In the popular animated series “Rick and Morty,” the character of Rick Sanchez is known for his intelligence, nihilistic worldview, and adventures with his grandson Morty across various dimensions and realities. However, the show also explores the concept of multiverses and parallel realities, which raises the question of whether Rick Prime is the original Rick.
The term “Rick Prime” is used by fans to refer to the Rick Sanchez that is the main protagonist of the show, voiced by actor Justin Roiland. However, within the show’s canon, there is no explicit confirmation that this Rick is the original one. In fact, the show’s creators, Justin Roiland and Dan Harmon, have intentionally left the question of Rick’s origins open-ended.
One of the key reasons why the question of Rick’s originality is ambiguous is the show’s focus on the concept of multiverses. In the “Rick and Morty” universe, there are infinite parallel realities, each with its own version of Rick and Morty. This means that there is not just one Rick, but an infinite number of Ricks, each with their own backstory and experiences.
Furthermore, the show has hinted that Rick has the ability to move between different realities, implying that he may not even have a fixed origin. In the episode “The Ricklantis Mixup,” a group of Ricks from various realities gather in a Citadel and discuss the idea that some Ricks may be more “original” or “authentic” than others. This suggests that there may be Ricks who are considered more important or powerful than others.
However, the concept of an original Rick does exist within the show’s mythology. In the episode “The Ricklantis Mixup,” it is revealed that the Citadel of Ricks was founded by a group of Ricks who left their respective realities to form a collective society. These Ricks believed that their individuality was being suppressed by their respective societies, and they sought to create a space where they could be free to explore their own interests and desires.
In this context, it could be argued that the Ricks who founded the Citadel were the original Ricks. However, this does not necessarily mean that Rick Prime is one of these Ricks. It is possible that Rick Prime is from a reality that is not part of the Citadel’s founding group.
Another aspect to consider is the show’s treatment of Rick’s backstory. Throughout the series, there have been several hints and flashbacks to Rick’s past, suggesting that he may have had a traumatic or tragic past. In the episode “The Ricklantis Mixup,” a group of Mortys discuss the idea that all Ricks have a tragic backstory, which is what motivates them to seek out adventures and distract themselves from their pain.
However, the show has not provided a definitive explanation of Rick’s past. This leaves open the possibility that Rick Prime may have a different backstory than other Ricks, which could further complicate the question of his originality.
In conclusion, the concept of an original Rick is a complex and ambiguous one within the “Rick and Morty” universe. The show’s focus on multiverses and parallel realities means that there are an infinite number of Ricks, each with their own backstory and experiences. While the founding Ricks of the Citadel may be considered the original Ricks within the show’s mythology, this does not necessarily mean that Rick Prime is one of them. Ultimately, the show’s creators have intentionally left the question of Rick’s origins open-ended, leaving it up to interpretation by fans.