Victim or Villain? The Complexities of Rick Murray (Degrassi)

In this video I’m going to be sharing my personal commentary/analysis of the fictional character Rick Murray from the tv show Degrassi The Next Generation
❗️Disclaimer: cutaway/added in clips & pictures used/edited into this video do not belong to me, the only actual footage that belongs to me is the video of the drawing time lapse itself displaying the process of my drawing and the audio❗️
My social media:
Instagram (art account): / shanem.draws
Instagram (personal account): / shane.the.writer

[@pleaseshutup7053]

He’s a villian the only person he tried to hurt with his fists was the girl he supposedly loved the most terri. And when he came back he was showing the same obsessive signs with Emma his new crush. And here is the craziest part when he showed up with a gun his first target was paige and Emma was a target. He was a coward who only was bold enough to hurt women. Even when he shot Jimmy he couldn’t even look he had to turn away

[@scottmcneely1927]

Emma's latest crusade supposedly against violence only leads to more violence. And most of the people bullying him are just jumping on the bandwagon. They neither know nor care about Terri.

[@ashleyburchettajleefanlove4683]

To me personally I am a huge Degrassi fan I love Degrassi what Rick did to Terrie was awful but people bullying him because of what he did wasn’t right Toby , Emma and Jimmy all trying to be his friend was just nice to see that maybe he isn’t all bad I would say he’s both

[@ShaneTheCreative]

I wouldn’t necessarily say he’s either good or bad, he has both good and bad traits, made good and bad actions, I like to liken Rick to being a deeply flawed character who had potential for a redemption but as we know he didn’t get the chance to

[@ShaneTheCreative]

Link to Cheyenne Lin’s video that I mentioned as being the inspiration behind me wanting to discuss Rick’s arc within the show: kzbin.info/www/bejne/q6XQZHeEp9GVjJYsi=sYsBNvKnb4pvdL-j A great watch, highly recommend

[@dxtrememwe2215]

His arc is one of the best in the entire series, but I do wish the show did more with him leading to his inevitable death. I think had he be introduced and credited as an actual new main cast member of the show during Season 3 it would of hit more. Personally, I would of preferred his home life being shown more. Giving him reason to prefer being at school vs. at home. Rather it be constant neglect or abuse or a combination would of gave more understanding to his anger issues. Then instead of him leaving the school & return, having him stay throughout would of added on to all the things that lead to his boiling point.

[@genesiselaine]

before even starting the video, i think degrassi is amazing at showing all of their characters as victims and villains at some point in their arc. even tho i didn’t watch it until i was like 16, it helped shed light simply on the complexity of human nature. especially when it’s teenagers! such a valuable lesson

[@ShaneTheCreative]

I def agree, I feel like most were more flawed as opposed to villains, but even with villian characters (i.e. Jay, Alex, Rick, Johnny) they weren’t just 100% bad despite joining the show as antagonists, so just like you said

[@natashawilliams5535]

Boost🫦

[@christinasavannah7992]

He was not a good person he had mental issues however ......Raditch should have never allowed Rick back into degrassi

[@leifchalouhi5601]

I would say he was both a victim and a villain. He became a villain because of what the other people did to him but I agree with the others that you know you shouldn’t miss treat your girlfriend and all that other stuff you know that’s wrong him shooting up the school was wrong.

[@ShaneTheCreative]

Yeah we can acknowledge the wrongs done to him while also holding him accountable for his bad actions as well

[@pleaseshutup7053]

I would say physically abusing one of the nicest girls in your school who you supposedly love is villian behavior