The Meaning of Life is . . . Nothing? My Review on Rick and Morty

Hey everyone, this post is my thoughts on the popular TV show Ricky and Morty.

For those that don't know about the show, Ricky and Morty follows the adventures of an average boy named Morty, and his genius alcoholic grandfather Rick. They travel through different dimensions and space, meeting all kinds of creatures and having crazy adventures.

So, I have mixed feelings about this show. My initial reaction was I didn't like it. It was way too crude and violent for my tastes, and I felt the plot didn't go anywhere.

But then I thought about it. And I watched this video that talks about the philosophy behind Rick and Morty.  And finally, I noticed the show had references to these kinds of philosophies, whether it was in the dialogue or in the imagery. So I took a closer look at what Rick and Morty was trying to say.

And basically, the show is saying life is pointless, everything is pointless, laugh about it. Absolutely nothing is sacred to this show because nothing has a point. People suck, people die, and you might as well have fun with it.

I never said this was a good thing. In fact, this is why, emotionally, I was put off by it. I disagree with the idea that everything is pointless and that people are inherently terrible. Everything this show is displaying goes against everything I believe in and live by.

But I kept going back to it because of these philosophies. These ideas were so different from my own viewpoints, I couldn't help but be fascinated. And I think that's why it draws people in.

Now there have been other shows/books that have questioned or flat out said life was pointless. But not many shows have been so in your face about it like this show. Rick and Morty doesn't just tell you life is meaningless; it shouts it from the rooftops while dancing around in a scandalous outfit and decapitating a fluffy bunny. (Pretty sure that actually happened in an episode.)

That being said, the show does have elements that seem to counteract that view on life. This is mainly shown through Rick's relationship with Morty. Rick doesn't seem to care about other people and he does put Morty through a lot. But in the end, we do see Rick making sacrifices for his family. So despite the whole show saying that everything is pointless, the main character will sometimes do things that go against that view.

So after looking at it, do I like the show now? No, it's still not really my thing. Do I think it's very interesting? Definitely. While I watch more episodes? Probably not, I've had my fill of existential nihilism.