A relatively comedy-light episode (though still more than a few funny moments) full of drama, existential philosophy, social commentary and pure utter brilliance. The writers managed to achieve in this 22 minute episode more than most shows can do in an hour, without feeling rushed. Not to mention the brilliant Justin Roiland's solo performance, as he voiced every character in this episode. This really is television at its best.
94 Reviews
Rick & Morty summarizes The Wire in 22 minutes, and creates an awesome new villain in the process
TouchTheGarlicProduction10 September 2017
Warning: Spoilers
With the promotional material for this episode (and indeed the opening of the episode itself) we are setup to believe that this is just going to be a straightforward adventure about Rick and Morty searching for Atlantis. It soon turns out to be anything but. In fact, I would say this is one of the more ambitious and unexpected episodes to come out of this show in a while, and the only one this season aside from the premiere to bear major significance to the overall story of the show. Much like the season premiere, it feels like an hour long episode that has been sped up to fit into 22 minutes, resulting in a thrilling, overwhelming, and occasionally rushed experience.
I don't want to go too far into the plot(s) of the episode, because their unexpectedness is a big part of their power. However, I will say that the episode explores many themes about crime and the cycle of violence from the perspectives of the media, the government, the education system, the police system, and the employment system. In short, it encapsulates all of the key cogs in the massive beast that is modern society all the while exposing the hideous truths underlying each one. The way the episode explored these themes through interwoven hyper-real narratives following a vast cast of characters reminded me a lot of The Wire. As a matter of fact, the episode feels like a 22-minute animated science fiction recap of The Wire. Now that is barely enough time to cover any TV show, let alone a 5-season multi-layered socially unprecedented masterwork of television. The result is unavoidably a little cluttered, but ultimately successful.
By the end of the episode, it becomes clear that the purpose of all this (aside from providing a biting social commentary) was to create a surprise origin story for a new villain who will presumably play a large role at some point in the future. I found the setup of this character was quite compelling, with just enough left to mystery. I look forward to seeing what role he'll play as things progress.
Overall, this was a very out-there episode in terms of premise (not unlike all the others), which may alienate some viewers with it's overly fast pace but I personally found incredibly compelling due to its similarities to The Wire.
I don't want to go too far into the plot(s) of the episode, because their unexpectedness is a big part of their power. However, I will say that the episode explores many themes about crime and the cycle of violence from the perspectives of the media, the government, the education system, the police system, and the employment system. In short, it encapsulates all of the key cogs in the massive beast that is modern society all the while exposing the hideous truths underlying each one. The way the episode explored these themes through interwoven hyper-real narratives following a vast cast of characters reminded me a lot of The Wire. As a matter of fact, the episode feels like a 22-minute animated science fiction recap of The Wire. Now that is barely enough time to cover any TV show, let alone a 5-season multi-layered socially unprecedented masterwork of television. The result is unavoidably a little cluttered, but ultimately successful.
By the end of the episode, it becomes clear that the purpose of all this (aside from providing a biting social commentary) was to create a surprise origin story for a new villain who will presumably play a large role at some point in the future. I found the setup of this character was quite compelling, with just enough left to mystery. I look forward to seeing what role he'll play as things progress.
Overall, this was a very out-there episode in terms of premise (not unlike all the others), which may alienate some viewers with it's overly fast pace but I personally found incredibly compelling due to its similarities to The Wire.
Easily the Best
muhammadmohsin910 September 2017
One of my friends once said he wanted to know what kind of weed do you have to smoke to come up with such brilliance. This episode reminded me of exactly what genius the writers are capable of.
The episode is full of drama, crime, hope and despair. But somehow layered in all that intellectual plot, there is humor.
Every fan of the series is in for a big surprise as far as this episode is concerned. Best so far this season.
The episode is full of drama, crime, hope and despair. But somehow layered in all that intellectual plot, there is humor.
Every fan of the series is in for a big surprise as far as this episode is concerned. Best so far this season.
One of the best episodes, if not the best
nguyenbakhanhbicondova10 September 2017
Brilliant, twisted and even frightening, the people who've been complaining about the low quality compared to season 1 and 2 will definitely be satisfied with this episode.
I don't want to talk about the plot, and neither the show runners, you can tell that by the vague description: '' Rick and Morty go to The Lost City of Atlantis.'' But I will say that this episode explores many themes on an very emotional and structural level. It's very self contained and might take awhile for us to see the impact on the main story of season 3.
10/10
I don't want to talk about the plot, and neither the show runners, you can tell that by the vague description: '' Rick and Morty go to The Lost City of Atlantis.'' But I will say that this episode explores many themes on an very emotional and structural level. It's very self contained and might take awhile for us to see the impact on the main story of season 3.
10/10
"The greatest trick the Devil ever pulled was convincing the world he didn't exist."
bijanadhikari11 September 2017
I think we all can agree that Rick and Morty is one of the most unique show to ever put on TV. This episode simplifies that statement.
We are led to believe that it will be another Rick and Morty adventure but in typical Rick and Morty fashion it isn't predictable from the get go. I would love to explain the some plot points as this is a review but you have to watch it to know how complex and deep it is. All I can say is enjoy one of the best 22 minutes on TV story.
We are led to believe that it will be another Rick and Morty adventure but in typical Rick and Morty fashion it isn't predictable from the get go. I would love to explain the some plot points as this is a review but you have to watch it to know how complex and deep it is. All I can say is enjoy one of the best 22 minutes on TV story.
Best thing on TV...
huntgod11 September 2017
So R&M has transcended being a silly little cartoon with many episodes, this season promised darker and has delivered with every episode. I think this is possibly the strongest episode to date and really addresses some very deep societal issues, which might be jarring for some, but they do so in such an accessible way that I found it brilliant.
The homage to Training Day and Stand by Me were so well done, touches of Snape Rick were also very nice. I cannot wait to see where they go next, this show, though grotesque and vulgar at times, it just fantastic.
The homage to Training Day and Stand by Me were so well done, touches of Snape Rick were also very nice. I cannot wait to see where they go next, this show, though grotesque and vulgar at times, it just fantastic.
The Greatest
zeroxadnan10 September 2017
Warning: Spoilers
This episode was not only the greatest episode in Rick and Morty, but probably the greatest 20-22 minute episode in television history. I seriously do not have words. It was so short yet so much happened, very dense. It followed 6 story lines, and all of them even alone could make a great episode. Combine those together and we have this ultimate episode.
When the Evil Morty music played at the end, I just froze.
Unbelievably good.
When the Evil Morty music played at the end, I just froze.
Unbelievably good.
Best episode of the season,Dark,100% flawless and mind blowing
kmichaelskills10 September 2017
The rick and morty team did a great job with this episode ...The episode had many turns that kept you wanting more and more.They truly gave the fans what they wanted and with great story telling..This is how you make a great story .No plot holes or recycled work.Just a beautiful flow of story telling and giving the fans what they asked for.GOOD JOB !!
The episode where I decided that this is better than Game Of Thrones.
soham-8638913 September 2017
When the creators said they are going to get dark, I totally bought that because I know their capabilities. This episode was on a different level altogether. So many plot changes, brilliant writing, obviously makes you laugh and scares you at the same time. One of the Top 10 episodes in the history of television.
Unbelievable 11/10
jabberwocky79927 November 2017
Warning: Spoilers
I never write reviews on here but holy crap. This episode was the best episode of a TV show I have ever seen. So much depth and story set into a 22 minute time span. From police Morty being surprisingly bada**to the whole evil Morty complex. It was spectacular. When it's finally revealed that evil Morty is the president and his music starts playing I literally got shivers. I was frozen. All of the people who you seen through the episode are all dead. I was in disbelief that a show could do that to me in that short of a time. No words. Amazing show👏🏽👏🏽
The Morty we deserve, and the one we need
petrow-3130811 September 2017
This episode might be off-track for those, who did not see season 1, but a major reward for everyone, who knows the back-story of the Citadel of Ricks. I cannot say that the major plot twist in the end is unexpected, because somehow you suspect it all along, but the built-up of the entire episode is so good that you can't really concentrate only upon that. This one is pure gold, and when the end theme plays, you will feel the good old "DAMN" feeling, that you felt at Rick Potion #9, Auto-Erotic Assimilation, or Close Rick-counters of the Rick Kind.
Genuinely a masterpiece.
FiRE01016 May 2021
To be honest, I don't really like Rick and Morty that much, but this episode is excellent. It portrays a very interesting dystopia with some excellent writing. The theming of a capitalist society run by groups people who are essentially identical, is genuinely really interesting, and their execution of exploring this idea is obscenely well done.
So good, it's BAD. It's TOO GOOD to be true. It's too confusing and violent, broh. I just wanted to see Atlantis, broh! That would be a much better episode!
adampkalb11 May 2018
Warning: Spoilers
Can't we just make The Ricklantis Mixup and Tales from the Citadel 2 different episodes so Season 3 can have another episode? Why can't we have 1 episode with our own Rick and Morty in Atlantis and 1 episode with the Ricks and Mortys in the Citadel? I don't remember anything from this episode, although it was a nice gimmick to have Justin Roiland be the only voice actor through all of this, 30 seconds with Sarah Chalke and Jeff B. Davis aside. It's a real mystery why Rick and Morty is suddenly liked more for not being a comedy when it was meant to be a comedy from the start. I don't care how good any of this episode's storylines are, or how well they intertwine, because most of what happens isn't funny and they all end in tragedy with Evil Morty gaining control of the Citadel and getting rid of all of the Ricks and Mortys who knew about him by ejecting them into space whether they were already dead or not, as well as any Ricks and Mortys who may have killed each other in the process. I know there are 4 different plots with Rick and Morty cops, a Rick teaching a school of Mortys, a Simple Rick wafer factory, and a Morty running for president who turns out to be the Evil Morty, but the plots barely touch.
It means nothing to me if we can't see what fun our own Rick and Morty are having elsewhere because Atlantis might have been exciting, and it has a sad ending with all of our heroes getting killed, because that means hundreds of infinite alternate universes lost their own Rick and Morty. Even with 1 actor playing hundreds of the same 2 characters, it's a cruel bloodbath that's harder to follow than Vindicators 3 that also ends with the main villain (Supernova/Evil Morty) getting away with their heinous acts. I didn't know Rick and Morty was full drama now, and I'm only glad that The Rickchurian Mortydate was a season finale because at least we are following our original Rick and Morty in a confusing intertwined half-hour soap opera-crime drama.
This episode shows all the problems with the Rick and Morty internet fanbase. Despite having very short seasons that air 2 years apart, it gets talked to death on dozens of websites like it airs as often as The Simpsons, Family Guy or Bob's Burgers and its fans are more cold and unfeeling than Crocubot to avoid talking about very bad things that some episodes do such as this one, and they're in as much denial as Beth to call episodes where our Rick does very evil things like Rick Potion #9 to be some of the best episodes. I can barely trust the admirable 36 Lawnmower Dogs review from Mr. Enter. I won't learn to value this episode for what it is until we get a sequel to this in Season 4 where our Rick and Morty kill Evil Morty after he has killed most of the infinite Ricks and Mortys. Already I know that 1 earlier Vindicators episode and an episode about Rick and Morty going to Atlantis are 2 Rick and Morty episodes that don't exist, and Morty's Mind-Blowers seemed promising at first, but it became a very sucky way to make up for short seasons because they eventually turned as confusing, disturbing, violent and unfunny as some of the other Season 3 episodes.
I might be able to enjoy these deep stories on their own, but it means nothing as a season finale without our own Rick and Morty who went to Atlantis, and I am just INSULTED TO HECK by the intentional misdirection and the ending where Morty hopes he could go back for the mermaid-puss and it wasn't a one-time thing, and Rick saying that what we just saw in the citadel will never have any bearing on their lives. The writers who made this episode about the Citadel even insult themselves at the beginning by having Rick say that anyone who continues to explore the Citadel is either stupid or one of the millions hostage to their terrible ideas, implying that an episode about Rick and Morty going to Atlantis was a better idea that they didn't have because they were too stupid to think that it wouldn't be boring just because it didn't have so much political drama. The greatness of all these deep intertwined stories means absolutely nothing if the Rick and Morty we usually follow don't get to see Evil Morty again. If you think it was perfect, that loses its value from getting ruined by a downer ending where Evil Morty wins and our Rick and Morty having nothing to do with this plot when they are in Atlantis all day. This episode is still miles above Rick Potion #9, but I wouldn't vote it the best episode if we have to miss out on a Rick and Morty adventure to Atlantis that would be just as much fun as Lawnmower Dogs.
It means nothing to me if we can't see what fun our own Rick and Morty are having elsewhere because Atlantis might have been exciting, and it has a sad ending with all of our heroes getting killed, because that means hundreds of infinite alternate universes lost their own Rick and Morty. Even with 1 actor playing hundreds of the same 2 characters, it's a cruel bloodbath that's harder to follow than Vindicators 3 that also ends with the main villain (Supernova/Evil Morty) getting away with their heinous acts. I didn't know Rick and Morty was full drama now, and I'm only glad that The Rickchurian Mortydate was a season finale because at least we are following our original Rick and Morty in a confusing intertwined half-hour soap opera-crime drama.
This episode shows all the problems with the Rick and Morty internet fanbase. Despite having very short seasons that air 2 years apart, it gets talked to death on dozens of websites like it airs as often as The Simpsons, Family Guy or Bob's Burgers and its fans are more cold and unfeeling than Crocubot to avoid talking about very bad things that some episodes do such as this one, and they're in as much denial as Beth to call episodes where our Rick does very evil things like Rick Potion #9 to be some of the best episodes. I can barely trust the admirable 36 Lawnmower Dogs review from Mr. Enter. I won't learn to value this episode for what it is until we get a sequel to this in Season 4 where our Rick and Morty kill Evil Morty after he has killed most of the infinite Ricks and Mortys. Already I know that 1 earlier Vindicators episode and an episode about Rick and Morty going to Atlantis are 2 Rick and Morty episodes that don't exist, and Morty's Mind-Blowers seemed promising at first, but it became a very sucky way to make up for short seasons because they eventually turned as confusing, disturbing, violent and unfunny as some of the other Season 3 episodes.
I might be able to enjoy these deep stories on their own, but it means nothing as a season finale without our own Rick and Morty who went to Atlantis, and I am just INSULTED TO HECK by the intentional misdirection and the ending where Morty hopes he could go back for the mermaid-puss and it wasn't a one-time thing, and Rick saying that what we just saw in the citadel will never have any bearing on their lives. The writers who made this episode about the Citadel even insult themselves at the beginning by having Rick say that anyone who continues to explore the Citadel is either stupid or one of the millions hostage to their terrible ideas, implying that an episode about Rick and Morty going to Atlantis was a better idea that they didn't have because they were too stupid to think that it wouldn't be boring just because it didn't have so much political drama. The greatness of all these deep intertwined stories means absolutely nothing if the Rick and Morty we usually follow don't get to see Evil Morty again. If you think it was perfect, that loses its value from getting ruined by a downer ending where Evil Morty wins and our Rick and Morty having nothing to do with this plot when they are in Atlantis all day. This episode is still miles above Rick Potion #9, but I wouldn't vote it the best episode if we have to miss out on a Rick and Morty adventure to Atlantis that would be just as much fun as Lawnmower Dogs.
This is where it all changes
mitchlb45210 September 2017
Rick and Morty was awesome before this episode - we all know this. The thing is, up until this point, most of the episodes, while incredibly clever were self-contained. This episode is where it all changes. Things come back around from earlier in the show, and I can say for certain as someone who knows, things will never be the same.
A masterpiece!
Vincentfoti28 May 2019
Every once in a while an episode of a TV show comes along that is truly remarkable. This is not just a great episode of Rick and Morty, but one of the greatest episodes of television I've ever seen. They manage to do so much rich storytelling in such a short amount of time that you can't help but watch and marvel. The episode's events build to an extremely rewarding payoff in the final seconds. The multiple tropes being parodied make the episode accessible to even casual viewers, but the icing on the cake is the momentous reveal that will stun and electrify die-hard fans. This episode is a triumph!
real life!
amindostiari27 January 2021
This episode had a lot to say. This episode was very carefully written. The subject was really great and well executed. It showed politics very well. It showed the community very well. The right of geniuses to be trampled showed very well. It showed the lie very well. Rick and Morty were very cool cops!
The episode we've been waiting for since season 1
truechaos11 September 2017
Warning: Spoilers
Sometimes the greatest villain is the one that makes the least noise. When it comes to antagonists of Rick and Morty, Evil Morty is considered the most mysterious due to the lack of information given to us at the time. This episode is the perfect example of how to reintroduce Evil Morty. The fact that the primary Rick and Morty are off in Atlantis completely unaware of the return of Evil Morty only adds to the potential that this episode has opened up. This is easily one of the best episodes in the series and I am excited for what they plan to do with Evil Morty in future episodes.
Best episode of the season, possibly best of the show.
zhutchins-4126112 September 2017
Warning: Spoilers
This is possibly the best episode of television I've watched this year, and I've watched a *lot* of TV this year. First off, the clever subversion of misleading viewers with the episode title, teaser, and official summary was *very* Dan Harmon, and probably fooled most people. It also did several very clever things that I'd argue could only be done in Rick and Morty. First, it uses referential humor to not only make us laugh, but to tell stories about a character just by their appearance. The facts that one of the Ricks looks like Willy Wonka, or Severus Snape, or a depiction of Deep Throat, or that the 4 Morty's from the C plot (?) resemble the Stand By Me cast, tell us everything we need to know about the characters, without spoonfeeding the audience. Secondly, the state of the Citadel paints a picture of a Brave New World-esque society where, though half of the citizens are capable of being one of the most powerful beings in the multiverse, most of them are reduced to menial labor just to give them something to do. In addition, the way the episode tells an A, B, C, and D plot in 23 minutes, at no point feeling rushed or unnatural, is a feat I don't think I've seen before. And interestingly, it had both everything and nothing to do with the main characters. All in all, a perfect example of what makes this show excellent.
Rick and Morty just cemented it's place as the greatest cartoon ever written,,
footballcricket11 September 2017
Warning: Spoilers
Spoilers Ahead... We all expected evil Morty to return at some point in the series but the way he returned is just mind blowing..Dark,Real and twists that are awesome..I'm gonna say it..Best episode ever produced by a cartoon and one of the best episodes on TV of all time..It's that good..Dan Harmon and Justin Holland you both have my utmost respect..
Timeless Masterpiece
deaeight20 September 2022
The title may sound a little hyperbolic but this is The Mona Lisa. This is Mozart & Beethoven. Sound even more hyperbolic!? I know! It sounds infeasible in every way from a show known for creative, yes, but very far from deeply poignant or meaningful or inspirational writing. The kind of writing that raises the bar, Sets the tone. Gets talked about. A lot. True and actual Art in other words. Well for real, authentic art with a good head clearing amount of spice and a modern cocktail of crazy (which is delicious to most but not so to others) then look no further than this 22 minutes ans 14 seconds of TV. It's all here and in abundance previously thought impossible. An astonishing piece of artistic genius.
Morty Lives Matter
CraftMuch10 September 2017
It's telling that a fictional society built up on the segregation of Mortys by Ricks is so incredibly similar to the segregation we're often shown by the media in our own reality. Besides a few slogan-esque one liners, the message was clear and concise without the need for an SJW style pretence to push an agenda. This is A* writing at its finest and easily my favourite episode of the season so far.
more than masterpiece one of my best experience in my life
aaamm-6894629 September 2021
Warning: Spoilers
Hits you with important issues, then makes you laugh - hard
realkevingarnett12 September 2017
My favorite episode before this was 'Meeseeks and Destroy' - a known classic. After this, I have a new favorite. Every other episode of Rick and Morty provides a lighthearted take with some dark undertones. This episode flips the normal formula, taking on very dark social issues. Throughout my viewing, I cried, cheered, angered, and of course, in classic rick and morty fashion, laughed my ass off.
10/10
10/10
promise finally delivered：the darkest season
cwcitachi11 September 2017
r&m is known as a si-fi show，but the real appealing part to me is the black humor on the real world，like season 1 ep.2 scary terry's nightmare was his high school life.
to me,these dark,black humor portray to the reality are always much more powerful than the realistic kind of portray. and this episode is all about that!
i think this episode is gonna be THE best one of the whole show. i have to pay a tribute to the writers：Dan Guterman，Ryan Ridley，and of course the reality of American society. ：）
by the way，the factory worker Rick storyline reminds of Black Mirror season 1 ep.2,the reality show episode. don't know if any one feels the same way?
to me,these dark,black humor portray to the reality are always much more powerful than the realistic kind of portray. and this episode is all about that!
i think this episode is gonna be THE best one of the whole show. i have to pay a tribute to the writers：Dan Guterman，Ryan Ridley，and of course the reality of American society. ：）
by the way，the factory worker Rick storyline reminds of Black Mirror season 1 ep.2,the reality show episode. don't know if any one feels the same way?
Best episode of Rick and Morty so far.
iamanoob09 December 2020
The deepest episode of the series. Not the normal Rick and Morty adventure. After watching you will be sitting on your couch for 30 minutes thinking about it. Then you won't be able to fall asleep for the next week. I have watched this episode 10 times and it's still not get boring. Plz Rick and Morty, we need more episodes like this.
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