Rick & Morty Season 8 May Break Long-Standing Trends Following Season 7’s Lowest Rated Episode

As anticipation builds for Rick and Morty season 8, set to premiere in late 2025, fans are hopeful that the show will not only maintain its signature style but also learn from past missteps. Following a highly acclaimed season 7 finale, which earned top ratings on IMDb, viewers are eager to see where the series will venture next. The finale, titled “Fear No Mort,” stood out for its captivating storyline that momentarily shifted the spotlight from Rick to Morty, adding depth to the character and showcasing a more poignant narrative.

“Fear No Mort” demonstrated that the upcoming season could explore Morty’s character more deeply, potentially leading to richer story developments. However, season 7 also had its share of disappointments, particularly with the much-maligned episode 8, “Rise of the Numbericons: The Movie.” Despite referring back to a beloved classic episode, “Get Schwifty,” this sequel failed to resonate with audiences, resulting in notable backlash.

The Disappointing Reception of “Get Schwifty”Sequel

Poor Rating: “Rise of the Numbericons: The Movie”Only Managed a 4.5 on IMDb

“Rise of the Numbericons: The Movie” was expected to capture the essence of a much-loved earlier episode, but it ultimately fell short, receiving a dismal IMDb score of 4.5. The focus of the episode veered largely towards minor characters, namely Ice-T and Mr. Goldenfold, leaving Morty sidelined and Rick completely absent. This deviation from the dynamic of the main characters may have contributed to its unfavorable reception.

This marked the first instance in which Rick was entirely absent from a Rick and Morty episode. However, the reliance on previous storylines might have hindered its impact, as new viewers or those unfamiliar with the original episode may have struggled to connect with its plot. While the season 7 finale effectively stood alone, the eighth episode felt like a mere continuation for a select audience rather than a standalone story.

Season 8 May Avoid Sequel Episodes

An Overview of Previous Sequel Episodes

Sequel episodes have been a recurring theme throughout the series, though their success has varied. For instance, while season 2’s “Interdimensional Cable 2: Tempting Fate” was well-received, this success may be due to its improvisational format rather than a strict narrative. In contrast, season 5 faced challenges with sequels, as seen in “Gotron Jerry’s Rickvangelion,” which failed to hit the mark alongside its predecessor.

In season 7, the reliance on sequels became apparent, with episodes revisiting existing plot lines, such as the continuation of Mr. Poopybutthole’s narrative and the exploration of Rick’s volatile relationships. Though these callbacks provided a sense of cohesion, they also highlighted a lack of originality that could detract from the viewers’ experience.

The Potential Benefits of Not Including Sequel Episodes in Season 8

A Heavy Dependence on Established Plot Lines

With the fresh voices behind the titular characters in season 7, it’s understandable that the creators would lean on familiar storylines to create continuity. However, as Rick and Morty’s seventh season proved successful, season 8 could benefit from a shift away from sequels to regain its narrative innovation. Over-reliance on established plot points can lead to the perception that the show is struggling for fresh material.

Episodes harking back to previous arcs, such as Mr. Poopybutthole’s divorce and Ice-T’s character, created a season rich with callbacks but ultimately suffered from a sense of redundancy. Season 8 should strive for originality and fresh narratives to captivate its audience.

Episodes like “Unmortricken” in season 7 were well-received as they expanded existing plot lines, but “Rise of the Numbericons: The Movie” missed the mark, leaving viewers feeling unfulfilled. For season 8, the challenge will be to move away from the redundancy that plagued season 7, forging a path that embraces creativity and engaging storytelling.

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