Ep 7. The Ricklantis Mixup

"In The Ricklantis Mixup, audiences are taken on a journey to a completely different realm from the usual chaotic adventures of the Smith family with Rick and Morty. Instead, the entirety of the episode is focused on the Citadel, a sprawling city inhabited solely by infinite versions of Rick and Morty from across the multiverse. Initially introduced in the first season, the Citadel is a massive governmental hub that is controlled by Ricks, with Mortys as their subservient counterparts, serving as their polar soulmate, devoid of any individual agency.

The episode revolves around several plots happening on the Citadel, giving viewers a new insight into the intricacies of life in the Rick and Morty universe. The first plot follows a group of Mortys who want to overthrow the Ricks and take over the Citadel. This subplot offers a refreshing view of life from the Morty's perspective. The Mortys had been shown before on the show as timid and uncertain, forced into being sidekicks to their counterparts without a voice or rights of their own. Hence, the sudden shift in power dynamics is a welcome perspective.

The next plot follows a group of Ricks vying for the position of the head of the Citadel. With the recent departure of the previous leader, the space has opened up, and they're all vying for the top spot, utilizing whatever means necessary as seen in typical Rick and Morty style. In a way, this subplot showcases the hypocrisy of the highest order. The smartest, most innovative people of the multiverse, who are supposed to be the epitome of intelligence, resort to their base instincts and foul play to get ahead.

Another plot thread follows two beat cops, one of which is a Morty, and the other, a Rick. They are ostensibly assigned to deal with low-level law enforcement and keep it that way. However, the reach of the corruption goes up to the highest levels of power, and the crime begins to take over their lives, leading to an intense and satisfying arc.

The final plot follows two of the more popular characters on the show, Jerry and Summer, who are vacationing in Atlantis. While there, they enjoy the pleasures of technological advancements available to them, while Summer yearns for her life at home and the chaotic messes that come with being a Rick's family member.

The episode presents a fresh perspective of the Rick and Morty universe, shining a light on the previously obscure and unexplored Citadel. The episode addresses that the Citadel is where every single kind of Rick and Morty resides without the Smith family, adding to the mystique of the universe. It's a complete standalone episode, somewhat of a departure from the normal formula but delves deep into the psyche of the characters and adds more layers to the show's overarching narrative.

Overall, The Ricklantis Mixup is an excellent episode, providing new insights into the show's mythology while also delivering that classic mix of dark humor, action, and satire that fans have come to love. It's a deep dive and a deviation away from the formulaic aspects of the show, thereby making it a refreshing change of pace."