Rick and Morty season 7, episode 6, “Rickfending Your Mort,” is a clip show built out of adventures we’ve never seen, and it’s a full-on narrative roller coaster. Did it just redefine the limits of the show? To get into that, we’re going to have to spoil the most recent episode, so consider yourself warned.

Rick and Morty, we’re back, baby. After the epic showdown with Rick Prime, season 7 takes us on a path less traveled. Morty, in a bid to rejuvenate Rick’s adventurous streak, tries to cash in several seasons’ worth of adventure punch cards and inadvertently unlocks a trove of wild escapades.

“Rickfending Your Mort” is a cleverly crafted mix of the show’s beloved interdimensional cable format, spliced with fresh narrative spins. The episode balances the aftermath of serious canon events with the series’ trademark zaniness, showing us that in the world of Rick and Morty, anything still remains possible.

“This stinks to high heaven, Morty. I’m not accepting these.”

“I knew you were going to do this, so I got receipts.”

“This is gibberish. Isle of the Mortys?”

“I make up titles for each adventure.”

“You did the same thing for that MS read-a-thon at your school, Morty, and you didn’t read.”

“It’s okay to lie when you’re fighting multiple sclerosis.”

“Or when you think you won’t get caught.”

A Clip Show That Knows It’s a Clip Show

Defying the traditional clip show format, this episode takes us on a whirlwind tour of unseen adventures. It’s a fresh exploration of what-if scenarios, and it lampshades the fact that at its core it’s still a clip show.

From the absurdly funny truth or dare with the truth-telling and lying guards to Morty’s unexpected transformation into a boat (oh jeez), the episode serves as a testament to the show’s unbounded creativity. Each mini adventure is a piece of a larger puzzle, painting a fuller picture of our protagonists’ interdimensional escapades.

The Observer and the Audit

At the start of the episode, Rick calls Morty out for trying to deceive him with falsely punched adventure cards and, much like an NFL replay commercial, demands an audit from an outside observer.

“They observe all, Morty. Cosmic all-seeing species.”

“So they’re basically universal police body cams?”

“But you can’t turn them off before you cook the adventure books.”

“I don’t do that.”

“We’ve got to find out.”

The introduction of the Observer, a character who sees all across realities, is a game changer. His role in auditing Morty’s receipts is a clever commentary on the characters’ perception of reality. With the Observer’s presence, we’re compelled to question the reliability of what we’ve seen so far in the series. His ability to queue up any moment from Rick and Morty’s past adventures blurs the line between their reality and our entertainment, adding layers of depth to the show’s already complex narrative.

The Smith Family’s Most Cringeworthy Moments

In true Rick and Morty fashion, the episode doesn’t shy away from highlighting the Smith family’s most cringeworthy moments: Jerry’s acidic pee incident, Summer’s alien abduction disappointment, and Space Beth’s gaseous mishap during a revolutionary meeting.

“Is our target Dichotomous Daniel?”

“That was my chair.”

They serve as stark reminders of the show’s ability to meld dark humor with poignant character development. These moments, as embarrassing as they are for the characters, add a humanizing touch to the intergalactic escapades, reminding us that at its core Rick and Morty is a show about a dysfunctional but relatable family.

“Well, that last one was just for shock value.”

The Trial

The episode’s climax, a trial by the Observers, is a masterful stroke of storytelling. It hearkens back to the giant trial from season 1, offering meta commentary on the show’s moral ambiguity.

This trial scene cleverly juxtaposes humor with existential dread, forcing us to ponder the ethical implications of Rick and Morty’s actions. Are they merely reckless adventurers, or is there a darker, more sinister side to their escapades? The trial serves as a mirror, reflecting the moral complexities of the show’s universe back at the audience.

“Can’t believe we got ourselves into this mess over something as petty as what an adventure is.”

“Yeah, I guess I can admit I got a little loose with the stamps.”

“Gotcha.”

The Churro

The episode concludes with Morty’s heroic act, saving Rick and escaping the Observers’ grasp. But it’s the post-credits churro scene that leaves us hanging in suspense.

“I knew this day would come. Oh. Oh God.”

The seemingly innocuous moment is laden with symbolism and foreshadowing. What does the churro represent? Is it a harbinger of future conflicts, or a subtle nod to past adventures? It’s a clever narrative device, and it leaves us contemplating the deeper meanings and possible future plot lines.

The Verdict

Rick and Morty season 7, episode 6, “Rickfending Your Mort,” gets a solid 8 out of 10 on the Know-It-All Index, for being very much a season 1 throwback type of episode.

“Do some classic adventures, like season 1.”

“So sick of that note. What does it even mean?”

“Rickfending Your Mort” is a testament to Rick and Morty’s storytelling prowess. It’s an episode that seamlessly blends humor, existentialism and narrative complexity, and it leaves us both entertained and introspective, pondering the deeper themes lurking beneath the surface of its comedic facade.

So there you go. Now you know. And if knowing’s half the battle, you’re halfway to being a know-it-all yourself.

What’s your favorite moment from this episode, and what do you think it signifies? The conversation lives in the comments on the video above. Never forget: everyone loves a know-it-all.