9 Years Later, Rick Sanchez’ Best Line Is Still The Greatest Quote In Rick & Morty History
Rick and Morty’s dialogue is often witty and sharp, but there is one line in particular that stands out among the rest, and it came pretty early in the show’s run. Since 2013, Rick and Morty has been redefining what adult animation is capable of. With highly experimental and provocative storylines, lengthy character arcs, and a healthy dose of nihilism, the show breaks the mold and stands out from the competition.
And beyond that, the series features some of the most incredible writing that manages to take inspiration from a wide range of pop culture references and resources, reshape all of that, and create something that manages to resonate with a huge audience. Yes, it can be dark, and often the core cast are unlikable, but ultimately, the show feels authentic, and it provides fresh insights and clever comedy that keeps people coming back again and again.
Evidently, this has contributed in no small part to the fact that the show is still thriving 13 years after it first debuted, with the show renewed up to season 12, despite having just finished airing season 9. And it managed to achieve this despite a major shake-up behind the scenes with the exit of co-creator and star, Justin Roiland.
Rick’s Rare Moment Of Clarity & Self-Reflection Is Surprisingly Beautiful
Throughout the show’s run, Rick and Morty has evolved beyond the adventure-of-the-week formula that defined early seasons. As the characters became more familiar, and as the narrative grew, it was inevitable that the show needed to go deeper with these characters, and that actually happened fairly early in the show’s run.
In fact, in season 3, episode 2, the same episode that gave the greatest Rick Sanchez line of the entire series, that very piece of dialog serves as kind of the formula for how the show operates. It also feels like a rare piece of honesty and authenticity from Rick, who is so closed-off and unwilling to be sincere in most situations. But here, he had this incredible advice to share:
“To live is to risk it all; otherwise, you’re just an inert chunk of randomly assembled molecules drifting wherever the universe blows you…”
Rick is a complex character who spends much of his time trying to distract himself from his past and avoiding any sense of responsibility. While this quote is hopeful and uplifting, it still serves the character in his nihilistic capacity, while also being advice that audiences would be happy to implement into their own lives too.
Of the many quotes from Rick, this one contains more heart, honesty, and truth than is ever typical of the character. And it feels like a perfect description of the series, as Rick chooses to frequently run towards risks and trouble, and give his life meaning and purpose despite being aware of the vastness of the multiverse and the depth of his sorrows.
Rick and Morty Has Evolved Over The Years, But The Heart Remains The Same
In those early seasons, it was also clear that Rick had little regard for his family. While he did things to keep them safe or out of trouble, they seemed to be a burden that Rick would easily shrug off any responsibility for, except for the fact that he enjoyed the comfort and familiarity of having these people around him.
But, as the show has continued, the rest of the Smith family have been on their own journeys, becoming competent, charismatic, and capable in their own rights. Sure, they aren’t close to being on a level with Rick, but they have become more than “inert chunk[s] of randomly assembled molecules drifting wherever the universe blows [them].”
Now, more than ever before, the entire cast has become the embodiment of Rick’s words from that earlier episode. And in that way, this quote has grown to have so much more meaning and depth, as it shapes the entirety of Rick and Morty as a series, and remains one of the most impactful lines to ever come out of the series.
- Release Date
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December 2, 2013
- Network
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Adult Swim
- Directors
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Bryan Newton, Dominic Polcino, Anthony Chun, John Rice, Stephen Sandoval, Jeff Myers
- Writers
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Tom Kauffman, Wade Randolph, Eric Acosta, David Phillips, Erica Rosbe, Sarah Carbiener, Matt Roller, Michael Waldron, Caitie Delaney
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Justin Roiland
Rick Sanchez / Morty Smith
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