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Week 12. [15.06-21.06] The phenomenon of Rick and Morty




Justin Roiland and Dan Harmon created Rick and Morty for Adult Swim which airs at night on Cartoon NetworkThe adult animated series follows the life of Rick Sanchez, a sociopathic mad scientist and his grandson Morty Smith, a naive and anxious kid. The show is a blend of the ridiculous comedy that Cartoon Network is so famous for; plus, it includes exciting science.  “Rick and Morty” memes and graphics clutter all sorts of social media platforms because of the shows popularity among geeks and nerds alike. 

Justin Roiland and Dan Harmon
Roiland voices the various characters, with Chris ParnellSpencer Grammer and Sarah Chalke who voice the rest of the family. Rick and Morty was born from a short parody film  “Doc and Mharti” based on “Back to the Future that Roiland created for Channel 101 festival. Viewer discretion advised. 

Doc and Mharti

In Rick and Morty science is blended with comedy giving the impression that both are the same thing. The scientific background in the show is simple enough to understand for people having the basics of high school science. The phenomenon of this show lies in uniqueness of motives and presentation, yet this feels normal. From the beginning we are driven into an intense universe where anything can happen. Characters fit their roles in this universe perfectly. 
The basic plot of Rick and Morty is quite simple. We get a look into Morty’s home and school life and see how Ricks experiments and crazy lifestyle affect his story. Most of the science in the show is based on actual scientific facts. Rick travels on adventures through space and other dimensions and different planets dragging his grandson with him, who often-times unwillingly tags along on misadventures through the multiverse and interdimensional spaceRelationship between Rick and Morty is complex. One needs another“Every Morty needs a Rick and every Rick needs a Morty”. Their relationship is sometimes sweet, sometimes morally questioning and always hilarious.

"Sweet" relationship

Rick and Morty touches various science and psychology subjects in a fun manner and shows how Morty makes Rick more human since he finds existing to be pointless and miserable. Ricknarcissistic point of view is largely due to his knowledge of infinite universes and timelines with endless possibilities.  
Most of the show is based on an improv narrative and situational humor which engages the viewer. which brings a certain flair to the show.  
Rick Sanchez is formally referred to as Rick Sanchez C-137 by the Trans-Dimensional Council of Ricks, in reference to his original universe, "C-137". Rick is a relatable and eccentric comic character that spends a lot of time burping and talking slowly from continuous alcohol consumption. 
The show includes members of Smiths family. The parents have a relaxed, light-hearted relationship, and the sister is your typical over-annoying and detached teenage girl. The family can sometimes feel as if they are a comedy bit for the show, but mostly they are living their own lives. 

Smith/Sanchez famlily (Mortys' father not included)
Various substories and motives connect between episodes to develop the main storyline, such as character progression, universe development. This show is great for anyone who loves both comedy and science.  


Questions:
  1. Have you watched Rick and Morty, if, not would you? Based only on this article do you find this series worth watching? 
  2. There is a button. If you press the button you will be the smartest person in the multiverse, however you will be perpetually drunk, would you press that button? 
Sources:

Comments

Ela said…
1.Have you watched Rick and Morty, if, not would you? Based only on this article do you find this series worth watching?
I’ve never watched this series but I saw these characters on the internet and I always wondered where they came from, so thanks for the explanation. After reading the description of the series, I would definitely try to watch at least a few episodes. I love the combination of science and comedy, I'm a fan of the big bang theory, I think I would like this series too.

2. There is a button. If you press the button you will be the smartest person in the multiverse, however you will be perpetually drunk, would you press that button?
I never wanted to be the smartest person in the world, it must be a terrible and exhausting feeling to see every human stupidity. Besides, if I were forever drunk would I be able to see my wisdom? I don’t think so. I wouldn't press this button.
1. I had it for a long time on my "to watch" list and eventually I got through it and loved it. I like the humour but I tried several times to go past the first episode, I just couldn't stand the amount of burping and sniffling... In the few first episodes, you can hardly understand Rick, fortunately, authors understood that too and they resign of a big portion of it. Don't get me wrong, I'm usually not so squeamish about such a thing, however, it felt forced and unnecessary.

2. How drunk? Tipsy or hammered? :D Anyhow I don't think I would. I'm ok with the level of my intelligence and being always drunk would exclude me from some things I like.

Btw! There is a VR game: Virtual Rick-ality, and it's awesome, try it if you can! It's quite short and you hardly get out of the garage, but it's based on the series and its characters, has similar humour and quests. For example, there is a Mr Meeseeks' Box. When you cannot go somewhere you have to throw Mr Meeseeks there and he will mirror your moves. Just make him grab the thing you want and toss it to you. Super fun. Besides, there are lots of riddles and puzzles to solve with hardly any explanation which is my favourite kind of games instructions. Do play this!
Andrzej Kawiak said…
1. Have you watched Rick and Morty, if, not would you? Based only on this article do you find this series worth watching?

I saw some episodes of this show once, but I didn't like it. I couldn't get into the show. I've read some great reviews on this saloon. They mentioned that this fairy tale is outstanding. The story of a brilliant grandfather and his grandson perfectly reflects the spirit of our times. Natomias I don't feel like a theog. Maybe if I had more time, I'd feel something for this story.

2. There is a button. If you press the button you will be the smartest person in the multiverse, however you will be perpetually drunk, would you press that button?

I don't think so. If I was drunk forever, I wouldn't be the most brilliant person in the world.
Olga Przytula said…
1. No, I have never seen this series before, but my boyfriend loves it. I think it may be time for me to watch it, because he seems to have a lot of fun even after rewatching the same episodes over and over again. If I had to base it only on your article, I think I would give it a shot. It seems that this is this crazy, partially detached from reality series, with huge amount of irony and black humor.

2. Hahaha, no, I don’t think so. Not only I am perpetually drunk I have to deal with all the idiots that surround me? C’mon, it would be unbearable! I would have to get more drunk to survive this madness :D Plus I like my level of intelligence, I don’t have this need inside of me to change it.
Bartosz Barnat said…
I watched 3 or 4 episodes few months ago and I couldn't stand Rick's burping. It was so annoying that I just had to end this series for now. I don't really know, maybe I will come back to it in the future but for now nothing could change my mind.

I don't think so. I would think that everyone around me is a real potato with no brain. I would be drunk so everyone would think I'm some sort of a psycho. There is a lot of things that I wouldn't like about it to be honest. I think I will stick to a person that I am right now.
Have you watched Rick and Morty, if, not would you? Based only on this article do you find this series worth watching?

Yes. It is actually one of my favorites series!

There is a button. If you press the button you will be the smartest person in the multiverse, however you will be perpetually drunk, would you press that button?

Before I watched the show I would say YES however it is really interesting aspect having in mind what Rick said about it - because when you are the smartest guy in the universe it is really hard to be happy
1. Have you watched Rick and Morty, if, not would you? Based only on this article do you find this series worth watching?
I have watched Rick and Morty many times already. I have developed unusual taste for adult cartoons. The show and South Park are my favorite show aired these days. Unfortunately, productions time for every one of these is quite large so I cannot enjoy them for long time.
2. There is a button. If you press the button you will be the smartest person in the multiverse, however you will be perpetually drunk, would you press that button?
If I wouldn’t have hangover then sure why not. You can be drunk and still excel in typical human activities. On the second thought, my driver license would become worthless and I wouldn’t be able to find any job, but I am so smart than I would found some company.

Viktor Ryś said…
1.
Yes, I've watched all of the episodes. I really enjoyed it's humurous side and the more serious side.

2.
Probably not, Rick was no a happy person, so I doubt that I would be happy in his position.
1) Sadly I had never an opportunity to watch Rick and Morty, but it seems to be a very interesting series. Connecting comedy with some scientific stuff can both make you laugh and learn something which satisfy the viewer. I don't know how deep the science goes there, but if it is really enough to be after high school to understand it, it might be a clue, because it could both teach and remind how something works in physics.

2) From what I know, perpetually drunk people get used to it and act more normal. I know people who get on well with science and, surprisingly, it seems alcohol is one of the factors they need to work ;). I do press this button!
Maciej Sadoś said…
1.Have you watched Rick and Morty, if, not would you? Based only on this article do you find this series worth watching?
Yes, I've watched first two series and I quite liked it. The main advantage is the ridiculousness of the stories and that it's unpredictable what oddity would happen next.

2. There is a button. If you press the button you will be the smartest person in the multiverse, however you will be perpetually drunk, would you press that button?
I wouldn't press the button, I don't want to be the alfa and omega and see even more than I see now, it's enough for me how it is now and I don't want to change my personality. I also wouldn't want to be drunk all the time.
Anastasiia Bida said…
1. Have you watched Rick and Morty, if, not would you? Based only on this article do you find this series worth watching?
Yes, I was watching Rick and Morty during the quarantine. I liked this cartoon for its great sarcastic humor and how the relationships between the main characters were changing. My favourite episode is the last from the first season about adventures of Rick with Morty and Summer without parents.

2. There is a button. If you press the button you will be the smartest person in the multiverse, however you will be perpetually drunk, would you press that button?
It is a very cool question :D
If to think, you will always be in a good mood and relaxing and, at the same time, the smartest person in the world. That means that you can develop something to maintain your health. So, yes, I would press the button.
1. Yes i have watched rick and morty, each episode about 5 times. Right know it is the craziest animated tv show because the plot is unpredictable and this is entertaining.
2. i would not press that button because i think that stupid people are actually happier because they don’t overthink. I think that rick being drunk all the time makes him stupider, that way he feel less miserable.
Adam Tokarczyk said…
1. I was with this show since episode one :). I didn't watch last season though, and I'm not even sure if I will. Was kind of disappointed with season 3, and I think Rick and Morty already has tendency to be worse with every episode, which happened way to fast :(. Maybe creators should make some bigger hiatus, to think everything more thoroughly, but I doubt there's chance for it, since despite ratings going slightly down, show is still as popular as ever.

2. Doesn't it go in pair? There's no way to be sober when you're as intelligent as Rick, because you see how much world sucks :D. I'm surprised how most of the people answered that they wouldn't press it. Yes, Rick is sad, miserable, pitiful, wretched being. And is permanently drunk, to deal with it. But there were some happy moments in his life as well. He just did something wrong which lead to such state (so maybe he wasn't so intelligent after all ;) ;)), but it doesn't mean every person in his place would go same way. So of course, I'd press it without second thoughts.
1. Yes, I watched a few episodes of Ricky and Morty, however, in my opinion this series seems uninteresting. I just have a different movie taste.

2. Without hesitation, I would press this button. I wonder what it's like to be the smartest person in the world. The only problem would be constant drunkenness, but the temptation to be a genius is probably greater.
Bartosz Warda said…
1. Have you watched Rick and Morty, if, not would you? Based only on this article do you find this series worth watching?

Rick and Morty is cool for a lot of reasons but the feeling that I had as I watched it was one of a fresh new beginning. Rick and Morty was a small indie animated series at the time that had a unique voice that was unlike any other and it was fun to watch in the age of cartoons becoming more and more somber and uninspired.

2. There is a button. If you press the button you will be the smartest person in the multiverse however, you will be perpetually drunk, would you press that button?

If you drink enough you will rise to the level of a superhuman, and if you drink the right amount, you will become a God. I will go for it.
Roman Burlaka said…
1. Have you watched Rick and Morty, if, not would you? Based only on this article do you find this series worth watching?

I have watched it and finished all the seasons which have already been released. It's totally amazing cartoon and it's worth watching no matter what. Even if someone doesn't like this article, watch the cartoon. Watch!

2. There is a button. If you press the button you will be the smartest person in the multiverse, however you will be perpetually drunk, would you press that button?

Yeah, why not? If you're the smartest person, you won't die because of being drunk too much or get ill, and it's the biggest problem with alcohol, isn't it?
s18716 said…
Have you watched Rick and Morty, if, not would you? Based only on this article do you find this series worth watching?
I watched only one episode of this cartoon once. I approximately understood the idea of ​​this series and I liked it. True, I forgot about this cartoon and there wasn’t much time to watch. But your post actually motivates you to do this. I like the idea of ​​combining science fiction with humor. Therefore, I can say that I will definitely try to see it in the future. In general, I often heard good reviews regarding this series from my friends and acquaintances, many of them advised me to watch it.

There is a button. If you press the button you will be the smartest person in the multiverse, however you will be perpetually drunk, would you press that button?
Ahah, very interesting question. I think that I would not press on such a button. I never had a dream to become a hero of a cartoon universe. Perhaps I will remain at my level of intelligence but sober.
Olga Bogdał said…
1. I have not watched it yet. I'm not really a fun of animated series but I think I will give this one a try when I have some free time.
2. I wouldn't. What is the use of being the smartest person if you are drunk all the time and not able to benefit from that knowledge. And when you're drunk all the time your brain stops working at some time so I guess this knowledge would be gone quite fast.
Have you watched Rick and Morty, if, not would you? Based only on this article do you find this series worth watching?

Yes, I have and I am a big fan of it. The way the authors are able to make fun of anything (including themselves) while still making you think about the nature of life and it's sense is something that I have never seen before. Of course not everything about the show is so sweet. Those religious fan who consider Rick and Morty their "way of life" is something that I can't wrap my head around.

There is a button. If you press the button you will be the smartest person in the multiverse, however you will be perpetually drunk, would you press that button?

So the questions is if I would like to become the smartest alcoholic in the multiverse. I think wouldn't be able to appreciate many things which come with being the smartest. Maybe for a little while I would give it a try but permanetly? I think I'll pass.
1. Have you watched Rick and Morty, if, not would you? Based only on this article do you find this series worth watching?
I have watched Rick and Morty. I really like this series, because it is controversial story of world problems presented in funny way. I would recommend to watch few episodes, but I think it is not a series for everyone. It demands a lot of distance and original type of humor. It is definitely worth to watch or just to check this series.

2. There is a button. If you press the button you will be the smartest person in the multiverse, however you will be perpetually drunk, would you press that button?
I like this question, it is like do you want to be like Rick , I would pass. It is not worth it to be permanently drunk, moreover being the smartest person in the world may be not the greatest thing, because you have to live with less smart people than you and it may be frustrating.
Kgajewska said…
1. No I haven't and I'm not planning to do so in near future. Based on this article I dont find this series worth watching . I guess I'm not "nerd" enough to enjoy either this kind of animations and topic

2.Nope, I'll pass. I don't want to be drunk or the smartess person in the word so it's totally not the option for me. Sometimes it's easier to be stupid.
1. No, I have never watched it and in my opinion the word “phenomenon” does not apply to Poland, because here that series is mostly unknown. At least I didn’t hear about it from anyone. I’ve seen a couple of memes, but I think that in Poland most people don’t know what it is about. It might be interesting to watch, but I doubt that I will ever come up with an idea to watch it instead of something else.

2. No. Why should I press it? What would be an outcome of being the smartest? Would it make me more happy? It would be rather disastrous to be perceived as someone crazy and not reliable.
Klaudia Kozioł said…
1. Yes, I have watched a few episodes, but I didn’t like this form very much.
2. Definitely not, being perpetually drunk sounds really disgusting.
1. Have you watched Rick and Morty, if, not would you? Based only on this article do you find this series worth watching?
Yes and I love this series. I don't really like cartoons but Rick and Morty is one of my favorite shows. It has amazing sense of humor, graphically it looks nice. It seems like producers have infinite imagination because they create episodes that are so fun yet so different from each other.

2. There is a button. If you press the button you will be the smartest person in the multiverse, however you will be perpetually drunk, would you press that button?
No, I would rather stay sober ;)
Agnieszka Duda said…
1.Have you watched Rick and Morty, if, not would you? Based only on this article do you find this series worth watching?
Yes, I've watched all episodes, some of them even several times. I love how it preaches a lot on things like depression, philosophy, religion, alcoholism, trauma, abuse and meaning of life in general. What also makes it so great is that there are no rules for this cartoon: anything can happen in an episode. Though there are many great characters, none of them makes a good role model. Anyway, highly recommended.

2. There is a button. If you press the button you will be the smartest person in the multiverse, however you will be perpetually drunk, would you press that button?
It depends on how drunk. Alcohol in small doses makes me rather sleepy, in bigger - quite "dumb". I think that mix of being exceptionally intelligent and stupid at the same time is not a good combination and could end up rather bad. So it's hard to tell if I would press that button.
Anonymous said…
Have you watched Rick and Morty, if, not would you? Based only on this article do you find this series worth watching?
Based on your article sure I would. I had plans for it even before, and you convinced me a bit more :) It sounds like it matches perfectly my sense of humor. I'll give it a try.

There is a button. If you press the button you will be the smartest person in the multiverse, however, you will be perpetually drunk, would you press that button?

Sure I would! I'm perpetually drunk anyway, so clicking the button is pure benefit :D There is no trade off :) Where is that button tell m now!

Maciej Górczak said…
1.I did see it and I am a fan! I think this show is very funny but not for everyone.

2.I don't think I would press it. It's much more rewarding to become the smartest by constantly learning. Maybe I'm boring or got old but being drunk all the time does not sound good even if you are the smartest in the world.
1. Have you watched Rick and Morty, if, not would you? Based only on this article do you find this series worth watching?
I have watched Rick and Morty, and I really like it. I wouldn’t say that I’m a hardcore fan, and that it’s my favorite series, but I think it’s really good.

2. There is a button. If you press the button you will be the smartest person in the multiverse, however you will be perpetually drunk, would you press that button?
That’s a win-win situation ;) But honestly I don’t think I would push the button, I think that it must be scary knowing that there is nobody smarter than you. And the stupidity of everyone else must be pretty tiring.

Have you watched Rick and Morty, if, not would you? Based only on this article do you find this series worth watching?
Yes I have watched Rick and morty. I like this series very much. I usually watch it with my friends. I found it amazing when they are travelling through multidimensional worlds. I can never believe that producer can invent such interesting stories.

There is a button. If you press the button you will be the smartest person in the multiverse, however you will be perpetually drunk, would you press that button?
No, I would not, I' d rather stay fully conscious than super smart and drunk.
I think that after a while it would be very exhausting and inappropriate in most of daily situations.

1 / Yes, of course, one of my favorite series. Be sure to advise to view. Great style of animation, black humor and sai fay.

2 / Yes, and yes again. Wabalaba Dub Dub
Have you watched Rick and Morty, if, not would you? Based only on this article do you find this series worth watching?

Of course, I have watched it. To be honest, at the beginning I didn't like it, but then my feeling about this series has changed and now I like it very much. It helps me to deal with stress and I just like to watch some series, when I feel I need to relax and stop bothering about something.

There is a button. If you press the button you will be the smartest person in the multiverse, however, you will be perpetually drunk, would you press that button?

Well, I think I wouldn't. Being the smartest person in the multiverse sound not so cool. Eventually, you will feel lonely and become unhappy. I think the main drawback, is that it wouldn't make me happy or make me feel better.
Filip Bartuzi said…
(reposting)

Have you watched Rick and Morty, if, not would you? Based only on this article do you find this series worth watching?
Based on your article sure I would. I had plans for it even before, and you convinced me a bit more :) It sounds like it matches perfectly my sense of humor. I'll give it a try.

There is a button. If you press the button you will be the smartest person in the multiverse, however, you will be perpetually drunk, would you press that button?

Sure I would! I'm perpetually drunk anyway, so clicking the button is pure benefit :D There is no trade off :) Where is that button tell m now!
1. Have you watched Rick and Morty, if, not would you? Based only on this article do you find this series worth watching?
Yeah, I watched Rick and Morty and I think it's a great animated series. I think it has something in it that attracts the viewer's attention and, above all, allows to break away from reality.

2. There is a button. If you press the button you will be the smartest person in the multiverse, however you will be perpetually drunk, would you press that button? Despite the fact that it is an animated series, it does not feel that way at all, maybe because of the characteristic humour and language of the series. If I were to choose my favorite animated series, Rick and Morty would definitely come in the lead.
I'd rather not press that button. Being the smartest person in the world is certainly not as cool as it seems. Perhaps it is because when you are so wise you can only see who you are really dealing with in your everyday life.
1. No, I have never watched this program. After the description, I can say that it is something similar to the Simpsons, which I like very much. In this series, from what I understood, science intertwines with humor and satire. I think it is always worth taking a look at least one episode to be able to see if it is worth further viewing and recommending.
2. Heh, good question. I don't think I would use this button, though. I never wanted to be the smartest in the world. Being drunk all the time doesn't sound encouraging either. It's worth to think clearly in life :)

Rick and Morty my favorite series, it's great that there are new episodes. I recommend watching anyone who has not done it yet
As for the magic button, I don't know if I would like to be the smartest person but who knows :)
1. Have you watched Rick and Morty, if, not would you? Based only on this article do you find this series worth watching?
I have watched all of the series of Rick and Morty. For me, it is a very funny show that raises many social issues and ridicules many moral values that dictate us to live by the pattern.
2. There is a button. If you press the button you will be the smartest person in the multiverse, however you will be perpetually drunk, would you press that button?
I don't think so. The best are always lonely and it is not what I'm looking for.
1. Yes, I saw Rick and Morty, recently came the second part of the 3rd or 4th season, after the exams I will have to watch.
2. I think it would be quite fun to be drunk forever. I would choose to press the button because I would get used to being drunk, and maybe being the smartest person I would be able to remove the negative effects of alcohol
Rafał Halama said…
1. Have you watched Rick and Morty, if, not would you? Based only on this article do you find this series worth watching?
I have heard a lot of good things about this series, but I won't probably watch it, as this kind of show isn't close to my likings.

2. There is a button. If you press the button you will be the smartest person in the multiverse, however you will be perpetually drunk, would you press that button?
This sounds like a win-win situation. Being constantly drunk without having to drink any of those not exactly tasty beverages would be amazing. Also, being the smartest person would a nice addition too.
Have you watched Rick and Morty, if, not would you? Based only on this article do you find this series worth watching?
A friend of mine recommended me to watch Rick and Morty, I remember starting it but I don't know why I didn’t finish it maybe because I'm not a fan of animation. But maybe I will give it another try thanks to your article.

There is a button. If you press the button you will be the smartest person in the multiverse, however, you will be perpetually drunk, would you press that button?
That is funny but I think I can consider pressing the button because I know being drunk have different levels.

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