Badlands Story Hour Ep. 114: Pan’s Labyrinth, Princess Programming, and the Power of Myth

Chris Paul and Burning Bright take a deep dive into Guillermo del Toro’s Pan’s Labyrinth in Episode 114 of Badlands Story Hour, unpacking the film’s dark fairy tale aesthetics, hidden symbolism, and unsettling parallels to real-world narratives. They explore whether the film's fantastical underworld represents an escape from fascist tyranny or a more disturbing inversion of reality itself. Through sharp cultural analysis, the hosts dissect the film’s mythic structure, its use of fairy tale tropes, and how the character of Ophelia reflects themes of trauma, imagination, and innocence under siege.

The discussion expands to the archetype of the "moon child," grooming symbolism hidden in plain sight, and how Del Toro’s narrative subtly parallels elite abuses of power. They contrast collectivist propaganda with true sovereignty and debate whether myth and imagination offer liberation—or another trap. From the depravity of Captain Vidal to the seductive manipulation of the Faun, this episode blends literary insight with cultural commentary in classic Badlands fashion. A must-listen for those who love storytelling with teeth.