Rick and Morty Season 5, Episode 4 refers to Robert Downey Jr’s joker in order to highlight its themes.
The Community however used the same joke for the same purpose in the newest episode of Rick and Morty.
Rick and Morty season 5 hilariously referenced Robert Downey Jr. in order to make a point regarding human nature. But Community actually used a similar joke for the same purpose.
Episode 5, “Rickdependence Spray” shows how the world was once again threatened by Morty’s egregious misuse of veterinary equipment.
Morty’s inexcusable teen libido led to a conflict with sentient sperm that resulted in rampaging and sentient behavior. This conflict even included a race of cannibalistic horsemen known as CHUDs.
Everyone involved was understandably furious when the truth about Morty’s guilt was revealed.
Morty retorted to Rick that he couldn’t change his nature during one specific incident. Rick laughed at this notion immediately, declaring that change is what defines the human race.
Here Rick used Robert Downey Jr. to illustrate his point.
Iron Man is a great example. In the ’90s that actor was a wild animal, literally waking up in the bushes. His agent had to catch him using a butterfly net.
The horror movie-referencing CHUDs then silenced Rick and Morty, but the point remained hilariously funny.
However, it wasn’t the first Dan Harmon-related program to make that exact point.
The community was awarded this honor. Season 6 saw Frankie Dart (Paget Brewster), lead the charge to improve Greendale.
The Dean (Jim Rash), who was paintballing in Community’s episode 11 Modern Espionage doubted Greendale’s ability to be better, comparing the school to tobacco.
Jeff Winger (Joel McHale), also refuted the idea. “No, we’re not tobacco. Robert Downey Jr., could climb up to windows and crawl into people’s windows. He’s now Iron Man!”
Jeff went on to show how growth is possible, albeit with a lot more commitment and dedication to doing the work.
Both cases proved that the point was valid. It could be equally attributed to Tony Stark and DowneyJr. as it was initially a reckless, selfish playboy who had little concern for the larger world.
However, he eventually overcame these flaws to become a hero who saved the universe in Avengers: Endgame.
One of the reasons he was so perfect for the Iron Man role was the fact that Downey Jr. went on a real-world, redemptive journey. It was no surprise, given Harmon’s similar role in both shows that this point was worthy of repeating.
This continued the overlap that Rick and Morty had previously included a Community egg.
This reference is also tied into Rick and Morty’s larger themes of season 5. Rick has had multiple episodes where he confronted parts of himself.
Rick regained his ability to love and be loved by someone first with Daphne (Jennifer Coolidge), and then with Princess Ponietta, (Christina Ricci).
He actually acknowledged his mistakes and offered to make amends. In the episode, Rick admitted that he suffered from substance abuse. This is an important step towards recovery.
It also suggested that Rick may not always be the hero of his own story. It also gave credence to Rick & Morty season 5, episode 4 “Rickdependence Spray”, being secretly a smart episode in the overall show’s run.
What do you think of the mutual theme? Do you like to see more such things in Rick and Morty?
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