Anthony and Dr. Issues tackle Watchmen‘s absolutist protagonist, Rorschach! Listen as they discuss whether someone who’s totally unwilling to compromise could function in the real world. Anthony also gets hung up on Sucker Punch, Doc reexamines his global outlook after meeting with Rorschach, and Anthony threatens Doc with Celine Dion. (It makes sense in context. Sort of.)

Show notes: (NOW WITH TIMESTAMPS! YAY!)

• Introduction
• Character background (04:26)
  • Walter Kovacs – son of prostitute and unknown father, raised in foster home
  • “Inspired” by rape/murder of Kitty Genovese, becomes crimefighter
  • Teams with Nite Owl II, Dr. Manhattan, Comedian, and others
  • Becomes absolutist after Gerald Grice kidnaps and murders young girl
  • Refuses to register with Keene Act, becomes vigilante
  • Begins investigating murders of caped heroes
  • Arrested after being framed for murder of Moloch
  • Instigates prison riot, broken out by Nite Owl and Silk Spectre
  • Discovers Ozymandias responsible for murders, goes to Antarctica to confront him
  • Asks Dr. Manhattan to kill him to prevent him from telling the truth to the public
• Anthony rants on Zach Snyder and Sucker Punch (11:17)
• Primary issues (12:34)
  • Moral absolutism
  • Hypocrisy (16:25)
  • Savior complex (19:01)
  • Misogyny (20:23)
  • Homophobia (24:08)
  • Distinctive writing/speaking style (30:32)
  • No compromise at all (34:32)
  • Egotism (38:04)
• Treatment (42:06)
  • No use of Rorschach tests
  • Out-of-universe (48:32)
• Rorschach on the couch (55:05)
• Ending – next week’s special Infinity War episode about the Mad Titan THANOS! (57:36)

Special links:

• Definition of steelmanning
• Dr. Erikson’s stages of emotional development

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