Of all the animated shows across the platforms Rick and Morty is the one of the most willing to cross the lines of social acceptability. One of the most intriguing and controversial topics of the animated sitcom has always been its dark humor and lack of respect for being appropriate. The witty characters and mind-boggling sci-fi adventures cause a chaotic entertainment that is hardly found anywhere else in the television industry.
Rick and Morty has been in production since December of 2013 and is still currently rolling out new episodes. The show is now on to its seventh season and coming off of a strong performance with the end of season six. Justin Roiland, the show’s creator and the voice of numerous characters including the main protagonists Rick and Morty, was fired from the show after the release of season six. This change presented a shift in management, comedic timing, and the overall feel of the two main characters.
One of the driving forces that compels fans to watch Rick and Morty is the hilarious dynamic between Rick and Morty. While it consists of a somewhat one-sided relationship, Rick does have a genuine care for his grandson, Morty. This gives the unstoppable immortality that is Rick Sanchez, a real weakness. This link between the two main characters is what holds the entirety of the show together. With the departure of this obvious chemistry, it makes it hard for fans not to notice a huge shift in the show’s comedy and overall feeling.
In the latest season there is a palpable difference to the way the two protagonists interact with one another. Where in previous outings Rick talks with a smart attacking tone, this new season shows Rick with the same disinterested attitude, minus the genius undertones. In multiple episodes we have seen Rick out-talk and out-invent the smartest beings in the universe. These feats gave the character a larger than life persona. Rick Sanchez has always given the audience the feeling he could see the situation from a different perspective and was able to fight the storyline, but now he seems to be stuck on the ground with the rest of the characters.
I do think season seven of Rick and Morty, one of the greatest animated shows to ever hit the larger crowds, has made a valid attempt at continuing the incredible story they have been constructing for ten years. In the future, as the new voice actors get a feel for their parts, I assume the characters will continue to develop.