While the latest season of “Rick and Morty” delighted fans with several character comebacks from earlier seasons, not all reintroductions were seamless in their execution. Season 7 witnessed the re-emergence of characters like Squanchy, Gene, Gearhead, and Birdperson, enriching the narrative with familiar faces.
However, the return of Unity in episode 3, “Are Force Wong,” has sparked debates among viewers regarding its narrative coherence.
Unity, voiced by Christina Hendricks, is a sentient hive mind and one of Rick’s former love interests, last seen in the series’ second season. Her comeback was marked by a surprising turn of events where she possessed the entire population of Virginia to re-establish contact with Rick, a stark contrast to their last encounter.
Previously, Unity had set a clear boundary by refusing to return Rick’s calls after realizing the toxic impact of his influence on her life.
This return is perplexing given the character’s history and the established dynamics between her and Rick. The inconsistency is particularly glaring as Unity was portrayed as maintaining a reasonable boundary post-breakup, which makes her sudden concern and large-scale intervention in Season 7 seem out of character. This twist in the plot appears to be an attempt to escalate the stakes but does so at the expense of narrative consistency.
Furthermore, Unity’s involvement in Season 7 also plays a significant role in advancing the storyline involving Rick Prime. Despite their rocky past, Unity’s attempt to reach out to Rick underscores the gravity of his ongoing vendetta against Rick Prime, hinting that even those who once distanced themselves feel compelled to intervene.
This plotline culminates in a mid-season finale that portrays a despondent Rick, suggesting that his battles might be leading him away from the catharsis he seeks.
The reintroduction of Unity raises essential questions about character development and continuity within “Rick and Morty.” While her comeback provides an intriguing twist, it also challenges viewers to reconcile this new development with her past actions, leaving fans pondering the balance between creative storytelling and consistent character portrayal in the beloved animated series.
