The Legacy, The Loss, and The Longevity
Imagine, a series that started with a rambling, drunken Rick promising a run for one hundred years. That scene had all the bizarre humor and cosmic irony that has come to define Rick and Morty. Since its debut, the show has become a force to reckon with, breaking Adult Swim records by securing a contract for 70 additional episodes. But as the sands of time shift, so do the fates of those involved. With co-creator Justin Roiland ousted amid controversies, and Dan Harmon mulling the show’s future, what does the space-time continuum hold for our favorite intergalactic adventurers?
From 100 Years to Ousting Roiland: A Rollercoaster Ride
“Rick and Morty was quickly signed on for 70 additional episodes following its first few seasons, marking the single largest episode order in Adult Swim history and signifying just how much of a cultural juggernaut it had become since its debut.”
Justin Roiland, the voice behind both title characters, has been officially removed from the series. The reason? Controversies surrounding his workplace behavior and actions beyond the production’s scope. This seismic change occurs as the show itself undergoes an evolution, bouncing between altering its own story arcs to embracing them full throttle.
The Changing Tides: Harmon Passes the Baton, Muses on Future
While Roiland’s exit is the topic of heated debates, co-creator Dan Harmon has transferred the showrunning reins to Scott Marder. In a recent interview with The Hollywood Reporter, Harmon opened up about the longevity of the series.
“It’s designed to [run for 100 seasons].”
Harmon wasn’t just idly speculating; he also dropped hints about a feature film, following secret talks with Zack Snyder. What would that mean for the show? Well, instead of concluding the series, the movie would stand as their “biggest adventure yet.”
Creative Detours and Storyline Experimentation
The creators have often sent their characters down pathways as twisted as a Möbius strip. Episodes like “Rick Potion #9” and “Never Ricking Morty” are testament to the show’s audacious creative choices. With Harmon suggesting that a feature film could exist alongside the series, it’s conceivable that the Rick and Morty universe could expand indefinitely, given the storytelling chops remain sharp.
The Final Chapter? Growing Up in a Universe That Doesn’t Care
While Harmon entertains thoughts of intergalactic perpetuity, he also mused about the show’s ultimate fate in the same interview.
“Morty would simply grow up. He would find a girlfriend, discover his own desire for independence, and likely distance himself from his past life of adventuring with his grandfather.”
It’s an ending that feels emotionally satisfying. With Morty’s growing resistance to Rick’s toxic influence, a conclusion that sees Morty taking the helm of his own destiny seems plausible.
The Lasting Impact: It’s Not Just About Rick Anymore
Increasingly, the series has pivoted from being merely a stage for Rick’s antics to a platform exploring his influence on the characters around him, particularly Morty. The episode “The ABC’s of Beth” revealed Beth‘s struggle with her Rick-like tendencies, and it’s evident that Morty has been wrestling with the same existential demons.
“That being said, the duo’s connection with each other can’t be ignored. The Citadel, formerly known as the Citadel of Ricks, was originally comprised of the infinite combinations of every single Rick and Morty in the multiverse.”
As the series has taught us, nobody exists on purpose and nobody belongs anywhere. In a universe that abides by this mantra, the most fitting ending might just be Morty breaking free, representing the audience’s own departure from the show.
To Infinity and Beyond? Or Just the End of the Episode List
As we navigate this space of endless possibilities and parallel universes, the only certainty is the uncertainty of Rick and Morty‘s future. Whether the show meets its promise of a hundred years or bows out with a poignant finale, only time will tell. Until then, let’s fasten our seat belts for the rollercoaster ride that follows the recasting of this iconic duo.
