In early September 2022, Cartoon Network premiered Rick and Morty's sixth season, which is their most popular show. Inspired by Back to the Future, the adult animated series follows the galactic adventures of mad scientist Rick Sanchez and his teenage grandson, Morty Smith, both voiced by show creator Justin Roiland. The show is known for its scholarly premise and dark humor, with "Grandpa Rick" at the center."

Rick Sanchez is a prime antihero, with sociopathic and manipulative traits, while also being emotionally closed off. With that being said, in true antihero fashion, he has not been without his positive qualities in the show's six-season run.

His Relationship With Morty

Rick and Morty having a happy moment on Rick and Morty

Rick and Morty's grandfather/grandson familial bond is the crux of the show. Morty is socially awkward, still trying to gain a better grasp of the world through his teenage years. Despite his timid nature and constant anxiety, Rick's presence what's the best thing to happen to Morty.

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Through Rick's relationship with Morty, the latter has grown a thicker skin, even calling out his grandpa's often deplorable behaviors. At the end of it all, they always make amends before embarking on more crazy missions together.

Rick Cares For His Family

Rick Sanchez and the Smith Family on Rick and Morty

In addition to his relationship with Morty, the show has explored Rick's other relationships within the Smith family. Rick and Beth have an extremely complicated father/daughter dynamic, but in its dysfunction, the two do care deeply for one another.

After granddaughter Summer's constant begging to join Rick and Morty on their adventures, the former finally agrees, which strengthens their bond over time. Rick's consideration was extremely evident in one of Rick and Morty's saddest moments. In the season 2 finale, "The Wedding Squanchers," Rick surrenders himself to The Federation in order for his family to return to Earth.

Rick Creates Brilliant Inventions

Rick Sanchez with his portal gun on Rick and Morty

Rick is shown to have numerous talents, one of which is being a masterful inventor. In the season 1 episode "M. Night Shaym-Aliens," Rick is revealed to have invented a fuel made of concentrated dark matter to travel through space at light speed.

In his arsenal of unique gadgets and inventions, his most prized possession, the Portal Gun, is flawed. Used as a time-traveling device, the Portal Gun's major blemishes are a lack of durability and spotty battery life. Luckily for Rick, his ratio of accomplished adventures is higher than that of failed inventions.

Rick Is Independent And Can Lead

Rick Sanchez in Cartoon Network’s Rick and Morty

As seen with his numerous run-ins with the intergalactic government and law, Rick is very anti-totalitarian. Due to his high intelligence and pessimism, he doesn't deal with authority very well, which has gotten him into even more trouble. Rick thrives on being a leader, not only doing things his way, but having everybody else follow him as well.

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This trait could be personified by his narcissism and God-like hubris that has been established in later seasons. With that being said, while the effectiveness of Rick's reigning opportunities has been questionable, he is certainly qualified to fill a leadership position.

Rick Has Unprecedented Drive

Rick Sanchez traveling in space on Rick and Morty

In his wacky presentation and immense dysfunction, Rick is one of the most driven characters on the show. He possesses a keen sense of tenacity when he has his eye on the prize and will do anything to achieve what he wants, no matter the result.

Rick's ironclad sense of drive makes him come across as stubborn and annoying at times. He is quite aware that this is one of his best qualities, which he uses to get a reluctant Morty to partake in space adventures with him.

Rick Has A Great Sense Of Adventure

Party Animal Rick Sanchez on Rick and Morty

While Rick has commonly been believed to be a nihilist, his zest for adventure proves the opposite. At times, Rick uses his galactic endeavors to seek out major thrills while also being a method of escapism, as seen with the numerous chase sequences throughout the series.

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His instability is more than likely a cause of his rebellious nature in older years, as the younger depictions of Rick have appeared to be more mild-mannered. Either way, Rick has definitely come into his wild side as a space party king.

Rick Shows Vulnerability

Rick Sanchez in deep thought on Rick and Morty

Rick is a very despondent character, but at his core, he is multidimensional. The event that kicked Rick's madness into high gear was the murder of Beth and his wife Diane by Rick Prime, an alternate version of Rick. Such losses played a large contributing factor to Rick's future substance abuse.

Even one of Rick's best quotes, "Wubba Lubba Dub Dub," is translated into "I am in great pain, please help me." Rick goes to great lengths to deflect these vulnerabilities, avoiding healing from his tragedies. Although, he is capable of letting his guard down on occasion, and he has shown increasing willingness to open up - to some people.

Rick's Intelligence Is Off The Charts

Rick in heavy invention mode on Rick and Morty

At the helm, Rick is Rick and Morty's most intelligent character, being hailed as the "Smartest Man in the Universe." His brilliance also coincides with advanced logic, possessing the ability to think quickly on his feet in distressing situations.

However, as is the case of most mad scientists, a positive quality such as high intelligence can bring about downfalls. Rick uses his intelligence to his advantage to manipulate others. Such an observation was pointed out by Dr. Wong (Susan Sarandon) and the critically acclaimed season 3 episode "Pickle Rick," stating that Rick uses his agility to avoid accountability.

Rick Has A Great Sense of Humor

Rick Sanchez showing his funny side on Rick and Morty

Many consider Rick Sanchez a hilarious TV character, which is an accurate assessment. His snappy one-liners and sarcastic remarks have become staples within the Rick and Morty universe, as well as seamlessly breaking the fourth wall.

The shining element that sets Rick's funniness from that of the other characters is that it is rarely, if ever, forced. Regardless of Rick's usage of gag jokes, his delivery is subtle yet impactful. There is darkness surrounding his flaws, but there has also been humor in them as well.

Rick Has Endless Courage

Rick Sanchez in action mode on Rick and Morty

One of Rick's strongest qualities is his courage. While he is a character that is both mentally flawed and emotionally jaded, Rick is a survivor in the face of adversity. He has overcome his hardships in a less-than-conventional method in order to carry on with life.

Notwithstanding, Rick has conviction in his stride, even if he also has ulterior motives for whatever task he wants to be fulfilled. His ambition is his fuel, prompting him to stand up to those of a higher ranking and/or in the face of danger.

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