Rick and Morty has a longstanding tradition of spoofing popular sci-fi movies, and season 5 has already included two parodies of a particular titan in the genre: Independence Day. The Adult Swim series always employs a healthy dose of meta-humor in its references, acknowledging the existence of the movie or show being spoofed ahead of time to really drive the parody home. Often, a standalone episode will be a specific reference to a movie, but in Rick and Morty season 5, the show has continued the Independence Day parody over two episodes.
Since the beginning of Rick and Morty season 1, the sci-fi action genre has been one of the show’s biggest sources of comedy. Films like Jurassic Park, Aliens, Inception and The Matrix have all served up plenty of spoof-worthy material, and Rick and Morty has become known for such parodies. As the show has continued over the years, however, some territory has been retreaded, with the series’ writers going back to the well just a bit to create new episode ideas.
In Rick and Morty season 5, that trend has manifested in a curious fascination with Independence Day. The fourth episode of the season, “Rickdependence Spray,” references the movie immediately with its title, and later with a plotline about monsters (in this case giant sperms, not aliens) being battled back by the U.S. president and military. It would be reasonable to think that would be the only Independence Day themed episode of the season, but the film was spoofed once again in season 5 episode 6, “Rick & Morty's Thanksploitation Spectacular,” in which the president and an army of aliens do battle with a force of giant mutant turkeys. Though the holiday in question is Thanksgiving rather than the Fourth of July, the parallels are still readily apparent: both are distinctly American holidays (and the episode even aired in July).
The repeated jabs at Independence Day can partially be attributed to the film’s multiple layers of spoof-worthy material. Rick and Morty is known not only for parodying sci-fi tropes but also for frequently poking fun at American culture and exaggerated patriotism – something Independence Day also leans on heavily, but in earnest. By setting episode 6 during Thanksgiving, the show was able to play with the same patriotic themes as Independence Day, but with a silly twist, thanks to a turkey-centric plot. Furthermore, by focusing on the president's role in Independence Day in leading the military to defend America, Rick and Morty showcases Keith David’s President Curtis character — a fan favorite. Rick and Morty episode 6 in particular has fun exploring the established rivalry between President Curtis and Rick, stretching it to the most ridiculous places imaginable.
Still, it wouldn’t hurt for Rick and Morty to branch out a bit more in its subject matter. Season 5 has been strong so far, but it has received some criticism for lacking compelling new ideas. The animation, voice work, and writing on the show are all still strong enough that more of the same is far from a bad thing; however, the animated series is at its best when it's experimental and new. Maybe Rick and Morty will make some shifts later in season 5, or maybe it will continue to spoof Independence Day.
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