The Return of Snowball: Rick and Morty’s Brilliant Commentary on Power and Hypocrisy
When I heard that Rick and Morty was bringing back Snowball, the genius dog from Season 1, I wasn’t just excited—I was intrigued. What makes this particularly fascinating is how the show uses its absurd, over-the-top premise to hold a mirror up to humanity’s flaws. Snowball’s return in Season 9, Episode 5 isn’t just fan service; it’s a masterclass in how sci-fi comedy can tackle complex themes like power, morality, and the cycle of oppression.
From Pet to Tyrant: The Evolution of Snowball
Let’s rewind to Lawnmower Dog, the episode that introduced Snowball. Personally, I think this is one of the series’ most underrated installments. It’s not just a parody of Inception—though the dream-infiltration sequence is hilarious—it’s a sharp critique of how we treat animals. Snowball’s transformation from a family pet to a revolutionary leader is both absurd and deeply unsettling. What many people don’t realize is that his journey mirrors humanity’s own history of rebellion and domination.
Fast forward to Season 9, and Snowball’s planet of intelligent dogs isn’t the utopia Morty expects. Instead, the dogs have enslaved a native hominid species, breeding them like pets. One thing that immediately stands out is the irony here. Snowball, once a victim of human oppression, has become the oppressor. If you take a step back and think about it, this isn’t just a twist—it’s a brutal commentary on how power corrupts, regardless of who wields it.
Morty’s Moral Dilemma: The Heart of the Episode
Morty’s visit to Snowball’s planet is where the episode truly shines. From my perspective, Morty has always been the moral compass of the show, even if he’s often dragged into Rick’s chaotic schemes. Here, he’s forced to confront the uncomfortable truth that his old friend has become a tyrant. What this really suggests is that redemption isn’t always linear—or even possible.
The hominid uprising that Morty gets caught in is chaotic, violent, and surprisingly emotional. What makes this particularly fascinating is how the episode parallels real-world revolutions. The dogs’ selective breeding program is a clear nod to puppy mills and eugenics, but it also feels like a broader critique of colonialism and exploitation. This raises a deeper question: Can we ever break free from the cycle of oppression, or are we doomed to repeat it?
The Showrunners’ Intent: A Deliberate Provocation
In interviews, Dan Harmon and Scott Marder have hinted that Snowball’s return was always in the cards. A detail that I find especially interesting is how they framed it as a potential spinoff setup from the beginning. But instead of giving us a lighthearted dog-centric adventure, they delivered something far more thought-provoking. The episode’s dark tone and ambiguous ending feel intentional—a reminder that even in a show as absurd as Rick and Morty, there are no easy answers.
Broader Implications: What Snowball’s Story Tells Us About Ourselves
Snowball’s arc isn’t just a character study; it’s a reflection of humanity’s worst tendencies. Personally, I think the episode’s brilliance lies in its ability to make us uncomfortable. By turning a beloved character into a villain, the show forces us to confront our own capacity for hypocrisy. We root for Snowball’s rebellion in Season 1, but when he becomes the oppressor, it’s harder to justify.
This raises a deeper question: Are we any better than Snowball? The episode doesn’t provide a clear answer, and that’s what makes it so powerful. It’s not just a story about a dog; it’s a story about us.
Looking Ahead: The Future of Snowball and Rick and Morty
As the episode ends, Snowball’s fate is left uncertain. Will he truly change, or will he descend further into tyranny? In my opinion, this ambiguity is perfect. It keeps the character—and the show—relevant, forcing us to keep asking questions long after the credits roll.
What this really suggests is that Rick and Morty isn’t just a show about wacky adventures; it’s a show about the human condition. And if Snowball’s return is any indication, the series still has plenty of bold, uncomfortable stories to tell.
Final Thoughts
Snowball’s return isn’t just a nostalgic callback—it’s a bold statement. Personally, I think it’s one of the show’s most important episodes, not because of its fan service, but because of its willingness to challenge us. It’s a reminder that even in the most absurd fiction, there’s room for profound truth. And that, in my opinion, is what makes Rick and Morty so enduring.
So, here’s to Snowball—a character who went from family pet to revolutionary to tyrant, and in doing so, became one of the show’s most compelling figures. Let’s just hope we don’t have to wait another 13 years to see what he does next.
