The question of which Rick is the “original” has become a topic of intense debate and curiosity among fans of the popular animated TV series Rick and Morty. Created by Justin Roiland and Dan Harmon, Rick and Morty is a multi-layered, sci-fi series that delves into themes of existentialism, the multiverse, and the consequences of unchecked intelligence. One of the most compelling aspects of the show is the portrayal of its central character, Rick Sanchez, who exists in multiple iterations across different dimensions. This opens up a fascinating discussion about the “original” Rick and the nature of identity in a multiverse.
In this article, we will explore the concept of “Rick” within the show’s narrative, delve into the various Ricks across the multiverse, and attempt to answer the question of which Rick can be considered the “original.” We will break down this topic into several key sections, including the background of the show, the multiverse theory in Rick and Morty, and the deeper philosophical implications of this question.
Background of Rick and Morty
Before diving into the complexities of the multiverse and the nature of the “original” Rick, it’s important to establish the premise of Rick and Morty. The series follows Rick Sanchez, a genius scientist, and his grandson Morty Smith, as they travel through dimensions, encounter bizarre creatures, and grapple with the consequences of Rick’s scientific inventions and reckless behavior. Rick is a deeply flawed character — alcoholic, narcissistic, and often indifferent to the moral implications of his actions. Despite his brilliance, his character is defined by his nihilistic worldview, which often leads him to make reckless and morally questionable decisions.
The series’ main hook is its use of the multiverse — a theoretical construct in which an infinite number of parallel universes exist, each with its own version of reality. This allows for multiple iterations of characters, including Rick, who can exist in countless dimensions, each with its own backstory and set of circumstances. The idea of infinite universes, where every possible version of a person exists, poses interesting questions about identity, choice, and determinism.
The Multiverse Theory in Rick and Morty
The multiverse is a central theme in Rick and Morty, and the show does not shy away from exploring its implications. The premise that there are infinite versions of Rick scattered across different dimensions is crucial to understanding the complexity of the question: Which Rick is the original?
In one of the most iconic episodes, “Close Rick-Counters of the Rick Kind” (Season 3, Episode 1), the show introduces the concept of the “Council of Ricks,” a group of Ricks from various dimensions who have banded together to form a government of sorts. The Council of Ricks is a collective of Ricks who have similar personalities but come from different timelines and universes. This episode explicitly explores the notion that there is no single “original” Rick, as every Rick is a version of the same character, each shaped by their own experiences and circumstances.
The Council of Ricks also introduces the idea of “Evil Morty,” a character who operates outside of the typical multiverse structure and has a sinister agenda of his own. Evil Morty is a pivotal character in the show who challenges the notion of a singular universe with a predetermined “original” Rick. His goal seems to be the destruction of the multiverse as a whole, which further complicates the question of who the original Rick is, as it suggests that the entire concept of the multiverse may itself be flawed or corrupt.
Theories on the Original Rick
The First Rick
One theory about the original Rick suggests that there must have been a “first” Rick in the multiverse — the first iteration of the character who existed before all others. This Rick would have been the one to set in motion the chain of events that led to the creation of all the other Ricks. This theory suggests that the first Rick would be the one who founded the multiverse or made the first major breakthrough in scientific discovery that allowed for the existence of parallel universes.
However, this theory presents a problem: in a truly infinite multiverse, every version of Rick would have a different origin story, making the idea of a “first” Rick increasingly difficult to prove. Additionally, Rick and Morty regularly challenges the concept of origin, with characters often questioning their own histories and motivations. The show’s treatment of identity and the fluid nature of its characters undermines the idea that one Rick could be definitively “first.”
The Self-Proclaimed “Original” Rick
In Rick and Morty, there are also Ricks who claim to be the “original” Rick, often for personal or political gain. For instance, the Rick from the “Citadel of Ricks” is portrayed as someone with a sense of superiority, asserting his identity as the true Rick. This creates an interesting dynamic because it demonstrates how each Rick can interpret the idea of being “original” in their own way.
One example of this is the central Rick — the one who is most frequently featured as the protagonist of the show. This Rick, who has gone through multiple universes and had numerous adventures, might be viewed by some fans as the “original” Rick simply because he is the one with the most screen time and the most development. However, his story is full of contradictions, with multiple versions of himself popping up throughout the series. This makes it clear that even the “main” Rick is only one of many.
The “Crisis of Identity” Rick
Another interpretation of the “original” Rick is one based on the crisis of identity that many of the Ricks experience. Throughout the series, Rick grapples with existential questions about his purpose and his identity. His repeated experiences with alternate versions of himself lead him to question the validity of his own existence. This philosophical quandary is one of the most compelling aspects of his character.
In this light, the question of which Rick is the original is more than just a practical one — it becomes a question about the nature of self and identity. If Rick is constantly encountering versions of himself in different universes, can he ever truly know which version of himself is the “original”? Is the concept of an “original” Rick even meaningful in a multiverse where identity is so fluid and subjective?
The Role of Morty in the Question of Originality
Morty, Rick’s grandson, also plays an important role in the discussion of the “original” Rick. Morty is often the character who serves as the moral compass for Rick, providing a counterpoint to Rick’s nihilism and reckless behavior. In many episodes, Morty is shown to be deeply affected by the consequences of Rick’s actions, and he often questions the meaning of their adventures. Morty’s relationship with Rick is one of the emotional core of the series, and it often highlights the ethical and moral dilemmas that arise from Rick’s actions.
The relationship between Rick and Morty is also a key factor in understanding the question of identity and originality. If there are infinite versions of Rick across the multiverse, is Morty’s connection with Rick meaningful, or is it just a coincidence that any given Morty happens to be paired with a specific Rick? This existential question complicates the idea of the “original” Rick, as it implies that any version of Rick might be capable of forging a bond with any version of Morty.
Conclusion
Ultimately, the question of which Rick is the original may not have a definitive answer, and that may be the point. Rick and Morty is a show that constantly subverts traditional narrative structures and philosophical ideas. The multiverse, by its very nature, denies the possibility of a singular, fixed origin. The show encourages its viewers to embrace the chaos and uncertainty of existence, where identity is constantly shifting, and the concept of “originality” becomes meaningless.
In the world of Rick and Morty, there is no single “original” Rick. Every Rick is a product of their unique experiences and choices within an infinite multiverse. The show challenges us to think critically about the nature of identity, purpose, and meaning, and in doing so, it shows that perhaps the question of the “original” Rick is one that can never be definitively answered — because in a multiverse, everything is relative.
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