Rick and Morty Season 5 features minor progressive elements primarily through enhanced development of female characters, such as giving Jessica agency in the premiere by subverting damsel tropes and making her a Time God, and in Rickdependence Spray where Beth and Summer outperform males while parodying sexist action movie attitudes. This stems from a balanced writing staff with female writers hired since Season 3. The Thanksploitation Spectacular episode drew some accusations of being woke for portraying pilgrims as monstrous and culminating in Rick destroying Mount Rushmore, critiquing American historical myths in a nihilistic fashion. However, the season largely maintains its irreverent, equal-opportunity satire, mocking extreme eco-activism in A Rickconvenient Truth where Planetina turns terrorist, influencers, superheroes, and bodily autonomy without prioritizing social justice messaging. Casting remains consistent with original voice actors, no race or gender swaps, and no prominent LGBTQ+ focus. Creator interviews emphasize character growth over activism, and audience complaints center on perceived quality dips, gross-out humor, and weaker jokes rather than ideological overreach or DEI mandates. No significant backlash labeling the season as overwhelmingly woke.