Universal Monsters: The Mummy and Galdós on Blindness | ELHDLT Podcast 13×39

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The podcast Sesión doble: Monstruos de la Universal: La momia + Galdós y la ceguera explores two distinct but thematically linked subjects: Universal Pictures’ classic horror film The Mummy (1932) and the literary work of Spanish author Benito Pérez Galdós, specifically his 1882 novel La ceguera (The Blindness). The episode, hosted by Alberto Hernández Rivero, El Torres, and Faith Erin Hicks, was published on June 10, 2026, as part of the Moztros series, a recurring segment on the Nuevo Nueve podcast network.

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What topics does the podcast cover?
The episode juxtaposes the Universal Monsters filmography with Galdós’s exploration of societal and moral blindness. The Mummy, a cornerstone of Universal’s horror legacy, is analyzed for its themes of ancient curses and scientific hubris, while La ceguera is examined as a critique of 19th-century Spanish society’s inability to confront its own flaws. The hosts note that both works use metaphorical “blindness” to critique human behavior, though they approach the concept from different cultural and historical contexts.

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Who are the hosts and what is their background?
Alberto Hernández Rivero, a cultural historian specializing in Spanish literature, and El Torres, a film critic with expertise in classic cinema, co-host the segment. Faith Erin Hicks, a cartoonist and writer known for her work on The Art of Looking and The World of the Unknown, contributes insights into the narrative structures of both texts. The trio has previously discussed other Universal Monsters films, including Frankenstein (1931) and Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde (1931), in earlier episodes.

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What is the significance of La ceguera in the discussion?
Galdós’s La ceguera is a lesser-known work compared to his more famous Fortunata y Jacinta, but the podcast highlights its relevance to modern audiences. The novel follows a group of characters who, after a mysterious incident, lose their sight and must navigate a world that treats them as outcasts. The hosts argue that the story’s themes of social exclusion and institutional failure resonate with contemporary issues, such as systemic inequality and the stigmatization of marginalized groups.

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How does the podcast frame The Mummy?
The episode examines The Mummy as a product of its time, reflecting early 20th-century anxieties about colonialism and the unknown. The hosts point to the film’s portrayal of ancient Egypt as both exotic and menacing, a contrast to the more nuanced depictions of non-Western cultures in later horror films. They also discuss the role of the character Imhotep, a priest whose resurrection by modern scientists serves as a cautionary tale about meddling with forces beyond human control.

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Why does this podcast matter to entertainment and cultural discourse?
The episode underscores the enduring appeal of Universal Monsters as a lens for examining societal fears and moral questions. By linking The Mummy to Galdós’s literary work, the hosts bridge the gap between film and literature, demonstrating how different art forms can address similar themes. The discussion also highlights the importance of revisiting older works to uncover their relevance to current events, a practice increasingly valued in academic and cultural circles.

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What are the next steps for the Moztros series?
The Nuevo Nueve podcast network has not announced specific plans for future episodes, but the hosts have hinted at exploring other Universal Monsters films, such as The Wolf Man (1941) and The Creature from the Black Lagoon (1954). Additionally, Hernández Rivero and El Torres have expressed interest in hosting a special segment on Galdós’s other works, including Misericordia (1881) and La de Bringas (1883).

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“Both The Mummy and La ceguera force us to confront the idea that blindness—whether literal or metaphorical—can be a product of societal structures rather than individual failure,” said Alberto Hernández Rivero, host of Sesión doble.

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The podcast’s focus on cross-disciplinary analysis reflects a broader trend in entertainment journalism, where critics and scholars increasingly seek connections between film, literature, and social history. By dissecting works from different eras and mediums, Sesión doble offers listeners a deeper understanding of how storytelling evolves while retaining its core thematic power.