Rick and Morty has its fair share of toxic relationships. Besides Rick and Morty, Summer and her mom, Jerry and Beth's marriage can sometimes be rocky. Well, really rocky to be exact. It also doesn't help that Rick eggs them on to get a divorce.
Fans of the show have seen their relationship stand the test of time and also deteriorate right in front of them. It may seem that the couple really isn't meant for each other and are quite toxic. On other occasions, they prove that they somehow work well together. Let's look at some examples of why Beth and Jerry could still make their relationship work and reasons why it's better to let go.
Toxic: Beth Never Supports Him Job Wise
For a majority of episodes, the topic of Jerry's unemployment becomes a major issue. He mopes around the house annoying everyone. But one of the reasons why Beth is toxic for Jerry is that she doesn't uplift him or encourage him in a loving way to find a job.
Instead, Beth gives him a bored and cold stare and tells him "Get a job." Jerry feels less determined to go out and do something. The way to get to Jerry is if Beth had a meaningful conversation with him to figure out what he wants to do in life or in a career.
Meant To Be: They're Each Others Missing Link
Beth and Jerry met when they were just teenagers. Taking a closer look at their personalities, they both have character traits the other doesn't possess. In a way, they each make up for whats missing in each other. Jerry is more emotional and thinks from the heart. He also tends to look past the facade Rick has put on his family.
Beth, on the other hand, is more in control and strong-willed. When Jerry really doesn't have the chops to stand up, Beth is there to aid him. The same goes for Beth. When Beth can't seem to rationalize something Rick does or explain her emotions, Jerry is able to help her. They're both dysfunctional together.
Toxic: Jerry Always Weasels Out First
Some may argue that what Beth wants in a relationship is a man who will protect her and stand up for her. Audiences have seen on any occasions Jerry abandoning ship first. Take for example in the episode "Big Trouble in Little Sanchez," when the couple therapy retreat's creatures escape.
Jerry is more than content to wait out the fight and gets into a crawl space. Jerry never puts Beth before his own needs. He was okay with Beth trying to find her own shelter and find her own way to survive. There are moments when Jerry becomes the hero to save Beth.
Meant To Be: They Still Tried To Make It Work
Jerry and Beth's constant rubber band effect of wanting to fix their marriage can be good and bad. In this case, it might be a good sign. They have been together for years and only when Rick came into the picture did their relationship start to crumble.
With everything going on in their lives, Jerry and Beth still found reasons to stay together. They wanted to fight for their marriage on multiple occasions. In some cases, it was Beth who made the approach or it was both of them at the same time. Beth and Jerry care for each other enough to find a reason to stay.
Toxic: Jerry Doesn't Believe In Her As A Horse Surgeon
Beth was able to somewhat accomplish part of her dream. While she dreamed of being a human surgeon, she settled for being a horse surgeon. A career she is extremely proud of. She is always determined to save an animal's life as seen in a "Rickle of Time."
What makes Kerry toxic for Beth is his inability in taking pride in her career. He often teases Beth that she's only a horse surgeon. He corrects her when she refers to herself as a surgeon in general. Jerry makes it a point to demean her hard work for never making it as a human surgeon.
Meant To Be: They Choose To Be Together
Since season one of the show, audiences have learned a lot about Beth and JErry's relationship. Throughout their story, fans have come to the realization that the couple are meant to be because they choose so. Yes, their marriage is devoid of romance or deep-rooted love.
At the end of the day, Beth and Jerry are together because they choose to be together. Despite all the flaws, Jerry's lacked machismo or Beth's lack of caring empathy, they still come back to each other. It's the saying, "if you love something, let it go." Beth and Jerry have let go a lot but still boomerang back.
Toxic: Beth Always Brings Up Her Teen Pregnancy
Between the two, Beth is quite toxic when regarding how she and Jerry got together. They were teenagers and decided to have intercourse on prom night. It led to an unplanned pregnancy which would have resulted in an abortion if they didn't get a flat tire. Jerry recalls their past with fondness and good times.
Beth always brings up the fact that she got pregnant young. Almost as if it was the cataclysm as to why her future happened the way it did. Audiences can tell that Beth has some ill feelings about what happened. Meanwhile, Jerry sees it as something good that happened in his life,
Meant To Be: Jerry Puts Up With Rick For Beth
In a marriage, one has to make sacrifices. Jerry proves to be a good match for Beth when it comes to the subject of Rick. Beth went the majority of her life not knowing her father. Beth became happy when he suddenly appeared. Even though Rick has caused major issues in their family for Jerry, he still puts up with him.
He realizes that Beth is getting whats she desperately wanted all these years. Although Jerry does bring up how toxic Rick is to Beth, he never tried to forcefully push him out.
Toxic: Beth Wishes Jerry Was Completely Different & Has A Superiority Complex
In the marriage counseling episode, audiences finally see what Beth thinks of Jerry. When manifesting creatures to represent each other, Jerry is this sweaty and submissive slug. Beth doesn't see Jerry as a worthwhile companion who could take care of her.
It's only when Jerry fights back for her that his image changes to a muscular and big form. In the episode with Mr.Meseeeks, Beth also showcases her regret for getting pregnant so young and not fulfilling her needs. Beth often talks about what she wants, but never what Jerry really wants.
Good: Jerry Never Abandoned Beth
A major reason why Beth and Jerry would work together is Jerry's commitment to Beth. They were only 17 when Beth got pregnant. Through raising a kid in high school and veterinary school, Jerry never left Beth. He was the main male figure in her life when she needed him.
Beth was harboring deep emotions against Rick for leaving her. Jerry most likely saw how much it affected her but also loved Beth to never leave her. Even as Rick returned and changed their family, Jerry never thought of abandoning ship.