Dan Harmon Unpacks Rick and Morty's Darker Themes: 'Alcoholism Isn't a Superpower'

Rick and Morty co-creator Dan Harmon recently pulled back the curtain on the show's handling of Rick Sanchez's substance abuse. In an interview with Polygon, Harmon explained the deliberate choice to portray Rick's alcoholism not as a joke, but as a genuine struggle. 'You write what you know,' Harmon stated, referencing his own past struggles. He emphasized the show aims to 'mythologize something that is important about substance abuse,' showing it 'takes all forms.'

Harmon drew parallels to Denzel Washington's character in the 2012 film Flight, highlighting how the narrative focuses on the individual's choice to confront their issues. For Rick, this isn't a superpower. 'Rick's alcoholism doesn't look like a superpower. The guy wets his pants on a regular basis,' Harmon bluntly put it. The series has always shown repercussions, steering clear of alienating viewers by trivializing the issue.

This deep dive into Rick's character continues as Season 9 reaches its midpoint. While Rick's struggles remain central, the upcoming S09E05 'Jer Bud' offers a lighter, albeit still stressful, plotline. Jerry, ever the worrier, faces a job interview, with Space Beth offering a unique solution to his anxiety. It's a classic Jerry predicament, hinting at the show's balance between its darker themes and its chaotic, family-centric humor.