IGN praised the work of the writers in making the plot unique and different, saying "Had this conflict boiled down to simple war between Good Rick and Evil Rick, I don't know how well this episode would have worked," noting as well that the "characterization took an abrupt turn midway through the episode when he switched from being a lovable self-help guru to a reject from Wall Street or American Psycho."[6] Joe Matar of Den of Geek said, "The series explores a simple premise and comes out with another brilliant episode," in addition to praising the plot, calling the episode "another fantastic episode" that "somehow takes [the plot] in wholly unexpected directions, plunging the depths of the characters’ psyches and cranking out top-notch jokes all along the way."[7] IndieWire called the theme of the episode poses the question: "Who are Rick and Morty without their problems? That’s the issue confronted in "Rest and Ricklaxation", as the legendary duo decide to unwind after a crazy adventure with a day spa that strips them of their 'toxins.'"[8]