Science was one of the few classes that I really responded to in grade school. You’re learning all the cool, big stuff, about evolution, and we were seeing thos

Science was one of the few classes that I really responded to in grade school. You’re learning all the cool, big stuff, about evolution, and we were seeing those Pillars of Creation, that amazing Hubble image. It was so fascinating, hearing these big, broad ideas. It would be like, “Now we’re going to talk about DNA and Lamarckian genetics.” But when you had to be smarter for it, like, “Now we’re going to use pipettes and study pH balances,” I was like, “Eh, science is getting a little too sciencey for me.” I think this nicely captures the appeal of fun sci-fi adventure series like "Rick and Morty" and "Doctor Who." Learning mind-blowing new things becomes harder and rarer as you get older, and sci-fi keeps the experience fresh for us. (Also, I was surprised to see them mention a dozen or so sci-fi shows and authors without a single nod to Doctor Who, which seems like the most direct inspiration for Rick and Morty. The inscrutable but often joyous magician traveling space and time with a magical device, constantly getting into mortal peril yet overcoming armies when he needs to, changing the fate of civilizations, encountering reminders of his colorful past, traveling humbly yet openly reveling in his power when he's forced to wield it, his callous facade complicated by his compulsive and somewhat careless habit of bringing an ordinary person along. And of course the theme song is an obvious homage.)