Rick and Morty is known for its complex storylines and mind-bending concepts. One of the most intriguing aspects of the show is the complicated family relationships across different dimensions. Among these, the question of whether Morty is Rick Prime’s grandson has emerged as a significant point of discussion among fans. Rick Prime is, in fact, the original grandfather to the Morty Smith from the “Prime Universe”. This article will explore the backgrounds of Rick Prime and Morty, discuss the evidence supporting their familial connection, and analyze what this relationship means for the series.
Who is Rick Prime?
Rick Prime is a central figure in Rick and Morty, serving as the archenemy of Rick Sanchez (C-137), the Rick we primarily follow in the show. Knowing about Rick Prime is essential to understanding the Morty connection. He’s not just another version of Rick; he’s the “Rickest Rick”. He’s the first Rick to discover interdimensional travel, abandonning his family to travel across dimensions.
Key Characteristics of Rick Prime:
The Original Portal Traveler: Rick Prime is the first Rick to achieve interdimensional travel3. He shared this technology with other Ricks, which led to the creation of the Citadel of Ricks.
Ruthless and Nihilistic: Even among the generally self-centered Ricks, Rick Prime stands out for his extreme selfishness1. He doesn’t care about anyone, including alternate versions of himself.
Killer of Diane and Beth: Rick Prime is responsible for the deaths of Diane and Beth Sanchez in Rick C-137’s original dimension5. This act fuels Rick C-137’s obsession with revenge.
The Smith Family Tree
To understand Morty’s relationship to Rick Prime, we need to clarify some details about the Smith family tree across dimensions. The family tree has a large, complicated dynamic because of interdimensional travel.
Key Members of the Smith Family:
Rick Sanchez (C-137): The main Rick we follow. He originates from Dimension C-137 but now lives with a version of the Smith family from the Prime Universe.
Diane Sanchez: Rick C-137’s deceased wife, killed by Rick Prime.
Beth Smith: Rick C-137’s daughter (in his original dimension). There are also multiple versions of Beth across dimensions, including the Beth from the Prime Universe.
Jerry Smith: Beth’s husband and Morty’s father. Like Beth, Jerry also has many alternate versions.
Morty Smith: The grandson of either Rick Prime or Rick C-137, depending on the Morty.
Summer Smith: Morty’s sister. The main Summer we see is also from the Prime Universe.
Morty’s Origins: The Prime Universe
The Morty we follow throughout most of Rick and Morty is not from Dimension C-1375. Instead, he is the grandson of Rick Prime, originating from the “Prime Universe”.
Evidence for Morty’s Origin:
Rick C-137’s Move: Rick C-137 moved into the Prime Universe after his own family was killed by Rick Prime. He essentially took Rick Prime’s place in that version of the Smith family.
Cronenberg Dimension: As the show reveals, the Cronenberg reality is actually the dimension that Rick Prime is originally from. When Rick C-137 messes up his original reality, he has to move to another dimension, which makes the “Cronenberg” dimension Rick Prime’s original.
Implications of the Grandfather-Grandson Relationship
The fact that Morty is Rick Prime’s grandson has several significant implications for the show’s themes and storylines.
Rick’s Motivation
Knowing Morty is Rick Prime’s grandson adds another layer to Rick C-137’s protectiveness over Morty. His desire to keep Morty safe is, in part, fueled by his hatred for Rick Prime and his determination to protect Morty from his evil grandfather.
Morty’s Significance
Morty’s unique brainwave pattern is essential to masking Rick’s presence from other Ricks7. This ability makes Morty valuable, and the fact that he’s Rick Prime’s grandson could suggest a deeper, more complex reason for why he has this ability.
Did Rick C-137 Kill Rick Prime?
In season 7, Rick C-137, with the help of Evil Morty, finally confronts and kills Rick Prime. This moment marks the end of a long and difficult journey for Rick, who has been consumed by revenge for years.
Aftermath of the Confrontation
After achieving his goal, Rick feels empty rather than victorious. This outcome highlights the show’s exploration of existential themes and the idea that revenge may not bring the satisfaction one expects.
The Multiverse and Alternate Mortys
It’s important to remember that Rick and Morty is a multiverse story. This means that there are countless versions of Morty across different realities.
Evil Morty:
One notable example is Evil Morty, who is highly intelligent and manipulative. Evil Morty hates Ricks and the central finite curve. Evil Morty is Rick’s grandson, but not the Rick we know.
Conclusion
The question of whether Morty is Rick Prime’s grandson has a definitive answer: yes, the main Morty we follow is indeed Rick Prime’s grandson. This connection adds depth to the complex relationships within the show and provides insight into Rick C-137’s motivations and character. While Rick C-137 achieved his goal of killing Rick Prime, the implications of this act and the ongoing adventures of Rick and Morty continue to drive the series forward. The family tree is complex, but the dynamic between the characters keeps the show interesting.
Related topics:
- What Is the Plot of Rick and Morty: The Anime?
- What Does Rick and Morty Teach Us?
- What’s the Rick and Morty Game Called?
