Season eight of Rick and Morty is already shaping up to be a standout, with its latest episode, “The Rick, the Mort & the Ugly.” This installment brings back a familiar setting that fans might have thought was lost forever. While the Citadel of Ricks was destroyed at the end of season five, and portal travelers were sent back to their original universes in season six, there remains plenty of unresolved drama for the Ricks and Mortys who were clones, not variants. This week, all that unfinished business comes to the forefront.
We recently had the chance to connect with voice actors Ian Cardoni (Rick) and Harry Belden (Morty) to discuss the vocal complexities they explored in “The Rick, the Mort & the Ugly.” Along with them, showrunner and executive producer Scott Marder and executive producer Dan Harmon shared their insights into the decision to revisit the Citadel storyline.
“The episode is like 98% Rick and Morty,” Belden remarked. “While we aren’t literally every voice in the episode, it shares similarities with the season seven episode ‘Unmortricken,’ where it’s primarily centered around us. Recording this episode was particularly challenging for me due to the sheer volume of content we had to deliver.”
Ian Cardoni and Harry Belden took on the iconic roles of Rick and Morty during season seven after Justin Roiland’s departure, and season eight truly solidifies their connection to these beloved characters.
Belden added, “[Episode three was] one of the first we recorded, largely due to its complexity. We needed to wrap it up quickly for rewrites and re-records. It was an absolute blast, and I can’t wait for everyone to experience the variations we infused into the characters and scenarios.”
Cardoni chimed in, praising Belden’s performance: “You’ve got some hilarious stammers in that episode, Harry. You’ve really made those moments your own, and the joy of watching it as a fan is invigorating. Excellent work!”
Fans are in for a treat with a specific Rick that Cardoni voices in episode three: a drawling villain reminiscent of a well-known corrupt political figure from The Dukes of Hazzard. He embodies the character’s look, speech, and chaotic schemes, ensuring that the resurgence of the Citadel doesn’t go smoothly.
“I’m eager for the world to meet Boss Hogg Rick,” Cardoni shared. “He’s a fun new twist, and for each line, we probably delivered around 50 takes to capture something fresh. The multiverse provides a remarkable playground to explore these different versions of Rick.”
When asked about the direction for Boss Hogg Rick, Cardoni explained, “The team was open to my initial concepts, but it was definitely a collaborative effort in finalizing the character. Many of my unexpected takes made it into the episode, allowing me to explore the emotional range of Rick, which fans truly appreciate.”
As for the show’s creators, Marder and Harmon noted that their desire to circle back to the Citadel had been brewing for some time. Marder stated, “We sensed there was an intriguing story regarding the scientist responsible for everything. Is he moving on, or does he feel guilt about these experiments?”
Harmon reflected on the initial concept, saying, “We thought about creating a spiritual successor to the Citadel episode, but with the Citadel being destroyed, this version is among the remnants.”
Curiously, the writing process behind Rick and Morty isn’t just a simple checklist of ideas. Marder noted, “Characters like Odd Job Rick and Boss Hogg Rick develop more organically. They emerge in discussions or the writer’s drafts, and the episodes are constantly layered and revised, making the final product feel intricately crafted.”
At the end of “The Rick, the Mort & the Ugly,” a moment occurs when our versions of Rick and Morty return after being absent through much of the episode. They momentarily address a trivial scenario involving Morty’s fidget spinner, but an important exchange hints at their evolution as characters; Rick admits he was wrong, showcasing a growth in their relationship. Morty agrees that he, too, has changed.
Harmon expressed his fondness for such moments: “I think they resonate as humor, but not merely as jokes. They highlight the evolution of friendship, moving beyond Rick belittling Morty, and show genuine connection.”
New episodes of Rick and Morty air Sundays on Adult Swim.
What are the key themes of the latest Rick and Morty episode?
The latest episode tackles themes of friendship, character growth, and the complexities of the multiverse.
How does the voice acting in Rick and Morty contribute to the show’s success?
The voice actors bring unique nuances to their characters, enhancing emotional depth and humor throughout the series.
What can we expect from the upcoming episodes of Rick and Morty?
Future episodes are likely to explore more character developments and potential new iterations of beloved characters as they navigate the multiverse.
Is the Citadel storyline concluded or will it be revisited?
While the Citadel was destroyed, hints suggest that its storyline may explore further developments in upcoming episodes.
How have the new voice actors affected the show’s dynamic?
The new actors have infused fresh perspectives into the characters, allowing for unique performances that resonate with fans.
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