Rick and Morty Season 9 Episode 4 Highlights Rick’s Alcohol Abuse

The fourth episode of season 9 of the animated series Rick and Morty focuses on the titular scientist’s severe drinking problem. In the plot, Rick becomes so intoxicated that he forgets his lab password, triggers a two‑factor authentication robot called Reese, and ultimately dismantles the device after Morty discovers it is a mechanized safeguard for his drunkenness.

In an interview with Polygon, co‑creators Dan Harmon and Scott Marder discuss how the episode addresses substance abuse. Harmon likens Rick’s struggle to the portrayal of alcoholism in the film Flight, emphasizing that the story is about a character forced to confront his addiction. Marder notes that the episode brings the issue to the foreground, adding complexity to Rick’s safeguards and Morty’s involvement. The creators also confirm a tenth season and a feature‑length film are in development.