An Emmy-winning episode of Rick & Morty quickly established its legacy after its debut, but I believe it ultimately fell victim to its own immense success. Rick & Morty Season 3, episode 3, “Pickle Rick,” was an instant success and a fan favorite, although the episode’s legacy is complicated.
“Pickle Rick,” which features the тιтular character Rick Sanchez transforming himself into a pickle, is one of the most beloved episodes in Rick & Morty‘s seven seasons. However, despite significant success after its debut, the episode has drawn criticism for representing the worst of Rick & Morty, particularly Rick & Morty‘s sometimes problematic fanbase, resulting in divisive backlash regarding the тιтle.
How Rick & Morty’s “Pickle Rick” Became A Victim Of Its Own Success
The Episode Blew Up Beyond What Anyone Ever Could’ve Imagined, And It Wasn’t A Good Thing
Ever since its release on Adult Swim in 2017, “Pickle Rick” has become synonymous with the beloved show as a whole. Remaining one of the highest-rated Rick & Morty episodes nearly a decade later, “Pickle Rick” is a quintessential outing for the zany duo. Because of this, the episode has spawned a fandom within itself, with countless memes, iconic quotes, and a plethora of popular merchandise.
“Pickle Rick” became a cultural phenomenon, but I think the immense success ultimately oversaturated the market, hampering the episode’s overall legacy.
Suffice it to say that “Pickle Rick” became a cultural phenomenon, but I think the immense success ultimately oversaturated the market, hampering the episode’s overall legacy. “Pickle Rick” was an inescapable bit at the time that is still remembered today. However, it’s an oddly middle-of-the-road episode of Rick & Morty television and not nearly as clever as some of the better half-hour quests the team embarks upon. While I enjoy the absurdist humor “Pickle Rick” brings, the episode feels extremely overhyped.
Rick & Morty’s “Pickle Rick” Doesn’t (Entirely) Deserve The Criticism It Gets
While Not A Great Episode Of The Show, “Pickle Rick” Deserves Some Credit For Its Impact On The Series Overall
From a series chock-full of interdimensional battles, extraterrestrial councils, and an overall sense of cerebral storyline, “Pickle Rick” is an oddly simple conceit for a Rick & Morty episode. As Rick aptly states, “I’ve turned myself into a pickle, Morty,” perfectly summarizing the plot. Because of this, “Pickle Rick” is often maligned in the pantheon on Rick & Morty outings, but I don’t believe the criticism is entirely warranted. For better or for worse, it’s hard to deny that the controversial Rick & Morty “Pickle Rick” episode changed the show forever.
“Pickle Rick” is far from the worst episode of Rick & Morty, and I appreciate the culture it spawned. Before season 3, Rick & Morty was mainly a cult cartoon with a casual audience. However, after the third season, in which “Pickle Rick” appeared, viewership numbers climbed significantly, spawning the now seven-season run of the show. The continued success of Rick and Morty might’ve been in jeopardy if not for “Pickle Rick,” establishing an important legacy for the episode despite its overhyped premise.
