It's been a long wait for the fourth season of
Rick and Morty but the best animated series on TV today is back and better than ever. The premiere doesn't feature much in the way of teases for an overarching storyline in this latest batch of episodes but it is classic
Rick and Morty and an undeniably fun ride featuring plenty of laughs, an extremely inventive premise, and a number of typically great alternate Ricks.
After getting his hands on a death crystal and seeing the many ways he could die, Morty spends much of this episode attempting to ensure that his "happy ending" with Jessica comes true by following a very specific path which results in a series of hilariously bizarre scenarios. As we mentioned, it's a clever idea and one which, like the best
Rick and Morty stories, gets you thinking about what would happen if you could also see every possible way you might die while attempting to avoid them so you get the "perfect" ending. As for Rick, he comes across a huge array of alternate Ricks who probably could have had an entire episode devoted to any one of them given how awesome they are (Teddy Bear Rick is bound to be a favourite, while more of the Kirkland Mr. Meeseeks is a must).
Honestly, the only bad thing to say about this premiere is that it arguably doesn't devote as much time to some of those Ricks as it probably should have. With any luck, we'll see them return, and an entertaining season-long subplot would definitely be a bonus, especially now we know the show has a longerm future on Adult Swim (despite that, only five episodes are coming this year, with the rest following sometime next year).
The voice acting is as great as ever and
Rick and Morty remains one of the most visually unique animated shows out there with the sorts of ideas and characters you just aren't going to find elsewhere. Justin Roiland, Dan Harmon, and the rest of the talented individuals working on the series clearly have plenty more up their sleeves and now they're no longer facing the possibility of cancellation, it's going to be a very exciting few years to be a
Rick and Morty fan. "Edge of Tomorty: Rick Die Rickpeat" feels familiar in many ways but after a two-year hiatus, that's no bad thing and while the heavy focus on the title characters means the fan-favourite supporting cast is somewhat overlooked, they'll hopefully get their due in future episodes. Plus, despite how much fun this opening episode is, it does carry an interesting message and one which might make viewers who blame Rick for all of Morty's problems think twice.
How will their dynamic continue to evolve over the coming weeks? That remains to be seen but there are some hints that things at home are quite a bit different following Jerry's return. As a result, it definitely feels like the show won't be going down such a dark path with Rick and Morty's relationship moving forward, a concept many argued outstayed its welcome during season three.
It's been a long wait for new episodes of Rick and Morty but following this delightfully crazy premiere, it's fair to say that not only is the show as good as ever but that this could be the most enjoyable season to date.