Shawarma vs Falafel vs Vaccines – A Review of James Gunn’s Superman pt.2

The latest Tangential Giants episode begins with the noble intention of discussing Lois and Clark in the James Gunn era. Within minutes, that intention collapses under the weight of four hosts who cannot resist a tangent even if it were guarded by Kryptonians.

Show Notes

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The latest episode of Tangential Giants delivers exactly what longtime listeners expect. A simple conversation about Superman quickly expands into a full multiverse of side topics that include journalism ethics, VHS decay, superhero relationship dynamics, and the surprising role Middle Eastern food plays across comic cinematic universes. Below is a structured breakdown of every major thread, complete with references for readers who want to dive deeper.

Clark Kent’s Journalism Skills Are Still a Problem

The panel opens with a discussion about Clark Kent’s uneven reporting abilities. His tendency to rely on instinct rather than process raises questions about how he would function in a modern newsroom. The group compares Clark’s approach to the standards outlined in the Society of Professional Journalists Code of Ethics, which emphasizes verification, transparency, and accountability.

Reference: Society of Professional Journalists Code of Ethics https://www.spj.org/ethicscode.asp

Why Are Clark’s Childhood Memories on VHS Tapes

The conversation shifts to Clark’s broken VHS family videos. The hosts note the irony of a Kryptonian legacy being preserved on a format known for degradation, tracking issues, and magnetic decay. The fragility of VHS technology becomes a metaphor for Clark’s fragmented understanding of his origins.

Reference: History and limitations of VHS technology https://www.scienceandmediamuseum.org.uk/objects-and-stories/history-vhs

Lois Lane: The Most Headstrong Journalist in Comics

Modern portrayals of Lois Lane highlight her as a relentless, strategic reporter who drives the narrative through sheer determination. The panel contrasts this with earlier depictions that softened her edges. Today’s Lois is assertive, tactical, and often the emotional engine of the story.

Reference: The evolution of Lois Lane https://www.dc.com/blog/2021/03/09/the-evolution-of-lois-lane

Lois and Clark’s Passive Aggressive Relationship Patterns

The hosts examine the recurring communication issues between Lois and Clark. Their conflicts often rely on silence, avoidance, and emotional stalemates rather than direct confrontation. These patterns align with well documented passive aggressive communication behaviors.

Reference: Passive aggressive communication overview https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/basics/passive-aggression

Jimmy Olsen’s Unexplained B.D.E.

Jimmy Olsen’s confidence becomes a full segment. Across comics, animation, and live action, Jimmy consistently displays a level of self assurance that defies his job title. The panel notes that Jimmy often becomes the emotional anchor of the Daily Planet, even without powers or plot armor.

Reference: Jimmy Olsen character guide https://www.dc.com/characters/jimmy-olsen

The Many Versions of Hawkgirl

The episode dives into the multiple incarnations of Hawkgirl, from Thanagarian warrior to reincarnated Egyptian princess. The hosts compare how different continuities handle her origin, personality, and mythology. The character’s complexity makes her one of DC’s most flexible and frequently reinterpreted heroes.

Reference: Hawkgirl character overview https://www.dc.com/characters/hawkgirl

How Comic Cinematic Universes Use Middle Eastern Food

One of the most unexpected tangents explores how superhero universes use Middle Eastern cuisine as cultural shorthand. Marvel’s iconic shawarma scene in The Avengers is cited as a moment that humanizes the team after a world ending battle. The panel contrasts this with DC’s relative lack of on screen food culture and discusses how shared meals can ground superpowered characters.

Reference: Behind the Avengers shawarma scene https://www.vulture.com/2012/05/how-the-avengers-shawarma-scene-happened.html

Why Food Humanizes Heroes Across Universes

The hosts expand the conversation to the broader symbolism of Middle Eastern cuisine. Mezze, falafel, and shawarma often appear in storytelling as symbols of community, comfort, and cultural grounding. The panel argues that food scenes help audiences connect with characters who might otherwise feel distant or invulnerable.

Reference: Cultural significance of Middle Eastern cuisine https://www.britannica.com/topic/Middle-Eastern-cuisine

This episode of Tangential Giants covers a wide spectrum of topics, from media ethics to superhero mythology to the culinary habits of fictional universes. The result is a fast-moving, reference-rich conversation that blends humor with genuine insight. Whether you are here for the character analysis or the unexpected food discourse, the show continues to deliver a uniquely entertaining mix of commentary and chaos.

Shawarma vs Falafel vs Vaccines – A Review of James Gunn's Superman pt.2 – Tangential Giants Podcast

The Tangential Giants are back with Part 2 of their deep dive into James Gunn’s Superman, and this round Kareem, Ken, and Pat have dragged Tim into the fray. He claims he’s here for analysis, but really he’s here for moral support and to witness whatever this movie is doing in its first twenty minutes.The crew breaks down everything from the Lois and Clark argument that feels ripped straight from a couples therapy session to Superman throwing hands with a kaiju before breakfast. They also unpack the emotional rollercoaster of watching Clark repair a Kryptonian VHS love letter from his parents, because apparently Krypton had Blockbuster.Naturally, the tangents spiral.The team debates which Mediterranean dish officially separates MCU fans from DCU loyalists. They explore the hazards of rookie superheroism and why some heroes should probably start with a learner’s permit. Then they wander into a surprisingly scientific discussion about Big Dick Energy and how it occasionally overrides attractiveness, logic, and the known laws of the universe.If you enjoy chaotic analysis, passionate nonsense, and four grown adults arguing about whether Superman should own a Blu‑ray player, this episode is your new comfort food. Grab your gyro or shawarma depending on your cinematic allegiance, and settle in for another heroic descent into tangents.#tangentialgiants #superman #jamesgunn #dcuniverse #dcuniverse #supermanmovie #dccomics #comicbookmovies #nerdpodcast #SuperheroTalk #moviebreakdown #loisandclark #kaijufights #krypton #podcastepisode #geekculture #popculturepodcast #dcfans #SupermanAnalysis #moviediscussions