Remember that time Rick and Morty turned into giant turkeys and fought a turkey president? Okay, maybe not. But season five, episode two, titled "Mortyplicity," dives into even weirder territory: decoys!
A Family Feud, Decoy Style
The episode kicks off with the Smiths hosting dinner when they are attacked by aliens. Sounds like a normal Tuesday for them, right? But things quickly spiral out of control when Rick reveals he's created decoy families.
These aren't just simple robots; they are sophisticated, self-aware, and… well, they also make decoys. It's decoys all the way down!
The humor comes from the sheer absurdity of the situation. Families of decoy families are killing each other, questioning their existence, and evolving into increasingly bizarre forms. It's a chaotic free-for-all!
The Meaning of Family (Maybe?)
Amidst the violence and existential dread, the episode touches on the idea of family. Are the decoys real? Do they deserve to live? Does any of this even matter?
Morty, as usual, struggles with the moral implications. He wants to protect the decoys, even though they are causing immense destruction.
Rick, on the other hand, seems mostly amused by the whole thing. He's seen it all before, or at least something equally messed up. His detached perspective often clashes with Morty's empathy.
It leads to some surprisingly poignant moments amidst the chaos. They aren't always deep, but it give you something to chew on between laugh.
Cronenberging Goes Meta
The episode definitely cranks the show’s established Cronenberg-style body horror up several notches. Decoys become increasingly distorted and mutated as they try to survive.
This extreme imagery is used for comedic effect. It's over-the-top and grotesque, but also undeniably funny. Think Rick and Morty meets a David Cronenberg fever dream.
More Than Just Laughs
While "Mortyplicity" is hilarious, it's also surprisingly clever. The layers of decoys can be hard to keep track of. That adds to the fun, and also it makes you wonder about identity and existence.
The episode plays with the idea that everyone is a kind of decoy, acting out roles and presenting different versions of themselves to the world. Deep, right?
Ultimately, "Mortyplicity" is a wild ride through the multiverse of possibilities. It’s a showcase for Rick's scientific genius (and recklessness), Morty's ever-present moral compass, and the show's ability to blend dark humor with surprisingly profound questions.
And hey, if you get confused along the way, don’t worry. Even Rick probably doesn’t fully understand what's going on.
So, sit back, grab a Szechuan sauce (or whatever your favorite interdimensional condiment might be), and enjoy the show.
