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Rick and Mortyhas introduced its fair share of villains throughout its seven seasons. Evil Morty is one of the most interesting villains Rick and Morty have met in their adventures, and for the first five seasons, he was considered the main antagonist of the series. His first appearances revealed little about him, and it wasn’t until the season 5 finale that Evil Morty’s ultimate plan was revealed. After his escape, however, he was not seen again until season 7, in which, to many fans’ surprise, some crucial details about the character were revealed, making him an even more compelling villain than he was before.
Throughout the seasons, there have been many theories surrounding Evil Morty’s origin, many which include time travel and various other complex or tragic backstories.Rick and Morty, though, continues to defy expectations, and the long-anticipated reveal turned out to be a lot simpler but more impactful than predicted. Evil Morty’s return, and the glimpse into his origin and motivations served as a crude reminder that our Morty is closer to becoming evil than it might have seemed.
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The Origins of Evil Morty
Season 7 episode 5, “Unmortricken”explores Evil Morty’s origin story. Contrary to many theories, it turns out that he was just like any other Morty, constantly mistreated by Rick and forced to join him on adventures. The episode’s cold open presents what seems like an ordinary argument between Rick and Morty, but it turns out that it is in fact Evil Morty and the Rick he once belonged to. Evil Morty, tired of being pushed too far, creates the device he hides under his eyepatch and kills his Rick. He then crafts and executes his master plan seen in seasons 1 through 5.
Evil Morty’s origin seems straightforward at first glance, he grew tired of his Rick treating him poorly, and he took matters into his own hands, but there are many questions still left unanswered. During the cold open montage, Evil Morty is seen erasing himself from the Citadel’s database, and murderingseveral variants of Rickso he could learn all their knowledge for his own benefits. It can be assumed that having gathered all this knowledge and traveling through the multiverse to accomplish his plan of destroying the Central Finite Curve makes Evil Morty one of the most experienced Mortys, which further explains why he is smarter, more confident, and more manipulative than the others.
First appearance
“Close Rick-Counters of the Rick Kind” (Season 1, episode 10)
Last appearance
“Unmortricken” (Season 7, episode 5)
First line
“Come with me.”
Last line
“Don’t come after me. It won’t go well.”
Place of origin
Status
Alive
Due to his scarce appearances, many viewers may not remember that Evil Morty has been around since season 1. He first appeared in the first season’s finale “Close Rick-Counters of the Rick Kind,” where he was introduced as a mere sidekick to Evil Rick, one of the many Rick variants. The episode followsRick and Morty, who travel to the Citadelto investigate the murders of multiple Rick variants. It explores the complex dynamic between Ricks and Mortys, which kickstarts a rebellion led by Morty. The Council of Ricks then learns that Evil Rick, the variant responsible for the murders, was being mind-controlled. Rick discovers thatEvil Morty is the true mastermindbehind this elaborate plan, as the seemingly harmless sidekick removes his eyepatch and blends into a crowd of Mortys.
It would be pointless. Mortys have no chance of defeating a Rick.
This shocking revelation suggests that there may be a darker side to the relationship between Ricks and Mortys, and foreshadows the potential for Mortys to turn against their Ricks. While at first, the true extent of his plan and his motivations remain a mystery, Evil Morty’s manipulation of Evil Rick defies Rick’s, and viewers’, perception of Mortys being mere subservient sidekicks to their superior Ricks. “Close Rick-Counters of the Rick Kind” remains one of thebestRick and Mortyepisodes of all time, as it sets the stage for the eventual fallout of the Citadel in later seasons, and consolidates Evil Morty as a genuine threat for the protagonist duo.
What Is Evil Morty’s Motivation?
Evil Morty became a recurring villain in the series, but his appearances were far from frequent. The season 5 finale, “Rickmurai Jack,” was his fourth appearance overall, and the episode that revealed what his plan had been all along, as well as his motivations behind it. He rose to power in order toescape from the Central Finite Curve, the portion of the universe where Rick is the smartest person alive. He killed countless Ricks and Mortys, and destroyed the Citadel in the process. While his means cannot be justified, his motivation can be narrowed down to wanting to be free of Rick for good, which is understandable considering how Ricks all over the multiverse treat their Mortys.
That’s what makes me evil… being sick of him. If you’ve ever been sick of him, you’ve been evil, too.
Originally, Evil Morty’s plan was to learn about the Central Finite Curve in order escape it and be free of Rick at last. All he seems to have wanted was to be done with Rick in every way. His return in season 7’s “Unmortricken” is rooted in that same motivation. He intervened onRick’s hunt for Rick Primebecause it was messing with his peace, and he dismantled the Omega Device so he could be left alone, despite being able to recreate it.
While he is in every way a villain, Evil Morty’s motivations are rooted in injustice. He is so compelling as a character because he is so different from the rest of the Mortys seen so far in the show. He is smart, calculating, confident, independent, and even manages to impress Rick Prime, which isn’t an easy feat. His motivations are understandable, although his methods are more than questionable. The shocking death of Rick Prime, who was the mainRick and Mortyantagonist during the last two seasons, turns the spotlight back to Evil Morty as the series' most dangerous villain.
Rick and Morty
Rick and Morty is an animated sci-fi comedy that follows the outrageous interplanetary and multidimensional adventures of Rick Sanchez and his grandson, Morty. Airing on Adult Swim, Rick and Morty has become one of the most popular animated shows on television, blending humor, action, and genuine emotion.
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