S2·E3 Auto Erotic Assimilation

Episode recap

In the third episode of the second season of Rick and Morty, titled Auto Erotic Assimilation, the narrative focuses on the intersection of Rick Sanchez's personal history and the domestic life of the Smith family. Rick, a cynical mad scientist, encounters an old friend, a meeting that leads him to become emotionally invested. This connection serves as a primary point of interest for the episode, highlighting the sociopathic genius scientist's capacity for forming attachments outside of his usual interdimensional travels with his grandson, Morty Smith.

While Rick is occupied with his past acquaintance, the domestic sphere of the series experiences significant tension. Beth and Jerry, the parents of the family, undergo a falling out. This conflict is triggered by a discovery made by the couple under the garage. The garage serves as a central location for Rick's scientific work, and the revelation found beneath it acts as a catalyst for the discord between Beth and Jerry.

The episode maintains the series' established premise of balancing the characters' domestic lives with their experiences across an infinite number of realities. As Rick navigates his emotional investment, the tension between Beth and Jerry underscores the recurring theme that while science makes sense to Rick, the dynamics of his family often do not. The episode continues to follow the misadventures of the central characters as they split their time between their home and various planets and dimensions. By juxtaposing Rick's external reunion with the internal strife of the Smith household, the episode explores the complexities of the relationships within the family unit. The events of this installment reflect the broader scope of the series, which frequently features the characters traveling through space and time, yet remaining tethered to the challenges of their personal connections. The episode remains grounded in the established character traits of the series, specifically Rick's role as a mad scientist and the inherently timid nature of his grandson, Morty, as they navigate the consequences of their actions both at home and across the universe.