Summary
Rick and Morty recasting its title characters with soundalikes shows that the show is still bound by traditional continuity despite its focus on limitless possibilities.
The show consistently manages to reset the status quo, even following significant plot twists and repercussions. Season 7's decision to recast with soundalikes, rather than utilizing the chance to delve into fresh narrative avenues, once again showcases the limitations of the show and repeats previous storytelling issues.
The fact that Rick and Morty is replacing its main characters with voice actors who sound similar only serves to demonstrate that a series centered around the infinite possibilities of the multiverse is still tied to established continuity. Rick and Morty follows the interdimensional escapades of a brilliant yet alcoholic scientist and his socially awkward grandson. In the first six seasons, both Rick and Morty were voiced by co-creator Justin Roiland. However, after serious allegations involving domestic violence, false imprisonment, and inappropriate behavior towards minors, Roiland was removed from the show and it was announced that his roles would be assumed by voice actors with similar tones in the upcoming seventh season.
Rick and Morty is known for avoiding predictable storytelling choices. However, regardless of the magnitude of the surprises or the wide-ranging consequences, the writers always manage to find a convenient way to return to the established norm. At the conclusion of the season five finale, Rick and Morty found themselves stranded in space, only to be promptly saved by Space Beth at the start of the sixth season. The decision to recast for the seventh season continues this pattern, revealing that the show may not have the artistic freedom it appears to possess.
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Rick & Morty's Recasting Problems Prove The Show Is More Limited Than It Seems
Rick and Morty has consistently stood out from other TV shows due to its unparalleled creative freedom. In a bold move during the first season, the duo ventured into a completely different dimension where their counterparts tragically met their demise. This twist opened the gateway to an infinite number of alternate versions of Rick and Morty, some of whom emerged as recurring adversaries embodying pure malevolence. The show fearlessly pushed boundaries, refusing to be confined by any limits or conventions.
Rick & Morty Recasting Repeats The Show's Story Problems
: However, the decision to recast Roiland with a voice actor who can mimic his voice perfectly, in order to seamlessly transition from season 6 to season 7, highlights the inherent limitations of Rick and Morty. Despite being a show that is supposed to explore the boundless possibilities and imagination of the multiverse, the producers are still hindered by the mundane constraints of continuity and consistency. This recurring issue has plagued the show's storytelling aspirations since the very beginning, starting from season 1.The firing of Roiland provided the writers of Rick and Morty with an exciting opportunity to delve into a mind-bending multiversal narrative that completely transformed the characterization of the iconic duo (including introducing new voices). However, opting to hire a soundalike to mimic Roiland's voice was the simplest and safest route to explain the recasting. The season 7 premiere could have utilized the recasting as a catalyst to revolutionize the series through the far-reaching implications of a groundbreaking plot twist. Unfortunately, casting soundalikes simply adheres to the tried and true formula. Rick and Morty has conveniently returned to the familiar status quo before, as seen in season 3's episode "The Rickshank Rickdemption."