RED 5

[red5blog-blog]

Rick and Morty: The Dark Side Of Fandom

Before you break out the torches and pitchforks, let me assure you that I am indeed a fan of the animated sci-fi/comedy series Rick and Morty. I was as thrilled as anyone with the recent announcement that series creators Dan Harmon and Justin Roiland have come to terms with Adult Swim to bring the show back for at least seventy more episodes. To my knowledge, an episode order of this size is unprecedented in the history of television. Given the nearly three year gap between seasons two and three, it will likely be a long and agonizing wait for new episodes. Not that I’m complaining. The creators should take as long as they need to produce the same level of excellence we have come to expect from the first three seasons.

Having said all of that, it is a widely held opinion that many (not all) fans of the series have come to represent the worst of fandom. Call it the “dark side” of fandom if you will. The most obvious example of this is the infamous Szechuan sauce incident which occurred last October. For those unfamiliar, McDonald’s offered a unique dipping sauce, dubbed “Szechuan Sauce”, to promote the release of the 1998 Disney film, Mulan. In the season three premiere episode of Rick and Morty, titled “The Rickshank Rickdemption”, a subplot involves Rick devising a way to obtain the long discontinued sauce he so fondly remembers. Recognizing an opportunity to capitalize on the popularity of the hit series, McDonald’s announced a promotion wherein select locations would offer a limited supply of the sauce for one day only. As it turned out, the fast food chain dramatically underestimated the demand generated by the rabid fan base. The sauce quickly sold out leading to throngs of angry fans verbally abusing McDonald’s employees and disrupting business to the point where, in several instances, police were called in to disperse the unhappy customers. 

This embarrassing display is not an isolated incident but part of a pattern of juvenile and toxic behavior on the part of the fan base. Any opinion regarding the series that could be interpreted as even remotely negative will likely be met with a barrage of insults aimed at an individuals’ perceived intelligence. The general consensus among fans seems to be that anyone who is not immediately entranced by the show’s manic delivery and high concept ideas is simply too stupid to understand it. “You just don’t get it.” “That reference probably went right over your head.” “Just go watch the Kardashians. That seems like more your speed.” Comments like this are common refrains found on forums discussing Rick and Morty. Again, I love this series as much as anyone, but the fan community has more than earned its reputation. Even series cocreator Dan Harmon has weighed in on the issue, saying in an Entertainment Weekly interview, “ the only thing I can say is if you’re lucky enough to make a show that is really good that people like, that means some bad people are going to like it too.”

How did this happen? Why does the enjoyment of an animated comedy series give so many people a sense of intellectual superiority? I believe all of this stems from a fundamental misunderstanding of the series, and specifically its "protagonist”, Rick Sanchez. The mad scientist character loosely inspired by Back To The Future’s Doc Brown is the pinnacle of ingenuity and intellect. He is also an alcoholic, self-loathing narcissist who consistently and remorselessly hurts the people around him. That he happens to be and do all of these things in the most witty and hilarious ways imaginable is where the character derives his dual interpretations. It seems that many fans erroneously view Rick as the “hero"of the piece. As a result they appear to be, at the very least, subconsciously appropriating his antagonistic and hostile nature in their interactions. Anyone who has watched the series will immediately recognize Rick’s unique brand of condescension reflected in the fan base. (Again, I AM a fan. No, not all of us are this way.)

These people have grossly misinterpreted the purpose of the character. He is a bitter and miserable person who hates everything and everyone, including and perhaps most of all, himself. The lives of his family members have been destroyed by his selfish ambition and, in one disturbing scene, he was even shown attempting suicide. This is not an aspirational figure that people should be modeling their behavior on and the fact that so many people fail to see that is a symptom of a larger problem.

When a television series, film, or any other piece of media is created for "mature audiences”, we tend to assume it is due to said media containing violence, sex, language, and other material considered inappropriate for younger audiences. This is almost always true, and is especially true in the case of Rick and Morty. However, one aspect of “maturity” that is rarely considered is whether or not someone is mature enough to recognize when a narrative element is being used as an example of what not to do along with the destructive consequences. I don’t presume to know the average age of a Rick and Morty fan, nor is that relevant. But I think we can safely assume the people in question lack the maturity to recognize that Rick is not a person they should aspire to be.

I don’t know that there is an easy solution to this problem. It is not a matter of “blaming the parents” because most of these people should be old enough to where that is not a factor. All we can ask is that this particular segment of the fan community really try to look at the character and realize that he may actually be the villain.

“IF IT TAKES NINE SEASONS, I WANT MY MCNUGGET DIPPING SAUCE, SZECHUAN SAUCE, MORTY!”

[red5blog-blog]

#rick and morty #rick sanchez #morty smith #dan harmon #justin roiland #adult swim #szechuansauce #rick and morty fandom #rick and morty fanbase

[red5blog-blog]

Rick and Morty: The Dark Side Of Fandom

Before you break out the torches and pitchforks, let me assure you that I am indeed a fan of the animated sci-fi/comedy series Rick and Morty. I was as thrilled as anyone with the recent announcement that series creators Dan Harmon and Justin Roiland have come to terms with Adult Swim to bring the show back for at least seventy more episodes. To my knowledge, an episode order of this size is unprecedented in the history of television. Given the nearly three year gap between seasons two and three, it will likely be a long and agonizing wait for new episodes. Not that I'm complaining. The creators should take as long as they need to produce the same level of excellence we have come to expect from the first three seasons.

Having said all of that, it is a widely held opinion that many (not all) fans of the series have come to represent the worst of fandom. Call it the "dark side" of fandom if you will. The most obvious example of this is the infamous Szechuan sauce incident which occurred last October. For those unfamiliar, McDonald's offered a unique dipping sauce, dubbed "Szechuan Sauce", to promote the release of the 1998 Disney film, Mulan. In the season three premiere episode of Rick and Morty, titled "The Rickshank Rickdemption", a subplot involves Rick devising a way to obtain the long discontinued sauce he so fondly remembers. Recognizing an opportunity to capitalize on the popularity of the hit series, McDonald's announced a promotion wherein select locations would offer a limited supply of the sauce for one day only. As it turned out, the fast food chain dramatically underestimated the demand generated by the rabid fan base. The sauce quickly sold out leading to throngs of angry fans verbally abusing McDonald's employees and disrupting business to the point where, in several instances, police were called in to disperse the unhappy customers. 

This embarrassing display is not an isolated incident but part of a pattern of juvenile and toxic behavior on the part of the fan base. Any opinion regarding the series that could be interpreted as even remotely negative will likely be met with a barrage of insults aimed at an individuals' perceived intelligence. The general consensus among fans seems to be that anyone who is not immediately entranced by the show's manic delivery and high concept ideas is simply too stupid to understand it. "You just don't get it." "That reference probably went right over your head." "Just go watch the Kardashians. That seems like more your speed." Comments like this are common refrains found on forums discussing Rick and Morty. Again, I love this series as much as anyone, but the fan community has more than earned its reputation. Even series cocreator Dan Harmon has weighed in on the issue, saying in an Entertainment Weekly interview, " the only thing I can say is if you’re lucky enough to make a show that is really good that people like, that means some bad people are going to like it too.”

How did this happen? Why does the enjoyment of an animated comedy series give so many people a sense of intellectual superiority? I believe all of this stems from a fundamental misunderstanding of the series, and specifically its "protagonist", Rick Sanchez. The mad scientist character loosely inspired by Back To The Future's Doc Brown is the pinnacle of ingenuity and intellect. He is also an alcoholic, self-loathing narcissist who consistently and remorselessly hurts the people around him. That he happens to be and do all of these things in the most witty and hilarious ways imaginable is where the character derives his dual interpretations. It seems that many fans erroneously view Rick as the "hero"of the piece. As a result they appear to be, at the very least, subconsciously appropriating his antagonistic and hostile nature in their interactions. Anyone who has watched the series will immediately recognize Rick's unique brand of condescension reflected in the fan base. (Again, I AM a fan. No, not all of us are this way.)

These people have grossly misinterpreted the purpose of the character. He is a bitter and miserable person who hates everything and everyone, including and perhaps most of all, himself. The lives of his family members have been destroyed by his selfish ambition and, in one disturbing scene, he was even shown attempting suicide. This is not an aspirational figure that people should be modeling their behavior on and the fact that so many people fail to see that is a symptom of a larger problem.

When a television series, film, or any other piece of media is created for "mature audiences", we tend to assume it is due to said media containing violence, sex, language, and other material considered inappropriate for younger audiences. This is almost always true, and is especially true in the case of Rick and Morty. However, one aspect of "maturity" that is rarely considered is whether or not someone is mature enough to recognize when a narrative element is being used as an example of what not to do along with the destructive consequences. I don't presume to know the average age of a Rick and Morty fan, nor is that relevant. But I think we can safely assume the people in question lack the maturity to recognize that Rick is not a person they should aspire to be.

I don't know that there is an easy solution to this problem. It is not a matter of "blaming the parents" because most of these people should be old enough to where that is not a factor. All we can ask is that this particular segment of the fan community really try to look at the character and realize that he may actually be the villain.

"IF IT TAKES NINE SEASONS, I WANT MY MCNUGGET DIPPING SAUCE, SZECHUAN SAUCE, MORTY!"

[red5blog-blog]

Game Of Thrones’ “The Winds of Winter”

Full Spoilers for Game of Thrones Follow. You Have Been Warned.

I will get straight to the point and say that the season 6 finale of Game Of Thrones is easily my favorite episode of the season, even topping last week's phenomenal "Battle of the Bastards". Every scene felt absolutely vital in terms of plot progression and character development and was executed perfectly in nearly every conceivable way. If it was up to me, director Miguel Sapochnik (who directed last week's episode along with season 5's "Hardhome") would helm every episode from here on out.

The episode opens with the slow buildup to the trials of Loras Tyrell and Cersei Lannister. Ramin Djawadi's haunting score immediately creates a palpable tension as the clueless soon-to-be victims are herded into the Great Sept of Baelor like lambs to the slaughter. As soon as King Tommen was prohibited from leaving the Red Keep, I knew what was coming. (There were references to the wildfire planted beneath Kings Landing in the previous episode) By the time Margaery Tyrell realizes something is wrong it is too late, as Cersei quickly eliminates nearly all of her enemies with ruthless efficiency. With Tommen's suicide, it will be interesting to see how she behaves now that all three of her children are dead. In many ways, her love for her children was the only thing grounding her humanity. As others have said, it is easy to see her being labeled the "Mad Queen" now that she has gained all of the power that comes with sitting on the Iron Throne.

In Winterfell, I was glad to hear Sansa acknowledge and apologise for not telling Jon about the Knights of the Vale. I still wish he would have pressed her further on why she chose to keep quiet but at least they brought it up. Later, Jon banishes Melisandre after finding out what happened with Shireen. I feel like this could be a big mistake as they obviously need all the help they can get against the White Walkers. I fear history may be repeating itself as this feels like the same stubborn nobility that got Ned killed.

Like father like son? As it turns out, no, as we were finally given confirmation through Bran that Jon Snow is in fact NOT Ned Stark's son, but that of his sister Lyanna. I think most fans had already figured this out but it was nice to finally put it to rest. What we didn't get however, was a definitive answer as to who his father is. Again, I think most fans (myself included) are nearly certain the answer is Rhaegar Targaryen. (The implications of this are enormous, as it would give Jon a strong claim to the Throne and potentially put him in direct conflict with his aunt Daenerys) The evidence for this is overwhelming, including the fact that Targeryan soldiers were protecting her under direct orders from Rhaegar.

Going back to Bran, the biggest revelation coming out of that scene is that The Wall is not simply a massive ice structure but is also infused with powerful magic intended to prevent the White Walkers from getting through to the southern kingdoms (Apparently book readers were already aware of this though I don't recall it being mentioned in the show). One has to wonder if the same "mark" left on Bran by the Night King that allowed the White Walkers to enter the Cave of the Three Eyed Raven will also allow them to get past The Wall and trigger the final showdown against the living.

After the long journey from Castle Black, including a stop at his ancestral home of Hornehill, Sam finally arrived at the Citadel with Gilly and young Sam. After dealing with some red tape, Sam is granted admission to the Citadel's library (which for some reason reminded me of Hogwarts). I can only assume he will eventually stumble upon valuable information regarding the White Walkers.

In Mereen, Daenerys is convinced by Tyrion to leave Daario behind in order to forge a political marriage upon arriving in Westeros. As Tyrion pointed out, it is encouraging to see her willingness to make personal sacrifices in order to achieve her goals. I do have to wonder who her potential suitors would be. There is Jaime, who would have to turn against his sister. There is Jon Snow, who in light of the eminent threat posed by the White Walkers is unlikely to leave the North. Especially considering that he, like the doomed Robb Stark before him, has been named King in the North. But I think the most logical move would be to forge an alliance with Baelish, who controls the Knights of the Vale and would do anything to sit on the Iron Throne. In any of these scenarios It is hard to imagine anyone being able to defeat her at this point. Especially in light of her new alliance with Dorne and a vengeful Olena Tyrell.

Last but not least, Arya pulled off one of the most satisfying kills of the entire series as she brutally assassinated Walder Frey. I can't speak for everyone, but I did not see that coming. What a brilliant misdirection as the serving girl flirting with Jaime turned out to be Arya in disguise. As soon as Frey asked where his sons were I knew something was up, but I assumed Jaime had turned on Walder and was using the mysterious serving girl as a pawn. Seeing her finally avenge her family was, for me, the highlight of the episode.

Looking ahead to season seven and beyond, it really feels like we have entered the home stretch. After six seasons, Daenerys has finally set sail for Westeros, which will presumably lead to a clash with the newly minted Queen Cersei. In the north, the Starks are consolidating forces in preparation for the great war to come. As always, the big wild card appears to the Baelish. After being rejected by Sansa, what will his next move be? He may be one of the only surviving characters that knows Jon Snow's true parentage. Revealing this information to the northern houses would be a smart way to undermine Jon's claim to Winterfell and try once more to align with Sansa, who would presumably become the Wardeness of the North. Of course, all of this political maneuvering could quickly become irrelevant as the great houses of Westeros are forced to unite when the White Walkers unleash their full fury upon the Seven Kingdoms.

Overall, this was a spectacular conclusion to an eventful season. Your mileage may vary, but for me it further reinforced my opinion that Game of Thrones (A Song of Ice and Fire) is, at least to this point, among the greatest stories in the history of fiction.