I created an account to post this since no one else posted about it. I know in the episode someone brought up if this would be a better movie with the addition of Hollywood Montrose from Mannequin. Jason then wanted this to be a shared universe with the Mannequin movies...or at least to have some mannequins come to life.
What if Rick was a living mannequin the entire movie? In the final moments of his life he sacrifices himself by driving a mall go-kart (?) into one of the protectors. Once he dies he actually turns back into mannequin form. I saw this when I watched the movie, and couldn't believe a hypothetical regarding it came up on the podcast, but this wasn't mentioned at all.