Growing Up Skywalker

You 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 us next week to resolve the “Empire Day” cliffhanger in episodes 9–10, “Gathering Forces” and “Path of the Jedi.” This is also a great time to sign up for our Patreon for bonus audio content! This week, we’re watching and talking about the Volume 2 premiere of the 2003 Tartakovsky Clone Wars. Timestamps: 00:01:34 Plot Overview 00:13:15 Ezra’s Tragic Backstory 00:17:28 Consent, Propaganda, and Tyranny 00:27:48 Sabine and Hera Discussion 00:41:31 Kanan Discussion 00:51:17 Bae Watch 00:56:35 End Credits --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/growingupskywalker/message

Welcome 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 lack thereof) in Star Wars, being a teacher even when you don’t feel ready, and choosing the family you have. This is a great time to sign up for our Patreon for bonus audio content! This week, we’re sharing leftover topics from this week’s episode: debates on the quality of Stormtroopers as soldiers, and how Star Wars handles Blackness.  And you can join us next week for episodes 7–8 of Star Wars Rebels: Out of Darkness and Empire Day.  Timestamps: 00:00:00 Plot Overview 00:14:44 Rise of the Old Masters Discussion 00:27:25 Child Soldiers and Childhood in Star Wars 00:44:51 Luminara Discussion 00:47:53 Bae Watch 00:53:10 End Credits --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/growingupskywalker/message

This 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 morality of the Spectres, fellow rebels, the Empire, and Agent Callus in particular. We talk about brotherhood and being parents of unruly children. And we also cackle about the straight-into-the-vein injection of pure delight that is “Fighter Flight.” This is a great time to sign up for our Patreon for bonus audio content! And join us next week for the Star Wars Rebels: Rise of the Old Masters and Breaking Ranks.  Timestamps: 00:02:31 Plot Overview 00:13:06 Meta Themes of the Arc 00:16:10 Characters Discussion 00:28:20 Fighter Flight Discussion 00:40:58 Morality and Darkness Discussion 00:55:03 Bae Watch 00:59:17 End Credits --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/growingupskywalker/message

Get 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 distinguishable member of a D&D party, how some people just grow up and start adopting dangerous street youths, and why Rebels is (and is not) a “kid’s show.”  This is a great time to sign up for our Patreon for bonus audio content! And join us next week for the pilot of Star Wars Rebels: Droids in Distress and Fighter Flight. Timestamps: 00:00:00 Plot Overview 00:13:38 Characters Discussion  00:28:45 The Empire in Rebels 00:36:46 Rebels as a Series Discussion 00:43:17 Rebels as a “Kids Show” 00:54:06 Bae Watch 00:57:58 End Credits --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/growingupskywalker/message

The 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 got a truly phenomenal upgrade, and have a fascinating discussion about who Palpatine would have chosen as his new apprentice if Kenobi had decided to end Vader once and for all. This is a great time to sign up for our Patreon for bonus audio content on Obi-Wan Kenobi! And join us next week for the pilot of Star Wars Rebels: Spark of Rebellion, Parts 1–2. Timestamps: 00:00:00 Plot Overview 00:11:26 Star Wars is About Love (And Warriors) 00:16:31 Vader Discussion 00:23:00 Character Hellos and Goodbyes  00:30:53 Ending the Prequel Era Discussion 00:39:34 Reva Discussion 00:50:04 What Did Kenobi Contribute to Star Wars? 00:52:14 Bae Watch 01:03:05 End Credits --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/growingupskywalker/message

We 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 duel and how it had us smiling ear-to-ear, Reva’s tragic backstory, and the Jedi who have traveled the Path.  For bonus audio content on Obi-Wan Kenobi, sign up for our Patreon! And join us next week for the Obi-Wan Kenobi finale, Part VI. Timestamps: 00:00:00 Plot Overview 00:10:56 The Practice Duel Discussion 00:22:41 Tala Discussion 00:28:40 Was Tala Fridged? Discussion  00:39:10 Reva Discussion 00:44:59 Vader and Leia Discussion 00:53:44 Bae Watch 00:59:14 End Credits --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/growingupskywalker/message

Obi-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 love language. For bonus audio content from this episode, sign up for our Patreon! And join us next week for Obi-Wan Kenobi, Part V. Timestamps: 00:00:00 Plot Overview 00:08:36 Critical Reception 00:11:45 Different Forms of Violence Discussion  00:26:08 Purge Troopers and the Tomb Discussion 00:36:10 Darth Vader Discussion 00:39:26 Reva Discussion 00:45:01 Tala Discussion 00:51:05 Rebels + T-47 Discussion 00:57:15 Bae Watch 01:02:09 End Credits --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/growingupskywalker/message

What 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 ~scenic vistas~ from his office windows). We also get to talk about the appeal of the Empire for people like Tala and Freck, Underground Railroads of history, and all the deep lore scratched into the Rebel safe room walls. This week marks our 100th podcast episode! It’s also a great time to sign up for a membership on our Patreon. In honor of 100 episodes, we’re releasing 30 minutes of bonus content on Obi-Wan Part III this week—and just $3 a month gets you access to it, plus two years of backlogged content. (PS: Welcome to our newest patron, Tim!) Join us next week for Obi-Wan Kenobi, Part IV! Timestamps: 00:00:00 Plot Overview 00:10:41 Story Structure and Spacing Discussion 00:13:45 Vader and Capital-D Drama Discussion 00:16:50 The Weight of the Past Discussion 00:23:17 The Force Discussion 00:25:51 Fame, Fear, Power, and Fascism Discussion 00:36:48 Reva and the Inquisitors Discussion 00:46:40 Easter Eggs 00:52:01 Bae Watch 00:58:38 End Credits --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/growingupskywalker/message

Our 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 caused these former Jedi to become what they are. We also talk about Vader’s burning vengeance, the Padmé callback that left us shooketh, and shopping with Leia. Join us next week for (already!) the midpoint of the series, Obi-Wan Kenobi: Part III. This will be our 100th episode! Timestamps: 00:00:00 Plot Overview 00:8:10  Daiyu vs. Coruscant Discussion 00:10:54 This Obi-Wan vs. General Obi-Wan Discussion 00:21:18 Inquisitors and Other Terrible Workplaces Discussion 00:31:32 Inquisitors and the Sith Discussion 00:37:48 Vader and Vengeance Discussion 00:43:03 Critical Reception/Why Diversity Is Necessary 00:51:26 Bae Watch 01:00:07 End Credits --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/growingupskywalker/message

Obi-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 of this show is absolutely perfect. You should go watch @fsfpopcast immediately to hear from every sci-fi star you’ve ever dreamed of meeting. FSF Popcast can be found at: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/fsfpopcast/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCREtAFjZf4JDFNZeaRx5sNQ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/fsfpopcast/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/fsfpopcast?lang=en Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/fsfpopcast Join us next week to talk shop about Obi-Wan Kenobi, Part II! Timestamps: 00:00:00 Plot Overview 00:12:23 Veteran Fan Reactions 00:18:40 Kenobi for Veteran Audiences vs. New Fans 00:26:56 The Age of the Empire + Inquisitors Discussion 00:40:30 The Pacing 00:44:30 Obi-Wan Discussion 00:50:59 Bae Watch 00:55:00 End Credits --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/growingupskywalker/message

We asked a provocative question in our show this week: Should Solo be the first Star Wars movie a brand-new fan watches? There aren’t any Jedi in Solo—or even any Force users—but it’s a Star Wars story that shows a very familiar (and very fun!) side of the galaxy. Star Wars isn’t just about galactic duels between good and evil. It’s also about space heists, found family, and pushing the limits of what you think is possible. Also, spanking good costumes. Solo has it all. Join us for discussions into all the major characters, morality, rebellions, and powerful Star Wars women. (We’re looking at you, Qi’ra, L3, and Enfys Nest.) Join us next week for the pilot episode of Kenobi! We’re reviewing Obi-Wan Kenobi, Part 1 with Kathleen Wass from The FSF Popcast as our special guest. Timestamps: 00:00:00 Plot Overview 00:21:14 Solo—Big Picture Discussion 00:23:59 Should Solo Be Someone’s First Star Wars Movie? 00:28:40 Morality in Solo 00:34:30 Dryden Vos Discussion 00:37:53 Han and Chewie Discussion 00:47:39 Qi’ra and Maul Discussion 00:54:02 Rebels (With and Without a Cause) in Solo 01:33:00 Bae Watch 01:07:38 End Credits --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/growingupskywalker/message

The world wasn’t ready for Solo: A Star Wars Story when it premiered in 2018. But we contend it’s the perfect Star Wars movie for 2023. In our recap of the first half of Solo, we talk about the critical reception this movie got—probably TOO critical, since it’s a romp and it’s absolutely delightful. We talk about growing up as a scrumrat on Corellia, Qi’ra’s ascent to a position as top lieutenant among Crimson Dawn, and why young Han Solo is so shiny and likable. We make a case for creating a lighter Star Wars story,  and talk about why this non-Jedi-centric movie works. The ships are fast, the banter is faster, and the aesthetics are impeccable. We can’t wait to review the second half. Timestamps: 00:00:00 Plot Overview 00:18:18 Solo’s Critical Reception 00:25:25 The Case For A Lighter Star Wars Story 00:28:36 Crimson Dawn/Imperial Law and Order Discussion 00:37:02 A Non-Jedi Centric Story 00:39:00 Qi’ra Discussion 00:46:39 Val, Rio, Beckett Discussion 00:51:06 Lando and L3 Discussion 00:54:39 Chewie Discussion 00:56:46 Bae Watch 01:01:03 End Credits --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/growingupskywalker/message

It’s Bad Batch Season 2 finale time. Now entering the first stage of grief (denial). “The Summit” and “Plan 99” (The Bad Batch Season 2, Episodes 15–16) form the elegant, muted, devastating conclusion to the second season of the Bad Batch. It’s a good thing we’re moving through Star Wars chronologically and behind Disney’s release schedule 100% of the time, because if we didn’t know there was a Season 3 coming we might spontaneously combust. In our recap, we talk about how the Bad Batch storytelling is the sophisticated older cousin to The Clone Wars. We talk through character arcs from Season 1 to Season 2—covering Cid, Tarkin, Saw Gerrera, Tech, and Emerie. We deliver some odes to a fallen friend. And we come to an agreement: No body, no crime. Grab your lucky dice and start your engines, because next week, we finally get to recap the slickest, speediest Star Wars movie of all time: Solo!  Timestamps: 00:00:00 Plot Overview 00:13:54 Season Finale Discussion 00:27:57 Cid Discussion 00:33:05 Tarkin Discussion 00:37:51 Saw Gerrera Discussion 00:40:30 Tech Discussion 00:48:44 Emerie Discussion 00:53:51 Bae Watch 01:04:50 End Credits --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/growingupskywalker/message

Brb, retiring on Pabu.  This week, we recap Bad Batch in Paradise: “Pabu” and “Tipping Point” (Season 2, Episodes 13–14). The Batch takes a well-deserved tropical vacation, eating sushi and combating natural disasters, while Crosshair fights his way out of an interrogation chamber to warn them that the Empire is coming for Omega.  In our discussion, we talk about what to do during a tsunami, how Crosshair’s love language is murder, and wonder if the Batch could ever really retire. We also sing a love song to Echo, the best Batch of the bunch. Join us next week for a triple celebration!! May the 4th Be With You marks our second podcast-a-versary, and our recap of the Bad Batch Season 2 finale. We’re going to celebrate with a special stream of Star Wars Jedi: Survivor…except Anna’s going to be on the controls.  Timestamps: 00:00 Plot Overview 16:43 “Pabu” Discussion 28:20 “Tipping Point” Discussion 46:12 Easter Eggs 51:52 Bae Watch 59:15 End Credits --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/growingupskywalker/message

Alexa, play “Taps.”  “Metamorphosis” and “The Outpost” (The Bad Batch Season 2, Episodes 11–12) are the darkest Batch episodes yet. As the Batch scavenges a downed cruiser and Crosshair makes an icy trek across Barton-IV, the past comes back to haunt them: from cloned horrors of yesteryear, to the planned obsolescence of the clone army, to Crosshair’s bad decisions. In our recap, we talk about Emperor Palpatine’s plans for immortality, parallels to the Umbaran Arc, great Bad Batch moments, and the true meaning of ice vultures. Join us next week to recap “Pabo” and “Tipping Point” (Season 2, Episodes 13–14). Timestamps: 00:00:00 Plot Overview 00:15:06 “Metamorphosis” Discussion 00:31:51 “The Outpost” Discussion 00:51:26 Tiny Beautiful Moments 00:56:39 Bae Watch 01:03:39 End Credits --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/growingupskywalker/message