Exploring the Controversial Episodes of Rick and Morty and Their Impact on the Show's Core Concept

Although most of Rick and Morty’s episodes are highly praised by critics, the show has faced criticism for its divisive outings, revealing a recurring plot issue. Despite the overall critical acclaim of the show's seven seasons, even the least popular episodes are still relatively well-received. Only a few episodes are considered misfires by both critics and fans, all sharing a common theme that highlights the show's rigid central premise, leaving little room for deviation from its formula.

The focus on Rick over Morty is a consistent aspect of Rick and Morty, with the series typically emphasizing Rick's character. This choice is understandable, given Rick's complex nature as a brilliant yet tormented super-genius with almost god-like abilities, in contrast to Morty's portrayal as a naive high school student accompanying him on intergalactic escapades. Morty's role as Rick's sidekick is frequently explored in the show, particularly through the narrative of Evil Morty's defiance against Rick's control over his life. This storyline serves as a meta-commentary on Morty's character being secondary to Rick's overarching plot.

Rick and Morty’s Most Divisive Episodes Center Morty’s Antics

Episodes that focus on Morty as their hero tend to struggle

Rick yells at a frightened Morty in his spaceship Rick and Morty - Episodes that focus on Morty as their hero tend to struggle - Rick and Morty’s Most Divisive Episodes Center Morty’s Antics

However, despite the series poking fun at this issue, the most controversial episodes of Rick and Morty highlight the importance of sticking to its tried-and-true formula. For instance, in season 6, episode 9, titled “A Rick in King Mortur's Mort,” critics gave mixed reviews, citing Rick's unusual support for Morty and Morty's prominent role in the story as drawbacks. Similarly, episodes like season 5, episode 4, “Rickdependence Spray,” and season 4, episode 4, “Claw and Hoarder: Special Ricktim’s Morty,” also faced criticism for revolving around Morty's accidental adventures and Rick stepping in to fix the mess.

Despite straying from the typical formula of Rick and Morty, some episodes faced criticism for their raunchy humor. "Rickdependence Spray" and "Claw and Hoarder: Special Ricktim's Morty" sparked controversy with jokes about a Giant Incest Baby and dragon orgies. Additionally, "A Rick in King Mortur's Mort" featured Morty facing threats of castration, a juvenile gag reminiscent of the show's early seasons. However, the main issue with these episodes ultimately boiled down to Morty himself and his personality.

Morty’s Role as Rick and Morty’s Original Antihero

Rick’s dynamic, proactive characterization means his stories move faster

Rick looking annoyed while standing beside the Hole in Rick and Morty season 7 finale - Rick’s dynamic, proactive characterization means his stories move faster - Rick Was Rick and Morty’s Original Antihero

Rick and Morty Needed Morty To Follow Rick

Morty is portrayed as a more passive character compared to Rick, making him the perfect sidekick. This quality consistently derails episodes that focus on Morty, as he is usually dragged into misadventures by Rick throughout seasons 1 and 2. Even when Morty does cause problems on his own, such as in season 1, episode 6, “Rick Potion No. 9,” or season 2, episode 9, “Look Who’s Purging Now,” it is typically by using Rick’s inventions and weapons. The characters of Rick and Morty react to Rick's actions, and attempts to change this dynamic often do not succeed.

The Adult Swim hit required a main character who was decisive

Summer, Space Beth, Beth, Morty and Rick in Rick and Morty season 7 - The Adult Swim hit required a main character who was decisive - Rick and Morty Needed Morty To Follow Rick

The episodes "A Rick in King Mortur's Mort," "Rickdependence Spray," and "Claw and Hoarder: Special Ricktim’s Morty" showcased Morty's lack of proactive nature, leading to slow and predictable plots. When faced with challenges, Morty often froze or turned to Rick for guidance, highlighting his inability to drive a storyline. This is why Rick was initially positioned as the show's main character, as his proactive nature ensures plot progression unlike Morty, making Rick and Morty season 7's Summer episode a success.

In season 7, episode 7, "Wet Kuat Amortican Summer," Rick took on a supporting role while the story mainly unfolded through Summer's perspective. Unlike the Morty-focused episodes, this installment thrived due to Summer's dynamic character. After accidentally merging with Morty, Summer initially sought Rick's assistance, but when he couldn't help, she took matters into her own hands. Venturing to an alien planet, she partied, got kidnapped, and orchestrated a daring rescue of Morty before Rick could intervene. This narrative would not have been as effective with the less assertive Morty.

Rick and Morty Season 7 Didn’t Solve This Problem

Morty’s first solo episode was met with mixed reviews

Jerry and Morty sittng on the floor surround by art supplies in Rick and Morty - Morty’s first solo episode was met with mixed reviews - Rick and Morty Season 7 Didn’t Solve This Problem

Summer proved to be a suitable alternative protagonist to Rick due to her shared feckless attitude in the summer episode. However, in season 7, episode 8, "Rise of the Numbericons: The Movie," Morty failed to impress as an action hero. This is because Morty has always played the role of Rick's submissive counterpart. The episode focused on Morty, the only one without Rick, received a low rating of 4.5 on IMDB. In comparison, the rest of the season maintained ratings above 6.5, highlighting that Morty's episodes lack the same acclaim as Rick's due to Morty's hesitancy.

Rick and Morty Season 8 Can Still Center Morty

The season 7 finale proved that Rick and Morty can focus on Morty

Morty looking nervous and Rick looking determined in Rick and Morty. - The season 7 finale proved that Rick and Morty can focus on Morty - Rick and Morty Season 8 Can Still Center Morty

Despite the mounting evidence against Morty, his potential as a protagonist remains undeniable. A recent standout episode, the season 7 finale titled “Fear No Mort,” showcased Morty's capabilities as a central character. Set entirely within Morty's mind, the episode was a critical and audience favorite, highlighting the show's ability to excel with a Morty-focused storyline. It was widely regarded as the best story of Rick and Morty season 7, as Morty finally confronted his fear of stepping out on his own.

Morty entered a hole that revealed his worst fears, picturing a reality where Rick's deceased wife returned and Rick no longer relied on him. In the conclusion of "Fear No Mort," Morty learned that Rick had not followed him into the hole, indicating that he already existed in a world where his grandfather considered him expendable. Rather than frightening Morty, this revelation liberated him to establish his own identity. This episode demonstrated that Morty's narrative arcs can be just as captivating as Rick's storylines, as long as Rick and Morty prioritizes character growth.

Editor's P/S:

The article delves into a recurring issue within the popular animated series "Rick and Morty": the show's dependence on Rick as the primary protagonist and the subsequent difficulties in crafting compelling episodes centered on Morty. While the show's formula has proven successful, it has also limited the exploration of Morty's character and hindered the show's ability to deviate from its established narrative structure.

Despite attempts to showcase Morty as a hero in certain episodes, these efforts have often fallen short due to Morty's passive nature and lack of proactive qualities. The article highlights that Morty's episodes tend to suffer from slow-paced plots and predictable outcomes, as he often relies on Rick for guidance and lacks the assertiveness to drive the story forward. However, the season 7 finale, "Fear No Mort," demonstrated that Morty has the potential to carry a narrative when his character growth is prioritized. This episode suggests that "Rick and Morty" can still find success in exploring Morty's perspective and developing his character while maintaining the show's unique blend of humor and science fiction.