The Age of Antiheroes

Key Points:

• The New York Times's list of the 100 greatest 21st-century TV shows highlights a prevalence of morally complex antiheroes, with top shows like Atlanta, Game of Thrones, Succession, and Breaking Bad focusing on flawed or villainous characters.
• This trend reflects a cultural shift toward humanizing "bad guys," which some argue has eroded traditional moral clarity and influenced societal attitudes, as discussed by Sarah Longwell in her book "How to Eat an Elephant."
• Critics note that while creators often clarify these characters are not role models, audiences may still be influenced by their portrayal, raising questions about the impact of media on public morality and behavior.
• The article also reviews the film "Digger," directed by Alejandro G. Iñárritu, which tackles climate change with a heavy-handed message but is elevated by strong performances, particularly from Tom Cruise and John Goodman.
• Additionally, there is commentary on Hollywood industry news, including discussions about Paramount, Warner Bros., federal film subsidies, and the challenges streaming services face with sports rights, alongside a recommendation to watch "Nightcrawler," a film exploring media ethics through a dark, sports-movie-inspired narrative.