Happy National Hot Tub Day! 
Introduction
Rick and Morty, the animated series created by Dan Harmon and Justin Roiland, is known for its dark humor, complex storylines, and eccentric characters. Among these characters is Jerry Smith, the bumbling, insecure, and often clueless father of the show’s titular character, Morty. As viewers journey through the series, it becomes increasingly apparent that Jerry might just be the worst excuse for a father in animated TV history. While it’s common for animated series to portray fathers as borderline or completely incompetent for comedic effect, Jerry stands out as a character who is not comically stupid but rather just a deeply flawed and insecure individual. This article delves into why Jerry Smith is such an unbearable character and highlights two episodes that exemplify his shortcomings.
Jerry Smith: A Pathetic Figure
Jerry Smith is a character who embodies mediocrity in every sense. He lacks intelligence, self-confidence, and the ability to make sound decisions. While animated series often exaggerate the flaws of their characters for comedic purposes, Jerry’s incompetence feels painfully realistic, making him all the more frustrating to watch.
The stark difference between Jerry and other animated dads, who are often portrayed as comically stupid, is that his actions and behavior are not excused by humor. He is not endearingly foolish like Homer Simpson, who eats fire on a stick mistaken for a kebab. Instead, Jerry is a mildly stupid, insecure, narcissistic figure, often portrayed as a victim and a crybaby. This portrayal hits close to home for many viewers, as they may have encountered Jerrys in their own lives, making him an even more irritating character to watch.
Examples of Jerry’s Failures
To illustrate just how infuriating Jerry’s character can be, let’s examine two episodes from the series that showcase his flaws.
- “The ABCs of Beth” (Season 3, Episode 9)
In this episode, Jerry is going through a divorce and has acquired telekinetic powers from his new alien girlfriend, Kiara. Instead of recognizing the potential danger and seriousness of the situation, Jerry brags to his children, Morty and Summer, about his new girlfriend and powers. He accuses them of being jealous and grossed out, showcasing his narcissism and lack of emotional intelligence.
When Jerry realizes that soul bonding with Kiara is a mistake, he selfishly involves his children in his breakup by telling her that Morty and Summer didn’t like her, putting them in danger. Kiara then attempts to kill Morty and Summer, revealing the consequences of Jerry’s immaturity and irresponsibility as a parent.
- “The Whirly Dirly Conspiracy” (Season 3, Episode 5)
In this episode, Morty asks Rick to take Jerry on a “pity adventure” to prevent him from committing suicide. Rick takes Jerry to a resort planet protected by an immortality field. However, Jerry’s insecurity and desire for revenge against Rick lead him to agree to lure Rick out of the protective field.
When things go awry on a dangerous amusement park ride, Jerry instantly regrets his decision. The episode culminates in Jerry getting caught by a snake that slowly devours him, while Rick delivers a scathing summary of Jerry’s character, highlighting his perpetual victim mentality and self-pity.
Jerry’s Lack of Redemption
While the series has not been fully explored up to Season 4, it appears that Jerry’s character does not undergo significant growth or redemption. He remains a stagnant and unlikeable character, consistently making poor choices and failing to evolve.
Conclusion
In the realm of animated TV, Jerry Smith from Rick and Morty stands out as one of the most infuriating and unlikeable father figures. His constant incompetence, insecurity, and selfishness make him a character that viewers love to hate. While the show’s creators have crafted a unique and darkly comedic world, Jerry remains a character who lacks the charm and redeeming qualities found in other flawed animated dads. Whether you find Jerry relatable or detestable, one thing is clear: he is a character who elicits strong emotions from Rick and Morty fans.
