I wouldn't normally associate media blockbusters and Aikido together. However, I find it interesting that some of the biggest TV and streaming media shows are now presenting Aikido as a life-changing force for good.
http://www.amc.com/shows/the-walking-dead
I had never previously watched any episode of the "Walking Dead" - a massive hit around the world. Then, recently, a friend showed me episode 4 of series 6. In this, the main character is a deeply traumatised man who basically kills everyone he meets. He then meets another individual, called Eastman, with an equally traumatic past, but who has transformed his life through Aikido. Eastman's statement on this is emphatic and unequivocal. The main character attempts to kill Eastman several times but finds himself subdued on each occasion. Eventually, he is taught Aikido by Eastman and transforms his own life and stops killing. Apparently, this transformation carries through to the following episodes.
I have a new student, who was going through a rough time, and decided to do something positive to turn things around. After watching this episode of the Walking Dead, he resolved to start Aikido. He has not missed a single class since.
Another massive hit series is "The Man in the High Tower". One of the main characters here is a female Aikido student. I have only seen a few small clips, but these include action in the dojo and Aikido used as self defence in the street.
I think the aspect that makes these series interesting is that they are not Aikido or "martial arts" shows. Instead, the Aikido is presented as a powerful and pervasive philosophy that influences the main stories.
