Rick and Morty Season 9, Episode 5: The Mixed Bag of “Jer Bud”
Rick and Morty Season 9, Episode 5: “Jer Bud” Review
Heads up! This review spills all the beans about spoilers from Rick and Morty Season 9, Episode 5!
If you’re a fan of Rick and Morty, you probably love when the show gives a nod to its rich history. So, naturally, I was excited for “Jer Bud,” which is essentially a sequel to the classic Season 1 episode “Lawnmower Dog.” Long-awaited returns like Morty’s old pup, Snowball, who has made brief appearances over the years, had fans buzzing. But instead of a nostalgic joyride, we got a reminder that some things are best left in the past.
The Setup
In this episode, we see Morty (voiced by Harry Belden) pulled into yet another awkward scenario, this time dealing with the bizarre fate of a race of grotesque, inbred humanoid pets known as Mups. Sadly, the episode doesn’t quite soar as it tries to juggle the serious themes of sentience and freedom with humor. While the idea that dogs might start acting like humans has potential, the execution leaves a lot to be desired.
Missed Opportunities
One of the biggest letdowns is how the episode fails to infuse any real humor into the Mups storyline. The characters’ odd physical appearances, which could have been a source of comedy, simply fall flat. Instead of offering a fresh take, we’re left with a storyline that feels bland and uninspired.
Morty’s Moment, But Not Really
Though the episode does give Morty a chance to take center stage while Rick (voiced by Ian Cardoni) steps back, it’s unfortunate that Morty’s journey isn’t more engaging. It’s great to see a shift in focus from Rick, who usually overshadows everyone else, but Morty’s narrative lacks the punch we were hoping for.
Jerry to the Rescue
However, not all is lost! Jerry (voiced by Chris Parnell) comes through with a subplot that really steals the show. His journey as “Worm Jerry” is a delightful diversion. The absurdity of Jerry being possessed and acting out of character adds a layer of hilarity that the main storyline sorely lacks. Watching him navigate a job interview while being controlled by worms is a blast!
“It may not reach the heights of ‘Ricks Days, Seven Nights,’ but the humor in Jerry’s subplot makes it worthwhile.” – Jesse Schedeen
A Split Episode
The duality of this episode is striking; the Mups storyline is a letdown, while Worm Jerry’s escapades are full of comedic gold. The episode wraps up with some wild twists, including a chaotic scene in an alien drug den, followed by a dramatic childbirth on a falling plane. This creative blend showcases the show’s unique ability to balance bizarre situations.
The Verdict
Ultimately, “Jer Bud” stands out as the weakest link in Season 9 so far. While it features moments of brilliance, especially with Jerry, it fails to deliver a cohesive and engaging experience. But don’t fret! There’s still plenty of season left to entertain us with more adventures and laughter.