Rick & Morty's first two seasons received almost universal acclaim. But after years of lackluster material, even the show's most dedicated fans are beginning to feel bogged down by its increased push toward nihilism. Once a crude parody of Back to the Future, early Rick & Morty evolved in surprising and thoughtful ways, most notably through its characters. The titular Morty was first introduced as perpetually nervous, unintelligent and insecure. His grandfather Rick was characterized as a callous -- and constantly drunk -- scientific genius, dragging the unwitting Morty on a host of adventures throughout a limitless and meaningless universe.

Over time, viewers began to understand Rick's lack of caring as a carefully constructed façade. And while Morty wasn't as scientifically minded as his grandfather, he began to display an emotional intelligence that the former clearly lacked. While some fans liked indulging in the show's often ridiculous comedy, others were invested in the ongoing plot and deep character complexity that lingered just below the surface -- until Rick & Morty itself told them not to care.

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Rick & Morty: Existential Crisis

Many critics have pointed out that Rick & Morty's premise lends itself extraordinarily well to the classic sitcom formula. In most animated sitcoms, any major or minor change to character, setting or the sacred status quo is -- for better or worse -- forgotten about by the start of the next episode. Since Rick and Morty live in a universe where infinite copies of the main cast are available at will, any consequences that result from their adventures quite literally don't matter. Until they do.

The show's first real foray into continuity comes at the end of Season 1, Episode 6, "Rick Potion #9." Morty asks Rick to create a love potion in an effort to woo his crush Jessica. The ill-conceived serum has disastrous effects that culminate in the end of the world. In an effort to return to a reality not populated by horrific David Cronenberg-esque monsters, Rick and Morty journey to a "fixed" reality wherein they themselves have died. After burying their own bodies, it's presumed that life returns to normal... but the following episodes indicate that the experience has left Morty both scarred and fundamentally changed.

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Rick & Morty – Rick Saves Morty

This is far from the show's only example of continuity. Throughout much of the series, Rick remains an enigma. Fans endlessly speculate about the character's complicated past, his ex-wife and his relationships to Morty and others. But Rick's best friend Birdperson is brutally murdered at the end of Season 2, and Rick makes a tremendous sacrifice to ensure his family's safety by turning himself over to the Galactic Federation. Vewers wondered for over a year how the situation would be resolved with Rick imprisoned.

Unfortunately, Season 3's opener is nothing short of disappointing. The main conflict is dealt with in a blink, the once-serious threat is toppled and the status quo is painfully restored. And while the season as a whole does a decent -- albeit ham-fisted -- job of unpacking Rick's character (like some of his comic adventures), its ending left many people frustrated. Rick & Morty's overarching narrative is not explored or expanded upon in any way, Rick engages in a petty battle of wills with the US President, and the recently divorced Beth and Jerry -- whose split was initially thought to have tremendous consequences -- are happily back together by the end, with the former remarking "In many ways, things'll be like Season 1."

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Rick & Morty panic

Having effectively hit the "reset button," Rick & Morty's reputation only continues to sour in later seasons. Much of Season 4 is spent mocking viewers for wanting more out of the story and its characters. The season's first episode "Edge of Tomorty: Rick Die Rickpeat" sees various versions of the characters remarking on the merits of mindless episodic comedy, and lecturing the audience for craving character depth. Season 4, Episode 6, "Never Ricking Morty," has the impression of an overlong meta joke at the viewers' expense, wherein established continuity is meaningless.

Season 5 has since reached a record low reception with audiences, holding an abysmal 53 percent rating on Rotten Tomatoes. Many long-time fans speculate that Rick & Morty will never return to its glory days, even as its comic universe continues to expand. At least in the comics, the characters sort of saved Christmas. But after the TV show has spent much of its time telling viewers not to care about what its heroes are doing, it's not unsurprising that they no longer do.

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