Rick and Morty's ninth season is back on track with its second episode, 'Ricks Days, Seven Nights'. This episode explores the misery of Rick Sanchez's existence as he tries to guarantee himself a proper vacation.
The episode introduces a new supporting cast, but they are mostly a means to an end, as the focus is on Rick's conflict with himself. The episode is less overtly funny than many other chapters of the series, but it's a fundamentally sad conflict.
The latter half of the episode highlights the darkness lurking at the center of the conflict, and the final scene between Rick and Morty is a strong way to cap off the bleak little conflict.
The episode shows Rick in literal conflict with himself, and though his vacation self triumphs over his regular self, the victory is hollow and empty.
