If gender could be switched as freely as a costume, what would society be like? Gender fluidity, transgender identities, and diverse gender narratives are entering the public eye through the screen. However, this is not only about people changing; it is also about narrative frameworks, cultural symbols, and audience experiences.

Rick and Morty’s fourth season, episode 6, Never Ricking Morty, provided an example that explores fluidity through Jerry’s encounters with an alien. This alien can continuously switch genders and appearances according to its needs. Jerry’s confusion and unease symbolise resistance to traditional gender concepts, while the alien demonstrates in a naturalised manner that gender fluidity is a ‘function’ rather than a fixed identity.

(1:49 – 1:54)

Goddard and Hogg point out that the openness of digital platforms provides greater scope for experimentation with non-conventional gender narratives (2018). Compared to traditional television, the combination of animation and streaming has allowed it to break down gender binary structures through ironic humour and thus provide a more inclusive stage.

Furthermore, this episode uses the story train as a metaphor to dismantle the narrative rules of traditional television through multiple plot segments, emphasising the construction process of the story itself.

In conclusion, Villarejo emphasises that “new television formats can bring non-traditional gender narratives into the mainstream while retaining their critical potential” (2014, p. 24). Rick and Morty’s fluid gender storylines demonstrate how Trans TV subverts traditional television gender representation through digital platforms. This surreal content and innovation regarding gender issues provide a perspective for reflecting on traditional gender structures and embracing diverse gender representations.

References:

And, R. (2020). Rick And Morty ‘Never Ricking Morty’ Season 4 Episode 6 Explained & Easter Eggs. [online] YouTube. Available at: https://youtu.be/uZeINeTgyaU?si=BYS7wIFKf-xPLOWq [Accessed 14 Nov. 2024].

Goddard, M. N., & Hogg, C. (2018). Introduction: Trans TV as concept and intervention into contemporary television. Critical Studies in Television, 13(4), 470-474. https://doi.org/10.1177/1749602018798217

Roiland, J., & Harmon, D. (Writers). (2019). Never Ricking Morty (Season 4, Episode 6) [TV series episode]. In Rick and Morty. Adult Swim.

Villarejo, A., 2014. Ethereal Queer: Television, Historicity, Desire. Durham: Duke University Press.

Zijing Zou 33738013