David French

Constance Grady, a Senior correspondent at Vox, and David French, a New York Times columnist, dive into the cultural appropriation of J.R.R. Tolkien's work by far-right groups. They discuss how Tolkien's depictions of good and evil have been misinterpreted in today's politics. The conversation highlights the moral complexities within Tolkien's narratives, contrasting them with modern ideologies. They also explore the themes of power, the critique of corrupt means, and the true essence of Tolkien's message about compassion and beauty.

David French, a contributor known for his insightful commentary on pop culture, discusses his thoughts on Rings of Power Season 2, revealing differing opinions with Skye. They explore the more cynical world of House of the Dragon and draw intriguing comparisons with Dune, suggesting it aligns more closely with Tolkien's themes. The duo also dives into the Penguin crime drama, the upcoming Superman movie, and the unique storytelling of Silo, weaving in reflections on character dynamics and moral complexities in these narratives.