The highest rated episode in the history of Rick and Morty on IMDb is The Ricklantis Mixup (3×07), and it even won an Annie Award for Best Writing in an Animated Television/Broadcast Production. The interesting thing is that the episode addresses and resolves an old debate among fans about the direction the series should take.
Rick and Morty is currently one of the most influential series of its generation, but it has had its ups and downs throughout its seven seasons. Although fans have different opinions on which are the best episodes, some chapters have received universal praise. And unfortunately, there is a common debate among the series’ followers about whether Rick and Morty should focus on “canonical” plots or independent adventures.
The Ricklantis Mixup shows the way
Some of the most popular and funniest episodes of the series are standalone stories that can be enjoyed on their own, without the need to connect with other episodes. Other episodes, considered essential, are integrated into the overall narrative of the series and are described as “dense”. Rick and Morty has struggled to find a balance between these two approaches and has even mocked this debate within the series itself. However, “The Ricklantis Mixup” exemplifies how to perfectly balance both styles.
The Ricklantis Mixup primarily unfolds as a standalone adventure. Instead of focusing on the main characters, the episode explores the rebuilt Citadel of Ricks. The episode begins with Rick and Morty getting ready for a trip to Atlantis, but quickly shifts focus to the Citadel.
This change allows for exploring multiple versions of Ricks and Mortys, introducing unique characters like Cop Rick and the Mortys from Mortytown. But, although the episode seems to be standalone, it ends with a major twist: Evil Morty has secretly taken control of the Citadel by becoming its first Morty president.
Basically, Rick and Morty is at its best when it combines canonical plots with “filler” episodes. The most successful seasons of the series manage to balance dense plot stories with independent adventures. Season 7, the first one after the recasting of the main characters, has been a step in the right direction. Although it is unlikely that the series will regain the tone of its first season, there is always potential for episodes like “The Ricklantis Mixup” to bring something special.
