Thanks to how ridiculous Rick and Morty can be as the titular pair travel across dimensions, there are bound to be a few wacky inventions and important concepts with little to no explanation. At some point, almost everything in Rick and Morty winds up with some kind of explanation, but that doesn’t mean fans always find those explanations. That couldn’t be more true when it comes to the mysterious Plumbus.
When most people try to learn what Rick and Morty’s Plumbus does, they’ll be met with all kinds of memes as answers. Fans will simply restate lines from the show, further adding to the fun and silly nature of the Plumbus. Believe it or not, there actually is some level of explanation for what a Plumbus is, what it does, and how it’s made. Still, the lack of elaboration from the show's creators may leave some still wanting richer details.
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What Is A Plumbus In Rick And Morty?
Rick And Morty's Plumbus | |
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Purpose | All-purpose device |
Uses |
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Warnings |
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Plumbus Parts |
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Additional Parts |
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Place Of Origin | Factories on Plumbubo Prime 51b |
First Apperance | Season 2, Episode 8, "Interdimensional Cable 2: Tempting Fate" |
It’s almost silly for anyone to ask what a Plumbus is, considering everyone has at least one! As they say on the intergalactic TV show How They Do It:
Plumbuses, everyone has a plumbus in their home.
With that joke out of the way, a Plumbus seems to be the Swiss army knife of home appliances. It seems to be used for a variety of purposes around the house, though it is most often seen in kitchens. It can be used either in the home or in the office, and is either rather costly or quite affordable, depending on how valuable the Brapple form of currency is. Crafted in dangerous factories on Plumbubo Prime 51b, the seemingly rubbery (or fleshy?) device is intentionally left as vague as possible even when the series does offer up information.
Plumbuses are incredible inventions. They are capable of creating heat for various household duties like cooking and cleaning, autonomous motion, acting as a radio, and feeling the emotions of their users. And of course, they make for a wonderful piece of home decor. Clearly, a Plumbus might just be one of the most multi-faceted devices in any dimension. It is important to note that proper operation when using the Plumbus is of the utmost importance, as the improper use of one can result in grave injury or even death. Exactly how that would happen is a great question, but that is yet another aspect that is left vague.
For their own safety, users are warned not to use a Plumbus near another Plumbus. The Plumbus must be kept dry and at a comfortable temperature (no one needs a sweating Plumbus). Don't press the Plumbus against organs, in case of injury or death, and so much more. While many of those explanations can make some level of sense, there are further warnings that simply have no explanation. Users are warned against ever staring at the device’s chumbles, and attracting Dark Plumbuses through lack of cleaning. They are also urged to take adequate care should or when a Plumbus suddenly grows. There is no guidance on why any of that is necessary or even what measures should be taken if one fails to heed the warnings, but it’s best to simply take the Plumbus manufacturer at their word.
Notable Mentions Of The Plumbus
Rick And Morty episodes that feature or mention a Plumbus:
- Season 2, Episode 8: “Interdimensional Cable 2: Tempting Fate”
- Season 4, Episode 5: “Rattlestar Ricklactica”
- Season 5, Episode 8: “Rickternal Friendshine of the Spotless Mort”
There have been a few mentions of the brilliant invention that is the Plumbus across Rick and Morty. It was first mentioned and shown in the eighth episode of Season 2, “Interdimensional Cable 2: Tempting Fate.” Further mentions and appearances of the device have been seen in season four, episode five, and season five, episode eight. The device has additionally been mentioned or appeared in various games from the franchise, including Pocket Mortys, Rick and Morty: Virtual Rick-ality, and even the hit fighter Multiversus.
Possibly the most significant episode for the Plumbus is “Interdimensional Cable 2: Tempting Fate.” The device appears twice, and in one instance, a hilarious parody sequence shows how the device is made. While Rick, Morty, and Summer watch more interdimensional cable, they catch an episode of the hit show How They Do It, which dives into a Plumbus factory. Of course, the segment is filled with made-up words and phrases in order to joke around and obfuscate what a Plumbus truly is. The entire segment has that classic “made up on the spot” feel that the show has become famous for, and it thing ends with a happy Rick letting the others know he had no idea how Plumbuses were made.
The other notable mention of the Plumbus in Rick and Morty doesn’t come from the show itself, but instead, an owner's manual that was included in the collector’s edition release of the show’s second season. This manual provides an in-depth look at what it would be like to own a Plumbus, complete with various warnings and instructions on proper operation. It also includes a diagram of the various parts of a Plumbus and all the extras that come when someone buys one, just in case the user isn't sure what the Frood Noops and the Fleeb are.
Rick and Morty can be streamed now on Hulu.
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