Growing Up Skywalker
229 episodes - English - Latest episode: 2 days ago - ★★★★★ - 21 ratingsGrowing Up Skywalker is your home for non-toxic, chronological Star Wars watchthroughs from a veteran viewer and a new fan. It’s a Star Wars podcast that combines wisdom and wonder.
Visit us online: https://www.growingupskywalker.com/
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Episodes
Rebels: “Legacy of Mandalore” and “Through Imperial Eyes” (Season 3, Episodes 16–17)
April 16, 2024 07:00 - 58 minutes - 80.3 MBThe darksaber saga continues! Following up on the stellar darksaber training montages of last week, "Legacy of Mandalore" (Rebels S3, Ep. 16) brings Sabine and her family into direct conflict—over Satine’s past mistakes and her potential to lead all Mandalorians. Will found family fight blood? We dive deep into Mandalorian culture and the futility of feudal life. Then we take a turn straight into Alexsandr Kallus’ eyeballs. "Through Imperial Eyes" (Rebels S3, Ep. 17) is a taut spy story ...
Rebels: “Warhead” and “Trials of the Darksaber” (Season 3, Episodes 14–15)
April 09, 2024 07:00 - 1 hour - 85.2 MB“Trials of the Darksaber” (Rebels S3, Ep. 15) is, quite simply, one of the tightest-scripted, haunting, and beautiful episodes of Rebels so far. And “Warhead” (Ep. 14) is a delightful buddy cop special feat. Zeb and AP-5. This week, we dive deep into the lore of lightsabers and darksabers. We talk about what it means to wield the Force, rather than just be a part of its flow, and talk about Sabine’s inner demons. And Sam crowns Sabine and Kanan’s training duel as one of the Top 5 Lightsaber...
Rebels: “Ghosts of Geonosis” Parts 1 and 2 (Season 3, Episodes 12–13)
April 02, 2024 07:00 - 57 minutes - 78.8 MBHave you ever wanted to spend half an hour debating the moral calculus of war and the conflicting ethics embodied by Saw Gerrera? Boy are you in the right place! In “Ghosts of Geonosis,” Rebels’ mid-season 3 arc, we do a deep dive into fanaticism, rebellion, and the meta-narrative of a character who has been in just about every single Star Wars series up until now. Saw Gerrera is one of the most puzzling and polarizing characters in Star Wars, and Ghosts of Geonosis pitches his rebelliousne...
Rebels: “The Wynkahthu Job,” “The Inside Man,” and “Visions and Voices” (Season 3, Episodes 9–11)
March 26, 2024 07:00 - 1 hour - 88.5 MBNot to dunk on it too badly, but so little of note happened in “The Wynkahthu Job” (Rebels S3, Ep. 9) that we added “Visions and Voices” (Rebels S3, Ep. 11) to our watch this week. Combined, these episodes show that there are two Boomers inside of you—a Hondo and a Maul—and you become the one you feed. We spend quality time on Dathomir getting hassled by Nightsister ghosts, and watch Thrawn touring the facility and picking up slack on Lothal. Join us this week for an impromptu triple-head...
Rebels: “Imperial Supercommandos” and “Iron Squadron” (Season 3, Episodes 7–8)
March 19, 2024 07:00 - 1 hour - 85.4 MBDo you want to know everything there is to know about Mandalorian internal politics? You’re in luck! In our discussion of “Imperial Supercommandos” (Rebels S3, Ep. 7) we explore Mandalorian clans, the Protectors of Concord Dawn, family loyalty, treason, and responsibility. Star Wars was only mostly samurai-inspired before this! On the flip side, “Iron Squadron” (Rebels S3, Ep.8) gives us…youths. There is some nice space combat and deep lore into a Legends-imported ship—but at what cost?? Th...
Rebels: “Hera’s Heroes” and “The Last Battle” (Season 3, Episodes 5–6)
March 12, 2024 15:08 - 1 hour - 83.8 MBWelcome to a “Best of Thrawn” homage. In “Hera’s Heroes” (Rebels S3, Ep. 5) we talk all about the grandest art appropriator of them all—and how art theft is a theft of self. In the second installment this week,”The Last Battle,” we get a deeply ominous situation which ends up being DELIGHTFULLY silly. We see the Clone Wars from the other side—from the battles we fought in the past, to what we need to do to overcome them. As generals become allies and allies become friends (maybe?)—and B1 b...
Rebels: “The Holocrons of Fate” and “The Antilles Extraction” (Season 3, Episodes 3–4)
March 05, 2024 08:00 - 1 hour - 88.5 MBFate in the Star Wars universe: Can you escape it? Does free will exist? All these questions and more come up during “The Holocrons of Fate” (Rebels Season 3, Ep. 3) as our heroes have to contend once again with an angry Maul. We also dance around some of the setup and payoff for the events of the original trilogy in “The Antilles Extraction” (Rebels Season 3, Ep. 4). Wedge Antilles, Boy Wonder and heartthrob of Skystrike Academy. We get to see Sabine shine as she infiltrates the Empire’s e...
Rebels: “Steps into Darkness” (Season 3 Premiere)
February 27, 2024 08:00 - 1 hour - 89.5 MBAnd you thought we were anxious during the Rebels S2 finale! After a six-month time skip, everyone has new hair and new vibes. We’re also introduced to two new characters: the Bendu (iconic, btw) and GRAND. ADMIRAL. THRAWN. We talk about Thrawn’s canon importance, the nature of the Force, and absentee parents. We also question when a healthy relationship is just unbelievable. (C’mon, Hera, yell at your man!!) as well as what the wider Rebellion is up to. There’s so much going on in these ...
Rebels: “Twilight of the Apprentice” Parts 1 and 2 (Season 2 Finale)
February 19, 2024 08:00 - 1 hour - 94.7 MBIn the Rebels Season 2 finale, the Force users of the Rebels crew head to Malachor to find answers. However, between a new Inquisitor, MAUL, DARTH VADER, and a ton of lightsaber fighting, things get pretty scary this week too! But whose twilight is this? Depa Billaba’s apprentice, recently blinded? Palpatine’s apprentice, shaken in faith? Kanan Jarrus’ (and possibly Maul’s apprentice) taking steps into a new, darker world? We have more questions than answers this week, but sometimes that’s ...
Rebels: “The Forgotten Droid” and “The Mystery of Chopper Base” (Season 2, Ep. 19–20)
February 13, 2024 08:00 - 1 hour - 91 MBThere’s only one crew member of the Ghost who hasn’t fulfilled their Season 2 recruitment goals, and it’s Chopper. Fortunately, he fills his quota this week—so let’s give a warm leg of applause to the newest Spectre recruit, AP-5! “The Forgotten Droid” (Rebels S2, Ep. 19) shows the bravery and honor of droids and how metallic brethren become friends. With a bench full of recruits and a safe base at last, we move into “The Mystery of Chopper Base”...which isn’t too much of a mystery, tbh. Un...
Rebels: “The Honorable Ones” and “Shroud of Darkness” (Season 2, Ep. 17–18)
February 06, 2024 08:00 - 1 hour - 89 MBDive out of your escape pod and into an enemies-to-lovers DREAM. “The Honorable Ones” (Rebels S2, Ep. 17) strands Zeb and Agent Kellus on a dangerous moon. And there’s only one heating cube. ;) Our discussion centers on whether or not there’s space in literature for males to have intimate friendships without intimacy, and the dual theories on whether Kallezub is canon. We’ll see if there’s a continuation of these two! Moving into far more esoteric territory, “Shroud of Darkness” (Rebels S2,...
Rebels: “The Call” and “Homecoming” (Season 2, Ep. 15–16)
January 30, 2024 08:00 - 58 minutes - 79.7 MBAvast, ye scurvy spacelubbers, join us on our Moby Dick-themed Rebels tour! We start—well, we actually started our discussion this week with “Homecoming” (Rebels S2 Ep. 15), but bear with us, because we also recapped “The Call” (Rebels S2, Ep. 14). Our discussion there centered on the confluence of nature, science, technology, and magic, all of which intertwine with Ezra’s growth as a Force user and a true Jedi. And yes, there is WHALE RIDING IN SPACE. We also dug deep into “Homecoming,” wh...
Rebels: “The Protector of Concord Dawn” and “Legends of the Lasat” (Season 2, Ep. 13–14)
January 23, 2024 08:00 - 52 minutes - 71.9 MBIn our two backstory episodes this week, we gain allies, freedom from self-recrimination, and some of the best music Rebels has to offer. Hop in, we’re going on a field trip! “The Protector of Concord Dawn” (Rebels S2, Ep. 13) asks the Rebels to decide whether to show force or try diplomacy to win new allies against the Empire. Unfortunately, they’re both dangerous games, and Kanan and Sabine have to pull literal Western saloon hijinks just to stay alive. Changing gears entirely (because H...
Rebels: “Legacy” and “A Princess on Lothal” (Season 2, Ep. 11–12)
January 16, 2024 18:22 - 56 minutes - 78.3 MB“Legacy” and “A Princess on Lothal” (Rebels S2, Ep. 11–12) dive deep into why and how the Force calls—and how it moves the universe. It also introduces us to sassy, 16-year-old Leia Organa on her very first mission. Cue absolute delight. We centered this week’s discussion on heritage, both Ezra’s and Leia’s, and the gifts they’ve gotten from their families. We also call back to the many ties that bind Rebels and Andor together, from shady prison-labor camps to two very differently handled p...
Rebels: “Stealth Strike” and “The Future of the Force” (Season 2, Ep. 9–10)
January 09, 2024 08:00 - 1 hour - 87.6 MB“Stealth Strike” (Rebels S2, Ep. 9) starts out all fun and games. Then it continues to be fun and games. Then, in “The Future of the Force” (Ep. 10) Ahsoka comes down on the Inquisitorius like an avenging angel and WE. ARE. HERE FOR IT! In our discussion, we dive deep into the gravity well technology of Interdictor-class Star Destroyers. We talk about how these episodes are remixes of classic Clone Wars mess-arounds, and ask, “What do bad guys do with Force-sensitive babies?” Also, how do I...
Rebels: “Wings of the Master” and “Blood Sisters” (Season 2, Ep. 7–8)
January 02, 2024 08:00 - 59 minutes - 81.2 MBCome fly with us! This week offers inspiring examples of womanhood as well as good old-fashioned vroom vroom/pew pew space action. In our recap of “Wings of the Master” and “Blood Sisters” (Rebels S2, Ep. 7–8), we soar through the misty spires of Shantipole to watch Hera prove that she's not just a pilot, she's the pilot. Then, Sabine’s past bites back in the form of legendary Black Sun bounty hunter Ketsy Onyo—but she shows as much friendship and forgiveness as Chopper shows mischief. Wha...
Rebels: “Always Two There Are” and “Brothers of the Broken Horn” (Season 2, Ep. 5–6)
December 26, 2023 08:00 - 1 hour - 83.2 MBThis week takes us on a wild ride from “too spooky” to “too goofy.” In our recap of “Always Two There Are” and “Brothers of the Broken Horn” (Rebels S2, Ep. 5–6), we crawl through an abandoned medical station that almost certainly isn’t infested with brainworms, but IS infested with Inquisitors! But as a palate cleanser, crazy drunk uncle Hondo Ohnaka shows up with a plan that will certainly pay off—at least for him. We also talk about Inquisitor politics, how much fun Hondo always brings...
Rebels: “The Lost Commanders” and “Relics of the Old Republic” (Season 2, Ep. 3–4)
December 19, 2023 14:59 - 58 minutes - 80.1 MBCalling the “crying over clones” club! This week, we reunite with our old (and we do mean old) faves: Grandpa Rex, Grandpa Wolffe, and crazy Uncle Gregor. And boy do they still got it. In our recap of “The Lost Commanders” and “Relics of the Old Republic,” (Rebels S2, Ep. 3–4) we talk through the decade since we last saw Rex and pick through major themes of this arc: betrayal, trust, and what it takes to really leave an old life behind. Want even more Growing Up Skywalker? This is a great...
Rebels: “The Siege of Lothal” (Season 2 Premiere)
December 12, 2023 08:01 - 1 hour - 89 MBWith the Empire reeling from the uprisings on Ferrix and Lothal, things are looking bright for the Rebellion. Then Darth Vader shows up. In “The Siege of Lothal,” (Rebels S2 Ep. 1), Darth Vader all but rubs his hands together and cackles gleefully as he squeezes the life out of the Rebels, one A-wing at a time. Fortunately, the Spectres are made of sterner stuff. Our recap centers on the DRAMATIC tone shift from Andor to Rebels, even as the themes and plot meticulously line up. We also do ...
Andor: “Rix Road” (Season 1 Finale)
December 05, 2023 08:00 - 1 hour - 96.9 MBWhat game is this? No game—just the beginning of the fight of the Rebels’ lives. The Rebellion is about to take a new shape so it can take on the Empire at large. In our recap of the Andor Season 1 finale, we dive deep into the many meanings of Andor’s ending, and what it signifies for Luthen, for the Empire, and for the Rebellion. (We also discuss if it was an effective ending for all fans, or just for veteran viewers.) More delightfully, we touch base on everyone’s crushes, and grudging...
Andor: “Daughter of Ferrix” (Season 1, Episode 11)
November 28, 2023 08:00 - 1 hour - 88.2 MBThis week, we recap “Daughter of Ferrix” (Andor S1, Ep. 11), where each character is looking down the barrel of a loaded gun and wondering what they’ll decide. Will Cass return to Ferrix, or warn the galaxy about Narkina 5? Will Bix give up her final secret to the Empire? Will Maarva live up to her promise to join the Rebellion (from beyond the grave)? In our recap, we talk about how to link up with your friendly local rebel cells, why a second generation 13-year-old Chandrilan immigrant wo...
Andor: “One Way Out” (Season 1, Episode 10)
November 21, 2023 08:00 - 55 minutes - 76.8 MBThe only way out is through. Our recap of “One Way Out” (Andor S1, Ep. 10) takes us through a discussion of Andor’s chain-linked, escalating structure. We talk about freedom, prison, sacrifice, and the mental calculus of ethics. We also ask who Andor wants us to see as a hero—and who is a hero behind the curtain. Want even more Growing Up Skywalker? This is a great time to sign up for our Patreon for bonus audio content! In the spirit of Thanksgiving, we’re finishing our Patreon exclusive ...
Andor: “Nobody’s Listening!” (Season 1, Episode 9)
November 14, 2023 08:01 - 53 minutes - 73.5 MBSuch a jaunty title for such a dark episode. “Nobody’s Listening!” (Andor S1, Ep. 9) is a meditation on suffering, and power, and and breaking points. Fortunately, we do get to lighten up the conversation by talking about not one, but TWO toxic crushes (sorry Vel, Cinta may not be the one???) (also sorry not sorry that Deedra Meero had to fend off romantic overtures at work, she deserved it). In our recap this week, we talk about why everyone’s crushes are toxic, why this episode WORKS, par...
Andor: “Narkina 5” (Season 1, Episode 8)
November 07, 2023 08:01 - 1 hour - 87.4 MBWelcome to the darkest timeline. “Narkina 5” (Andor S1, Ep. 8) throws Cassian Andor by the scruff of his neck into the prison-industrial complex. And given how the surveillance state is working for the Empire so far, the rest of the galaxy doesn’t seem to be far behind. In our recap, we talk about Cassian’s Hero’s Journey, what Saw Gerrera really wants, what drives Dedra Meero, and how Andor is a mirror that reflects back everything in our society that makes us so uncomfortable. Want even ...
Andor: “Announcement” (Season 1, Episode 7)
October 24, 2023 07:00 - 1 hour - 87.9 MBThe Rebellion has made its announcement: It’s in this fight for real. In response, the Empire made several terrible announcements back. Welcome to a totalitarian galaxy. This week, our recap of “Announcement” (Andor S1, Ep. 7) focuses on the rapid slide of the Empire from an authoritarian state to totalitarianism—and why Luthen is intentionally pushing it that direction even faster. We also dive deep into the Hero’s Journey (Cassian is refusing the call—while Maarva is answering it) and dis...
Andor: “The Eye” (Season 1, Episode 6)
October 17, 2023 07:00 - 1 hour - 94.8 MBThe train heist in Solo walked so the Aldhani heist in Andor could run. And that just scratches the surface of why “The Eye” (Andor S1, Ep. 6) is phenomenal television. In our recap, we talk about the aftermath of the grand plan to secure $80 million credits for the Rebellion. We discuss the Empire and its gleeful colonization, military spending siphoning away funding for medical science, Cassian’s moral code, and why Andor is a radical call to action (even for those of us in the year of ou...
Andor: “The Eye”
October 17, 2023 07:00 - 1 hour - 94.8 MBThe train heist in Solo walked so the Aldhani heist in Andor could run. And that just scratches the surface of why “The Eye” (Andor S1, Ep. 6) is phenomenal television. In our recap, we talk about the aftermath of the grand plan to secure $80 million credits for the Rebellion. We discuss the Empire and its gleeful colonization, military spending siphoning away funding for medical science, Cassian’s moral code, and why Andor is a radical call to action (even for those of us in the year of ou...
Andor: “The Axe Forgets” (Season 1, Episode 5)
October 10, 2023 23:05 - 1 hour - 85.2 MBAndor is a show that loves grassroots revolution. And we love that for Andor. “The Axe Forgets” takes us deep into the psyches of the people choosing to rebel against the Empire. We have Skeen, from whom the Empire took a childhood (and a brother). And we have Nemik, a true, hotblooded philosopher-rebel. And we have Lieutenant Gorn, who lost his love to Imperial control—and, of course, Cassian, who has a million mysterious reasons to hate the Empire (very few of which have been shown on-scr...
Andor: “The Axe Forgets”
October 10, 2023 07:00 - 1 hour - 85.2 MBAndor is a show that loves grassroots revolution. And we love that for Andor. “The Axe Forgets” takes us deep into the psyches of the people choosing to rebel against the Empire. We have Skeen, from whom the Empire took a childhood (and a brother). And we have Nemik, a true, hotblooded philosopher-rebel. And we have Lieutenant Gorn, who lost his love to Imperial control—and, of course, Cassian, who has a million mysterious reasons to hate the Empire (very few of which have been shown on-scr...
Andor: “Aldhani” (Season 1, Episode 4)
October 03, 2023 23:05 - 1 hour - 85.1 MB“Aldhani” (Andor S1, Ep. 4) is an episode cut with surgical precision. The four looping subplots of Aldhani draw us through one of the most beautiful and intricate Star Wars episodes we’ve ever seen. The dialogue? Perfection. The scenery? Flawless. The depths of Star Wars lore plumbed? Fathomless. We are BIG FANS. In our recap, we talk about the 10,000 Easter eggs and pieces of trivia saturating this episode. We also discuss the characters we love…to hate. (Syril Karn is finally booted ou...
Andor: “Aldhani”
October 03, 2023 07:00 - 1 hour - 85.1 MB“Aldhani” (Andor S1, Ep. 4) is an episode cut with surgical precision. The four looping subplots of Aldhani draw us through one of the most beautiful and intricate Star Wars episodes we’ve ever seen. The dialogue? Perfection. The scenery? Flawless. The depths of Star Wars lore plumbed? Fathomless. We are BIG FANS. In our recap, we talk about the 10,000 Easter eggs and pieces of trivia saturating this episode. We also discuss the characters we love…to hate. (Syril Karn is finally booted ou...
Andor: “Reckoning” (Season 1, Episode 3)
September 26, 2023 23:06 - 1 hour - 85.6 MBThis is what a reckoning sounds like. In this week’s episode, we recap “Reckoning” (Andor S1, Ep. 2). Cassian and Luthen heist their way through Ferrix, Syril Karn cements his status as a wet noodle, and Space Timm receives his comeuppance for being a snitch—plus, after tying up the Kenari plotline, we’re ready to hurtle into the unknown. We talk about Andor’s stance on police brutality, religion in Star Wars, and “rescuing” children from the wilderness. We also talk about Andor’s love of...
Andor: “Reckoning”
September 26, 2023 07:00 - 1 hour - 85.6 MBThis is what a reckoning sounds like. In this week’s episode, we recap “Reckoning” (Andor S1, Ep. 2). Cassian and Luthen heist their way through Ferrix, Syril Karn cements his status as a wet noodle, and Space Timm receives his comeuppance for being a snitch—plus, after tying up the Kenari plotline, we’re ready to hurtle into the unknown. We talk about Andor’s stance on police brutality, religion in Star Wars, and “rescuing” children from the wilderness. We also talk about Andor’s love of...
Andor: “That Would Be Me” (Season 1, Episode 2)
September 19, 2023 23:04 - 55 minutes - 76.8 MBStar Wars goes domestic in “That Would Be Me,” the second episode of Andor. (Incidentally, so did we: The Growing Up Skywalker team is officially getting married!) “That Would Be Me” gives us sneak peeks into what life is like for regular people on Ferrix. We see booty calls, money problems, crappy work schedules, and messy houses. It’s a big vibe shift and a perfect contrast to the deeply unsettling realization this episode gives us about Kenari—specifically, why there is a group of childr...
Andor: “That Would Be Me”
September 19, 2023 07:00 - 55 minutes - 76.8 MBStar Wars goes domestic in “That Would Be Me,” the second episode of Andor. (Incidentally, so did we: The Growing Up Skywalker team is officially getting married!) “That Would Be Me” gives us sneak peeks into what life is like for regular people on Ferrix. We see booty calls, money problems, crappy work schedules, and messy houses. It’s a big vibe shift and a perfect contrast to the deeply unsettling realization this episode gives us about Kenari—specifically, why there is a group of childr...
Andor Season 1 Premiere: “Kassa”
September 12, 2023 07:00 - 1 hour - 82.5 MBWelcome to a new side of the galaxy—a very dark one. The Season 1 premiere of Andor (“Kassa”) is the grittiest Star Wars we’ve seen so far. Planets are ruled by corporations, sentient beings are for sale on the street, and people are just eking out a living however they can. Also, everyone in the show is already 100% fed up with Cassian Andor, which is…pretty great. In our recap, we talk about Cassian’s role as a Star Wars rogue and draw parallels between other beloved intergalactic grifte...
Rebels Season 1 Finale: “Fire Across the Galaxy”
September 05, 2023 07:00 - 1 hour - 85 MBThe Spectres are out of the frying pan and into the fire—a fire that’s spreading across the galaxy. Our recap of the Rebels Season 1 finale centers on metamorphosis, rebellion, how a Padawan becomes a Jedi Knight, Kanan’s incredible dad energy, and what it will take for a galaxy to rise up against the Empire. We also cover the breadcrumb trail that leads to Fulcrum’s identity, and our thoughts on Season 1 as a tight, intentional, eyes-on-the-prize piece of media. (It was a bop.) Also, the ...
Rebels: “Call to Action” and “Rebel Resolve”
August 29, 2023 07:00 - 59 minutes - 81.4 MBCalling all Tarkin stans—Rebels S1 is the man’s time to shine. This week, we covered the two episodes leading up to the Season 1 finale: “Call to Action” and “Rebel Resolve” (episodes 13–14). And Grand Moff Tarkin is displeased with EVERYBODY’S job performance. In our recap, we cover Tarkin’s job description, the strategic importance of the Outer Rim using a pizza analogy, and everything we know about Fulcrum so far (very little). We also talk about Hera’s allegiance to the rebel cause ove...
Rebels: “Idiot’s Array” and “Vision of Hope”
August 22, 2023 07:00 - 1 hour - 84.2 MBSmuggler? Such a small word. He’s more of a…galactic entrepreneur. This week, our episodes (Rebels S1, 11–12, “Idiot’s Array” and “Vision of Hope”) feature special guest and major scamp LANDO CALRISSIAN. We also meet the strawberry-shaped/ strawberry-slurping merchant of questionable morality, Azmorigan, and hang out with exiled senator Gall Trayvis. Hera punches every single one of them, and every single one of them deserved it. In our recap, we talk about how Lando has changed from Solo...
Rebels: “Gathering Forces” and “Path of the Jedi”
August 15, 2023 07:05 - 59 minutes - 82.4 MBThis week’s episode is all about elaborate Padawan training rituals, bonding with monsters through the Force, and surviving being a 15-year-old boy. We. Are. All. About it! “Gathering Forces” takes Ezra and Kanan back to the moon where Sabine and Hera were almost eaten by dragons—and forces Ezra to confront a deep fear. Then, immediately in the next episode, “Path of the Jedi,” he has to confront his EVEN DEEPER fears!! We talk about what our customized Padawan training rites would look li...
Rebels: “Out of Darkness” and “Empire Day”
August 08, 2023 07:00 - 59 minutes - 81.2 MBYou know how Anna’s spent the last month begging for more Spectre backstories? Well, “Out of Darkness” and “Empire Day” (Rebels S1, episodes 7–8) deliver them in a big way. In this week’s recap, we talk about Ezra’s tragic backstory, Sabine’s time as a cadet on Mandalore, and Hera and Kanan meeting. We also dive deep into the tyranny, propaganda, consent, and control strategies the Empire deploys—especially on Empire Day, the 15th anniversary of Palpatine’s victory over the galaxy. Join u...
Rebels: “Rise of the Old Masters” and “Breaking Ranks”
August 01, 2023 07:00 - 55 minutes - 76.6 MBWelcome to Halloween in August. This week’s Rebels episodes are a spooky bunch. “Rise of the Old Masters” and “Breaking Ranks” (Season 1, episodes 5–6) take us to a remote fortress called the Spire where Luminara Unduli is being held captive, and the inside of the Imperial child soldier academy. They’re callbacks to classic Clone Wars plotlines: the Rako Hardeen arc, Boba Fett infiltrating Tipoca City, and the Citadel arc. And they also take us to new understandings of childhood (or the lac...
Rebels: “Droids in Distress” and “Fighter Flight”
July 27, 2023 07:00 - 1 hour - 84.1 MBThis is Commander Meiloorun speaking. Rebels is very silly and we love it very much. We’re a little later than normal this week due to updated podcast guidelines from SAG-AFTRA in light of the writer and actor strike. But, we are able to be in your earbuds this week with a recap of Rebels Season 1, episodes 3–4, “Droids in Distress” and “Fighter Flight.” In our recap, we talk about how Rebels holds dark themes very lightly, and how that makes it a time capsule for 2014. We discuss the mor...
Rebels: “Spark of Rebellion” Parts 1–2
July 18, 2023 08:00 - 1 hour - 82.5 MBGet in fam, it’s time for the Rebels pilot! We’ve finally arrived at Sam’s favorite Star Wars show—Rebels. This week, we recap the double-header pilot, “Spark of Rebellion,” which originally premiered in 2014 as an hour-long movie. We talk about the critical reception Rebels received when it premiered versus its reputation now, which is a show for true fans. We also talk about the expansion of the Empire across the galaxy, how each Spectre is a part of the family and also a distinguishabl...
Obi-Wan Kenobi, Part VI
July 11, 2023 07:00 - 1 hour - 91.2 MBThe Obi-Wan Kenobi finale is a SWAN SONG to Star Wars. It teaches us about the Force, about being an avatar of the Light, about friendship and love, and when it’s time to be a warrior (versus when it’s time to go back to grad school). In our recap, we talk about the role of love in catalyzing Obi-Wan to finish his duel with Darth Vader. We discuss which characters got a hello in this series, and which ones got a goodbye. We award the Darth Lola Redemption Medal to Owen Lars, whose character...
Obi-Wan Kenobi, Part V
July 04, 2023 07:00 - 1 hour - 84.1 MBWe loved Obi-Wan Kenobi: Part V so. gosh. dang. much. And not for entirely uncomplicated reasons. Our recap centered on discussions of the series’ two most powerful women: Tala and Reva. We used this episode as a way to process not just the death of a compelling female character, but Star Wars’ long, long history of killing off (almost all of) its compelling female characters. In the case of Part V, we ultimately realize something beautiful. We also talk about the Anakin/Obi-Wan practice ...
Obi-Wan Kenobi, Part IV
June 27, 2023 07:20 - 1 hour - 89.3 MBObi-Wan Kenobi, Part IV is tense, beautifully shot, and full of Easter eggs. In our recap this week, we talk about the MANY different kinds of violence threaded through the episode, from Tala’s martial arts moves to Obi-Wan firing up his lightsaber again to the casual violence of Imperial reign. We also talk about rooting for Reva (even though we’re not supposed to), job security for the Inquisitors, purge troopers, embalming former Jedi, and why T-47s swooping out of the sky is Sam’s lov...
Obi-Wan Kenobi, Part III
June 20, 2023 07:00 - 1 hour - 83.9 MBWhat makes the darkest episode of Obi-Wan Kenobi (so far) tick? Exquisite world-building, delicious power dynamics, and a real contribution to Star Wars’ anti-fascism agenda. Also, some capital-D drama courtesy of capital-D Darth Vader. Obi-Wan Kenobi Part III takes us into Vader’s inner world—one where he’s spent 10 years planning revenge on his former master. We get to see what that revenge looks like, and how he pits the Inquisitors against each other to get to it (and laugh about the ~s...
Obi-Wan Kenobi, Part II
June 06, 2023 07:00 - 1 hour - 84.6 MBOur recap of Obi-Wan Kenobi: Part II centers on Inquisitors—but we also talk about the Sith, the light side of the Force, and truly terrible bosses. Part II brings us to Daiyu, which is cyberpunk Coruscant and is DELIGHTFUL. We get to see Obi-Wan’s best Breaking Bad impression, the immediate father/daughter chemistry between him and Leia, and his bone-deep fear of using the Force again. But mostly, we get fascinating insights into what it’s like to be an Inquisitor and can only guess what...
Obi-Wan Kenobi, Part I
May 30, 2023 07:00 - 1 hour - 84.2 MBObi-Wan Kenobi, Part I opens on a broken man. But it looks like he’s not going to stay that way. This week, we had the inestimable Kathleen Wass from The FSF Popcast on our show to talk all things Kenobi: from Inquisitors and seeing a full-strength Vader to raising an absolute firecracker of a 10-year-old. We talked about whether this show resonates differently for veteran fans and new ones, how Inquisitors are the scariest people around on a planet ruled by the Hutts, and why the pacing o...