Rick and Morty’s latest episode, “Rickternal Friendshine of the Spotless Mort,” shows Rick talking about the Shrek franchise with a younger memory of himself; but what does this interaction reveal about Rick’s character? Season 5, episode 8 focuses on the relationship between Rick and his re-animated best friend, Birdperson. The episode’s title obviously riffs off of Michael Gondry’s Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind, and its plot parallels the film as well. “Rickternal Friendshine of the Spotless Mort” contains a lot of character development for Rick, as he reveals some personal history and displays an uncharacteristic level of emotion.
After appearing in the scene where Rick first meets Birdperson, a 35-year-old memory version of Rick tags along on the real Rick’s mission to recover his best friend’s consciousness from the depths of his comatose brain. This pairing leads to a lot of significant dialogue. The two versions of Rick often discuss past memories and the different perspectives that come with age and even make the shocking reveal that Rick’s original Beth is dead. However, one of the most random subjects they discuss is the Shrek franchise.
Real Rick seems to have been describing the series to his younger counterpart of-screen, as memory Rick replies with “so he’s just a grumpy Scottish ogre? And they made four of them?” Real Rick replies that there are “five by now, probably,” and asserts that Morty “loves” the films. Although the franchise is not explicitly named, it is clear that the characters are referring to Shrek due to their description of its titular character, as few films feature a comparable protagonist. The number of films also matches up to reality. Shrek 5 is confirmed to be in development, although it has been delayed multiple times and its release date remains unclear.
The dialogue in Rick and Morty pokes fun at the Shrek franchise, as memory Rick expresses surprise at its inane premise. The Shrek reference also serves to humanize rick by implying that he has seen and enjoyed the films. By saying that Morty is a fan of the series, Rick seems to be complimenting, or at least defending it, without having to admit to being a fan himself. The fact that he brings up Shrek at all is equally telling, considering that there are many more important things to share about the future. Clearly, the movies have some value to Rick.
His callous persona and penchant for violence have often made Rick the main villain in Rick and Morty, but he shows his humanity throughout “Rickternal Friendshine of the Spotless Mort.” The depth of his attachment to Birdperson is further developed, and his grief upon being rejected by his old friend is revealed, evidence best when Rick says that he loves Birdperson multiple times. He also forms a bond with the younger version of himself, who he initially resented. These events reveal a softer side of the crass scientist; one that desires and seeks out emotional bonds with others. The Shrek reference in season 5, episode 8 of Rick and Morty contributes to this more relatable, vulnerable characterization of Rick.
