: The author argues that the show uses absurd symbols—like the obsessed-over McDonald’s dipping sauce mentioned at the end of Season 2 and into Season 3—to reinforce that in an indifferent universe, the "meaning of life" is effectively nonexistent.

Other academic works delve into specific Season 2 episodes to illustrate broader themes:

The paper uses as a focal point to explore how the show resonates with millennial audiences through its blend of high-concept science fiction and bleak philosophy.

: It explores how Season 2 episodes, such as "The Wedding Squanchers" (S2E10) , use satire to dismantle and belittle traditional institutions like marriage, family, and government. Complementary Scholarly Perspectives

An insightful paper specifically examining the philosophical underpinnings and narrative structure of is "Rick, Morty, and Absurdism: The Millennial Allure of Dark Humor" by Lexi Kennell, published via California Polytechnic State University . Key Highlights of the Paper

: The paper "What is my purpose? Artificial Sentience Having an Existential Crisis" looks at the Season 2 episode "Total Rickall" (S2E4) to discuss how the show treats human and artificial sentience with equal "disrespect," effectively critiquing speciesism.

: Drawing on the works of Albert Camus and Thomas Nagel , the paper analyzes how the show depicts the human struggle to find meaning in a world where actions have virtually no consequences.