Warning: Spoilers for Rick and Morty season 7, episodes 1-2.

The post Justin Roiland era of Rick and Morty has begun with season 7 and there are some obvious differences between the latest season and the older ones. Rick and Morty is one of the most popular animated shows on TV with its quirky and dark humor amassing over 10 billion views globally across its lifespan. After serious allegations arose, co-creator Justin Roiland exited Rick and Morty season 7, resulting in the show making some big changes. Not only was Roiland one of the key creators and writers of the show, but he also voiced the two title characters, forcing the show in a new direction.

While it seemed like the show could be doomed without him having received poor reviews on season 7's premiere, episode 2 proved to be a return to form. It might not compete with some of Rick and Morty's best episodes, however, the show has lacked consistency for the last two seasons suggesting the reviews so far aren't too uncommon. Even without Roiland, the series has maintained its tone and comedic touch, yet it has a different feel to previous seasons. It is clearly still the same show and hasn't made drastic shifts, but there are changes that have come since Roiland left that give the franchise a newer feel.

8 Several Rick & Morty Characters Were Recast

One of the biggest inevitable changes surrounding Rick and Morty season 7 was recasting characters. Given Roiland's importance in the voice acting department, his exit was always going to leave difficulties going forward when it came to characters. Both Rick Sanchez and Morty Smith were voiced by Roiland, making their replacements the main topic of discussion heading into season 7. Other characters Roiland voiced also had to be replaced such as Mr. Poopybutthole and Mr. Meeseeks. This is a massive shuffle in terms of character voices, especially having to replace the two main characters yet it hasn't been a massive problem after the first two episodes.

7 Rick & Morty Season 7 Is Giving Previously Minor Characters Bigger Roles

Rick and Morty season 7 has concentrated on elevating some of the show's minor characters by giving them bigger roles. The very first episode focused mostly on Mr. Poopybutthole struggling with a divorce and needing an intervention. Along the way, the episode brought back many favorite side characters such as Birdperson, Gearhead, and Squanchy. The new direction of the show seems to be placing more emphasis on these supporting characters, even giving Gene a bigger role. Being nothing more than a background character previously, he has appeared in both episodes so far and could potentially be a running gag for the season.

6 Rick & Morty Season 7 Isn't Afraid To Exclude A Title Character

Despite its name, Rick and Morty season 7 has shown it isn't afraid to leave out one of its main characters. In season 7, episode 1, Morty has a reduced role, only appearing in the first four minutes of the episode without appearing again afterward. The episode mainly follows Rick's crew of friends trying to help Mr. Poopybutthole out of his dark place. While Rick features heavily in this episode, Morty is mostly absent. This is a huge change from what the show is used to where it always tries to include both characters even if they have different ongoing stories, highlighting the different direction the show may go without Roiland.

5 The Smith Family Have Accepted They Are Not Normal

The Smith family have taken time to come round to the antics of Rick and Morty, but they finally seem to have accepted their abnormality. In previous seasons, there was genuine concern from Beth and Jerry over the adventures Morty was involved in. Morty also still had a school life, and it seemed despite all the craziness, the Smiths still believed they were somewhat regular people. In episode 2, Rick and Jerry swap brains, which is seen as an almost regular occurrence. The show has deviated away from focusing on a single dimension, but it's clear the Smiths have essentially embraced that their lives are different from most humans.

4 Rick & Morty Season 7 Shows Rick And Jerry Finally Getting Along

The lack of respect between Rick and Jerry has been a continuous factor throughout Rick and Morty but season 7 shows the two finally getting along. There have been moments here and there where the two have gotten along in previous seasons but The Jerrick Trap highlights that when their brains mix, they can be the best of friends. Rick and Morty season 7, episode 2's best jokes show that this duo can be hilarious when on the same page. They are hugely contrasting characters but mixing their personalities made for a fun change from the usual dynamic and proves more Rick and Jerry is a good thing.

3 Rick & Morty Season 7 Doesn't Follow Up On Its Finale

In previous seasons, the finales have set the tone for what is to come going forward. Season 5's last episode directly set up the premiere for season 6, and it looked like this would continue. Even the teaser highlighted Rick Prime who has been central to the show's ongoing story, yet season 7 almost disregarded Rick & Morty season 6's ending. Rather than following up where things left off, Rick and Morty decided to open with Mr. Poopybutthole's episode. The show appears to be reverting to the one-off episodes that while funny, aren't telling much of a story. Perhaps this is to ease the new team into such a widely popular project.

2 Rick Seems To Have Lost His Obsession With Rick Prime

Season 6 showed Rick's obsession with Rick Prime, yet without much explanation it looks to have disappeared. With Rick Prime being his arch nemesis, it has been the driving point of the plot. Last season ended with Rick becoming unhinged, almost losing his mind over trying to find Rick Prime in season 7, but the new episodes don't put any focus on this. Instead, each story has been self-contained and fairly inconsequential to the overarching narrative. Season 7's trailer did show Rick Prime, which would suggest he will be involved later down the line. For now though, Rick is apparently over his obsession.

1 There Is No Clear Direction For Rick & Morty Season 7

Perhaps the biggest difference between season 7 and the rest of Rick and Morty is it lacks direction. With other seasons there was a bit more story involved or at least some connection with its episodes. Season 7 hasn't shown many signs of this yet. Rick and Morty's seventh season appears more experimental. It seems like the writers are trying out their new ideas with the voice actors easing their way into the role. The remaining episodes will hopefully begin to make the show's path clearer but for now, it is the most significant difference between season 7 and the rest of the series.