Yesterday’s episode of Rick and Morty left us with so many questions, and the biggest one is what happens to Rick C-137 now that his entire reason for being has finally been completed.

That’s the road I’m going down, into the complex psyches of Rick C-137 and Rick Prime, especially in the wake of Evil Morty’s game-changing return. And it all hangs on one line from Rick Prime: “You would have been me. I just walked into your garage before you walked into mine.”

To go down this road I’m spoiling the most recent episode of Rick and Morty. If you haven’t watched it yet, be forewarned.

Two Ricks, One Thin Line

Rick Prime is a darker, more manipulative version of our already morally gray Rick C-137, and he poses an existential threat. His recent confrontation with Rick C-137, and the machinations of Evil Morty, have brought some crucial aspects of their personalities to the forefront.

Rick C-137, our hero, much like yours truly, is no stranger to narcissism and self-destructive behavior. He’s shown a level of self-awareness and guilt, especially in his relationships with his family. Despite his nihilistic outlook, there’s an underlying current of seeking redemption and connection. You can see it in his occasional vulnerability with Morty and other family members. His intelligence, though, often becomes a shield, protecting him from truly addressing his deep-seated mental health issues.

Then there’s Rick Prime. He represents what Rick C-137 could’ve become if he’d been stripped of any moral compass or emotional attachments. Rick Prime’s quote highlights the thin line separating them.

“You would have been me. I just walked into your garage before you walked into mine.”

It’s a chilling admission that under different circumstances, Rick C-137 could’ve mirrored Rick Prime’s actions. Rick Prime embodies a more pronounced narcissistic personality disorder, with manipulative tendencies and a lack of empathy, showing the darker potential of Rick’s genius when it’s devoid of humanity.

Evil Morty Holds Up the Mirror

The resurgence of Evil Morty adds another layer to this psychological gumbo.

He acts as a mirror, reflecting the darkest parts of both Ricks. His actions and motivations are a direct result of the toxic behaviors and attitudes of the Ricks, especially Rick Prime. Evil Morty’s existence and choices question whether intelligence and power inevitably lead to corruption and moral decay.

Narcissism and the Nature of Revenge

The theme of narcissism in both Ricks is interwoven with the nature of revenge. Their conflicts are about superiority, sure, and they’re also about insecurities and past failures. It’s a battle of egos where the stakes are their identities and legacies.

The episode says it out loud.

“Are you serious right now, you little narcissist?”

“Dude, literal glass house.”

“You think you’re better than me?”

“Jesus, I hope so.”

Revenge in this context becomes a way for them to assert dominance and escape their own psychological shortcomings.

Two Men, Two Ways of Carrying It

Viewing Rick C-137 and Rick Prime through the lens of mental health, we see two individuals grappling with their demons in different ways. Rick C-137’s journey is marked by moments of introspection and regret, albeit fleeting. In contrast, Rick Prime seems to have embraced his darker nature, seeing it as a strength rather than a flaw.

This dichotomy is at the heart of their conflict. The battle is physical, and underneath it’s a philosophical and psychological one.

In the climax of the episode, the showdown between Rick C-137 and Rick Prime, intensified by Evil Morty’s actions, is a sci-fi spectacle on top and a deep dive into the troubled minds of two geniuses underneath. It’s a study of narcissism, revenge and the impact of unchecked mental health issues.

“You would have been me. I just walked into your garage before you walked into mine.”

As we reflect on Prime’s haunting words, it becomes clear that the line between hero and villain is often blurred, shaped instead by choices and circumstances.

So there you go. Now you know. And if knowing’s half the battle, you’re halfway to being a know-it-all yourself.

Tell me what you think of Rick Prime’s assertion that, basically, Rick C-137 could’ve become him had it not been for one bad day. The conversation lives in the comments on the video above. Never forget: everyone loves a know-it-all.