Why Morty's Fear of Rick Sanchez Fades Over Time in 'Rick and Morty'

In the complex dynamic of Rick and Morty, Morty's fear and anxiety towards Rick Sanchez shift and evolve over time. While Morty does face intense moments of fear and anxiety, he often finds ways to manage and overcome these emotions. This article explores the reasons behind this phenomenon and provides insights into the relationship between Morty and Rick.

Familiarity Breeds Desensitization

One key factor in reducing Morty's fear is his familiarity with Rick's chaotic and unpredictable behavior. Over numerous adventures, Morty has adapted to the madness surrounding him. This adaptation leads to a form of desensitization, where Morty may react with less fear than he did initially. As Rick becomes more of a regular presence in Morty's life, the novelty wears off, leading to a natural reduction in anxiety.

Desire for Approval and Validation

Morty's quest for Rick's approval plays a pivotal role in his ability to face fear head-on. Morty craves the validation and recognition from Rick, pushing him to confront his fears rather than avoiding them. In many episodes, Morty takes on tasks and scenarios because he wants to be seen as competent and brave, even if these fears are deeply rooted. This desire often leads to moments where Morty stands up to Rick, demonstrating a stronger will.

Mutual Bond of Loyalty and Obligation

Despite Rick's abusive and neglectful behavior, Morty sometimes feels a sense of loyalty or obligation towards him. This mutual bond can overshadow Morty's fear, leading him to act in ways that may seem counterintuitive. Morty's sense of duty and respect towards Rick can drive him to face his fears and stand by Rick, even when the risks are high.

Character Growth and Assertiveness

As the series progresses, Morty develops more confidence and agency. Morty's growth makes him more assertive, allowing him to confront Rick more directly. This newfound assertiveness has moments where Morty stands up to Rick rather than cowering in fear. This evolution is a result of Morty gaining a better understanding of his own worth and the ability to make choices that align with his own needs and desires.

Humor and Comic Relief

The show often uses humor to depict their relationship, and Morty's reactions can sometimes be exaggerated for comedic effect. This exaggeration can make Morty appear less scared than he actually is, as his humorous behavior is often a facade that hides deeper fears. In these comedic moments, Morty's fear is played down, serving to lighten the tone of the episode while still addressing deeper emotional realities.

Supporting the Claim of Rick's Lack of Family

Considering the intricate nature of Rick's personality, it is plausible that Rick often substitutes Morty for a family, especially when he finds himself in scenarios where he lacks companionship. Rick is portrayed as a loner who often struggles with a lack of familial bonds. In season 3, episode 1, a story that Rick tells the Federation Agent about his portal gun highlights this dynamic. It is my belief that the Rick who offered the portal gun before blowing up the family is the main Rick. The Rick who chose his family over the portal gun but only made the gun after his family's death is the Rick from the Atlantis Vacation episode.

The Cleansing episode provides compelling evidence of Rick's genuine affection and care for Morty. When Toxic Rick, a version of Rick driven to madness, shows how much Morty means to him, it supports the idea that the main Rick truly loves Morty. This deep-rooted love could be the reason behind Morty's fear of Rick fading over time, as Morty's loyalty and affection for Rick become more prominent.

In conclusion, Morty's relationship with Rick is a complex tapestry of fear, admiration, and a deeply complicated familial bond. Over time, Morty's fear of Rick diminishes due to familiarity, desire for approval, mutual bond, character growth, and a hint of Rick's genuine affection. As the series progresses, Morty develops the confidence and assertiveness to confront Rick more directly, leading to a transformation in their dynamic.