Rick and Morty Season 9, Episode 5 Review & Recap

Rick and Morty Season 9, Episode 5, titled “Jer Bud,” features the return of Snowball the dog and a subplot involving a possessed Jerry. According to reviewer Jesse Schedeen, the episode stands as the weakest installment of the season, characterized by a stark contrast between an underwhelming Morty storyline and a successful “Worm Jerry” arc.

What happens in “Jer Bud”?

The episode serves as a sequel to the Season 1 episode “Lawnmower Dog,” bringing back Morty’s old dog, Snowball, voiced by Rob Paulsen. Morty, played by Harry Belden, is thrust into a conflict where he becomes the liberator of the Mups, which are described as grotesque, inbred humanoid pets.

Parallel to this, a subplot follows Jerry, voiced by Chris Parnell, who is possessed by a larger force of worms. This “Worm Jerry” persona leads the character through a bizarre job interview, a visit to an alien drug den, and a sequence where he guides a woman through childbirth on a falling plane.

Did You Know? “Jer Bud” brings Snowball back into the series after the character had previously appeared only through visual cameos and Easter eggs following the Season 1 episode “Lawnmower Dog.”

Why is the episode receiving mixed reactions?

Jesse Schedeen reports that the Morty and Snowball storyline fails to find humor in the concept of the Mups or their physical deformations. The plot explores the idea that sentient dogs behave similarly to humans, but Schedeen describes the execution as bland and unable to get off the ground.

In contrast, the “Worm Jerry” subplot is cited as a success. Schedeen notes that Chris Parnell explores a “cooler side” of the character, utilizing the possession to push the narrative to inane and amusing heights. This storyline also incorporates other Smith family members, including Rick (Ian Cardoni) and both versions of Beth (Sarah Chalke), providing more screen time for Beth and Summer (Spencer Grammer).

Expert Insight: Samantha Carter suggests that the decision to shuffle Rick to the background represents a concerted effort to shift the spotlight to the rest of the Smith family, though the resulting quality of the episode was split between its two primary narratives.

How does “Jer Bud” compare to previous episodes?

The episode follows “A Ricker Runs Through It” (Episode 4), which Schedeen previously described as a strong showing. That episode featured guest star Owen Wilson as Reese and was noted for steadily building on its premise.

EARLY PREVIEW: Jer Bud | Rick and Morty | adult swim

While Episode 4 was praised for its use of the voice cast and its trajectory into weirder territory, “Jer Bud” is viewed as having two halves that “cancel each other out” due to the opposing quality of the Morty and Jerry plotlines.

What may happen next in Season 9?

Based on the provided review, the quality of the series is likely to improve. Schedeen indicates that the show “only gets better from here” moving into the latter half of the season.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who is Snowball in Rick and Morty?
Snowball is Morty’s old dog who first appeared in the Season 1 episode “Lawnmower Dog.”

What are Mups?
Mups are a race of grotesque, inbred humanoid pets that Morty attempts to liberate in Episode 5.

What happens to Jerry in “Jer Bud”?
Jerry is possessed by worms, causing him to act out of character during a job interview and while assisting a woman in childbirth on a falling plane.

How do you feel about the series shifting the focus away from Rick to other family members?