Given the state of things (ex. seemingly imminent nuclear war with North Korea, the continued devastation in Puerto Rico, Trump being the president, etc.) you're forgiven if this strange pop culture meltdown escaped your notice.
Long story short: Rick and Morty co-creator, Justin Roiland, lamented over his inability to have McDonald's limited edition Szechuan sauce (which was distributed in 1998 as a promotional tie-in to the Disney film, Mulan) by making an episode of Rick and Morty where the title characters hunt it down. McDonald's then sent Roiland a case of the out-of-production sauce (even though one could easily buy a bottle from one's local grocery store in the Asian food aisle).
Roiland then tweeted a picture and the Rick and Morty fandom went crazy. McDonald's, as any savvy corporation, would decided to capitalize on the excitement and bring back Szechuan sauce for a limited time at participating locations.
1. It's not real news until there's a Spongebob meme about it.
2. Then, someone responds with another Spongebob meme, and this is how art is made.
3. The embarrassment.
4. These small packets of Szechuan sauce are being sold on Ebay for upwards of $5,000. Again—available at your local grocery store.
5. The last thing you want is to be a Jerry.
6. Inside the mind of a "smirking" Rick and Morty fan.
7. Of course Wendy's had to jump in on the action, and to be honest—I'm so here for the fast-food restaurant shade.
8. Here are some actual people who live-tweeted their disappointment.
9. Here's Justin Roiland, co-creator of the show and the voice of both Morty and Rick, apologizing and generally being a sweetheart.10. Social commentary. Yes!
11. Irony! Double yes!
12. Cartoon fans don't mess around.
13. More embarrassment.
14. Here's the other co-creator, Dan Harmon, speaking truth.
15. Finally, how most of us are feeling...
