‘Rick And Morty’ Tries A New Take On Revenge
by Frank Martin
Rick and Morty takes a lot of different approaches to tropes and motifs. As ridiculous as the show is comedically, it works hard to subvert expectations and storytelling techniques that audiences are used to. In seven seasons, the show has covered a lot of ground. In this most recent season, it decided to go at the heart of Rick’s character as he seeks revenge for the version of himself who killed his wife. For a long time, the show shied away from this storyline. But it was time for growth in Rick’s character, and it did so by tackling a fundamental question regarding the purpose of revenge in a character’s journey.
There’s a version of Rick (Ian Cardoni), dubbed Rick Prime, who goes around killing versions of his wife to try and teach other Ricks a lesson about loss. This event sits at the center of Rick’s character as it drives his nihilistic and apathetic personality. For a long time he thought it was hopeless going after Rick Prime as other Ricks have done and failed before him. But this became a core focus of the season as Rick eventually succeeded and got the revenge that eluded him for so long.
Revenge is a hugely common theme in storytelling, and it is usually approached from a negative light. Characters turn their mission of revenge into a fundamental part of their being. Because of this, revenge is often portrayed as a fool’s errand from which no joy can be earned. But knowing how Rick and Morty doesn’t follow the common trends, this wasn’t the path the show chose. Rick actually develops positively following the fulfillment of his revenge. It begs the question, what if accomplishing revenge can actually make someone a better person? In the episodes that follow, Rick’s edges soften a bit. A huge example of this is in the season finale’s closing moments when Rick quietly acknowledges that Morty is more fearless than he is. It illustrates that even behind all of the potty humor and sci-fi antics, Rick and Morty has some quality storytelling.
Rick and Morty is now streaming on Max.
