Rick and Morty Season 9, Episode 3 Review: "Rick Fu Hustle"
Rick and Morty Season 9 leans into a more lighthearted tone in its third episode, "Rick Fu Hustle," as Rick (Ian Cardoni) and Morty (Harry Belden) find themselves embroiled in a wild martial arts rivalry. Meanwhile, Jerry gets into a messy situation over the family pool, proving once again that his antics can turn even the simplest of tasks into a chaotic ordeal. While the episode isn't the deep, philosophical gem that some fans expect from the show, it delivers a fun, if slightly unfocused, 30-minute adventure that’s worth watching.
The episode’s premise is a playful take on the martial arts genre, inspired by the Five Point Palm Exploding Heart Technique from Kill Bill. It explores what would happen if Rick were to reverse-engineer such a move — and the results are both absurd and entertaining. However, the episode never fully commits to the parody, often straddling between slapstick humor and deeper character moments. One of the standout elements of "Rick Fu Hustle" is the exploration of Rick’s ongoing conflict with Morty, particularly his refusal to apologize for past mistakes. This theme, while not new, is handled with the same wit and absurdity that the show is known for.
Rick’s over-the-top attempts to outmaneuver Lin Su — a skilled martial artist — are both ridiculous and oddly endearing. Watching him walk backward for extended periods and build elaborate contraptions to support his stubbornness is a highlight of the episode. Morty’s brief friendship with Lin Su and his eventual return, begging for help with his own "death punch" problems, adds a layer of emotional depth to the otherwise chaotic storyline.
Despite its charm, the episode’s martial arts parody feels a bit underdeveloped. The subplot involving Lin Su’s estranged sifu and the polycule tangent, while amusing, lacks the depth needed to fully engage with the genre it’s trying to mock. This results in a somewhat uneven narrative that could have benefited from more focus on the classic tropes of martial arts films. However, the episode redeems itself with a spectacular final showdown between Rick, Morty, and Lin Su. The action is over-the-top, with increasingly absurd special moves that escalate into a battle that even draws the attention of the mythical martial arts god, Punchy, and his hulking enforcer, Punchenheimer. It’s a fun, bombastic way to wrap up the main storyline.
Jerry’s Misadventures: A Welcome Distraction
While the main plot delivers a mix of absurdity and action, the secondary storyline featuring Jerry is a welcome change of pace. For fans who have long felt that Jerry is the show’s most underutilized character, this subplot is a refreshing addition. The episode follows Jerry as he messes up the family pool — a task as simple as cleaning — and somehow turns it into a disastrous romantic encounter with the pool cleaner robot. It’s the kind of over-the-top scenario that defines Jerry’s character, and it’s executed with the same level of humor that the show is known for.
Jerry’s storyline, while not groundbreaking, provides a nice contrast to the main plot. It adds a sense of continuity to the season’s serialized elements, even if only for something as trivial as a family pool. It’s a small but meaningful step in giving Jerry more screen time, and it’s clear that the show is experimenting with new narrative structures this season.
As Rick and Morty continues to evolve, "Rick Fu Hustle" shows that the series is willing to take risks — even if they sometimes fall flat. While the episode may not be the masterpiece that fans hope for, it’s still a fun, if slightly uneven, addition to the season. With its mix of ridiculous action, character-driven moments, and a touch of absurdity, "Rick Fu Hustle" proves that Rick and Morty is still capable of delivering entertainment, even when it’s not at its most profound.
