In Rick and Morty, it can be difficult to pinpoint a character who isn’t at least a bit self-centered. This makes sense, as many of the individuals featured are aware of the universe’s infinite nature. When confronted with the reality of one’s own insignificance, the only logical course of action is the pursuit of instant gratification. Why would you choose to focus on someone else when there are so many epic intergalactic adventures to be had? It’s often far easier to simply abandon a dimension altogether rather than attempt to save those who occupy it.
The most recent episode of Rick and Morty season six, “Bethic Twinstinct,” sees a certain member of the Smith family reach a height of self-centeredness that has not yet been seen in the series. In the process, she alienates her entire family and permanently scars her children. The episode may have ended on a positive note – for a few of the characters, anyway – but audiences were left wondering whether anyone actually grew at all. Rife with raunchy humor and intriguing introspection, this most recent Rick and Morty episode contained everything fans have come to love about the show.
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Rick and Morty Has Yet Another Thanksgiving Episode
Family has always been an important part of Rick and Morty. The genesis of the duo’s intergalactic romps comes about when Rick, after years spent hunting down the interdimensional variant of himself that killed his original wife and daughter, finds a universe where Beth is still alive and crashes his spaceship back into her and her family’s life.
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Thanksgiving is perhaps the most family-centric holiday, and Rick and Morty has seen the family sitting down for an above-average number of turkey dinners over the years. At the beginning of the episode, it’s revealed that Rick once again earned a presidential pardon by turning himself into a turkey. This yearly tradition was introduced in the season five episode “Rick and Morty’s Thanksploitation Special.”
Beth Finds Herself… and Gets to Know Herself Quite Well
It isn’t just the Smith family sitting down to drink wine and tuck into some tasty stuffing. They are joined by Space Beth. In the episode “The ABCs of Beth,” Rick clones his daughter so she has the option to explore a life of total freedom as well as continue to care for her family. Later, in “Star Mort Rickturn of the Jerry,” it is revealed that Rick wiped his memory regarding which of the variants was the original Beth. However, the two versions ultimately decide that they are unconcerned about whether they are a clone or not. Space Beth was already featured in season six when she rescued Rick and Morty from the destroyed Citadel in the premiere.
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Immediately, audiences begin to expect that something is going on between the two Beths, and after a few scenes of coy flirtation, they begin to have a romantic relationship. Their passions run high, and they quickly become careless about hiding their affair. This peculiar fling represents the absolute zenith of self-love. When Beth reveals the affair to her father, Rick, he confesses that he had had similar dalliances with versions of himself but that she needs to consider how getting involved in such a narcissistic relationship could affect her family. Beth has always been rather hard-headed, but “Bethic Twinstinct” confirms her self-obsession in the clearest way imaginable.
Jerry Gets Out of His Shell and Finally Stands Up For Himself
Jerry Smith has never been all that confident. When he learns about the affair between the two versions of his wife, he justifiably goes numb and unexpectedly transforms into a pillbug, rolling up in an impenetrable shell. The two Beths are reluctant to accept responsibility for his bugification. Still, they start to take pity on Jerry and decide to widen their memories of each other to get over the relationship.
Hearing this, Jerry suddenly uncurls and proceeds to a rant about how he is comfortable being the punching bag and how he has become adept at taking slights in stride. Jerry begins to pack his things, once again feigning his intention to leave Beth, but his argument with his pair of wives culminates in the throuple getting saucy, much to the disgust of Morty and Summer.
There are a handful of episodes left in Rick and Morty season six, and the showrunners have suggested that new installments will begin to be released annually. Though most characters escaped “Bethic Twinstinct” without ever altering their behavior, audiences were able to learn a lot (arguably, too much) about the Smith family in the episode. Space Beth will undoubtedly be a part of future storylines, and the bizarre triad of Space Beth, Mom Beth, and Jerry will continue to be the source of extreme discomfort for the Smith Children.
