Superhero Ethics

The Dark Knight and the Man of Steel. Why do we spin so many tales about these two? Jessica Plummer joins Jacob and Matthew!

Jacob and Matthew express their gratitude for the latest season of Luke Cage in this episode, diving into the reasons they enjoyed the show and the questions it raised. We delve into themes of revenge, historical context, father-son and mother-daughter dynamics, and ponder whether Harlem needs a hero or a king.

Is Superman a product of nature or nurture? We delve into the Red Son storyline, an alternate reality where Kal-El lands in the USSR.

What lessons are there in facing a no-win scenario? Is Starfleet truly a military organization? And are those indeed Ricardo Montalbán’s real pectoral muscles? Jacob and Matthew watched Star Trek II: The Wrath of Khan and then engaged in a discussion about the ethical questions it presents.

Jacob and Matthew are more than just a little excited about the upcoming season of Daredevil. They delve into the questions they’re eager to see addressed in this new installment. For instance, has Wilson Fisk changed after his time in prison? Why was Veronica such a pivotal character, and will her presence be expanded? And what about Matt’s feigned death at the close of The Defenders—why did that particular plot point irk us so much?

Does a superhero movie require a good fight scene? Jacob and Matthew investigate the role of physical violence in the stories we cherish, posing questions to both the characters and the writers. Is it possible to narrate a hero’s tale without violence? Do our heroes too frequently resort to using their fists? And why is it that so many heroes interpret fighting as a form of flirtation?

While driving across the country, Jacob and Matthew took the opportunity to talk about Supernatural, examining the moral value of different kinds of non-humans, the dynamic relationship between Sam and Dean, and their readiness to make any and all sacrifices for each other.

Jacob and Matthew explore the second season of Jessica Jones on various levels, scrutinizing the decisions of both the characters and the writers. How should the law treat someone like Alissa? What responsibility does Jessica bear for her mother’s actions? And how do we interpret Trish’s actions, as well as the writers’ choice to introduce significant conflict between her and Jessica?

This week, we take a step back from the things we are fans of to talk about fandom itself: ownership, fan-created content, and more.