You know, film theory tends to get itself a bad rap.

As the middle child of the theorist lineup, it tends to get overlooked or forgotten,

so much so that it's become its own meme at this point.

And yet, of all the channels, film theory covers, by my estimation, the most important topics.

Don't get me wrong, you have plenty of silly episodes mixed in here, like How to Kill Deadpool,

Willy Wonka's OSHA violations, me trying to become host to Jeopardy,

Your Lost Guys, by the way.

We also have episodes warning about deepfakes, propaganda, net neutrality, copyright,

how fragmented pop cultures eroding our collective sense of identity, resulting in heightened levels of depression and isolation.

Those are important and heavy topics to cover, because, as we said in one of our recent theories,

media is a tool that can enact change and influence public thinking at a global scale.

The entertainment we consume, it shapes us, and our beliefs.

And like any tool, it can transform into a weapon if misused.

Which is why today's episode, my final film theory feels so important.

Hello, internet. Welcome to Film Theory, the show that's now entering its Zaddy era. Today I wanted to start off with a question. I want you to think about all the media that you consumed during your childhood, all the TV shows and movies that you loved as a kid.

And now, with the perspective that you've gained as you've gotten older, can you name for me five good father figures from children's media? I'm talking about wholesome dads who want the

best for their kids, who try really hard to teach them and nurture them and show them love and all the

good things that dad should be doing. Legitimately, go down to the comments, type out who comes to

mind, because I consume a lot of media, And I had a hard time making this list.

Back when we brought Leon as creative director here on Film Theory, this was actually one of the first conversations he and I had about the state of media.

Even more recently, we've asked this question around the office, and people really struggle with it.

I mean, it's not impossible to come up with the list. You'll eventually get there. But it's shockingly hard.

...