Rick and Morty's Season 9, Episode 4, titled "A Ricker Runs Through It," distinguished itself through its reliance on its voice cast, especially the contribution of guest star Owen Wilson. The episode crafts a unique narrative that escalates in strangeness, with the vocal performances serving as a key driver of its success.
Wilson voices Reese, a character described as a perfect fit for his distinct brand of folksy charm and light southern drawl. His arrival effectively shifts the episode's tone, softening Rick's demeanor and allowing Morty to become more assertive. The review notes that Reese is immediately likable, hinting at an underlying mystery.
The central plot reveals Reese to be a complex method for Rick to bypass his computer's password protection. However, the episode's strength lies in its ability to continually build upon this premise, escalating the bizarre nature of events. Unlike some previous installments that struggled to maintain narrative momentum, "A Ricker Runs Through It" successfully pushes its concept to its extreme.
This escalation includes Rick's development of an infinite vodka source through the enslavement of hog workers. The situation spirals when Morty's actions inadvertently lead to a hog uprising, causing chaos back at the Smith residence. The narrative's peculiar flow is highlighted as a significant element of the episode's charm.
Amidst the overarching plot, Jerry, voiced by Chris Parnell, becomes a focal point. He becomes the unwilling host for a gas cloud-based service technician, who experiences a newfound freedom. Parnell's performance as the possessed Jerry, characterized by a whimsical "cloud voice," is noted as a standout element. The review also points out that Summer and Beth, voiced by Spencer Grammer and Sarah Chalke respectively, have less prominent roles in this particular episode.