Owen Wilson Voices Heartbreaking Character in ‘Rick and Morty’ Season 9 Episode 4

Fans of ‘Rick and Morty’ were thrilled to learn that Owen Wilson had joined the voice cast for the show’s ninth season. Known for its unexpected twists, the addition of Wilson felt like a brilliant choice. His unique voice and warm demeanor were perfectly suited for the character the writers envisioned.

In Season 9, Episode 4 of ‘Rick and Morty’, Wilson lends his voice to a laid-back character named Reese. The episode, which aired on June 14, showcased the creative team’s ability to utilize celebrity cameos effectively, enhancing the storyline rather than just creating buzz.

Co-showrunner and executive producer Scott Marder mentioned that Wilson was always the ideal choice for the role, stating, “We always heard Owen’s voice for that role.” This kind of clarity from the writers often leads to something remarkable, and this episode was no exception.

Reese is a character that seems tailor-made for Wilson, embodying his folksy charm and light southern drawl. Instead of casting him in a role that would feel forced or merely for comedic effect, the show embraced his natural persona, resulting in a rewarding performance.

Harry Belden, the voice of Morty Smith since season seven, reflected on the experience, saying, “It’s always so cool to see who they got. I’m gonna say that I did a scene with Owen Wilson. I wish I could actually say that. We’re always alone in the booth, whenever we’re doing it.” This isolation in the recording booth makes the chemistry between the characters even more impressive.

The episode begins with a drunken Rick struggling to enter his computer password, which locks down all his tech. He rants at Morty until he receives a call from their mutual friend Reese, a laid-back fly-fisher they’ve known for years.

The premise is deceptively simple, drawing viewers into a warm and genuinely funny adventure before a shocking twist occurs.

Reese invites Rick and Morty on a camping trip, where they enjoy fishing and making s’mores. During this trip, Reese delivers the line, “You two may fight, but you’re the real deal,” and his heartfelt delivery serves as the emotional core of the episode.

Reese is designed to be a lovable, easy-going character that Morty can connect with, providing stability in the tumultuous relationship between him and Rick. The brilliance of the character lies in his authentic warmth, which is later revealed to be a facade.

The episode takes a dark turn when it’s revealed that Reese is actually a password-managing android created to unlock Rick’s computer system by verifying his relationship with Morty. This twist recontextualizes every warm moment that preceded it.

Reese serves as a two-step authentication device for Rick during his drunken escapades, with his cheerful personality merely a means to help Rick regain access to his lab. This cold revelation hits harder because Wilson had spent the first half of the episode endearing himself to the audience.

In an instant, Reese reveals robotic arms and a laser beam, creating a jarring contrast to the warmth established earlier. Morty is left heartbroken, realizing that Rick’s need for control extends even to the friendships in their lives.

Over the years, ‘Rick and Morty’ has featured numerous A-list guest stars, from Werner Herzog to Jeffrey Wright, and Wilson’s appearance fits seamlessly into this legacy. The effectiveness of such casting often hinges on whether it enhances the show’s themes, and Reese certainly does.

This episode stands out for its vocal performances, with Ian Cardoni’s portrayal of a drunken Rick being particularly hilarious, while Harry Belden’s Morty matches that energy with his own tantrums. Wilson’s calm presence is perfectly timed amidst the chaos.

The episode’s title references the novel and film ‘A River Runs Through It’, which thematically aligns with the story of fathers, sons, and unspoken words. Season 9 clearly aims to be more than just comedic, and this episode’s ambition is unmistakable.

Now that Reese has been revealed as a robot and Owen Wilson has delivered one of the show’s most quietly devastating performances, the pressing question is whether ‘Rick and Morty’ should bring back Cloud Reese and what implications that might have for Morty’s understanding of Rick’s manufactured relationships.