Who has agency in Picard? Is Seven finally getting to define her own life, on her terms? Did the Romulans have a point, and why did Picard give up on the rescue and on the Federation?
This week, Matthew is joined by two of his podcasting inspirations, Matthew Carroll and David C. Roberson, to discuss season 1 of Star Trek: Picard.
Listen NowThis week, we’re joined by returning guest Rob McKenzie, and first-time guest Dan McCreary to talk about the ethics of Artificial Intelligence. What is AI, and what do we mean by concepts like sentience? Why does so much sci-fi assume AI will be our enemy? And what is the moral value of robotic life?
Listen NowSteve Peterman is back to discuss Q from Star Trek. Does Q fit the mold of a Trickster God? Do the Q have, or need a prime directive? And what happens when immortal, all-powerful beings get bored?
Listen NowJessica Plummer is back to talk Birds of Prey! What happens when Margot Robbie gets to make a Harley movie HER way? Can you be a villain who only punches up? And is this the cinematic equivalent of a compliment in the bathroom from a drunk girl?
Listen NowOver on the Bingers Assemble podcast, Matt Carroll and I have started a special quarantine project on the TV show Altered Carbon. I wanted to share that with all of you, as we delve deep into a lot of ethical issues. So here is the first episode!
Listen NowWe’re diving into the topic of using mind control to make people stop doing bad things, particularly in the video game Persona 5.
Listen NowWho heroes are accountable to is a question we frequently explore on this show. In this episode, we dive into the movie and comic book versions of Watchmen and its intriguing take on the question of accountability. What happens when so-called heroes shrug and watch as their friends commit atrocities? Would the threat of an alien invasion bring peace to our planet? And is anyone in this story remotely heroic?
Listen NowWe cheer when our heroes deliver an evil bad guy to their much-deserved fate. But what happens when our hero has to fight someone who isn’t evil, just in the way? Should more heroes be like Jessica Jones? Should it matter to our hero if the person they are fighting is being mind-controlled, lied to, or is otherwise not at fault? Should it matter to the audience?
Listen NowWe’re on the road again, and we’re reflecting on 2019! As we did last year, we’re looking back at the past twelve months—what were the most compelling ethical questions raised, what are our hopes for genre media in 2020, and what concerns do we have?
Listen NowPicard, the new Star Trek show, is about to launch, and we’ve got questions! Matt Carroll, of the MCU and Star Trek Universe Podcasts, joins Matthew to discuss the ethical questions we think Picard will explore.
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