Rick and Morty Season 7 Episode 1 'unfunny', viewers want Justin Roiland back

The highly anticipated season 7 premiere of ‘Rick and Morty’ took place this past Sunday. However, to the dismay of many fans, it seems like the show has hit a rough patch. The cult-favorite animated series returned for its seventh season, featuring a cast of new voice actors, a departure from the familiar tones fans have grown to love. However, the initial reception has not gone as smoothly as expected.

On popular review aggregator Rotten Tomatoes, the episode has earned a disappointing 50% critics’ score and a meager 44% audience rating. This marks the premiere as the worst-reviewed episode in the show’s history.

One of the most significant factors contributing to the fans’ displeasure is the change in voice actors. The viewers had become accustomed to the distinctive voices provided by the show’s co-creator Justin Roiland, who voiced both Rick and Morty. Roiland’s unique vocal performances had become synonymous with the characters, and his absence left a considerable void.

The disappointment with the new voice actors is rooted in their inability to capture the essence and depth of the original characters. Roiland’s portrayal of the eccentric and perpetually intoxicated scientist Rick and his timid, often overwhelmed grandson Morty had set a high standard. Viewers felt that the new actors lacked the nuance and subtlety that made these characters iconic. The result, they argue, is that the characters sound generic and fail to resonate as deeply as they used to.

Another prominent issue that viewers have expressed is the quality of the humor in this latest episode. Rick and Morty’ is known for its smart and thought-provoking humor. The audience has grown to anticipate a specific standard of wit and originality. However, the season opener left many fans feeling underwhelmed by its humor.

The viewers found the jokes in the episode to be uninspired, often bordering on lazy. While the show has always incorporated a wide range of comedic styles, from clever wordplay to absurd and dark humor, the problem with the new episode is not the genre of jokes but rather the execution. In the past, even when using conventional humor tropes, ‘Rick and Morty’ managed to put its unique twist on them, making them feel fresh and innovative.

In contrast, the premiere seemed to rely on cliched humor without the inventive spin that had characterized earlier seasons. I’ve encountered approximately 20 similar reports on X, along with 6 Reddit threads discussing the same.

The disappointment has led some fans to reminisce about the show’s co-creator, Justin Roiland, and his significant contributions to the series. Roiland’s departure from the show was not by choice. He faced allegations of domestic violence (which were later dropped), a claim of sexual assault, and reports alleging that he had engaged in inappropriate conversations with underage girls online. These serious allegations resulted in his removal from the show.

While these allegations played a pivotal role in his departure, however, some viewers now find themselves yearning for Roiland’s return. They firmly believe that his distinctive voice and creative contributions were undeniably integral to the show’s success. They are willing to forgive and forget the past issues, hoping that Roiland can reclaim his role in the series.

For now, ‘Rick and Morty’ enthusiasts seem to be in a state of flux, torn between their nostalgia for the past and their anticipation of what the future holds for the beloved animated series.

We’d like to hear from you, our readers – what are your thoughts on this season premiere?

Featured image: Rick and Morty

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