites start manipulating human memories to convince them they are life long beloved friends. These ‘friends’ take the shape of normal humans, like Jerry’s brother Uncle Steve, to Tinkles the Fairy Lamb, a Reverse Giraffe, and one that I would mention but I don’t want to offend anyone.
Speaking of offensive material, there’s lots to be had in Rick and Morty Season Two. It is definitely not for everyone. It’s crude, vulgar, and for adults only. Normally I wouldn’t indulge in this type of entertainment, but the creativity in the episodes wins me over each time. This won’t be the case with everyone and I respect that. Each of the episodes of the show I’ve seen have been new, different, and even shocking in the storytelling, so I’ll put up with the Adult Swim part of it.
As an animation fan the show is a joy to watch. The colors and fast pace of the adventures is great, and often each frame will have very complex backgrounds to marvel at. The character design of the aliens and other life forms are inventive and so much fun to watch.
Looking at the Blu-ray, there is one disk and a digital HD download code included with the purchase featuring all 10 episodes. The special features are pretty good, with audio commentary on each episode (sometimes two commentaries) from directors, performers, and animators involved in the show. I personally have always loved audio commentaries, so it was fascinating to listen to them and get the behind the scenes on the animation and writing process.
There are also animatics for each episode (which are cool), some deleted scenes, and a behind the scenes concert video of a band (I guess playing music from the show), but it felt like an amateur recording. I lost interest after a while. We also get a Plumbus Owners Manual, which will only make sense to you if you watch the show.
So Rick and Morty isn’t for everyone, but, if you like it, then I highly recommend picking up Rick and Morty Season Two on Blu-ray June 7th. They make it well worth your investment, and there is so much going on in each episode that they warrant multiple viewings. It’s tough to give a grade for this show, but, if it sounds like your kind of thing, then I bet you’ll enjoy it.
Purchase
Have you seen Rick and Morty? What do you think of the show, and how did season two work for you?
Edited by: Hannah Wilkes