Rick and Morty Season 8 Episode 2: "Valkyrick" Arrives with Mystery and The Show's Trademark Chaos

Rick and Morty season 8 is still going strong. This often-debated but always loved sci-fi comedy series is set to air a new episode. We are all wondering what wild ride Rick and Morty will take us on this time. The show has a way of throwing us into unexpected situations, and this new episode promises to be no different.

The animated sci-fi comedy made its return to Adult Swim recently. It brought back Ian Cardoni and Harry Belden as the voices of the main characters. They stepped into these roles after co-creator Justin Roiland left the series. It is always a big deal when a show brings in new voice actors, but so far the transition has been smooth. Fans are still getting their weekly dose of bizarre planets, alternate realities, and family dysfunction.

What We Know So Far About Rick and Morty Season 8 Episode 2 and Its Intriguing Title

The Secrecy Around "Valkyrick" Has Everyone Guessing What Kind of Adventure is Coming Next

Information about new episodes of this show is usually pretty scarce. But we do know the title for episode 2: "Valkyrick." This name definitely sounds like a play on Rick’s name. It might also be a nod to the 2008 movie Valkyrie starring Tom Cruise. Or, it could just be a straight reference to the Norse mythological figures, the Valkyries, who guide dead souls to Valhalla. Knowing Rick and Morty, it could be all of these things or none of them at all. That is part of the fun.

Some critics who got to see early episodes of season 8 were not shown "Valkyrick." This secrecy makes me a little nervous, but also incredibly curious. It suggests that something big or surprising happens in this episode. Maybe something that spoils future events or is just too wild to reveal early. Some have worried about Space Beth’s health after a cough was heard in the season trailer. I am keeping my radar up for that. It is also interesting that Beth and Jerry seem to have a storyline going on their own. We only know that from a couple of images released before the season started. This show always keeps us on our toes, and this mystery just adds to the excitement.

Dan Harmon Talks About The Show's Approach To Pop Culture References And Its Unique Style

How The Writers Decide What To Include And What To Skip For The Best Storytelling

Rick and Morty has been known for its social comments and how it tackles all the strange parts of human nature. It has been doing this really well for seven seasons. Season 8 looks to continue that. But when it comes to "hot topics" or things happening right now, the show usually stays away. Series co-creator Dan Harmon talked about this. He explained how the writers look to Trey Parker and Matt Stone’s South Park when thinking about making pop culture references.

Harmon explained their "South Park rule." He said, "Let’s not play a ‘South Park’ game because ‘South Park’ can do it faster and better than us." He said it is one thing to refer directly to something like characters wearing "Squid Game" outfits. But it is harder to predict when something becomes so important to culture that it will last. "I think that it’s when something is so culturally impacting, then we go like, ‘Well, it’s going to be timeless no matter what or it’s gonna feel like a timely reference, but people will. If you get it or don’t, it doesn’t hinge on it," Harmon said in an interview.

He used the recent discussion around Blake Lively and Justin Baldoni as an example. It is a big topic now, but it might not last until an episode airs. "I think our rule would be if somebody were to pitch, you know, ‘I think that this should be an episode about Justin Baldoni.’ We would be like, ‘Let’s not lose a ‘South Park’ contest by addressing something that is so energized right now,’" Harmon shared. He added, "We won’t make our stories about that stuff. We might make references to what we hope are kind of timeless classic kind of pop cultural things." This means the show tries to focus on stories that will still make sense years from now. They try to avoid jokes that will quickly get old.

Where To Watch Rick and Morty Season 8 Episode 2 And What To Expect Next From The Series

All The Ways To Catch The Latest Episodes And Thoughts On The Show's Long-Term Future

Rick and Morty season 8 episode 2 airs on Adult Swim. You can catch it live on various streaming services. Sling TV and DIRECTV both offer ways to watch. Sling TV often has deals for the first month, making it a cheaper option to try. DIRECTV also has a free trial and offers many channels beyond Adult Swim. Hulu + Live TV also includes Adult Swim and provides a free trial. New episodes are scheduled to air weekly, usually on Sundays at 11 PM ET/PT until late July.

If you are a fan in the UK, you might need to wait a little longer. The show airs on a week's delay there. Episode 2 should be on E4 around June 8. The series is also available on Channel 4’s streaming platform. Netflix also streams the series in some regions. You can also buy individual episodes on Apple TV and Prime Video. But for season 8 specifically, British fans might have to be patient.

Many people wonder if Rick and Morty will ever end. The show’s massive popularity has allowed it to continue without a set end date. Dan Harmon himself said that if the show starts to feel tired or if the quality drops, they might consider stopping. But right now, the creative team feels good about making the show. Showrunner Scott Marder confirmed that internally, the show is "still breaking as smooth and fun and like effortlessly through [Season] 10 as it was in the early days." This is fantastic news for fans. It suggests that there will be many more wild, mind-bending adventures for years to come. The show remains a strong force in animated comedy, and it seems set to keep going for quite a while.