ℹ️ Skipped - page is already crawled
| Filter | Status | Condition | Details |
|---|---|---|---|
| HTTP status | PASS | download_http_code = 200 | HTTP 200 |
| Age cutoff | PASS | download_stamp > now() - 6 MONTH | 0.9 months ago |
| History drop | PASS | isNull(history_drop_reason) | No drop reason |
| Spam/ban | PASS | fh_dont_index != 1 AND ml_spam_score = 0 | ml_spam_score=0 |
| Canonical | PASS | meta_canonical IS NULL OR = '' OR = src_unparsed | Not set |
| Property | Value |
|---|---|
| URL | https://www.digitalspy.com/tv/ustv/a36900733/rick-and-morty-season-5-episode-2-dead-theory/ |
| Last Crawled | 2026-03-21 15:42:08 (26 days ago) |
| First Indexed | 2021-07-01 16:40:15 (4 years ago) |
| HTTP Status Code | 200 |
| Meta Title | Did Rick and Morty just die for real in season 5 episode 2? |
| Meta Description | Rick and Morty season 5 episode 2 'Mortyplicity' killed off countless Smith family decoys, but did the original Rick and Morty survive? |
| Meta Canonical | null |
| Boilerpipe Text | Rick and Morty
season 5 episode 2 spoilers follow.
From Crocubot and the Amish Cyborg to Mr. Poopybutthole's cat,
Rick and Morty
is no stranger to death. This show decimates entire planets in the blink of an eye and even alternate versions of the Smith family have perished before too.
Think of the Council of Ricks or that Cronenberg Earth from season one. But even so, none of that quite prepared us for the relentless onslaught of death that 'Mortyplicity' brought us just two episodes into
season five
.
In the very first scene, the entire Smith family is shot to death by alien squids. Another Rick is then alerted to their demise, explaining that the first group were just decoys designed to die in their stead. But then they die too. And on and on it goes.
Each time we start to think that we might finally be with the original Smith family, death comes again. Eventually, it turns out that even the squids are just decoys in disguise. Countless decoys have been made by countless Rick decoys who believe themselves to be the real deal.
Adult Swim
//
Channel 4
By the end, this all comes to a head with one giant massacre which includes a few monsters and even wooden puppet decoys for good measure. But given that most of these copies are indistinguishable from the real ones, how are we supposed to know which Rick and Morty are the real deal? And did they even survive all this bloodshed?
It seems likely that C-137 Rick, the "real" Rick, showed up at the end with the rest of the Smith family in his ship. Not only do they seem very familiar with
Space Beth
, who we last saw
at the end of season four
, but the fact they're travelling back from space appears to prove they're the OG Smiths.
Earlier on in the episode, it was suggested that decoy families are limited to "standalone, terrestrial adventures." So that means this version of the family can't be fake because they are able to leave earth. Space Beth's presence also confirms these Smiths are connected to earlier adventures that aren't standalone.
So "our" Rick and Morty are fine, right? Probably, although it's worth bearing in mind that this "rule" was established by another decoy. And the decoys weren't always right either. Early on, a decoy Rick claimed that decoys couldn't create other copies of themselves. So if the decoy was wrong about that, then perhaps they were also wrong about other things too.
Still, the Space Beth connection certainly implies that the final family is ours. And even if they're not, does it even matter which Rick we follow anymore? This wouldn't be the first time that the identity of the Smith family has been called into question.
After all, the original Beth, Jerry, and Summer are no longer with us now following the events of season one's "Rick Potion #9". It's easy to forget now, but longtime fans will remember that the original Rick and Morty accidentally mutated the entire human race, so they replaced alternate versions of themselves in another reality and ended up joining different versions of Beth, Jerry, and Summer to create a new Smith family unit.
Adult Swim
//
Channel 4
And remember when it was implied that Rick might have
taken home the wrong Jerry
back in season two? When we asked Chris Parnell about this, he conceded that it's "entirely possible" this mix-up really did happen.
"I'm never completely clear, personally, on which particular family we're with. I'm not sure it's the same family we started with. I mean, I don't know if these are clones of clones, or... I really can't keep up with all of that. And whether or not it's the right Jerry? Who knows? Maybe one day we'll find out."
Between all this and the Beth clone debacle from last season, it's possible that we haven't been seeing the "original" Smith family for quite some time. And given
the lack of continuity that has often plagued this show
, we should consider the possibility that each episode actually follows a different Rick and Morty throughout the multiverse.
Saying that though,
the show's newfound emphasis on serialised storytelling
does imply that we're following the same characters, for the most part at least. And even if "our" Rick and Morty did end up dying at some point in the decoy war, it wouldn't be much of a stretch to pick things up with a new but very similar version of these characters plucked from another dimension.
In a universe full of infinite possibilities, the writers could still continue building on earlier plot threads even if it does turn out that "our" Rick and Morty are now dead. And maybe, just maybe, they could even bring back Mr. Poopybutthole's cat too.
Rick and Morty
airs on Adult Swim in the US, and on E4 and All 4 in the UK.
Cartoon Network Rick and Morty season 4 DVD
Credit: Adult Swim
Spirit Entertainment Rick and Morty Season 1-3 [Blu-Ray]
Credit: Spirit Entertainment
Funko Rick Funko Pop! Vinyl
Credit: Funko
Funko Morty Funko Pop! Vinyl
Credit: Funko
Funko Pickle Rick with Laser Figure Funko Pop! Vinyl
Credit: Funko
Funko Mr Meeseeks Funko Pop! Vinyl
Now 10% Off
Credit: Funko
Cartoon Network Rick and Morty men's hooded sweatshirt
Credit: Adult Swim
Cartoon Network Rick and Morty women's sweatshirt
Credit: Adult Swim
Numskull Rainbow Morty Christmas Jumper
Credit: Rick and Morty
Winning Moves Rick and Morty Monopoly Board Game
Credit: Hasbro
Cryptozoic Entertainment Rick and Morty Total Rickall Cooperative Card Game
Credit: Cryptozoic
Winning Moves Rick and Morty Cluedo Board Game
Now 11% Off
Credit: Winning Moves
Top Trumps Rick and Morty Top Trumps Card Game
Credit: Top Trumps
This month, Digital Spy Magazine counts down the 50 greatest LGBTQ+ TV characters since the Stonewall riots. Read every issue now with
a 1-month free trial, only on Apple News+
.
Interested in Digital Spy's weekly newsletter?
Sign up
to get it sent straight to your inbox – and don't forget to join our
Watch This Facebook Group
for daily TV recommendations and discussions with other readers.
After teaching in England and South Korea, David turned to writing in Germany, where he covered everything from superhero movies to the Berlin Film Festival.
In 2019, David moved to London to join
Digital Spy
,
where he could indulge his love of comics, horror and
LGBTQ+
storytelling as Deputy TV Editor, and later, as Acting TV Editor.
David has spoken on numerous LGBTQ+ panels to discuss queer representation and in 2020, he created the Rainbow Crew interview series, which celebrates LGBTQ+ talent on both sides of the camera via video content and longform reads.
Beyond that, David has interviewed all your faves, including Henry Cavill, Pedro Pascal, Olivia Colman, Patrick Stewart, Ncuti Gatwa, Jamie Dornan, Regina King, and more — not to mention countless
Drag Race
legends.
As a freelance entertainment journalist, David has bylines across a range of publications including
Empire Online,
Radio Times
, INTO, Highsnobiety,
Den of Geek
, The Digital Fix
and
Sight & Sound
.
LinkedIn
Read full bio |
| Markdown | [Search](https://www.digitalspy.com/search/)

***
- [Latest News](https://www.digitalspy.com/contenttype/news/)
- [TV](https://www.digitalspy.com/tv/)
- [Movies](https://www.digitalspy.com/movies/)
- [Soaps](https://www.digitalspy.com/soaps/)
- [Streaming Guide](https://www.digitalspy.com/tv/a70049607/streaming-guide/)
- [All Videos](https://www.digitalspy.com/videos/)
- [Newsletter](https://link.digitalspy.co.uk/join/signup-digital-spy)
- [Forums](https://forums.digitalspy.com/)
- [Follow](https://www.digitalspy.com/#/)
- [Cookies Policy](http://www.hearst.co.uk/cookies-policy)
[Privacy Notice](http://www.hearst.co.uk/privacy-notice)[Terms Of Use](http://www.hearst.co.uk/terms-and-conditions/)
[Skip to Content](https://www.digitalspy.com/tv/ustv/a36900733/rick-and-morty-season-5-episode-2-dead-theory/#main-content)
[](https://www.digitalspy.com/)
- [TV](https://www.digitalspy.com/tv/)
- [Movies](https://www.digitalspy.com/movies/)
- [Soaps](https://www.digitalspy.com/soaps/)
- [Tech](https://www.digitalspy.com/tech/)
- [News](https://www.digitalspy.com/news/)
- [Streaming Guide](https://www.digitalspy.com/tv/a70049607/streaming-guide/)
[Forums](https://forums.digitalspy.com/)
[Newsletter](https://link.digitalspy.co.uk/join/signup-digital-spy-allnewsletters)
[Wuthering Heights review](https://www.digitalspy.com/movies/a70284509/wuthering-heights-review/)
[Bridgerton merch](https://www.digitalspy.com/tv/g69989042/bridgerton-gifts-merchandise/)
[Death in Paradise schedule](https://www.digitalspy.com/tv/a70343398/why-death-in-paradise-isnt-on-tv-tonight-how-to-watch/)
[How to watch Eternity](https://www.digitalspy.com/movies/a70344785/watch-eternity-movie-streaming-apple-tv/)
[Corrie spoilers](https://www.digitalspy.com/soaps/coronation-street/a70312016/coronation-street-spoilers-debbie-ronnie-jodie/)
We earn a commission for products purchased through some links in this article.


1. [TV](https://www.digitalspy.com/tv/)
2. [US TV](https://www.digitalspy.com/tv/ustv/)
3. [Did Rick and Morty just kill the "original" Smith family?](https://www.digitalspy.com/tv/ustv/a36900733/rick-and-morty-season-5-episode-2-dead-theory/)
# Did Rick and Morty just kill the "original" Smith family?
This wouldn't be the first time some of them have been replaced...
By [David Opie](https://www.digitalspy.com/author/628115/david-opie/ "David Opie")
Published: 01 July 2021
***Rick and Morty* season 5 episode 2 spoilers follow.**
From Crocubot and the Amish Cyborg to Mr. Poopybutthole's cat, *[Rick and Morty](https://www.digitalspy.com/rick-and-morty/)* is no stranger to death. This show decimates entire planets in the blink of an eye and even alternate versions of the Smith family have perished before too.
Think of the Council of Ricks or that Cronenberg Earth from season one. But even so, none of that quite prepared us for the relentless onslaught of death that 'Mortyplicity' brought us just two episodes into [season five](https://www.digitalspy.com/tv/ustv/a30104312/rick-and-morty-season-5-release-date-episodes-cast-trailer/).
## What to Read Next
In the very first scene, the entire Smith family is shot to death by alien squids. Another Rick is then alerted to their demise, explaining that the first group were just decoys designed to die in their stead. But then they die too. And on and on it goes.
Each time we start to think that we might finally be with the original Smith family, death comes again. Eventually, it turns out that even the squids are just decoys in disguise. Countless decoys have been made by countless Rick decoys who believe themselves to be the real deal.

Adult Swim//Channel 4
By the end, this all comes to a head with one giant massacre which includes a few monsters and even wooden puppet decoys for good measure. But given that most of these copies are indistinguishable from the real ones, how are we supposed to know which Rick and Morty are the real deal? And did they even survive all this bloodshed?
It seems likely that C-137 Rick, the "real" Rick, showed up at the end with the rest of the Smith family in his ship. Not only do they seem very familiar with [Space Beth](https://www.digitalspy.com/tv/ustv/a36860582/rick-and-morty-season-5-space-beth-return/), who we last saw [at the end of season four](https://www.digitalspy.com/tv/ustv/a32727130/rick-and-morty-finale-twist-season-5/), but the fact they're travelling back from space appears to prove they're the OG Smiths.
Earlier on in the episode, it was suggested that decoy families are limited to "standalone, terrestrial adventures." So that means this version of the family can't be fake because they are able to leave earth. Space Beth's presence also confirms these Smiths are connected to earlier adventures that aren't standalone.
###### Related Story
- [Rick and Morty s5 fixes show's biggest problem](https://www.digitalspy.com/tv/ustv/a36698221/rick-and-morty-season-5-episode-1-review/)
So "our" Rick and Morty are fine, right? Probably, although it's worth bearing in mind that this "rule" was established by another decoy. And the decoys weren't always right either. Early on, a decoy Rick claimed that decoys couldn't create other copies of themselves. So if the decoy was wrong about that, then perhaps they were also wrong about other things too.
Still, the Space Beth connection certainly implies that the final family is ours. And even if they're not, does it even matter which Rick we follow anymore? This wouldn't be the first time that the identity of the Smith family has been called into question.
After all, the original Beth, Jerry, and Summer are no longer with us now following the events of season one's "Rick Potion \#9". It's easy to forget now, but longtime fans will remember that the original Rick and Morty accidentally mutated the entire human race, so they replaced alternate versions of themselves in another reality and ended up joining different versions of Beth, Jerry, and Summer to create a new Smith family unit.

Adult Swim//Channel 4
And remember when it was implied that Rick might have [taken home the wrong Jerry](https://www.digitalspy.com/tv/ustv/a32639888/rick-and-morty-season-4-fan-theory-jerry-ticket/) back in season two? When we asked Chris Parnell about this, he conceded that it's "entirely possible" this mix-up really did happen.
"I'm never completely clear, personally, on which particular family we're with. I'm not sure it's the same family we started with. I mean, I don't know if these are clones of clones, or... I really can't keep up with all of that. And whether or not it's the right Jerry? Who knows? Maybe one day we'll find out."
Between all this and the Beth clone debacle from last season, it's possible that we haven't been seeing the "original" Smith family for quite some time. And given [the lack of continuity that has often plagued this show](https://www.digitalspy.com/tv/ustv/a36698221/rick-and-morty-season-5-episode-1-review/), we should consider the possibility that each episode actually follows a different Rick and Morty throughout the multiverse.
###### Related Story
- [Rick and Morty confirmed major character is queer](https://www.digitalspy.com/tv/ustv/a36762888/rick-and-morty-season-5-jerry-queer-lgbtq/)
Saying that though, [the show's newfound emphasis on serialised storytelling](https://www.digitalspy.com/tv/ustv/a36749024/rick-and-morty-season-5-biggest-change-dan-harmon/) does imply that we're following the same characters, for the most part at least. And even if "our" Rick and Morty did end up dying at some point in the decoy war, it wouldn't be much of a stretch to pick things up with a new but very similar version of these characters plucked from another dimension.
In a universe full of infinite possibilities, the writers could still continue building on earlier plot threads even if it does turn out that "our" Rick and Morty are now dead. And maybe, just maybe, they could even bring back Mr. Poopybutthole's cat too.
***Rick and Morty*** **airs on Adult Swim in the US, and on E4 and All 4 in the UK.**
[](https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B08DBYPWGY?tag=digitalspy.com-21)
###### Cartoon Network Rick and Morty season 4 DVD
[£21 at Amazon](https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B08DBYPWGY?tag=digitalspy.com-21)
Credit: Adult Swim
[![Rick and Morty Season 1-3 \[Blu-Ray\]](https://hips.hearstapps.com/vader-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/1573053428-511PG0pmhOL.jpg?crop=1xw:1xh;center,top&resize=980:*)](https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B07LGPFVKT?tag=digitalspy.com-21)
###### Spirit Entertainment Rick and Morty Season 1-3 \[Blu-Ray\]
[£26 at Amazon](https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B07LGPFVKT?tag=digitalspy.com-21)
Credit: Spirit Entertainment
[](https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B01FIF06VY?tag=digitalspy.com-21)
###### Funko Rick Funko Pop! Vinyl
[£20 at Amazon](https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B01FIF06VY?tag=digitalspy.com-21)
Credit: Funko
[](https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B01FIF06S2?tag=digitalspy.com-21)
###### Funko Morty Funko Pop! Vinyl
[£44 at Amazon](https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B01FIF06S2?tag=digitalspy.com-21)
Credit: Funko
[](https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B07569HX5Z?tag=digitalspy.com-21)
###### Funko Pickle Rick with Laser Figure Funko Pop! Vinyl
[£24 at Amazon](https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B07569HX5Z?tag=digitalspy.com-21)
Credit: Funko
[](https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B01MY7PEIP?tag=digitalspy.com-21)
###### Funko Mr Meeseeks Funko Pop! Vinyl
Now 10% Off
[£35 at Amazon](https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B01MY7PEIP?tag=digitalspy.com-21)
Credit: Funko
[](https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B082BFGRRK?tag=digitalspy.com-21)
###### Cartoon Network Rick and Morty men's hooded sweatshirt
[£35 at Amazon](https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B082BFGRRK?tag=digitalspy.com-21)
Credit: Adult Swim
[](https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B082BYP5TT?tag=digitalspy.com-21)
###### Cartoon Network Rick and Morty women's sweatshirt
[£30 at Amazon](https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B082BYP5TT?tag=digitalspy.com-21)
Credit: Adult Swim
[](https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B07G1Z4K14?tag=digitalspy.com-21)
###### Numskull Rainbow Morty Christmas Jumper
[\$59 at Amazon](https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B07G1Z4K14?tag=digitalspy.com-21)
Credit: Rick and Morty
[](https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B0773PLQR3?tag=digitalspy.com-21)
###### Winning Moves Rick and Morty Monopoly Board Game
[£38 at Amazon](https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B0773PLQR3?tag=digitalspy.com-21)
Credit: Hasbro
[](https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B01BEZTEXS?tag=digitalspy.com-21)
###### Cryptozoic Entertainment Rick and Morty Total Rickall Cooperative Card Game
[£16 at Amazon](https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B01BEZTEXS?tag=digitalspy.com-21)
Credit: Cryptozoic
[](https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B078JNK659?tag=digitalspy.com-21)
###### Winning Moves Rick and Morty Cluedo Board Game
Now 11% Off
[£31 at Amazon](https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B078JNK659?tag=digitalspy.com-21)
Credit: Winning Moves
[](https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B07C7H2FM1?tag=digitalspy.com-21)
###### Top Trumps Rick and Morty Top Trumps Card Game
[£6 at Amazon](https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B07C7H2FM1?tag=digitalspy.com-21)
Credit: Top Trumps
***
**This month, Digital Spy Magazine counts down the 50 greatest LGBTQ+ TV characters since the Stonewall riots. Read every issue now with [a 1-month free trial, only on Apple News+](https://apple.news/IiU7-f0TgQOu_A0icBRbRtQ).**
**Interested in Digital Spy's weekly newsletter?** [**Sign up**](https://link.digitalspy.co.uk/join/signup-digital-spy-allnewsletters) **to get it sent straight to your inbox – and don't forget to join our** [**Watch This Facebook Group**](https://bit.ly/watchthisds) **for daily TV recommendations and discussions with other readers.**

[David Opie](https://www.digitalspy.com/author/628115/david-opie/)
After teaching in England and South Korea, David turned to writing in Germany, where he covered everything from superhero movies to the Berlin Film Festival.
In 2019, David moved to London to join [**Digital Spy**](https://www.digitalspy.com/)**,** where he could indulge his love of comics, horror and [LGBTQ+](https://www.digitalspy.com/lgbtq/) storytelling as Deputy TV Editor, and later, as Acting TV Editor.
David has spoken on numerous LGBTQ+ panels to discuss queer representation and in 2020, he created the Rainbow Crew interview series, which celebrates LGBTQ+ talent on both sides of the camera via video content and longform reads.
Beyond that, David has interviewed all your faves, including Henry Cavill, Pedro Pascal, Olivia Colman, Patrick Stewart, Ncuti Gatwa, Jamie Dornan, Regina King, and more — not to mention countless [Drag Race](https://www.digitalspy.com/rupauls-drag-race/) legends.
As a freelance entertainment journalist, David has bylines across a range of publications including *Empire Online,* [*Radio Times*](https://www.radiotimes.com/author/davidopie/)*, INTO, Highsnobiety,* [*Den of Geek*](https://www.denofgeek.com/author/david-opie/)*, The Digital Fix* and *Sight & Sound*.
[LinkedIn](https://www.linkedin.com/in/david-opie7/)
[Read full bio](https://www.digitalspy.com/author/628115/david-opie/)
Advertisement - Continue Reading Below
## [Rick and Morty](https://www.digitalspy.com/rick-and-morty/)
[Rick and Morty boss gets new Netflix show](https://www.digitalspy.com/tv/ustv/a60972293/rick-and-morty-dan-harmon-undervale-netflix/)
[Rick and Morty s8 confirms release date delay](https://www.digitalspy.com/tv/ustv/a46500386/rick-and-morty-season-8-release-delay/)
[Rick and Morty boss on s7 post-credits scenes](https://www.digitalspy.com/tv/ustv/a46165684/rick-and-morty-boss-season-7-post-credits-scene/)
[Rick and Morty teases next three seasons plans](https://www.digitalspy.com/tv/ustv/a46159121/rick-and-morty-plans-season-10/)
Advertisement - Continue Reading Below
[Rick and Morty season 7 brings back character](https://www.digitalspy.com/tv/ustv/a45619543/rick-and-morty-season-7-memory-rick-return-post-credits/)
[Rick and Morty reveals new voice actors](https://www.digitalspy.com/tv/ustv/a45543157/rick-and-morty-new-voice-actors-recast/)
[Rick and Morty movie receives promising update](https://www.digitalspy.com/movies/a45526955/rick-and-morty-movie-exciting-update/)
[Rick and Morty s7 trailer reveals new voice actors](https://www.digitalspy.com/tv/ustv/a45315220/rick-and-morty-season-7-trailer-new-actors/)
[Rick and Morty season 7 all you need to know](https://www.digitalspy.com/tv/ustv/a42238497/rick-and-morty-season-7-release-date/)
[Rick and Morty season 7 confirms release date](https://www.digitalspy.com/tv/ustv/a44825492/rick-and-morty-season-7-release-date-trailer/)
[Strange Planet – how to watch the animated series](https://www.digitalspy.com/tv/ustv/a44759810/how-to-watch-strange-planet-apple-tv-plus/)
[Justin Roiland dropped from Solar Opposites](https://www.digitalspy.com/tv/ustv/a42662176/justin-roiland-dropped-solar-opposites/)
Advertisement - Continue Reading Below
[](https://www.digitalspy.com/)
[](https://x.com/digitalspy)
[](https://www.tiktok.com/@digitalspyuk)
[](https://www.youtube.com/user/digitalspy)
[](https://www.facebook.com/digitalspyuk/)
[](https://www.whatsapp.com/channel/0029VaBs03C8PgsG3myPUU1D)
[](https://www.instagram.com/digitalspy/)
[Features](https://www.digitalspy.com/features/)[Exclusives](https://www.digitalspy.com/exclusive/)[US TV](https://www.digitalspy.com/tv/ustv/)[Reality TV](https://www.digitalspy.com/tv/reality-tv/)[Soaps Spoilers](https://www.digitalspy.com/soaps-spoilers/)[Coronation Street](https://www.digitalspy.com/soaps/coronation-street/)[EastEnders](https://www.digitalspy.com/soaps/eastenders/)[Emmerdale](https://www.digitalspy.com/soaps/emmerdale/)[Home and Away](https://www.digitalspy.com/soaps/home-and-away/)[Hollyoaks](https://www.digitalspy.com/soaps/hollyoaks/)[Casualty](https://www.digitalspy.com/soaps/casualty/)[Neighbours](https://www.digitalspy.com/soaps/neighbours/)[Waterloo Road](https://www.digitalspy.com/soaps/waterloo-road/)[Gaming](https://www.digitalspy.com/gaming/)[Showbiz](https://www.digitalspy.com/showbiz/)[LGBTQ+ Spy](https://www.digitalspy.com/lgbtq/)[Star Wars](https://www.digitalspy.com/star-wars/)[Marvel](https://www.digitalspy.com/marvel/)[Doctor Who](https://www.digitalspy.com/doctor-who/)[Netflix](https://www.digitalspy.com/netflix/)[Disney+](https://www.digitalspy.com/disney/)[Apple TV+](https://www.digitalspy.com/apple-tv-plus/)[Prime Video](https://www.digitalspy.com/amazon-prime-video/)[NOW](https://www.digitalspy.com/nowtv/)

DIGITAL SPY, PART OF THE HEARST UK ENTERTAINMENT NETWORK
We earn a commission for products purchased through some links in this article.
©2026 Hearst UK is the trading name of the National Magazine Company Ltd, 30 Panton Street, Leicester Square, London, SW1Y 4AJ. Registered in England. All Rights Reserved.
[RSS](https://www.digitalspy.com/rss/all.xml/)[About & Contact Details](https://www.digitalspy.com/about/a23776/about-digital-spy-and-the-digital-spy-team/)[Terms & Conditions](http://www.hearst.co.uk/terms-and-conditions/)[Privacy Policy](http://www.hearst.co.uk/privacy-policy/)[Cookie Policy](http://www.hearst.co.uk/cookie-policy/)[Complaints](http://www.hearst.co.uk/hearst-magazines-uk-complaints-procedure/)[Sitemap](https://www.digitalspy.com/sitemap/)[Advertising](https://www.hearst.co.uk/brands/digital-spy)
[Cookies Choices](https://www.digitalspy.com/tv/ustv/a36900733/rick-and-morty-season-5-episode-2-dead-theory/ "Cookies Choices")
 |
| Readable Markdown | ***Rick and Morty* season 5 episode 2 spoilers follow.**
From Crocubot and the Amish Cyborg to Mr. Poopybutthole's cat, *[Rick and Morty](https://www.digitalspy.com/rick-and-morty/)* is no stranger to death. This show decimates entire planets in the blink of an eye and even alternate versions of the Smith family have perished before too.
Think of the Council of Ricks or that Cronenberg Earth from season one. But even so, none of that quite prepared us for the relentless onslaught of death that 'Mortyplicity' brought us just two episodes into [season five](https://www.digitalspy.com/tv/ustv/a30104312/rick-and-morty-season-5-release-date-episodes-cast-trailer/).
In the very first scene, the entire Smith family is shot to death by alien squids. Another Rick is then alerted to their demise, explaining that the first group were just decoys designed to die in their stead. But then they die too. And on and on it goes.
Each time we start to think that we might finally be with the original Smith family, death comes again. Eventually, it turns out that even the squids are just decoys in disguise. Countless decoys have been made by countless Rick decoys who believe themselves to be the real deal.

Adult Swim//Channel 4
By the end, this all comes to a head with one giant massacre which includes a few monsters and even wooden puppet decoys for good measure. But given that most of these copies are indistinguishable from the real ones, how are we supposed to know which Rick and Morty are the real deal? And did they even survive all this bloodshed?
It seems likely that C-137 Rick, the "real" Rick, showed up at the end with the rest of the Smith family in his ship. Not only do they seem very familiar with [Space Beth](https://www.digitalspy.com/tv/ustv/a36860582/rick-and-morty-season-5-space-beth-return/), who we last saw [at the end of season four](https://www.digitalspy.com/tv/ustv/a32727130/rick-and-morty-finale-twist-season-5/), but the fact they're travelling back from space appears to prove they're the OG Smiths.
Earlier on in the episode, it was suggested that decoy families are limited to "standalone, terrestrial adventures." So that means this version of the family can't be fake because they are able to leave earth. Space Beth's presence also confirms these Smiths are connected to earlier adventures that aren't standalone.
So "our" Rick and Morty are fine, right? Probably, although it's worth bearing in mind that this "rule" was established by another decoy. And the decoys weren't always right either. Early on, a decoy Rick claimed that decoys couldn't create other copies of themselves. So if the decoy was wrong about that, then perhaps they were also wrong about other things too.
Still, the Space Beth connection certainly implies that the final family is ours. And even if they're not, does it even matter which Rick we follow anymore? This wouldn't be the first time that the identity of the Smith family has been called into question.
After all, the original Beth, Jerry, and Summer are no longer with us now following the events of season one's "Rick Potion \#9". It's easy to forget now, but longtime fans will remember that the original Rick and Morty accidentally mutated the entire human race, so they replaced alternate versions of themselves in another reality and ended up joining different versions of Beth, Jerry, and Summer to create a new Smith family unit.

Adult Swim//Channel 4
And remember when it was implied that Rick might have [taken home the wrong Jerry](https://www.digitalspy.com/tv/ustv/a32639888/rick-and-morty-season-4-fan-theory-jerry-ticket/) back in season two? When we asked Chris Parnell about this, he conceded that it's "entirely possible" this mix-up really did happen.
"I'm never completely clear, personally, on which particular family we're with. I'm not sure it's the same family we started with. I mean, I don't know if these are clones of clones, or... I really can't keep up with all of that. And whether or not it's the right Jerry? Who knows? Maybe one day we'll find out."
Between all this and the Beth clone debacle from last season, it's possible that we haven't been seeing the "original" Smith family for quite some time. And given [the lack of continuity that has often plagued this show](https://www.digitalspy.com/tv/ustv/a36698221/rick-and-morty-season-5-episode-1-review/), we should consider the possibility that each episode actually follows a different Rick and Morty throughout the multiverse.
Saying that though, [the show's newfound emphasis on serialised storytelling](https://www.digitalspy.com/tv/ustv/a36749024/rick-and-morty-season-5-biggest-change-dan-harmon/) does imply that we're following the same characters, for the most part at least. And even if "our" Rick and Morty did end up dying at some point in the decoy war, it wouldn't be much of a stretch to pick things up with a new but very similar version of these characters plucked from another dimension.
In a universe full of infinite possibilities, the writers could still continue building on earlier plot threads even if it does turn out that "our" Rick and Morty are now dead. And maybe, just maybe, they could even bring back Mr. Poopybutthole's cat too.
***Rick and Morty*** **airs on Adult Swim in the US, and on E4 and All 4 in the UK.**
[](https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B08DBYPWGY?tag=digitalspy.com-21)
###### Cartoon Network Rick and Morty season 4 DVD
Credit: Adult Swim
[![Rick and Morty Season 1-3 \[Blu-Ray\]](https://hips.hearstapps.com/vader-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/1573053428-511PG0pmhOL.jpg?crop=1xw:1xh;center,top&resize=980:*)](https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B07LGPFVKT?tag=digitalspy.com-21)
###### Spirit Entertainment Rick and Morty Season 1-3 \[Blu-Ray\]
Credit: Spirit Entertainment
[](https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B01FIF06VY?tag=digitalspy.com-21)
###### Funko Rick Funko Pop! Vinyl
Credit: Funko
[](https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B01FIF06S2?tag=digitalspy.com-21)
###### Funko Morty Funko Pop! Vinyl
Credit: Funko
[](https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B07569HX5Z?tag=digitalspy.com-21)
###### Funko Pickle Rick with Laser Figure Funko Pop! Vinyl
Credit: Funko
[](https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B01MY7PEIP?tag=digitalspy.com-21)
###### Funko Mr Meeseeks Funko Pop! Vinyl
Now 10% Off
Credit: Funko
[](https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B082BFGRRK?tag=digitalspy.com-21)
###### Cartoon Network Rick and Morty men's hooded sweatshirt
Credit: Adult Swim
[](https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B082BYP5TT?tag=digitalspy.com-21)
###### Cartoon Network Rick and Morty women's sweatshirt
Credit: Adult Swim
[](https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B07G1Z4K14?tag=digitalspy.com-21)
###### Numskull Rainbow Morty Christmas Jumper
Credit: Rick and Morty
[](https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B0773PLQR3?tag=digitalspy.com-21)
###### Winning Moves Rick and Morty Monopoly Board Game
Credit: Hasbro
[](https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B01BEZTEXS?tag=digitalspy.com-21)
###### Cryptozoic Entertainment Rick and Morty Total Rickall Cooperative Card Game
Credit: Cryptozoic
[](https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B078JNK659?tag=digitalspy.com-21)
###### Winning Moves Rick and Morty Cluedo Board Game
Now 11% Off
Credit: Winning Moves
[](https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B07C7H2FM1?tag=digitalspy.com-21)
###### Top Trumps Rick and Morty Top Trumps Card Game
Credit: Top Trumps
***
**This month, Digital Spy Magazine counts down the 50 greatest LGBTQ+ TV characters since the Stonewall riots. Read every issue now with [a 1-month free trial, only on Apple News+](https://apple.news/IiU7-f0TgQOu_A0icBRbRtQ).**
**Interested in Digital Spy's weekly newsletter?** [**Sign up**](https://link.digitalspy.co.uk/join/signup-digital-spy-allnewsletters) **to get it sent straight to your inbox – and don't forget to join our** [**Watch This Facebook Group**](https://bit.ly/watchthisds) **for daily TV recommendations and discussions with other readers.**

After teaching in England and South Korea, David turned to writing in Germany, where he covered everything from superhero movies to the Berlin Film Festival.
In 2019, David moved to London to join [**Digital Spy**](https://www.digitalspy.com/)**,** where he could indulge his love of comics, horror and [LGBTQ+](https://www.digitalspy.com/lgbtq/) storytelling as Deputy TV Editor, and later, as Acting TV Editor.
David has spoken on numerous LGBTQ+ panels to discuss queer representation and in 2020, he created the Rainbow Crew interview series, which celebrates LGBTQ+ talent on both sides of the camera via video content and longform reads.
Beyond that, David has interviewed all your faves, including Henry Cavill, Pedro Pascal, Olivia Colman, Patrick Stewart, Ncuti Gatwa, Jamie Dornan, Regina King, and more — not to mention countless [Drag Race](https://www.digitalspy.com/rupauls-drag-race/) legends.
As a freelance entertainment journalist, David has bylines across a range of publications including *Empire Online,* [*Radio Times*](https://www.radiotimes.com/author/davidopie/)*, INTO, Highsnobiety,* [*Den of Geek*](https://www.denofgeek.com/author/david-opie/)*, The Digital Fix* and *Sight & Sound*.
[LinkedIn](https://www.linkedin.com/in/david-opie7/)
[Read full bio](https://www.digitalspy.com/author/628115/david-opie/) |
| Shard | 110 (laksa) |
| Root Hash | 14293390321184698510 |
| Unparsed URL | com,digitalspy!www,/tv/ustv/a36900733/rick-and-morty-season-5-episode-2-dead-theory/ s443 |