"Rick and Morty," an American adult animated science fiction sitcom created by Justin Roiland and Dan Harmon, dives into the wild misadventures of the cynical mad scientist Rick Sanchez and his good-hearted but fretful grandson Morty Smith. This unconventional duo splits their time between ordinary family life and extraordinary interdimensional escapades, traversing an infinite number of realities. The show's genius lies in its balancing act: it effortlessly interweaves domestic family drama with the misanthropic antics of Rick, who drags Morty along for the ride, creating a unique storytelling experience.
At the heart of "Rick and Morty" is the Smith family: Jerry and Beth, their children Summer and Morty, and Beth's father Rick, who lives with them as a guest. The family dynamics are as central to the show as the interdimensional travels, with each character adding depth to the narrative. Rick, an eccentric and alcoholic mad scientist, disregards conventional norms like school and family, dragging Morty, a kind-hearted yet easily distressed boy, into his adventures. Morty's sister Summer, a conventional teenager, occasionally joins them, adding her own perspective to the mix. Beth, assertive yet self-conscious about her role as a horse surgeon, is often dissatisfied with her simple-minded husband Jerry, who disapproves of Rick's influence over the family.
"Rick and Morty" employs a story structure inspired by Joseph Campbell's monomyth, or The Hero's Journey, but with a unique twist. Its two-act structure places the act break at an unconventional stage in the monomyth, after "The Meeting with the Goddess," rather than "Atonement with the Father." This approach, along with the creators' intention to avoid traditional continuity and repeated tropes, lends the series a fresh and unpredictable narrative style.
The show's comedic style is a blend of conflicting scenarios: an extremely selfish, alcoholic grandfather's interdimensional adventures intercut with domestic family drama. This blend has drawn comparisons to both "The Simpsons" and "Futurama," combining family life with heavy science fiction. Inspired by British-style storytelling, the series takes cues from shows like "The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy" and "Doctor Who," aiming to present developments from Morty's viewpoint. This perspective, along with occasional acknowledgments of the fourth wall, offers a unique commentary on postmodernism, mixing big ideas, flippancy, and wit.
At a deeper level, "Rick and Morty" explores the insignificance of human existence against the vastness of the universe, a concept rooted in Lovecraft's philosophy of cosmicism. The characters grapple with cosmic horror and existential dread, coping in their own ways: Jerry through denial, and Rick as a depressed, substance-addicted mess. The show frequently touches on themes of mental illness and immaturity, underscoring the need for human connections over preoccupation with unanswerable questions. Morty, representing the audience, undergoes a transformation through the series, learning to value his own life despite the chaotic nature of the universe.
In summary, "Rick and Morty" is more than just a sci-fi sitcom. It's a complex exploration of family dynamics, existential themes, and the human condition, all wrapped in a uniquely humorous and often absurd narrative style. The show challenges conventions and pushes boundaries, making it a standout series in the realm of adult animation.
