What are the major storylines in Rick and Morty Season 7? A full breakdown

70th Emmy Awards - Show - Source: Getty
What are the major storylines in Rick and Morty Season 7? -Source: Getty

Rick and Morty is an experimental animated (sitcom) show by Adam Swim. Created by Dan Harmon and Justin Roiland, the series traces the adventure-filled story of the genius yet chaotic scientist Rick Sanchez and his grandson, Morty Smith.

The show blends satire and family drama with a plentiful sprinkle of absurd humor. Rick and Morty has etched itself in the pop cultural taste as emotionally intelligent. The show is wild and ridiculous. It has taken the viewers through multiverses, weird landscapes, evil versions of characters, and deeply personal arcs—offering delightful humor.

Season 7 of Rick and Morty arrived with a change: Justin Roiland was no longer involved in voicing Rick and Morty. Despite this, the show maintained its appeal and iconic storytelling features. In fact, the 7th season offered a tight set of episodes that tackled complex themes—like identity, family, and alternate timelines—all the while enriching the character arcs.


What are the major storylines in Rick and Morty Season 7? A full breakdown

1. Rick’s pursuit of Rick Prime

One of the most notable plot points in season 7 is Rick C-137’s ongoing search for Rick Prime—this is the version of Rick who killed his original wife and daughter. This meant that Rick was now excessively interested in seeking revenge.

Rick received a trauma, which was hinted at in earlier Rick and Morty seasons. Season 7 zoomed in on the emotional toll more profoundly. Rick is haunted, almost possessed by his will to find Rick Prime. He keeps building on new tech, aiming for any chance of reaching him. This obsession soon strains his relationship with Morty.

This storyline is carried on to the finale, where he finally finds Rick Prime. The face-off is more like an insightful commentary on the ideological difference between Rick and Rick Prime. Soon, it dawns on the viewers that Rick’s quest is less about Rick Prime than self-hatred and guilt.

2. Morty’s quiet evolution

While Rick dominates the action with his finding of the Rick Prime plan, Morty undergoes a quiet evolution. Morty is no longer the sidekick or an add-on. He is self-assertive and more present throughout the season.

Unlike earlier in the show, Morty makes decisions and choices independent of Rick in season 7. He even thinks through his grandfather's actions and questions his obsession. He spends more time with other characters, freeing himself from Rick's hold.

Season 7’s shift in the dynamics between Rick and Morty signals a crucial point for the show’s evolution. We can only expect to see Morty in a more evolved leadership role.

3. Beth, space Beth, and domestic tension

Another plot that continues in season 7 is the presence of two Beths—Earth Beth and Space Beth. This duality creates tension at home. Rick and Morty’s season 7 nods to the polyamorous relationship with Jerry, but this time, the focus is on the chaos and confusion.

Through Beth, the show explores questions of identity. She is coerced to coexist and encounter the truth of a version of her own character that is more adventurous, accomplished, and possibly more “real.”

The show does not tie ends or offer solutions but keeps the knots open-ended. Jerry remains the endearing underdog character. Jerry has been a target for jokes, but this season tackles him with emotional clarity, particularly in episodes that highlight his need to be loved.

4. A return to standalone absurdity

Season 7 continues the show’s legacy. It showcases the absurd adventures, staying true to its roots. In fact, many episodes actually stick to classic Rick and Morty tropes: unknown territory, bizarre concepts, twisted sci-fi scenarios, and satirical themes.

One notable mention involves a theme park powered by capitalism, a murder mystery set in a digital afterlife, and another that spoofs time-travel tropes with messy logic. These tropes keep the show's appeal authentic and give viewers exactly what they look for in a show like Rick and Morty.

Even though the plot is absurd, season 7 ties the episodes into the themes of control, identity, and emotional repression.

5. Multiverse lore with emotional weight

Season 7 does an impressive job of expanding the universe and the unique lore of Rick and Morty. The show stays careful not to bombard the lore with more characters that could have led to confusion. With slow-cooked alternate realities, not just the plot but the characters become more nuanced.

The return of Rick Prime, glimpses of Evil Morty, and Citadel add to the world-building without slowing the narrative.

Importantly, the multiverse concept does not merely appear as a plot device. Instead, it’s become a space for scrutinizing regret, change, and profound realizations.

6. A more emotionally grounded season

Rick and Morty's season 7 stood out in its emotional appeal. It stays true to its appeal with sharp visuals and chaotic characters, but delivers on the emotional ask.

Rick encounters his own demons, and Morty appears as more evolved. Beth and Jerry, despite the sci-fi madness around them, deal with very human problems and learn from experience.

Earlier seasons used to mock the idea of growth, often lacing it with dark humor. In Season 7, it lets these critical aspects loose. The result is a more grounded, rounded, and heartwarming version of Rick and Morty.


Also read: Rick & Morty: Season 8 delivers what season 7 should have been, and I’m thrilled

Edited by Debanjana