Superhero Ethics

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 actual death threats and hate mail the creators received. The movie provides closure for plot threads while still challenging audience expectations about what they want versus what the artist needs to express.Why does this series continue to resonate with audiences decades later? We explore how Anno's authentic portrayal of depression and journey toward self-acceptance created something far more profound than typical genre fare, even if it frustrated fans at the time.Other topics covered:

• The cultural context and potential issues around the show's use of Jewish & Christian imagery
• The significance of the Human Instrumentality Project as a metaphor for social anxiety and isolation
• Key character arcs including Asuka, Misato, and Kaworu
• Production challenges and budget constraints that influenced the original ending
• Parallels to modern fan backlash against subversive works like The Last Jedi
• The series' complex exploration of sexuality and coming-of-age themes
• How both endings ultimately convey similar messages about self-acceptance through different means

Whether you're a longtime Eva fan or newcomer to the series, this episode offers fresh insights into one of anime's most analyzed and debated conclusions. More than just a reaction to the ending, we examine how Evangelion's themes of depression, identity, and artistic integrity remain deeply relevant to modern audiences and creators.
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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.
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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!

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 the perspective that many narratives framed as "Hero's Journeys" are equally "Heroine's Ordeals."
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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!

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
• Sports team ownership models and their impact on communities
• The evolution of Asian player representation in Major League Baseball
• The problematic aspects of sports culture, from domestic violence to health risks
• The intersection of sports with family dynamics and identity
• The term "sportsball" and gatekeeping in fan communities
• Olympic moments that showcase athletic respect and sportsmanship

The episode concludes by finding middle ground between uncritical fandom and complete rejection of sports, acknowledging that fans can appreciate athletics while remaining mindful of institutional problems. As Matthew notes, like religion, sports can be a source of both community good and systemic issues - the key is engaging thoughtfully rather than dismissing either extreme.Want to join the conversation about ethics in pop culture? Subscribe to Superhero Ethics and let us know what you think!Curious about the media we talked about? Want to help support the podcast? Use these links to purchase any of the following movies, books, or TV shows!Links

• Bull Durham
• Field of Dreams
• Friday Night Lights
• Get These Books through Our Bookshop.org Page
  • 1947: When All Hell Broke Loose in Baseball
  • Friday Night Lights
  • The Fox Steals Home

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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!

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, particularly in terms of budget constraints and creative freedom. They ponder whether this approach could breathe new life into other beloved franchises.Other topics covered include:

• The evolution of time travel concepts in the Terminator franchise
• The quality of voice acting in anime dubs vs. subs
• Ethical implications of creating AI with emotions
• Parallels between AI and historical human conflicts
• The show's portrayal of gender roles in AI development

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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!

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 House
• Character development and stellar performances across Flanagan's series
• The brilliant adaptation of Edgar Allan Poe's works in The Fall of the House of Usher
• Flanagan's approach to diverse representation and collaboration with actors
• The impact of Flanagan's work on the horror genre as a whole

From hidden ghosts to heartrending monologues, we break down the elements that make Flanagan's horror both terrifying and profoundly moving. Whether you're a die-hard horror fan or new to the genre, this episode offers a fascinating look at how horror can be used to explore the deepest aspects of human nature.Join us for a thought-provoking journey through Mike Flanagan's haunting universes and discover why his approach to horror continues to captivate audiences worldwide.
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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!

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 deceased actors? Matthew and Riki examine recent examples from films like Alien: Romulus and debate the implications for both the entertainment industry and the legacy of performers.Is AI in creative media a threat to human creativity or a tool to enhance it? The conversation explores how AI is changing the landscape of film, television, and voice acting, and what it might mean for the future of storytelling.Other topics covered include:

• The impact of James Earl Jones on Star Wars and beyond
• The use of AI-generated voices in the Terminator franchise
• The evolution of AI representation in science fiction
• The challenges of recasting iconic roles
• The potential for AI to perpetuate biases in media

Member Bonus content about Terminator Zero
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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!

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!
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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!

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 Batman
• Exploring the complexities of Hawkman
• A flashback to Black Adam's first appearance
• The history of Adrianna Tomaz, also known as Isis

Each 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 disagree with what we talked about, or add your own thoughts? We’ve got options for you!

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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!

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 trope
• Queer coding and representation in mainstream animation
• The impact of diverse character representation on young audiences
• How animated films can normalize differences and foster acceptance
• The role of allegory in addressing complex themes for all ages

Whether you're a film buff, animation enthusiast, or simply curious about the power of storytelling, this episode offers a fresh perspective on the depth and significance of modern animated features. Join us as we unpack the wisdom hidden in these "kids' movies" and discover why they deserve a place in adult conversations too.
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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!