Despite the critical success of most episodes, Rick and Morty has encountered a recurring issue in its most divisive outings, revealing a rigidness in its central premise. While the series typically focuses on Rick, the season 7 finale challenged this norm, indicating a potential shift. However, the show’s reliance on its established formula becomes evident in episodes that center on Morty’s antics.
The Predominance of Rick’s Narrative
Rick, as a tortured super-genius with god-like powers, often takes precedence over Morty, who serves as his sidekick. The show has addressed the limitations of Morty’s role, with Evil Morty’s backstory highlighting his rebellion against being merely an accessory to Rick’s plot.
Divisive Episodes and Morty’s Role
Episodes that center on Morty as the hero have often received mixed reviews, indicating a struggle to deviate from the established formula. Plots where Morty takes the lead, such as in “A Rick in King Mortur’s Mort,” “Rickdependence Spray,” and “Claw and Hoarder: Special Ricktim’s Morty,” have faced criticism for their slower pacing and predictability.
Morty’s Passivity and Narrative Progression
Morty’s passive nature makes it challenging for episodes focused on him to maintain momentum and engage viewers. Unlike Rick, who drives the plot forward with his proactive approach, Morty often relies on Rick for guidance, resulting in narratives that feel stagnant and uninspired.
Success with Alternative Protagonists
Episodes that feature alternative protagonists, such as Summer in “Wet Kuat Amortican Summer,” have succeeded where Morty-centric episodes faltered. Summer’s dynamic character and proactive nature made her a compelling lead, showcasing the potential for alternative narrative perspectives.
Morty’s Potential as a Protagonist
Despite the challenges, Morty has the potential to be a compelling protagonist when his character development is taken seriously. The season 7 finale, “Fear No Mort,” demonstrated this potential by exploring Morty’s fears and growth, indicating that Morty-centric stories can be as engaging as those focused on Rick.
While Rick and Morty’s central premise may seem rigid at times, the series has shown glimpses of potential for alternative narrative perspectives. By addressing Morty’s character development and embracing new storytelling approaches, the show can continue to evolve and captivate audiences in future seasons.
FAQ
Why does Rick and Morty often focus on Rick over Morty?
Rick, as a tortured super-genius with god-like powers, often takes precedence over Morty, who serves as his sidekick. The show’s central premise revolves around Rick’s adventures, with Morty typically playing a supporting role.
What are some examples of divisive episodes in Rick and Morty?
Episodes such as “A Rick in King Mortur’s Mort,” “Rickdependence Spray,” and “Claw and Hoarder: Special Ricktim’s Morty” have faced criticism for centering on Morty’s antics and deviating from the show’s established formula.
Can Morty be a compelling protagonist?
While Morty’s passive nature presents challenges, episodes like the season 7 finale, “Fear No Mort,” demonstrate his potential as a protagonist when his character development is taken seriously. Morty-centric stories can be engaging when executed effectively.