Superhero Ethics

Superhero Ethics
  • 4.9 (155)
  • TV & FILM
  • UPDATED WEEKLY
Superhero Ethics

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

  1. Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood

    4 DAYS AGO

    Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood

    How Does War Change a Nation? Exploring Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood's Complex ThemesIn this episode of Superhero Ethics, Matthew and Riki dive deep into Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood, examining how this influential anime tackles challenging questions about war, revenge, and national guilt. The hosts explore how the series portrays a nation grappling with its dark history of genocide and military expansion while following characters who must decide whether to pursue revenge or seek a path toward healing.Can science and faith coexist in a world of alchemy? The discussion explores how the series handles the relationship between scientific understanding and mystical elements, particularly through its unique magic system of alchemy and the mysterious Gate of Truth. The hosts examine how the show avoids simple answers about the limits of human knowledge and understanding.What role does disability representation play in storytelling? The conversation analyzes the series' groundbreaking portrayal of prosthetics and disability through "automail" technology, highlighting how the show maintains realism in its depiction of adaptation and emotional challenges while incorporating fantastical elements.How do cycles of violence perpetuate themselves, and can they be broken? Through characters like Scar and Roy Mustang, the hosts examine how the series portrays both the understandable desire for revenge and the difficult choice to break cycles of violence, even in the face of justified anger.Other Topics Covered:The significance of equivalent exchange as both a scientific law and moral metaphorHow the character of Scar evolves from antagonist to allyThe portrayal of teenage relationships and growing up amid conflictThe influence of various cultural and historical events on the series' depiction of IshvalThe role of guilt and redemption in motivating character actionsThe significance of German aesthetic influences in the seriesThe discussion concludes by highlighting how Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood demonstrates that ending cycles of violence requires individual choices to pursue peace, even when revenge seems justified. Through its complex characters and nuanced storytelling, the series offers insights into how nations and individuals can move forward from dark chapters in their history. ************************************************************************** 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...

    1h 15m
  2. Core Questions: Superhero Accountability • Member Bonus

    6 DAYS AGO · BONUS

    Core Questions: Superhero Accountability • Member Bonus

    Who Watches the Heroes?When superheroes cause civilian casualties while trying to save the world, who holds them responsible? This episode dives deep into the complex ethics of superhero accountability, using Marvel's Civil War (the comics) and the MCU’s Captain America: Civil War (the movie) as starting points to explore broader questions about power, oversight, and responsibility.The discussion examines how superhero accountability parallels real-world debates about police, military, and government oversight. Matthew and Riki analyze different models of accountability, from internal team oversight to international bodies like the UN, questioning whether registration requirements are justified and what happens when good intentions lead to tragic outcomes.Can we trust those with extraordinary powers to regulate themselves? The hosts explore how the evolution of superhero stories mirrors changing public attitudes toward authority figures, shifting from unquestioned trust to demands for greater oversight. The conversation weighs the challenges of balancing individual liberty with public safety when dealing with people who are, in essence, "living weapons."What constitutes appropriate oversight versus excessive control? The episode examines various approaches—from complete autonomy to strict registration requirements—while considering how factors like intent, training, and leadership responsibility should factor into accountability systems.Other Key Topics Discussed:Differences between the comic version of Civil War and the MCU’s Captain America: Civil WarThe role of secret identities in accountability debatesParallels between superhero oversight and real-world authority figuresThe impact of Vietnam and the Watergate scandal on superhero narrativesChallenges of regulating innate powers versus granted authorityThe evolution of moral complexity in comic storytellingInternational versus national jurisdiction over superheroesLeadership accountability in hierarchical organizationsBalancing security and individual rightsThe episode concludes by examining how accountability doesn't necessarily mean assuming bad intent, but rather ensuring proper systems exist to evaluate outcomes and prevent unintended harm. Even heroes acting with the best intentions need external perspectives to assess whether their actions truly serve the greater good.This is our February member bonus episode. To hear the full episode, and to learn more about the benefits of becoming a member of the Ethical Panda podcast family, visit trustory.fm/join. ************************************************************************** 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...

    18 min
  3. Star Trek: Section 31

    FEB 10

    Star Trek: Section 31

    Matthew and Riki, along with returning guest Abby, dive deep into Section 31, Star Trek's controversial covert intelligence organization. The discussion explores the ethical implications of having a secretive, unaccountable agency within Starfleet and examines the recent Section 31 movie starring Michelle Yeoh.How does Section 31 challenge Star Trek's utopian vision? The hosts examine the tension between Gene Roddenberry's optimistic future and the pragmatic needs of maintaining galactic peace. They question whether having a CIA-like organization contradicts the Federation's principles of transparency and democracy, drawing parallels to real-world intelligence agencies.Is Starfleet truly just an exploratory organization, or is it fundamentally military—or even colonialist—in nature?The conversation delves into how Section 31's existence reveals deeper truths about Starfleet's dual role as both a diplomatic and military force, challenging the narrative that Starfleet is purely focused on peaceful exploration.What went wrong with the Section 31 movie? The hosts provide a critical analysis of the recent film, discussing how it missed opportunities to explore compelling ethical questions in favor of becoming a less successful attempt at combining Ocean's Eleven with Guardians of the Galaxy.Other key topics discussed:The origins of Section 31 in Star Trek's canon and its controversial inclusion in the Starfleet CharterHow Section 31 has been portrayed across different Star Trek series, from Deep Space Nine to DiscoveryThe role of Michelle Yeoh's character Philippa Georgiou and her involvement with Section 31Comparisons between Section 31 and real-world intelligence organizationsThe evolution of Star Trek beyond Roddenberry's original visionPotential storylines that could have made for a better Section 31 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 a...

    45 min
  4. I Saw the TV Glow

    FEB 3

    I Saw the TV Glow

    Unpacking the Powerful Trans Allegory in I Saw the TV GlowMatthew and Riki dive deep into the indie horror film I Saw the TV Glow and explore how it serves as a poignant and powerful allegory for the trans experience. The hosts discuss the film's unique approach to horror, its nostalgic 90s setting, and the way it allows a trans person to potentially realize their identity through the concept of "egg cinema."Key discussion points:What if the real monster is the version of ourselves we hold onto, while we lock our true selves away?How does I Saw the TV Glow use the horror genre in an unconventional way and with a good helping of Buffy nostalgia to tell a story about a young person coming to accept they are transgender?In what ways does the film's nostalgic 90s setting resonate with Matthew's own experience growing up as a queer youth during that time and only hearing the word non-binary, let alone accepting that as their own reality, decades later.How is the film accessible to all audiences while still containing layers of meaning that deeply resonate with the trans community?Why is Owen denying his true self the real "horror" in the film, and how does this serve as a universal theme beyond just gender identity?The hosts also compare and contrast I Saw the TV Glow with other recent films depicting trans characters and experiences, including Emilia Pérez. While applauding the groundbreaking Oscar nomination for trans actress Karla Sofía Gascón in Emilia Pérez, the hosts also dissect the problematic and stereotypical portrayal of her character. The film A Fantastic Woman is also mentioned in the discussion. Overall, this episode provides a nuanced and layered discussion of trans representation in film, uplifting powerful examples while also critiquing the cisnormative gaze and calling for more authentic stories.Other topics covered:What makes something horror?How do we use the media we consume to frame our reality?How does TV Glow use the metaphor of horror to explore the experience of being transgender in a world that doesn't accept you?Trans terminology like "egg"Generational divides in queer and trans communitiesHorror as social commentary and metaphorThe Oscars' history with overlooking both black artists and horror filmsJoin Matthew and Riki for this important and engaging conversation about one of the year's most overlooked films and the current state of trans representation in cinema. Be sure to check out the show notes for links to articles referenced and consider becoming a member to access exclusive bonus content. ************************************************************************** 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...

    1 hr
  5. Core Questions: Vengeance • Member Bonus

    JAN 27 · BONUS

    Core Questions: Vengeance • Member Bonus

    Matthew and Riki dive deep into one of the most compelling ethical questions in superhero media: the role of vengeance as a motivator for heroes, villains, and anti-heroes. Joined by comic book expert Jessica Plummer, they explore how vengeance shapes character arcs and storytelling across various franchises.With this episode, we’re launching our member-bonus-episode series. Each month, we’ll tackle one of the core questions that frequently arise as we examine the ethics of superhero and genre media. Moving forward, these episodes will be for members only, but we wanted to share this one with everyone to showcase the benefits available for just $5 a month! Sign up at the link below or on our website, theethicalpanda.com.When is vengeance justified in superhero narratives, and how does this reflect our real-world understanding of justice? Set against the backdrop of the Healthcare CEO killing, we analyze examples ranging from The Punisher to Batman and Inigo Montoya, exploring how different characters confront the temptation of vengeance and what this reveals about their moral compass.The episode tackles the complex relationship between vengeance and justice, asking at what point pursuing vengeance becomes an obstacle to achieving true justice. Through examples like V for Vendetta and Fullmetal Alchemist, we explore how various stories navigate this delicate balance.Other key topics discussed include:How different franchises portray vengeance as a motivation for female versus male charactersThe role of collateral damage in vengeance narrativesWhen vengeance becomes a cycle of violence and how heroes break free from itThe contrast between enjoying vengeance in fiction versus supporting it in realityHow comedy and tone influence our acceptance of vengeful actionsThe evolution of vengeance narratives in modern superhero storiesThe relationship between power dynamics and our acceptance of vengeful actionsThe conversation concludes with each participant sharing their favorite and least favorite examples of vengeance in media, offering insights into what makes these narratives resonate or fail.  ************************************************************************** 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...

    1h 35m
  6. Superman, Hope, and the New Trailer

    JAN 20

    Superman, Hope, and the New Trailer

    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 story's direction.Other key topics covered:The evolution of Superman's tagline "Truth, Justice, and the American Way" and its political implicationsThe significance of the Daily Planet workplace setting in Superman storiesThe contrast between pre-crisis and post-crisis Superman interpretationsThe potential impact of including Krypto the SuperdogThe balance between Superman's superhero and civilian identitiesThe role of other DC heroes in what was intended to be a solo Superman film ************************************************************************** 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...

    1h 1m
  7. Tuvix

    JAN 13

    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
  8. 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
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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
    341
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © TruStory FM
  • Show Website
    Superhero Ethics

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