Welcome to the Shows of The Ethical Panda

Clone Wars S1 • Erin’s Favs: Eps 19-21

We dive into the Ryloth arc from The Clone Wars Season 1, exploring Ahsoka’s leadership lessons, the clones’ humanity, and the complex politics of war. Join us for a cross-generational look at this pivotal storyline!
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Daredevil: Born Again • Episodes 1-2

Comic book expert Jessica Plummer joins Matthew to dissect Daredevil: Born Again. They argue the Disney+ series betrays the Netflix original’s compelling characters and themes, resulting in a disappointing and incoherent show.
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Droids • The Animated Series + Intro to Book Club: Queen’s Shadow

Explore the forgotten first Star Wars animated series from the 1980s, following C-3PO and R2-D2’s adventures before they met Princess Leia in a galaxy far, far away.
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Daredevil: A Primer

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In this member-exclusive episode, hosts Matthew, Erin, and Alex dive into E.K. Johnston’s Queen’s Shadow, exploring the untold story of Padmé Amidala’s transition from Queen of Naboo to Senator. The book bridges the gap between The Phantom Menace and Attack of the Clones, offering rich character development and political intrigue often absent from the films.
What makes Queen’s Shadow more about “vibes” than plot?
The hosts discuss how Queen’s Shadow isn’t driven by major action sequences but instead focuses on relationships, particularly between Padmé and her handmaidens. The book provides fascinating world-building details about Naboo traditions, Senate operations, and the psychological impact of the Trade Federation’s occupation of Naboo.
How do Padmé and her handmaidens use fashion and makeup as political weapons?
Erin highlights how the book portrays makeup, clothing, and the “Amidala effect” (including her distinct voice) as strategic tools rather than mere vanity. The hosts examine how these elements allow for the famous decoy system while revealing the depth of training the handmaidens undergo to protect their queen-turned-senator.
What does the book reveal about the inner workings of the Galactic Senate?
The podcast explores how Queen’s Shadow depicts the corruption and political maneuvering within the Senate, showing Padmé’s growing frustration with institutional apathy. Matthew points out how this portrayal enhances our understanding of how Palpatine could eventually manipulate the Republic’s downfall.
How does the book recontextualize Padmé’s relationship with Anakin?
The hosts analyze a key passage that explains Padmé’s guarded approach to romance, providing new insight into why she might eventually fall for Anakin despite her careful nature. This adds emotional depth to a relationship many fans found underdeveloped in the films.
Other topics covered include:
  • The introduction of Clone Wars characters like Rush Clovis and Mina Bonteri
  • The deeply emotional connection between Padmé and the Organas of Alderaan
  • The traumatic aftermath of the Trade Federation’s occupation of Naboo
  • The LGBTQ+ representation among the handmaidens
  • The gut-wrenching epilogue that references Padmé’s funeral
The episode concludes with the hosts announcing their next book club selection, Reign of the Empire: The Mask of Fear by Alexander Freed, and their plans to watch Revenge of the Sith in theaters with newfound emotional context after reading Queen’s Shadow.
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Star Wars: The Clone Wars • The Movie

How did The Clone Wars movie set the stage for the beloved series? We dive into Ahsoka’s debut, Anakin’s growth, Jedi compromises, and the seeds of his fall to the dark side.
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Superhero Ethics

Exploring ethical questions from superhero movies and TV shows, sci-fi, and everything else geeks love.
🐼 Ethical Panda

Star Wars Generations

Three generations, one galaxy—Erin, Matthew, and Alex explore Star Wars through fresh perspectives and lively debate.
🐼 Ethical Panda

The Ethical Hosts

Alex Kormann

Minneapolis, MN

Star Wars Generations

Matthew Fox

Minneapolis, MN

Superhero Ethics, Star Wars Generations

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