This episode explores the human condition within the context of the Anthropocene, reviewing the opening scene of *Penguins of Madagascar* and the smallpox vaccine. Against the backdrop of a seemingly mindless penguin march, the host critiques the human tendency to unquestioningly follow, drawing parallels to the debunked myth of lemming mass suicide as depicted in *White Wilderness*. More significantly, the review delves into the smallpox vaccine's history, highlighting the contrast between Edward Jenner's contribution and the collective global effort required for its ultimate success in eradicating the disease. For instance, the host recounts his own experience receiving the COVID-19 vaccine, contrasting his pre-vaccine anxieties with the ultimately uneventful reality, emphasizing the importance of collective immunity. The episode concludes by reflecting on the profound impact of both the film and the vaccine, emphasizing the interconnectedness of human actions and their consequences on the environment and global health. This ultimately underscores the need for collective responsibility in addressing the challenges of the Anthropocene.
