Warning: This article contains SPOILERS for Rick & Morty season 8, episode 2, "Valkyrick".Rick and Morty has continued to experiment with unique storylines and episode formats throughout the years, but season 8 just confirmed a harsh reality when it comes to the show's solo episodes. As the name suggests, Rick and Morty is all about its two titular characters, who constantly embark on all kinds of crazy adventures. While the rest of the Smith family are prevalent parts of the series alongside some frequently recurring side characters, Rick and Morty's best episodes usually involve the two protagonists at the heart of the action, making it a huge gamble doing solo adventures.

Warning: This article contains SPOILERS for Rick & Morty season 8, episode 2, "Valkyrick".Rick and Morty season 8's second episode featured Rick and Space Beth battling against the Gromflomites, but Rick's inside man never showed up, with the post-credits scene showcasing exactly what happened to Cisco. Considering how infrequently Rick places his trust in people, it was a huge shock hearing him have so much faith in a character we'd never seen before, which Space Beth also calls out. Surprisingly, the protagonist remains adamant that Cisco will show up, carrying out his plan as intended, yet Cisco is nowhere to be seen until Rick and Morty season 8's latest post-credits scene.

WARNING: SPOILERS ahead for Rick & Morty season 8, episode 1.

Rick and Morty's showrunner couldn't manage to craft a time loop episode, but this is territory that the franchise has already breached in the comics. It's been a rule for the show to never cover time travel, largely because it's considered a worn-out trope, but also because it's such a complicated one to fully delve into. The show seldom breaks this rule, but never enough for a full-fledged A-story.

Warning: This article contains spoilers for Rick and Morty season 8, episode 1.

Warning: This article contains SPOILERS for Rick and Morty season 8, episode 1, "Summer of All Fears".Rick Sanchez has remained one of Rick and Morty's best characters since the show began, but season 8's premiere exposed a harsh reality about his journey. Alongside Morty, Rick Sanchez has been the animated show's most prominent character, and the t protagonist has contributed to many of its best moments. Not only has he been a major part of Rick and Morty's best episodes, but the story simply wouldn't work without him, as Rick is the catalyst for most adventures, further highlighting just how crucial he is in making the series one of Adult Swim's most popular projects.

Warning: This article contains spoilers for Rick and Morty season 8, episode 1.

Warning: This article contains SPOILERS for Rick and Morty season 8, episode 1, "Summer of All Fears".With Rick and Morty changing significantly in recent years, it has felt like a long time since we heard one of the show's most iconic catchphrases, but season 8 finally brought it back. Alongside its quirky humor and absurd storylines, Adult Swim's hit show is known for having some iconic quotes and catchphrases that live long in the audience's memory. Rick and Morty's Pickle Rick episode remains one of the most talked about in the series because of its silly dialogue and Rick's line about turning himself into a pickle is still repeated frequently, even if ironically.

Warning: This article contains SPOILERS for Rick and Morty season 8, episode 1, "Summer of All Fears".After enduring a mentally exhausting story, Summer was back to normal in Rick and Morty season 8's premiere, but the post-credits scene added a surprising horror twist to her journey. Season 8's first episode got off to an entertaining start, as Morty and Summer dealt with the trauma of being stuck in Rick's matrix for the equivalent of 17 years. While Rick and Morty teased an Easter episode alongside the return of the Citadel, I didn't expect such a heavy premiere, as the premise showcased Rick's flaws while his grandchildren had to overcome some real mental battles.