Originally Posted by
Sharkerbob
Nihilism is a major theme, but there is character depth to the show, it's not entirely just a "nothing matters, everything sucks, do whatever you want, lol" shitfest. Yes, that's basically Rick's surface mantra, but there's more going on with him than just that.
The degree to which the depth is presented does fluctuate per episode, and it's easy to perceive the show as being shallower than it is, what with all the memes and the crummier side of the fandom. At the same time, it can be easy to overstate the depth, as well. It can be really goddamned obnoxious for people who aren't into it's particular mix of zaniness-with-pathos. Especially as the show goes on and tries to both be more over the top than ever, while at the same time appeal to a broader audience, you get some real up and down in presentation.
More on the topic: The thing is, I think some part of Rick would come to respect the Doctor, depending on the incarnation and given the sheer amount of **** the Doctor has been through. I don't think Rick would ever like the Doctor as such, or come around to his way of thinking. He'd probably always consider him a pain in the ass. But then again, he's also been friend and ally to much more noble spirits than himself. But they have to ultimately prove themselves to be worth Rick's time and attention before he's willing to listen to them, so the Doctor isn't going to get through to him via lectures or a "this is your shitty past, don't you feel bad" slideshows. Rick listens to those he's had history with, often rough history, not people who pop up out of the blue and start moralizing at him.