Reviewers from IGN and Den of Geek generally praised the episode for its clever writing and brisk pacing :
Season 5, Episode 1 of Rick and Morty , titled "," is widely regarded by critics as a strong, inventive start to the season that balances classic sci-fi zaniness with meaningful character growth . Plot Overview The episode follows two main threads:
Critics noted that Morty takes center stage, showing both his growth as an independent character and the cynical influence Rick has had on him .
Rick hosts a dinner for his flamboyantly hyper-sexual arch-nemesis, Mr. Nimbus , to renegotiate a treaty after Morty inadvertently crashes their ship into the ocean .
The subplot involving Beth and Jerry exploring their marriage through a potential threesome with Nimbus was seen as a refreshing move away from their constant fighting in previous seasons .
Described as a "flamboyant fusion of Aquaman and Namor," Nimbus was well-received as a hilarious new foil who actually succeeds in making Rick look pathetic .
While trying to manage a date with his long-time crush Jessica, Morty repeatedly enters a pocket dimension where time moves much faster (a "Narnia-like" world) to retrieve aged wine for Rick and Nimbus . His brief visits inadvertently cause centuries of war and societal collapse for the dimension's inhabitants, who come to view Morty as a mythological "Dark Child" . Critical Consensus
The conclusion of Jessica's arc in this episode—where she becomes an "all-seeing time god" after being trapped for centuries—was called "funny and insane," finally giving her character depth beyond being just a love interest . Minor Criticisms Rick and Morty Season 5 Episode 1 Review - Den of Geek