Rick and Morty's Season 9 premiere, "There's Something About Morty," is a spectacle to behold, but it leaves a bitter taste in my mouth due to the mishandling of Evil Morty's character. This episode showcases the show's signature style with its grand scale and action-packed sequences, but it fails to capture the depth and complexity that made Evil Morty such an intriguing figure in the first place.
The premise of Evil Morty joining forces with Rick is intriguing, especially given their history. However, the writers seem to struggle with what to do with this character post-Rick Prime's defeat. Evil Morty's desire for freedom from the Rick/Morty dynamic is a compelling narrative thread, but it's squandered here. Instead of a genuine rival, he becomes Rick's clingy partner-in-crime, which feels out of character and undermines the tension that could have been built between them.
Despite this, the episode excels in its visual spectacle. The battle with The Collective is a feast for the eyes, with its grand scale and animation that rivals anime. The voice acting by Harry Belden is commendable, especially in the subtle mocking of the two Mortys. The action sequences, particularly the Dragon Ball-inspired showdown, are a highlight and showcase the show's ability to push its animation to the limit.
Yet, the episode's climax leaves a sour note. Evil Morty's defeat and the revelation about Rick's time travel habits are amusing, but they risk reducing their rivalry to a simple battle of wits. I fear this might be the extent of their conflict, and it's a shame because the potential for a more nuanced and emotional rivalry was there.
In conclusion, while "There's Something About Morty" is entertaining and visually stunning, it falls short in its treatment of Evil Morty. The character's potential for depth and complexity is wasted, and the episode's climax feels rushed. I hope that in future episodes, the show finds a way to breathe new life into their rivalry, making it more unique and meaningful. For now, it's a spectacle, but a bittersweet one.
