| "Lawnmower Dog" | |
|---|---|
| Rick and Morty episode | |
| Episode no. | Season 1 Episode 2 |
| Directed by | John Rice |
| Written by | Ryan Ridley |
| Original air date | December 9, 2013 |
| Running time | 21 minutes |
| Guest appearance | |
| |
"Lawnmower Dog" is the second episode of Rick and Morty. It premiered on Adult Swim on December 9, 2013, was written by Ryan Ridley, and directed by John Rice. In the episode, Rick gives Jerry a device to enhance the dog's intelligence while Rick and Morty get lost in the dreams of Morty's math teacher. The episode was well received and was seen by approximately 1.5 million viewers when it premiered.[1]
The title is a reference to the movie The Lawnmower Man (1992), in which a scientist enhances the intellect of a simple-minded gardener. The plot of dogs gaining intelligence and taking over the planet is also similar to Rise of the Planet of the Apes (2011) and the Planet of the Apes franchise in general. Meanwhile, the plot involving Rick and Morty's adventure is a parody of the 2010 film Inception as well as the Nightmare on Elm Street franchise.[2]