Dan Harmon and Justin Roiland have left me craving more “Rick and Morty” after 21 episodes of crazy adventures filled with the occasional, fervent scene capable of dropping any jaw. “Rick and Morty” clearly exhibits its ability to transition between hilarity (Rick and Summer, his granddaughter, beating up the Devil to the tune of “X Gon’ Give It To Ya” by DMX) and somberness (Morty contemplating his existence after he realizes that he is one of infinite selves throughout the multiverse). “Futurama” comes to mind when trying to explain the inner workings of what makes this show great. Through serious themes, superb character development, amazing music choice and dark humor, “Rick and Morty” has captured the attention of many people trying to find the next great show.
Rick Sanchez takes Morty Smith, his grandson, on exploits throughout the infinite universes with the whole family getting occasional screen time. With infinite universes comes infinite possible plots, and the show takes full advantage of this, from making direct references to iconic science-fiction franchises to having popular personalities voice single-episode characters. These kind of unexpected antics keep the show fresh. “Rick and Morty” doesn’t cater to making people just laugh but also makes the audience think and feel, whether we want to or not.
“Rick and Morty” has character development run rampant, and it does wonders over the course of the show. These episodes allow us to discover and learn to care for the imperfect characters trying to make it through their imperfect lives. We find these characters real because we can sympathize with their very human problems. Rick is a character with many layers that makes the viewer ponder the question: how can the alcoholic, mad-scientist be the most human? **Spoilers**In the second season’s finale, the Smith family is on the run from the show’s main antagonist, so they decide to hide out on an isolated planet. This is the one time Rick can’t wave his portal gun to make reality’s problems disappear, and Rick realizes that hiding means that the few people that actually care about him will suffer for the rest of their lives just for loving him.**Spoilers End** Watching Rick take action to “try and make things right” for his family during the season finale shattered my heart and made me aware of the stirring power of certain media. Nine Inch Nails’ “Hurt” plays for the rest of the season finale as the audience struggles to comprehend what they have just witnessed. The great song choice is just one of many in “Rick and Morty” that greatly add to the show.
The ability of music to be so fitting to a scene takes certain episodes to the next level. Season one ends with “Do You Feel It?” by Chaos Chaos playing while the attempted suicide of a main character is taking place. To answer the song we, the audience, do feel something for finally catching a glimpse of just how heart-wrenching the character’s life is. Even this one song combined with the final scene in season one made me confident to recommend “Rick and Morty” to just about everyone I came into contact with for about a week.
Great music choice along with astounding character development and distinctive satire makes “Rick and Morty” the show that I grew to love, and the show I will gladly wait for a year and a half or longer for the release of another quality season. Adult Swim is the only provider to supply us with both seasons, but Hulu and Netflix (rentable DVD) have season one ready to watch. Until then, go watch “Rick and Morty” and thank me later.