Moreover, the slightly more downbeat approach feels appropriate given how much the Rick/Beth relationship is at the heart of this episode. Episode 9 is all about the struggle of being a good parent, and it's fitting that the conclusion leaves everyone a little unhappier and worse off than when they started."[3] Joe Matar of Den of Geek gave the episode a 2.5 out of 5, saying that "with the whole Smith family involved, 'Childrick of Mort' is a welcome change of pace after a bunch of sometimes-samey, Rick-and-Morty-centric episodes, but only on the most basic of levels because it's kind of mediocre. A lot of crazy crap happens, as is Rick and Morty's wont, but a lack of standout jokes or interesting character moments renders the proceedings mundane.