Rick and Morty, oh what a weird, complex show. Actually no, no it is not. Rick and Morty has created a fanbase that believes they are more intelligent than they actually are. Rick and Morty has a fanbase that now believes they are intelligent for understanding the slightest essence of science that is sprinkled throughout the show.
As demonstrated by these memes, Rick and Morty has put itself into a difficult scenario because the narrative of the show bases itself around science and time warping inter-dimensional, thus leading to fans believing by spouting out quotes from the show makes them more intelligent. The show itself however understands it is not aiming to be an intelligent programme. For example, in Season 2 Episode 1, Rick makes a reference to a character called Red Grin Grumble to which Summer and Morty laugh, yet it is revealed seconds later to be a planted fake reference that doesn’t exist. Therefore, showing Rick and Morty is well aware that it’s main audience does not understand the references and simply laughs along for the feeling of being intelligent and in on the joke.
However, not for a second am I questioning the show itself for its intelligence. Rick and Morty is able to be self deprecating and self-aware whilst being silly and completely moronic. Rick and Morty is a commentary on human existence, as Rick and Morty is very clearly searching for a purpose through science and space exploration, whilst making it abundantly clear that the main purpose in life is to enjoy the experience of these with the people around you. This is better explained by Will Schoder on Youtube in his video titled ‘Rick and Morty – Finding Meaning in Life’
In conclusion, I feel the Rick and Morty fanbase has developed a superiority complex against casual viewers and any other fanbase. Many of those in the fanbase may feel that this is simply cause I don’t understand Rick and Morty, however my retort would simply be I may not understand but those who do seem to deem themselves vastly better than me because of the simple fact they do which in reality is utterly ridiculous. Although, go decide for yourselves, am I simply undermining the intelligence of the show by believing the fanbase aren’t as smart as they are or has the fanbase developed a sense of pseudo intelligence?
Pseudo Intelligence 