Total Rickall

"Total Rickall" is the fourth episode of the second season of the Adult Swim animated television series Rick and Morty. Written by Mike McMahan and directed by Juan Meza-León, the episode premiered on August 16, 2015. It shows the Smith family, along with Mr. Poopybutthole, overwhelmed by an infestation of parasites who implant false memories into them so they cannot tell who is real. The episode is a "clip show", with heavy use of flashback scenes to the parasite-implanted false memories; it was inspired by the introduction of Dawn Summers to Buffy the Vampire Slayer, whose sudden contradictory presence is initially unquestioned by the other characters. It received positive reception from critics. The debuting character Mr. Poopybutthole recurs in future episodes and web specials, and a card game of the episode was released. Two April Fools' Day events by Adult Swim (in 2021 and 2022) make edits to the episode. Plot At dinner in the Smith family, Jerry's brother Uncle Steve gets him plane tickets as thanks for letting him stay with them for the past year. Rick arrives and shoots Steve, whose form as a parasite is exposed as he dies. Rick says that it is a creature from a species that multiplies by implanting false memories in people's heads. Rick says that there should only be six people in the household—himself, Morty, Summer, Beth, Jerry and Mr. Poopybutthole, the last of whom is a small yellow creature with a tall head. Rick seals the house from intruders with a blast shield as Mr. Poopybutthole reminds the family of a memory with Cousin Nicky, who then appears in the room. Rick shoots him after looking at a sign he made of the six true family members. However, the family continue to have collective flashbacks to false memories with new characters, all parasites, who arrive in the room. One such parasite—Sleepy Gary, who the family believe is Beth's husband—talks to Jerry about a memory of the two of them kissing.