Superhero Ethics

Superhero Ethics
Superhero Ethics

Exploring ethical questions from Superhero movies and TV shows, sci-fi, and everything else geeks love

  1. Tuvix

    4 DAYS AGO

    Tuvix

    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:The brilliant performance by Tom Wright as Tuvix and how he created a distinct character while incorporating elements of both Tuvok and NeelixHow modern TV storytelling might have handled this plot differentlyThe significance of the doctor's refusal to participate and Janeway's choice to perform the procedure herselfThe show's failure to address the emotional aftermath in subsequent episodesComparisons to other ethical dilemmas in Star Trek and science fictionThe hosts conclude that while they may disagree on whether Janeway made the right choice, the episode's enduring legacy lies in its ability to present a moral dilemma with no clear right answer – one that continues to challenge viewers and spark discussions decades after its original airing.  ************************************************************************** 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: EthicalPanda77Or you can join jump into the Star Wars Generations and Superhero Ethics channels on the TruStory FM Discord. Want to get access to even more content while supporting the podcast? Become a member! For $5 a month, or $55 a year you get access to bonus episodes and bonus content at the end of most episodes. Sign up on the podcast’s main page. You can even give membership as a gift! You can also support our podcasts through our sponsors:Purchase a lightsaber from Level Up Sabers run by friend of the podcast a href="https://www.tiktok.com/@leveluplight1" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer...

    56 min
  2. Echo, Amputees, & Intersectionality • Rebroadcast

    JAN 6

    Echo, Amputees, & Intersectionality • Rebroadcast

    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 wait for you to hear our perspectives. ************************************************************************** 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: EthicalPanda77Or you can join jump into the Star Wars Generations and Superhero Ethics channels on the TruStory FM Discord. Want to get access to even more content while supporting the podcast? Become a member! For $5 a month, or $55 a year you get access to bonus episodes and bonus content at the end of most episodes. Sign up on the podcast’s main page. You can even give membership as a gift! You can also support our podcasts through our sponsors:Purchase a lightsaber from Level Up Sabers run by friend of the podcast Neighborhood Master AlanUse Audible for audiobooks. Sign up for a one year membership or gift one through this link.Purchase any media discussed this week through our sponsored links.

    1h 36m
  3. What is a Christmas Movie? • Rebroadcast

    12/30/2024

    What is a Christmas Movie? • Rebroadcast

    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: EthicalPanda77Or you can join jump into the Star Wars Generations and Superhero Ethics channels on the TruStory FM Discord. Want to get access to even more content while supporting the podcast? Become a member! For $5 a month, or $55 a year you get access to bonus episodes and bonus content at the end of most episodes. Sign up on the podcast’s main page. You can even give membership as a gift! You can also support our podcasts through our sponsors:Purchase a lightsaber from Level Up Sabers run by friend of the podcast Neighborhood Master AlanUse Audible for audiobooks. Sign up for a one year membership or gift one through this link.Purchase any media discussed this week through our sponsored links.

    1h 11m
  4. Red One

    12/23/2024

    Red One

    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 whether these creative choices enhance or diminish the heart of Christmas storytelling.Other topics covered:The problematic implications of Santa's worldwide surveillance stateHow the film handles redemption through Chris Evans' character arcThe surprising handling of Krampus as a complex character rather than pure villainThe film's uncomfortable relationship with body image and fitnessWhether this expensive holiday spectacle has any chance of becoming an annual tradition ************************************************************************** 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: EthicalPanda77Or you can join jump into the Star Wars Generations and Superhero Ethics channels on the TruStory FM Discord. Want to get access to even more content while supporting the podcast? Become a member! For $5 a month, or $55 a year you get access to bonus episodes and bonus content at the end of most episodes. Sign up on the podcast’s main page. You can even give membership as a gift! You can also support our podcasts through our sponsors:Purchase a lightsaber from Level Up Sabers run by friend of the podcast Neighborhood Master AlanUse Audible for audiobooks. Sign up for a one year membership or gift one through this link.Purchase any media discussed this week through...

    53 min
  5. Prey and Indigenous Representation

    12/17/2024

    Prey and Indigenous Representation

    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 representation. The hosts explore how the film launched the careers of prominent Native actors like Graham Greene and Wes Studi, while setting new standards for language authenticity and cultural portrayal in mainstream Hollywood.How do these films compare to other attempts at cultural representation? The conversation expands to examine other films like The Last Samurai and Avatar, discussing the complex dynamics of white savior narratives and the importance of authentic cultural consultation in historical dramas.Other topics covered:The evolution of the Predator franchise and how Prey reinvents itThe role of French trappers in the film and their thematic significanceThe importance of authentic language use in Indigenous filmsThe impact of Dances With Wolves on subsequent Native American representation in HollywoodThe complexities of casting Native actors across different tribal affiliationsThe problematic aspects of The Last Samurai and its historical inaccuraciesThe representation of Indigenous peoples in modern media and tourist cultureThe episode concludes by emphasizing the ongoing journey toward better Indigenous representation in media, highlighting both the progress made and the work still needed. While Prey represents a significant step forward, the hosts acknowledge that authentic representation requires continued commitment from the entertainment industry to elevate Indigenous voices both in front of and behind the camera.Use these links to get some of the books and movies we mention on the podcast, while helping us keep the lights on!Comanche Marker Trees of Texas by Jimmy Arterberry, one of the authenticity consultants on PreyPreyDances with WolvesThe Last SamuraiAvatar ************************************************************************** This episode is a production of Superhero Ethics, a The Ethical Panda Podcast and part of the a href="https://trustory.fm/" target="_blank"...

    1h 19m
  6. A Man on the Inside

    12/10/2024

    A Man on the Inside

    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.com𝕏: EthicalPanda77Facebook: TheEthicalPandaInstagram: TheEthicalPandaTikTok: TheEthicalPandaVisit Superhero Ethics on TruStory.FM for more information, contact info, and more!Want to support the podcast AND get ad-free episodes and bonus content? Become a supporting member of The Ethical Panda Podcasts! Members get access to bonus content with (almost) every ad-free episode of this and my other podcast, Star Wars Universe Podcast! Plus, you'll be showing your support for this show, and all things Ethical Panda. Visit our home on TruStory FM to learn more and kickstart your subscription today!

    1h 4m
  7. Gundam and Fascism in Anime

    12/03/2024

    Gundam and Fascism in Anime

    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 without legitimizing their cause? The hosts examine protagonist Solari's character arc and debate whether her tragic choices serve the narrative or risk sending dangerous messages to viewers unfamiliar with Gundam's established canon.Other topics covered:The evolution of animation technology and its reception by different audiencesThe role of race and racism in the Gundam universeHow German imagery and references appear in animeThe challenges of creating prequels or new entry points to established franchisesThe ethical implications of child soldiers in warfareThe connection between vengeance, grief, and moral decision-makingWhether you're a longtime Gundam fan or completely new to the franchise, this episode examines how media can shape our understanding of conflict, justice, and the fine line between humanizing villains and valorizing their actions.Let us know your thoughts: Did you watch Gundam: Requiem for Vengeance? How did your prior knowledge (or lack thereof) of the Gundam universe affect your interpretation of the story? 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.com𝕏: EthicalPanda77Facebook: TheEthicalPandaInstagram: TheEthicalPandaTikTok: TheEthicalPandaVisit Superhero Ethics on TruStory.FM for more information, contact info, and more!Want to support the podcast AND get ad-free episodes and bonus content? Become a supporting member of The Ethical Panda Podcasts! Members get access to bonus content with (almost) every ad-free episode of this and my other podcast, Star Wars Universe Podcast! Plus, you'll be showing your support for this show, and all things Ethical Panda. Visit our home on TruStory FM to learn more and kickstart your subscription today!

    1h 33m
  8. Cobra Kai, Season 6, Part 2 of 3

    11/26/2024

    Cobra Kai, Season 6, Part 2 of 3

    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 the show handle representation? The discussion delves into Cobra Kai's approach to international characters and Asian representation, examining both progress made and continuing challenges in how different cultures and martial arts styles are portrayed.Other topics covered:The complex dynamics between Johnny, Miguel, and RobbieThe controversial storyline involving Mr. Miyagi's pastCharacter development (or lack thereof) for new additions like Zara and KwonThe show's handling of serious themes vs high school dramaProduction challenges with aging young actorsThe implications of the season's shocking endingThe hosts conclude by speculating about what Part 3 might bring and whether the series can find its way back to the character-driven storytelling that made it successful. Note: No Bonus Content for members this 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.com𝕏: EthicalPanda77Facebook: TheEthicalPandaInstagram: TheEthicalPandaTikTok: TheEthicalPandaVisit Superhero Ethics on TruStory.FM for more information, contact info, and more!Want to support the podcast AND get ad-free episodes and bonus content? Become a supporting member of The Ethical Panda Podcasts! Members get access to bonus content with (almost) every ad-free episode of this and my other podcast, Star Wars Universe Podcast! Plus, you'll be showing your support for this show, and all things Ethical Panda. Visit our home on TruStory FM to learn more and kickstart your subscription today!

    1h 25m
See All (335)

4.9
out of 5
155 Ratings

About

Exploring ethical questions from Superhero movies and TV shows, sci-fi, and everything else geeks love

Information

  • Creator
    Superhero Ethics
  • Years Active
    2016 - 2025
  • Episodes
    335
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © TruStory FM
  • Show Website
    Superhero Ethics

You Might Also Like

To listen to explicit episodes, sign in.

Stay up to date with this show

Sign in or sign up to follow shows, save episodes, and get the latest updates.
Select a country or region

Africa, Middle East, and India

Asia Pacific

Europe

Latin America and the Caribbean

The United States and Canada