The animated series Rick and Morty has captivated audiences since its debut in 2013. The show, created by Justin Roiland and Dan Harmon, is known for its dark humor, complex storytelling, and, most importantly, its portrayal of the brilliant, albeit unstable, character Rick Sanchez. With multiple universes and alternate realities at play, the series presents various versions of Rick—each with their own quirks, intelligence, and scientific prowess. But the question that haunts fans and viewers alike is: Which Rick is the smartest?
To answer this question, we must consider the numerous Ricks featured throughout the series, each from different dimensions and with varying degrees of intelligence and capabilities. In this article, we will break down the smartest Ricks based on key criteria such as innovation, intellectual achievements, and impact on the multiverse.
Understanding the Character of Rick Sanchez
Before diving into the individual Ricks, it is essential to understand the common traits that define Rick Sanchez’s character. Rick is a genius scientist with an unparalleled understanding of advanced technology, multiverse travel, and theoretical physics. His brilliance is matched by his arrogance, substance abuse, and disregard for social norms. Across the different versions of Rick, these traits remain consistent, but the extent to which his intelligence manifests differs from dimension to dimension.
Ricks are primarily defined by their intelligence. However, there is a stark difference between being a scientific genius and being a morally complex character. While some Ricks are driven by a desire to prove their intellect, others use their knowledge for personal gain or, in some cases, to survive in the chaotic multiverse. This variety adds an intriguing layer to the question of which Rick is the smartest.
The Many Faces of Rick: A Breakdown of Key Ricks
1. Prime Rick Sanchez (Rick C-137)
Rick C-137, also known as the “original” Rick in the Rick and Morty universe, is the primary version of Rick that the audience follows. His intelligence is often portrayed as being second to none, as he is a brilliant scientist who can build mind-bending inventions and travel across universes with ease.
Achievements:
Rick C-137 is often seen as the quintessential example of a “mad scientist.” His inventions, such as the portal gun and the meeseeks box, are revolutionary, showing his vast understanding of both theoretical and practical science.
His intellect allows him to outwit countless enemies, both human and alien. Despite his volatile personality, he consistently comes up with solutions that no one else could conceive.
Limitations:
Despite his genius, Rick C-137 often finds himself in morally compromising situations due to his emotional detachment and substance abuse. His intelligence is overshadowed by his inability to maintain relationships and manage his reckless behavior.
2. Evil Morty’s Rick (Rick D-99)
Evil Morty’s Rick, also known as Rick D-99, plays a significant role in the series’ overarching plot. Although Evil Morty is the antagonist, Rick D-99 is integral to the development of the show’s multiverse conspiracy. This version of Rick is particularly notable for his role in enabling Evil Morty’s rise to power.
Achievements:
Rick D-99 is a brilliant manipulator, using his intelligence to advance his own goals while keeping a low profile. Unlike other Ricks, his cunning intelligence is not focused on scientific discoveries, but rather on his ability to navigate political and social structures.
His major contribution is his role in creating the central finite curve, a key concept in the Rick and Morty multiverse. This curve separates universes where Ricks are the smartest beings from those where they are not. His manipulation of this curve speaks to a highly strategic mind capable of outsmarting even the most brilliant of Ricks.
Limitations:
Rick D-99’s intelligence is tempered by his alliances with morally questionable figures. His desire for power leads him to work with Evil Morty, ultimately making him a less pure example of intelligence compared to Rick C-137.
3. Rick Prime (Rick D-100)
Rick Prime, also referred to as Rick D-100, is the ultimate villain in the Rick and Morty universe. Known for his extreme intelligence, Rick Prime is a mastermind with near-infinite resources and knowledge. He is responsible for the death of Rick C-137’s family and his motivations are deeply personal.
Achievements:
Rick Prime’s intellect is beyond anything seen in the show. He possesses knowledge that spans across multiple dimensions and has mastered the ability to manipulate not just science, but reality itself.
One of Rick Prime’s most impressive feats is his creation of the “Rickest Rick” concept—where he becomes the epitome of what a Rick should be, blending intelligence, power, and ruthlessness in perfect harmony.
Limitations:
Despite his immense intelligence, Rick Prime’s primary motivation is revenge, which clouds his judgment and ultimately leads to his downfall. This personal vendetta against Rick C-137 distracts him from achieving true dominance in the multiverse.
4. Sleepy Rick (Rick S-92)
Sleepy Rick is an unexpected contender in the intelligence race. While this version of Rick is often portrayed as lazy, disoriented, and often sleeping through major events, he still holds a significant place in the Rick and Morty universe.
Achievements:
Although Sleepy Rick is not as visibly brilliant as other Ricks, his contributions to certain scientific breakthroughs in the background are notable. His disinterest in personal glory allows him to be an overlooked genius who avoids drawing attention to his work.
His intelligence is revealed when his inventions and solutions, once ignored, save the day, proving that not all intelligence needs to be flashy.
Limitations:
Sleepy Rick’s intelligence is overshadowed by his apathy and inability to take anything seriously. This limits his potential and makes him appear lazy compared to other, more motivated Ricks.
5. The Rick That Defeated the Council of Ricks (Rick X-73)
This Rick’s story is one of legend. He is famous for single-handedly defeating the Council of Ricks, a group of Ricks from different dimensions who initially formed as a collective governing body for all Ricks. Rick X-73’s intelligence is highlighted by his strategic brilliance and his ability to outthink the collective of Ricks.
Achievements:
Rick X-73’s victory over the Council of Ricks is one of the most significant achievements in Rick and Morty. By turning the Council’s rules and structure against them, he proves that intelligence is not only about raw scientific knowledge but also about social manipulation and leadership.
His intellectual prowess lies in his understanding of both the theoretical and practical sides of conflict, making him a formidable opponent for even the most advanced Ricks.
Limitations:
Despite his success, Rick X-73’s victory does not come without personal cost. He is often depicted as being emotionally detached and morally compromised, which leads to difficulties in forming meaningful relationships, a common theme for many Ricks.
6. The Unnamed Rick from “The Ricks Must Be Crazy” (Rick C-38)
In the episode “The Ricks Must Be Crazy,” we are introduced to a version of Rick who has created an entire universe inside his car battery. This Rick’s intelligence is demonstrated by his ability to harness the power of micro-universes to fuel his car, showing a level of scientific understanding that borders on godlike.
Achievements:
Rick C-38’s invention of the micro-universe is one of the most innovative and ambitious scientific feats in the series. By creating a living ecosystem that powers his car, he exhibits a deep understanding of both energy and life itself.
The micro-universe, containing its own version of Rick (and subsequently a tiny Rick), provides a fascinating commentary on Rick’s ego and his sense of god-like control over life.
Limitations:
Although highly intelligent, Rick C-38’s creation of the micro-universe leads to unforeseen consequences, showcasing that even the most brilliant minds can overlook important ethical considerations in their pursuit of knowledge.
Conclusion
While it’s difficult to definitively claim which Rick is the absolute smartest, we can conclude that the answer depends largely on how we define “smartest.” If we measure intelligence purely by scientific achievements, Rick Prime stands out as the most brilliant due to his near-godlike knowledge and his manipulation of multiverse laws. However, if we factor in strategic thinking, emotional intelligence, and moral complexity, Rick C-137’s intellectual contributions, despite his personal flaws, position him as a strong contender for the title of smartest Rick.
Ultimately, Rick and Morty offers a nuanced perspective on intelligence, showing that the smartest Rick is not necessarily the one with the most advanced scientific gadgets or the most power, but rather the one who can balance knowledge with the moral and ethical complexities of existence.
In the world of Rick and Morty, there is no single “smartest” Rick. Each version of Rick brings something unique to the table, and their intelligence, while undeniably impressive, is often tempered by personal flaws and existential challenges. Perhaps the true measure of intelligence in the Rick and Morty universe is not simply knowledge, but the ability to navigate the unpredictable and often absurd realities of the multiverse.
Related topics:
- Who is Rick Prime’s Wife?
- Who is Pickle Rick? Exploring the Iconic Transformation
- Who is Rick C 132?A Comprehensive Analysis
