- The Washington Times - Tuesday, August 23, 2016

Fans of Cartoon Network’s popular Adult Swim animated sci-fi sitcom can prepare for its return later this year with a binge appreciation of Rick and Morty: Season 2 (Warner Bros. Home Entertainment, Rated TV-14, $29.02).

For any idiot in the galaxy, or other dimension, not aware of this side-splitting cartoon, the story finds a brilliant, gassy, alcoholic scientist named Rick Sanchez (think an unstable Doc Brown) roaming through many a universe with his 14-year-old grandson, the perpetually terrified Morty.

To further complicate, he lives on Earth with his daughter Beth, a schlub of a son-in law named Jerry and prickly granddaughter named Summer while concocting outrageous experiments in the family’s garage.

Each of the scant but precious 10 episodes of the season offers a combination of sophomoric, often profanity-laced shenanigans merged with some brilliant, sci-fi-inspired, intellectual moments.

For example, in the episode “The Ricks Must Be Crazy,” our grumpy scientist takes viewers deep into the concept of multi-microverses. One tiny world in particular is used to power the battery of Rick’s spaceship as he literally enslaves its citizens to provide the energy.

Well, an inventor in that world happens to come up with a way to harness energy using another mini-universe and help his people, but is now enslaving another group of aliens. Well, another inventor of those aliens now realizes what is going on and uses a tinier universe to power his planet. You get the idea.


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It reminded me if Arthur C. Clarke had written a “Twilight Zone” episode interpreted by Judd Apatow, although much more clever.

The digital transfer highlights the relaxed animation style in the traditions of “Ren and Stimpy,” “Futurama” and “Adventure Time.”

Best extras: Hard-core fans of the series will love the bonus content packed into the single Blu-ray disc.

They not only get animatics (rough motion-art drawings or line-art sketches used to guide the animators) for each episode but an optional commentary track spearheaded by series creators Dan Harmon and Justin Roiland with help from writer Ryan Ridley.

On nearly every track, it’s fun to listen to these brilliant guys because they are so all over the place. They often discuss, with hearty laughs, the angst associated with the story and in producing the animation with workmanlike efficiency.

Also, secondary commentary tracks are on a few episodes such as idiotic radio personalities (that’s probably stretching it) Sal Governale and Richard Christy blathering over “The Ricks Must Be Crazy.”


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More important, owners get in the package a paper instruction manual (in English and an alien language) for help using the multifunctional Plumbus seen in the eye-watering episode “Interdimensional Cable 2: Tempting Fate.”

According to the detailed pamphlet, the flesh-colored device, looking a complex cooking utensil, or maybe a sex toy, will provide a lifetime of better living and happiness for its owner. Oh yeah, remember, if the Plumbus revolves faster than 200 revolutions per minute, it must be boiled.

Now, I need to find me a Plumbus.

• Joseph Szadkowski can be reached at jszadkowski@washingtontimes.com.

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