The latest episode of Supergirl focuses not on Supergirl herself,

but spins a narrative that traces the development of a murderous xenophobe.

For those who don't watch 'Supergirl', the show is a satisfyingly liberal analogy of today's immigration issue. Supergirl, or Kara Zor-El, is a refugee from the dying planet Krypton, who comes to Earth, and joins her superpowered cousin Superman in protecting Earth's innocent, downtrodden, bullied, and just plain different people.

Earth is portrayed as a haven for the Galaxy's oppressed and threatened alien people. And just as IRL, the aliens have their detractors and those who hate them. Call them 'roaches', etc.

The latest episode has Supergirl out of action due to Kryptonite poisoning. It charts the rise (or fall, I suppose) of a once reasonable factory-owner who sees his livelihood threatened by new, alien technology. Spurred on by his racist father, he refuses a lucrative partnership with the supporters of the new technology (shades of the WV coal miners declining job re-training...) And he does suffer some genuine setbacks caused by collateral damage from superheroes fighting evil aliens.

He becomes a pamphleteering nutcase passing out flyers on the street, and eventually murders the floor manager of the alien factory during a firebombing attack. Funded by a wealthy pair of brother-sister bigots, he becomes the leader of a powerful anti-alien hate group.

I think the show kept well within its liberal values by showing how reasonable people can become consumed by their hated, without condoning their extremism. It was a good hour of television.

Are there any election-law watchdog groups poised to head for trouble spots on Election Day?

I've always been gratified that the American Bar Association leans our way.

I take my hat off to those relentless lawyers who seek to ensure that American voting rights are upheld.

Rare Thursday night drinking thread.

I'm at a three-day conference, and staring at four boring hotel room walls.

Drinking helps.

That, and some company...

I voted!

Got my ballot all filled out, and filled out Mrs. Aristus' ballot for her. As I sat down to fill in the bubbles, the erstwhile Republican reminded me: "Every Democrat on the ballot!" Music to my ears...

It is officially autumn: had to break out the robe and slippers this evening.

No more lounging around the house in shorts and a tee.

Ah, my favorite time of year. I woke up this morning to a world shrouded in fog. Lovely...

Okay, for the THIRD time now, someone has said I look like Jon Favreau. What do you think?

Jon Favreau:



Me:

Finally saw 'Solo' last night. I loved it. Also caught a little social commentary in a few scenes.

In scenes depicting stormtroopers beating people, the stormtroopers would shout at their victims: "Stop resisting! Stop resisting!", which as many of us know, is what cops who are beating up suspects shout when they know cameras are rolling. In almost every filmed case, the victims were not resisting at all.

On Corellia, it showed crying children being forcibly separated from distressed parents, by stormtroopers, natch. One more observation about a right-wing militaristic nation turning into the Evil Empire.

Our country is turning into a lunatic version of a space opera empire...

Friday Night Wine-Buzz. Ask me anything.

One more night on call, then DONE!

Got a call at 2:30 this morning...

This is not good for a guy my age...

My first patient up for the morning: the schedule says 'Swallon Leg'.

I don't know what that is, but it sounds pretty serious...