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Becky Allen

Newsies: Singing and Dancing on the Picket Line

The 1899 newsboy strike is more than a historical footnote; it offers valuable lessons that resonate with the Writers Guild of America (WGA) and Screen Actors Guild (SAG) strikes of today. How does one combat giant corporations that hold sway over the channels of communication? And perhaps unexpectedly, what role can singing and dancing play in the solidarity and spirit of a picket line? Becky Allen and I tackle these topics and more as we analyze the 1992 film Newsies.

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July 18, 2023

Shadows and Bones and Anti-Heroes, Oh My!

Returning guest Becky Allen is back to delve into the world of Shadow & Bone, comparing the TV series with the books they’re based on. Don’t worry if you’re not familiar with the show or the books—our discussion is packed with insightful commentary that all fans of storytelling will appreciate.

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July 6, 2021

The Fate of the Terminator

What is the role of fate in the Terminator films? How faithfully do the subsequent movies adhere to this concept? And what actions can one take when they foresee the potential tragedy their current decisions might lead to?

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February 16, 2021

All-Star Guest Line-Up

For our milestone 100th episode, we assembled a panel of FIVE distinguished guests for a riveting discussion on some of our favorite ethical quandaries. Who should heroes answer to? What defines a compelling villain? And in these trying times, would it be ethical for a person with mind-control powers to compel universal mask-wearing until the pandemic’s conclusion?

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July 23, 2020

Catra, She-Ra, and the Ethics of Redemption

Jess Plummer and Becky Allen join us to discuss She-Ra! What makes Catra such a compelling character? How does this show blur the lines between hero and villain, friend and dating, and different shades of morality? What makes this show such a powerful example of representation, on so many levels? And just how hard do you have to work in this world to NOT get a redemption arc?

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May 25, 2020

The Rise of Skywalker

Now that we’ve all seen The Rise of Skywalker, we’ve brought Becky back to talk about it! On our last episode, the three of us talked about the ethical questions, hopes, and concerns we had going into this movie—this episode, we revisit them and ask: How did this movie address them? What happened with the Jedi? Did Rey get the character arc she deserved? And does Hanukkah Harry use the same merit-based system of gift to child allocation that Santa Claus does?

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January 9, 2020

Which Skywalker Rises?

Great news! We’ve secured a regular co-host, and this podcast is set to launch regular episodes by the end of January. For the time being,

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December 20, 2019

Which Skywalker Rises?

With just two days left before the release of Star Wars: Episode IX – The Rise of Skywalker, we’ve got theories! Can Force users find a third path, neither Jedi nor Sith? What does the future hold for Rey, Leia, Finn, and the rest? And how much respect will J.J. Abrams have for the choices Rian Johnson made in The Last Jedi?

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December 18, 2019

The Last Jedi: Part 2

In the second installment of our conversation with author and Star Wars geek extraordinaire Becky Allen, we delve deeper into the nuances of The Last Jedi. We explore Rey’s journey, tackle Luke’s contentious relationship with the Jedi ethos, and address some of the critiques leveled against the film.

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April 3, 2018
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