By 
When it comes to television, it is often the case that after a period of time, series become predictable and fall into a pattern. Season eight of Rick and Morty manages to defy the pattern and keep itself feeling fresh. It continues to push itself to creative highs, and remains funny as ever.
The new season comes on the heels of Rick and Morty: The Anime, which tried to do … something, but didn’t really click. It has been a while since we last saw these versions of Rick, Morty, and their family with season seven of the adult swim series last airing at the end of 2023. Along the way, the series has had some minor bumps, where some stories worked better than others, but nothing enough to knock the show off course. The new season picks up as if no time has passed. It is a disturbingly comforting feeling having the crazy adventures and these wacky characters back on our screens.
Season eight sees some stories that work better than others, but it’s easy to feel that the show is keeping viewers on their toes. It isn’t afraid to tug on more emotional strings and ask existential questions often not seen on TV. It’s relevant as ever, with some really funny meta comments that catch you off guard.
Over the course of episodes 1, 3, 4 and 5 there are stories focused on our main Rick and Morty, the family, and other versions of these characters. They tap into previous ongoing stories, and set up new villains and stories along the way. My favorite episodes are the ones with unexpected layers and this season has a bunch of them already. The season premiere sees characters dive deeper than before. It really felt as if the episode was longer than usual because of how much story they manage to pump into the episode. It’s a really strong way to kick off the season.
I’ve personally never had an issue with the voice cast changes, and it feels like Ian Cardoni and Harry Belden have become even more comfortable this season in their roles as Rick and Morty. They feel natural and as if they’ve been voicing these characters longer than they actually have. Spencer Grammer does an exceptional job as Summer in the episodes she appears in so far. She brings a lot of depth to her role and keeps the humor going flawlessly.
Animation on Rick and Morty doesn’t ever vary much. The new season remains visually out there and violent at times. It feels comfortable and memorable at the same time, bringing viewers to new locations and familiar places.
The show slowly has been addressing the trauma the members of the family have been dealing with since they all got pulled into Rick’s shenanigans. Over these new episodes, we see moments where they realize the nature of these adventures and the effects they have on everyone. They handle them in a way that is both serious, and funny. These events have become normal to them but always find new ways to be surprised.
Rick and Morty feels more grown up, while keeping its dark, zany charms in season eight. Whether it’s dealing with holidays, alternate versions of characters, or coming to terms with unconventionally growing up, Rick and Morty puts everyone through the wringer to delightful results. With the series being renewed through season twelve, there’s still tons to explore and even more to discover. Rick and Morty forever!
Season Eight of Rick and Morty premieres Sunday, May 25 at 11:00pm ET/PT on adult swim.
