Paul Hoppe

The Clone Wars TV series adds layers of nuance and moral complexity to the well-known stories of Anakin’s fall and the demise of the Jedi, while also exploring questions that resonate with our own world. What becomes of peacekeepers when they take on the role of generals? What is the moral value of clones, and how is their treatment justified? And what are the consequences when a war is fought without understanding its underlying reasons?

Paul and I discuss non-powered individuals in worlds where others wield extraordinary abilities. We focus particularly on Avatar: Legend of Korra, Season 1, and how it addresses this question, but we also broaden the topic to cover numerous other stories. Whether you’re a hardcore Korra fan or have never seen the series, you’ll be able to follow the discussion.

Why does James Bond have a dangerous pattern of involving women in his missions, often leading to their harm? Can one truly engage in the art of espionage without causing collateral damage? Paul Hoppe rejoins us to delve into the ethics of espionage, this time through the lens of the TV show, Burn Notice. Whether you’re a longtime fan or new to the series, we explore universal questions pertinent to the genre: What are the moral implications of having others carry out your covert deeds? How does one navigate the conflict between serving a client or mission and adhering to a personal sense of ‘right’? And at what point does one’s secret identity begin to erode their true self?

The beloved Avatar: The Last Airbender has made its return to Netflix, and it’s time for a deep dive. This episode, we’re focusing on the Ba Sing Se story arc and its incredible resonance with the world we live in. Why is denial so appealing, and what drives people to close their eyes to the problems around them? How do you reach someone who believes any contradicting information is a lie? And most importantly, how does this storyline mirror the issues we face today, especially in the aftermath of George Floyd’s death?