Superhero Ethics

The recent passing of beloved actor Carl Weathers was a sad loss that left many fans reminiscing about his storied career. In this episode of Superhero Ethics, host Matthew Fox brought in frequent guests Paul Hoppe and Ashley Coffin to remember Weathers' varied roles across film and TV, and how an actor who almost never was the top star is still so fondly remembered.Some key discussion points from the episode:Weathers left a strong impression and built substantial goodwill through memorable supporting roles rather than as a leading man. His intelligence and charisma allowed him to excel as both a hero and a villain.Weathers portrayed a convincing boxer and helped ground the racial portrayal in the original Rocky film. His friendship with Sylvester Stallone hit some bumps but recovered over time.In Predator and other action films, Weathers stood out with an athletic build and physicality equal to stars like Arnold Schwarzenegger.Later acting projects showed Weathers' versatility, including comedic work like Ar

Matthew Fox is joined by Dr. Steven Cox to dive deep into the classic sci-fi novel Dune, and how it is often portrayed on screen and in other media. They analyze the complex themes around religion, politics, colonialism, and the dangers of charismatic leaders that author Frank Herbert weaves throughout his epic saga. Matthew and Steven compare and contrast Herbert's original vision to the various film and TV adaptations, examining how the nuance and messaging has often been lost or skewed over the years.Key TakeawaysThe popular "white savior" conception of Paul Atreides as a destined superhero leading the Fremen to freedom distorts the narrative and critiques at the heart of Dune. Herbert warns against putting faith in such messianic figures.The Bene Gesserit religious order manipulates beliefs across the galaxy over generations to pave the way for their envisioned super being, the Kwisatz Haderach, to emerge. This illustrates the insidiousness of cultural and religious control.Charismatic leaders often start

Matthew Fox reunites with guests Riki Hayashi and Paul Hoppe to wrap up their deep dive into Netflix's live action take on Avatar: The Last Airbender. Did the last two episodes stick the landing or fall short?In the intro, Matthew notes rising excitement across the four days while Riki felt genuine disappointment. Did Paul land closer to one side or the other?Key Discussion Questions:Does Ken Leung deliver one of the all-time great villain performances as Admiral Zhao?Does condensing Katara's waterbending mastery arc shortchange her character growth?Do strong performances help the show transcend uneven writing at times? Is Dallas Liu's Prince Zuko a standout?Did shaping the show for a wider Netflix audience undermine quirks of the original that niche fans loved?Other Questions Tackled:Is the Zuko/Iroh dynamic enhanced by the tearful funeral scene?Was incorporating Northern Water Tribe sexism necessary?Should the missing backstory between Master Pakku and Gran Gran have been included?Will season two deviate mo

In this episode of Superhero Ethics, Riki Hayashi and Paul Hoppe join host Matthew Fox and have an insightful discussion about the latest two episodes of Netflix’s live-action adaptation of Avatar: The Last Airbender.We explore questions like:Is the show improving overall, despite ups and downs of individual storylines?How does Iroh’s characterization and backstory differ from the original animated series?Does the portrayal of Princess Azula make sense given her early introduction?Is the show over-explaining events compared to the subtlety of the animation?Other topics covered:Great moments with Aang and Monk GyatsoContrasting parental relationships of Zuko vs. AangEffective action scenes balanced with emotionNitpicking fantasy physics and fight scene lethalityThe power of Zuko's non-verbal actingHow bingeing vs. weekly release impacts perceptionsWith plenty of laughs, thoughtful criticism, and Avatar fandom analysis, this is a lively discussion you won’t want to miss! Tune in to hear Matthew, Riki, and Paul’

"Secret Tunnel," Bumi, Cabbages - the whimsy is back!Riki Hayashi and Paul Hoppe join host Matthew Fox to talk about episodes 3-4 of Netflix's live-action adaptation of Avatar: The Last Airbender.Topics we discuss include:The show is starting to capture more of the original's whimsy and charm while still being a bit darker and more "grimdark."Zuko's characterization and his relationship with Iroh.The writers cram a lot of story arcs from multiple episodes into just two.Side characters like Teo are given strong representation and well-acted emotional moments.Is this portrayal of Jet more or less sympathetic than the original?Introducing Azula, Ty Lee, and Mai this early undercuts tension and menace later on.The challenges of adapting animation to live-action and child actors growing up over a long production.Possibilities for extending the story past the original three seasons.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 ta

The release of Netflix’s live-action adaptation of the beloved animated series Avatar: The Last Airbender has finally arrived. Join hosts Matthew Fox, Riki Hayashi, and Paul Hoppe for a spoiler-filled discussion of the first two episodes.After initial skepticism and comparison to the original animated series, the hosts agree there is promise but an overall different tone, mood and portrayal of some key characters like Aang and Iroh. However, strong performances shine through from actors like Dallas Liu as Prince Zuko, Ian Ousley as Sokka, and the surprise chemistry between Sokka and Suki. The episode also explores deeper moral issues not introduced in the animated series until much later.Key topics covered:Initial reactions, disappointments and skepticismComparing essence and tone to the original animated seriesDarker, more mature approach including difficult themes and violenceChanges and omissions to Aang’s backstory and personalityStandout performances from Zuko, Sokka and Commander Zhao actorsChemistry be

In this episode of the Superhero Ethics podcast, Matthew Fox, Paul Hoppe, and Riki Hayashi continue their in-depth discussion of the beloved animated series Avatar: The Last Airbender. They dive deeper into the complex characters and themes that have made the show a timeless classic, exploring the nuances that have inspired fans for decades, and how they will translate into the Netflix live action version, coming out soon.Key Points:The hosts delve into the character of Sokka and his journey of overcoming sexist attitudes, highlighting the importance of his growth and how it resonates in the martial arts and geeky communities.Katara's role as both a student and a teacher is examined, as well as her choice not to bloodbend, showcasing her moral development and the agency of her decisions.Toph's representation of disability in science fiction and fantasy is praised, highlighting her relatability and the show's understanding of disability representation.The discussion explores the Ba Sing Se storyline and its re

The animated series Avatar: The Last Airbender, which originally ran from 2005-2008, captured the hearts and minds of viewers around the world with its groundbreaking storytelling. With the live-action Netflix adaptation on the horizon, now is the perfect time to revisit the original series and rediscover what made it so special, as well as discuss hopes and concerns about how those aspects will translate to live-action. Riki and Paul join Matthew in exploring the show’s profound redemption arcs, compelling characters, and deep moral resonance.Note: there was so much to say, we had to split the episode into two parts! Special bonus content for members on the romances in the show will come at the end of part 2.Key points:The panelists share their personal connections to the show and how they first experienced it, emphasizing its humor, heart, and weighty themes.An in-depth discussion of Zuko's redemption arc, one of the best ever portrayed, diving into his relationship with his uncle Iroh.Iroh as a model of wi

Who is the true monster in Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein? Who was Mary Shelley, what was she saying in this novel, and why is the novel so different from how it is remembered and portrayed in popular culture? 19th-century English literature student extraordinaire Danielle WrittenInTheStars joins us to dissect the book, the author, and how to understand it in the context in which it was written. Plus, we debate which film adaptation we think is most faithful.Member Bonus content: Danielle and I delve into the upcoming final season of Star Wars: The Bad Batch! 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

The final episode of the Disney+ TV show Percy Jackson and the Olympians is out, and we're discussing it. We talk about what we loved about the books and what did and didn't work in the show.Topics covered include:Was Luke right? Was Luke a Magneto/Killmonger-style villain with a valid point?How were the gods portrayed in the show compared to the books? Is Percy right to want the gods a chance to be better parents?How was Medusa portrayed in the show versus the books?Which actors worked or didn't work and why is it so hard for live-action to portray kids not belonging in a casino?Bonus content for members:We share our thoughts on potential future seasons and whether the story would be better told in an animated rather than live-action format.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

Matthew Carroll of the MCUCast joins me to talk Marvel's Echo TV series and its connections to the wider MCU. We dive deep into the characters, the morality, the show's groundbreaking representation, and the implications for upcoming MCU stories.Topics we cover include:Where Echo and Kingpin each fit on the scale of heroes and villainsConnections to the Netflix "Defendersverse" shows and debates around canonicityHopes for the future of the Echo character and MCU's approach to interconnectedness vs standalone storiesThe authenticity of how the various parts of Maya’s identity are portrayed and why so many  members of indigenous, amputee, and deaf communities are loving this character and this show.Matthew Carroll (Biped) asks Matthew Fox (Unipod) about the logistics of Maya's prosthetic leg and how the damage/repair process was portrayed accuratelyWe’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 th

How does a Japanese pilot—and his nation—come to terms with survivor's guilt after WWII? What is the legacy of the kamikaze in Japanese culture, and how is it seen in America? And can these issues and more be explored in Godzilla Minus One, a movie about a fire-breathing monster directed by Takashi Yamazaki? Riki Hayashi joins me to discuss these questions and more! 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

As an amputee, Echo holds a special place in my 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 wait for you to hear our perspectives. We’ve started the conversation. Now we want to hear from you!Want to continue the discussion wit

What are the different ways we can find meaning in the midst of suffering? What is the nature of myth, and can we find it in the most mundane of places? And how did Paul Blart: Mall Cop 2 and a Thanksgiving podcast tradition of the McElroy brothers and friends lead us to these topics? 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

Paul and I look back on the themes that emerged during 2023 as we reflect on a year of ethics in genre media. We discuss the strike, people and communities being heard and speaking in their own voices, relatable villains, video games as interactive novels, and other topics. And somehow we manage to tie almost all of it back to Blue Beetle, which we both recently viewed. 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

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? 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

How did Snow become the villain he was? What role does nature versus nurture play in shaping our moral choices? What connections to our own world does this Hunger Games prequel highlight that give us insight?Fan-favorite Danielle (WrittenintheStarWars) returns to discuss The Ballad of Songbirds & Snakes, the Hunger Games prequel, in both book and movie form!Danielle is a PhD researcher who spends too much time thinking about Star Wars and The Last of Us and the rest of her time working through a towering to-be-read pile. You can find her on TikTok at writteninthestarwars, Twitter at danies394, and Instagram at writteninthesw. Read her writings on The Bad Batch and other topics at Temple of Geek. 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

The Boys: Superheroes, Villains, and the Complex Psychology Behind Their MoralityIn this fascinating discussion, host Matthew Fox is joined by psychologists Dr. Lynn Zubernis and Dr. Matthew Snyder, editors of the new book "Supes Ain't Always Heroes: Inside the Complex Characters and Twisted Psychology of The Boys."They dive deep into the psychological themes and moral complexities of the hit Amazon Prime show The Boys, analyzing topics like:The appeal of antiheroes like Butcher and flawed supers like Homelander and Soldier BoyHow the show explores toxic masculinity, internalized misogyny, and gender dynamicsThe idea of "murder baby kittens" - villains we feel sympathy for despite their actionsWhy fans forgive certain problematic male characters more than female onesHow trauma and mental health struggles are portrayed realistically and multidimensionallyDr. Zubernis and Dr. Snyder provide fascinating psychological insights from their expertise while examining why this subversive take on the superhero genre re

New content returns next week! Until then, we’re kicking off the season with a rebroadcast of our episode on that classic Christmas movie — Batman Returns!Can a Tim Burton movie be TOO Tim Burton? Would Ashley Coffin have discovered blue eyeshadow if it weren't for this Catwoman? And why, oh why, does Bruce think you should bring up your ex on a first date? Paul and Ashley join me to discuss these questions, and ask, “Is this our Batman?” as we talk about Batman Returns!Member note: no bonus content on this episode, but we will be returning with bonus content starting next week! 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

Another blast from the past during the hiatus. Enjoy this conversation with Paul, Riki, and myself, and stay tuned for new episodes, starting in December!Can a sword bring about a new era? Can a former assassin find peace? Can a beloved anime translate to live action? Whether you've seen all or none of the Kenshin movies or shows, the discussion focuses on ethical and historical questions with relevance today. 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