Warning: This article contains SPOILERS for Rick and Morty season 8, episode 10, “Hot Rick”.Rick and Mortywrapped up its eighth season with one of the show’s best episodes in years, and I’m still not over the dramatic finale. After returning to form with nine mostly positive adventures,Rick and Mortyseason 8’s endingcompletely floored fans with a jaw-dropping story that was filled with intense and emotional moments, making it truly stand out.
Although some outings like “The Last Temptation of Jerry” and “Morty Daddy” fell a little flat, it already seemed like season 8 had recaptured some of that magic heading into the finale, putting big expectations on “Hot Rick”. Thankfully, it didn’t disappoint, completely surpassing everyone’s expectations by focusing on Rick’s complicated relationship with his two daughters.
Seeing how absent he was in their childhood allowed Memory Rick to influence Beth’s memories, creating a chaotic, multi-layered plot that had an excellent yet heartbreaking payoff. As a result,“Hot Rick” quickly cemented itself as one ofRick and Morty’s best finales, and it even has a case for being one of the strongest episodes in the entire series.
Rick & Morty’s Season 8 Finale Is One Of The Show’s Best Episodes Ever
“Hot Rick” Perfectly Dived Into Rick’s Tragic Elements While Delivering An Emotional Conclusion
It may be a little early to say “Hot Rick” is one of the show’s best-ever episodes, but based on the intensity and emotion of the story, I don’t think it’s unreasonable. The return of Memory Rick didn’t just reintroduce us to one of the franchise’s best Rick variants, but it also helped create a powerful and impactful plot.
WhileRick and Morty’s drama usually stems from some other worldly threat or something silly like the family wanting “Night People” to do chores, the latest finale had a much more organic conflict.Memory Rick’s desire to reunite with Diane caused all sorts of problems inside Beth’s head, reminding us of her tough childhood.
This story made it clear how significantly Beth’s upbringing was impacted by her father constantly leaving for missions, while also exposing Memory Rick’s desire to create a substantial life, something that went badly wrong. Rick’s side of the episode was just as interesting, as it delved into his commitment issues.
The embrace between Rick and Beth as the latter struggled with her sentient memories was a genuinely sweet moment, providing a warm conclusion.
Rick and Mortyhas showcased Rick failing to overcome his flawstime and time again, but he made a serious effort to be better in “Hot Rick”, eventually opening up emotionally for his daughter. The embrace between Rick and Beth as the latter struggled with her sentient memories was also a genuinely sweet moment that provided a warm conclusion.
However, the episode’s real ending was much more heartbreaking, asBeth was still traumatized by everything that happened, which included temporarily killing Space Beth. Meanwhile, Rick wound up alone even after doing the right things and maturing, making season 8’s finale a truly iconic outing.
The Final Scene Of Rick In The Car Is One Of Rick & Morty’s Most Emotional Moments Yet
No Matter How Much Rick Tries, He Always Seems To End Up Alone
After evolving as a person and being there for his daughter when she needed him most, you’d think Rick might be treated to a positive ending. Additionally, he removed an important memory of his late wife to move on with his life and be more emotionally available, suggesting he would finally be rewarded with some happiness. Sadly, this wasn’t the case.
In an attempt to protect Memory Rick and Diane, he informed the Smith family that they died after Beth’s memories were reset, something that made the family upset. In actuality, he moved the couple to an ant farm brain, allowing them to be together forever after also attending BugAnne’s family event, despite believing it was a bad idea to get so close.
The date went wrong, but Rick going in the first place was progress, as was his decision to message BugAnne in the episode’s closing moments. Sadly, the text was read but never replied to, leaving Rick all alone in his car while somber, emotional music played, amplifying how heartbreaking this moment was, given that the protagonist was clearly hurting.
Rick and MortySeason
Rick and MortySeason 1
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Rick and MortySeason 2
91%
Rick and MortySeason 3
96%
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Rick and MortySeason 5
86%
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77%
Rick and MortySeason 8
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Rick’s positive actions don’t make up for all his mistakes, but it was stilldisappointing thatRick and Mortyseason 8’s finaledidn’t give him a more upbeat ending, yet it felt oddly fitting. Behind all his mean comments and stoic actions, Rick is an emotional and sentimental man, making this moment of loneliness and despair truly difficult to watch.
Rick & Morty’s Season 8 Finale Proves The Show Has Changed For The Better
The Series May Not Be Perfect, But Rick & Morty’s Attempt To Try New Things Paid Off In Season 8
Despite the sentiment thatRick and Mortyis past its best, the latest finale just proved that the show is still evolving. It may not be as fresh or original as it once was, but the series still has plenty to offer, and its willingness to try new things worked well in season 8, something that will hopefully continue in the future.
AfterRick and Morty’s lowest-rated episodepremiered in season 7, the franchise could’ve been put off by taking the spotlight away from the central characters, yet season 8 did this more than ever to good effect. Likewise, the finale explored depressing themes through a unique concept, proving the show’s creativity is still there.
All 10 episodes ofRick and Mortyseason 8 are available to stream on HBO Max.
Rather than trying to cater to every fan’s wish or what has worked previously, the writers have taken these aspects on board while attempting to drive the narrative forward and come up with new ideas. The results may not be for everyone, butRick and Morty’s big changes have paid off, hence why the series continues to thrive after all this time.
