Superhero Ethics

Matthew & Riki join returning guest Jessica Plummer to dive deep into the new Superman trailer and what it reveals about James Gunn's vision for the iconic superhero. The discussion explores how this interpretation appears to be returning to Superman's core essence as a beacon of hope and protection, rather than just another powerful being who solves problems with his fists.What makes this Superman different from recent interpretations? The hosts analyze key moments from the trailer, particularly highlighting the scene where Superman saves a young girl and inspires a boy raising a Superman flag. They discuss how these moments exemplify Superman's role not as a power fantasy of dominance, but as an inspiration for positive change and protection of the vulnerable.A significant portion of the discussion centers on: What role do supporting characters play in Superman's world? The hosts debate the inclusion of various DC heroes like Guy Gardner and explore how Nicholas Hoult's casting as Lex Luthor might shape

The iconic Star Trek: Voyager episode "Tuvix" continues to spark ethical debates nearly 30 years after its original airing. In this episode of Superhero Ethics, hosts Matthew and Riki dive deep into one of Star Trek's most morally complex stories, examining Captain Janeway's controversial decision to effectively end one life to restore two others.The hosts explore how the episode’s unique twist on the classic trolley problem, where instead of choosing between strangers, the decision involves deeply personal relationships and crew dynamics. They discuss how Janeway's emotional connection to Tuvok and her responsibility as captain influenced her judgment.What role do emotions play in ethical decision-making? The hosts examine how the episode challenges the common practice of trying to divorce emotions from moral choices, particularly through the powerful performances of the cast and the way Tuvix's plea for his life forces the crew to confront their complicity through their silence.Other key topics discussed:Th

The Superhero Ethics gang was with their families over the New Year, but enjoy this rebroadcast of a favorite episode!As an amputee, Echo holds a special place in my (Matthew’s) heart, so I’m excited to have comics expert Will Freeland join me to discuss this meaningful new MCU show. Seeing a superhero who shares some of my experiences is incredible. Maya Lopez immediately enters the pantheon of disabled representation done right. In this episode, Will and I analyze the show’s triumphs. We discuss Maya’s thoughtful portrayal as a deaf, Indigenous American amputee. We appreciate the respect given to Choctaw culture. And of course, we analyze the return of Wilson Fisk. As always, Will provides insightful context from the comic books. Meanwhile, I share my personal reactions as an amputee seeing myself represented on screen. Echo recaptures the spirit of the Netflix Marvel universe. It delivers an uplifting, kick-ass story centered on a new, deaf, indigenous hero. This show resonates with so many people. I can’t

The Superhero Ethics crew is on break for the holidays, but we wanted to bring you one of our favorite holiday episodes, in which we discuss Christmas Movies!What is a Christmas movie? Does it have to have a specific message or aesthetic feel? What is the Christmas romance, and why has it become so popular? Andy and Abby join me to dive into these questions, share each of our own favorite Christmas movies, and settle that age-old debate — is Die Hard a Christmas movie? **************************************************************************This episode is a production of Superhero Ethics, a The Ethical Panda Podcast and part of the TruStory FM Entertainment Podcast Network. Check our our website to find out more about this and our sister podcast Star Wars Generations.We want to hear from you! You can keep up with our latest news, and send us feedback, questions, or comments via social media or email.Email: Matthew@TheEthicalPanda.comFacebook: TheEthicalPandaInstagram: TheEthicalPandaPodcastsTwitter: Ethical

Red One: When Santa Goes Marvel (feat. Pete Wright)Is Amazon's $250 million Christmas blockbuster Red One a fresh take on holiday magic, or a cynical cash grab? Join Matthew and special guest Pete Wright as they unwrap this action-packed holiday film starring Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson and Chris Evans. From buff Santas to beach-fighting snowmen, this episode explores how Hollywood's attempt to "Marvelize" Christmas might have missed the spirit of the season.Did Red One forget what makes Christmas special? We dive deep into how the movie's attempt to universalize Santa Claus across all cultures reveals a concerning lack of cultural awareness. The hosts explore why forcing Christmas onto everyone – including those who don't celebrate it – feels particularly tone-deaf in our current social climate.What happens when you mix Marvel-style action with holiday mythology? We examine how J.K. Simmons' surprisingly buff Santa and the movie's fresh take on Krampus reshape traditional Christmas lore. The discussion weighs

Matthew and Riki dive deep into Indigenous representation in media, using the 2022 film Prey as a launching point for a broader discussion about the evolution of Native American portrayals in Hollywood. The conversation explores how this Predator franchise entry breaks new ground while honoring both the source material and Indigenous culture.How does Prey set a new standard for Indigenous representation? The hosts discuss the film's groundbreaking achievements, including its predominantly Native cast led by Amber Midthunder, authentic cultural consultation, and the historic creation of a Comanche language dub – a first in movie history. The discussion highlights how producer Jane Myers' involvement as a Comanche and Blackfoot consultant helped ensure cultural authenticity throughout production.What can we learn from revisiting Dances With Wolves (1990)? Riki presents a compelling case for reexamining the film's legacy, arguing that while imperfect, it represented a significant step forward in Native American

Paul and Matthew jump into the ethics of aging, mysteries, ‘cozy’ storytelling and the ways that elder care is treated in media as we discuss the new Netflix show A Man on the Inside.Bonus member content about some of our other favorite mystery shows and movies.Here is a link to the book Paul mentioned! We’ve started the conversation. Now we want to hear from you!Want to continue the discussion with us? Agree or disagree with what we talked about, or add your own thoughts? We’ve got options for you!Email: ✉️ Matthew@TheEthicalPanda.com

Join hosts Matthew and Riki as they analyze Netflix's Gundam: Requiem for Vengeance through the lens of ethics, narrative responsibility, the wider context of the Gundam story as a whole, and the implications of telling stories from the villains' perspective.This episode tackles a crucial question in modern media: When telling a story from an antagonist's perspective, what responsibility do creators have to make their moral stance clear? The hosts debate whether Requiem for Vengeance succeeds or fails at this task, with Matthew viewing it as an effective introduction to the broader Gundam universe, while Riki expresses serious concerns about its potential misinterpretation.How does historical context shape our understanding of fictional conflicts? The discussion explores how Gundam's Zeon forces draw from both Nazi Germany and Imperial Japan, raising questions about how media portrays historical villains and the risk of audiences misinterpreting or glorifying them.Can a story effectively humanize its villains

Join hosts Matthew Fox and special guest Paul Hoppe as they dive deep into Cobra Kai Season 6, Part 2, discussing how the hit series continues to raise the stakes - sometimes to absurd levels. From international tournaments to shocking character developments, this episode explores how the show both succeeds and stumbles in its attempt to go global.Is Cobra Kai getting too far from its roots? The hosts discuss how the show has evolved from its simple beginnings focused on local karate rivalries to an international tournament with increasingly dramatic stakes. They explore whether this expansion helps or hurts the core narrative that made the series special.What makes a realistic martial arts tournament? Drawing on Paul's extensive martial arts experience, the episode examines how the show's portrayal of competition differs from reality, particularly regarding safety protocols and fighter conduct. The hosts question the plausibility of full-contact matches without protective gear on elevated platforms.How does

Matthew Fox and Riki Hayashi explore the profound philosophical themes and controversial endings of the influential anime series Neon Genesis Evangelion. From its groundbreaking original TV finale to the theatrical response film The End of Evangelion, we unpack how creator Hideaki Anno's personal struggles with depression shaped one of anime's most debated conclusions.What makes the controversial ending of Neon Genesis Evangelion so impactful? We examine how the series transforms from a traditional mecha anime into a deeply psychological exploration of depression, trauma, and self-acceptance. The final two episodes abandon conventional narrative for an internal journey into protagonist Shinji's psyche, culminating in a powerful message about choosing individual identity over collective consciousness.How does The End of Evangelion serve as both a response to fan backlash and an artistic statement? We discuss how the theatrical film offers a darker, more explicit version of the TV ending while incorporating act

Drew Maxey, (drewxdeficit on Twitter and TikTok) joins Riki and Matthew to discuss the political messaging of Watchmen, what it means for us today, and why it is so often misunderstood. We talk about the valorization by many fans of Rorschach that misses so much of his character, how the movie changed things, and Ozymandias’ decision, among other topics. Then Matthew goes on a rant and Riki and Drew do their best to humor them. Drew Maxey is an educator who loves, teaches, and writes comics. His professional comics debut will be a short holiday story in the Batman Smells, Robin Laid an Egg anthology, released December 4th. He will talk about Watchmen until he's Dr. Manhattan blue in the face.To hear more of Drew’s content about Watchmen and other topics, find him on TikTok & Instagram, or go here To get Drew's Watchmen Chapter 1 movie commentary, donate to the Palestinian Children's Relief Fund then email a receipt of your donation to Drew. We’ve started the conversation. Now we want to hear from you!Want

REBROADCAST: Space: The Final Frontier. This concept has been integral to America's self-identity, symbolizing exploration and adventure—and the myriad issues arising from the perception of "undiscovered country" as land untouched by white man. Professor Matthew Wilhelm Kapell joins Paul and me to discuss the significance of the frontier and how Star Trek has interacted with this theme throughout its many iterations.We encountered some sound quality issues in this episode for which we apologize. We are committed to continuous improvement and aim to enhance the listening experience with each episode.Matthew Wilhelm Kapell boasts a diverse teaching portfolio, ranging from human genetics to film studies across institutions in California, Michigan, the UK, and currently at Pace University in New York City. He is the editor of an academic book series focusing on the study of digital and tabletop games. For more information on his publications and work, visit matthewkapell.com. His academic approach is mindful of t

Special Guest Paul Hoppe joins Riki and Matthew to explore the intersection of professional sports, fandom, and ethics, what makes us care deeply about "25 people playing with a ball hundreds of miles away."The conversation delves into fundamental questions about sports' role in society: Can athletics be a force for positive social change, as seen with Jackie Robinson breaking baseball's color barrier? Or does the commercialization of sports, exemplified by the Oakland A's controversial move to Las Vegas, betray fan communities? The hosts explore how the unscripted drama of sports creates powerful shared experiences, from healing after 9/11 to forging family bonds.When should athletes speak out on social issues? The hosts examine the contrast between LeBron James's advocacy for Black Lives Matter and Aaron Rodgers's false vaccine statements, discussing where to draw the line between personal expertise and platform responsibility.Other key topics covered:The ethics of public funding for private sports stadiums

Matthew Fox and Riki Hayashi explore the fascinating world of Terminator: Zero, a new anime series that breathes fresh life into the iconic Terminator franchise and challenges our perceptions of AI, time travel, and the very essence of humanity.Is Skynet truly the villain, or are humans the real threat? Matthew and Riki dissect the show's central premise, questioning the traditional narrative of AI as an inherent danger to humanity. They explore how Terminator: Zero presents a nuanced view of artificial intelligence through the character of Kokoro, a second AI created to combat Skynet.How does setting the story in Japan change the Terminator narrative? The hosts applaud the show's decision to move beyond the typical American-centric approach, offering a global perspective on the AI apocalypse. They discuss how this shift allows for fresh storytelling and character development.Can anime revitalize aging franchises? Matthew and Riki examine the benefits of using animation to tell complex sci-fi stories, particu

The Horror of Being Human: Mike Flanagan's Masterful Approach to TerrorPrepare to be thrilled and chilled as we dive into the eerie world of Mike Flanagan's horror masterpieces! Join hosts Matthew Fox and Riki Hayashi, along with returning guest Danielle, aka (WrittenintheSW).What makes Mike Flanagan's horror so uniquely captivating? We explore how Flanagan uses supernatural elements as a lens to examine profound human experiences, from grief and trauma to faith and family dynamics. His ability to blend genuine scares with deep emotional resonance sets his work apart in the horror genre.How does Flanagan's Catholic background influence his storytelling? We discuss the religious themes in Midnight Mass and how they reflect broader questions about belief, manipulation, and the human condition. Danielle shares her perspective as someone raised Catholic, offering insights into the show's nuanced portrayal of faith.Key topics covered:The innovative cinematography techniques used in The Haunting of Hill HouseCharac

Matthew Fox and Riki Hayashi dive into the legacy of James Earl Jones and explore the evolving role of AI in creative media. From the iconic voice of Darth Vader to the ethical implications of AI-generated performances, this episode tackles pressing questions at the intersection of technology and entertainment.Note: given its relevance to both podcasts, this episode is going out on both Superhero Ethics and Star Wars Generations.We start by remembering James Earl Jones, talking about why he was such a vital part of Star Wars, and some of his other works that effected Matthew and Riki.Then we ask how James Earl Jones' agreement with Disney to use his voice for future Darth Vader performances impacts the future of acting. The hosts discuss the potential consequences of this decision, weighing the benefits of preserving iconic performances against the importance of allowing new interpretations and opportunities for emerging actors.What are the ethical considerations of using AI to recreate performances of deceas

As season 2 of Rings of Power comes out, we wanted to end our hiatus rebroadcasts by bringing by our discussion of season 1 of this show based in J.R.R. Tolkien's Lord of the Rings world! We’ve started the conversation. Now we want to hear from you!Want to continue the discussion with us? Agree or disagree with what we talked about, or add your own thoughts? We’ve got options for you!Email: ✉️ Matthew@TheEthicalPanda.com

With so much talk about Batman and Caped Crusader, this seemed a great time to rebroadcast our memorial episode for one of the most iconic performances of a DC Character: Kevin Conroy and his version of Batman. Jessica Plummer and Paul Hoppe join me to honor the memory of Kevin Conroy, whose voice acting brought Batman to life for generations of fans. We reflect on the depth Conroy brought to the Dark Knight and share our favorite moments from his career.For further reading and context on Conroy's impact and the world of superheroes he influenced, Jess provided some insightful articles:Kevin Conroy Obituary: Remembering the Iconic Voice of BatmanExploring the complexities of HawkmanA flashback to Black Adam's first appearanceThe history of Adrianna Tomaz, also known as IsisEach piece offers a unique perspective on the superhero genre that Conroy helped shape with his definitive portrayal of Batman. We’ve started the conversation. Now we want to hear from you!Want to continue the discussion with us? Agree or d

As part of our September hiatus, please enjoy this rebroadcast of a favorite episode. Are "kids' movies" really just for children? Host Matthew Fox and guest Paul Hoppe dive deep into two animated blockbusters - "Raya and the Last Dragon" and "Luca" - to uncover the profound themes and allegories hidden beneath their family-friendly veneer.How can animated films tackle complex social issues? We explore how Raya addresses themes of trust, prejudice, and unity in a fantastical Southeast Asian-inspired world. Meanwhile, Luca serves as a powerful allegory for coming out and accepting one's true self, all set against the sun-drenched backdrop of the Italian Riviera.What makes these films resonate with audiences of all ages? Our hosts discuss the delicate balance of humor and gravitas, the importance of representation, and how these movies challenge societal norms while remaining accessible to younger viewers.Other topics covered:The evolution of the Disney princess tropeQueer coding and representation in mainstrea

Week 1 of Hiatus, and after our recent discussion of Batman: The Caped Crusader, we wanted to take you back to an earlier Batman discussion. In this episode, Paul joins me to talk about Batman: The Long Halloween, an animated movie based on the comics run of the same name.Paul Christopher Hoppe, also known as ZenMadman, is a writer, teacher, and student of poker, chess, language, and life. Find out more here:http://zenmadman.com/https://www.patreon.com/zenmadmanhttps://www.twitch.tv/zenmadmanhttps://twitter.com/zenmadmanWe’ve started the conversation. Now we want to hear from you!Want to continue the discussion with us? Agree or disagree with what we talked about, or add your own thoughts? We’ve got options for you!Email: ✉️ Matthew@TheEthicalPanda.com