Growing Up Skywalker

Get in, King Katuunko heads, we’re going to Space Arizona! Our recap of “The Crossing” and “Retrieval” (The Bad Batch S2, 9–10) takes us to the slot canyons of Sedona—sorry, Ipsidon—where the Bad Batch is besieged by lightning, thunder, explosions, theft, gravity, and a herd of space gazelles. They also confront the evils of capitalism, and convince a bunch of kid miners to unionize.  In our recap, we talk about the softest conversation in Bad Batch so far, between Tech and Omega. We also recap mining unionization in American history (more interesting than it sounds—also bloodier) and famous leaders of child pickpocketing gangs. Also, what’s Cid’s deal? Join us next week to recap “Metamorphosis” and “The Outpost” (Season 2, episodes 11–12). Timestamps: 00:00:00 Plot Overview 00:12:15 This Episode is Set in Space Arizona 00:17:33 Mokko and the Exploitation Station 00:24:29 Benni and the (Unionized) Jets 00:33:24 What’s Cid’s Deal?! 00:35:14 Omega and Tech Discussion 00:49:23 Easter Eggs  00:55:02 Bae Watch 01:00:36 End Credits --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/growingupskywalker/message

Hold onto your tear ducts, friends, because we have a one-two punch of emotional walloping for you.  “The Clone Conspiracy” and “Truth and Consequences” (The Bad Batch Season 2, Episodes 7–8) are a glorious callback to everything Clone Wars. We spend both episodes on Coruscant (including in Trace and Rafa Martez’s garage), hang out with Senator Chuchi and disgraced Senator Burtoni, see bureaucrats fighting over how to fund (and defund) their war machines, and hang onto the edge of our seats as noble politicians fight to expose galactic corruption. And, in true Clone Wars fashion, we see them thwarted just when victory is within grasp. In our recap, we talk all about the many historical callbacks in these episodes, passing the Bechdel test, where we go from here, and Echo’s amazing trajectory from Domino Squad to rebel-rouser.  To skip to your favorite segments, check out the timestamps below. Join us next week to recap “The Crossing” and “Retrieval” (Season 2, Episodes 9–10). Timestamps: 00:00:00 Plot Overview 00:15:07 “Clone Conspiracy” Discussion 00:30:45 “Truth and Consequences” Discussion 00:45:56 Easter Eggs + Politics 00:53:14 Where Do We Go From Here? 00:56:57 Bae Watch 1:05:06 End Credits --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/growingupskywalker/message

There’s nothing in common between “Entombed” and “Tribe” (The Bad Batch S2, Episodes 5–6) except for the adults being great role models, and that’s okay. “Entombed” charts us a path through an Indiana Jones homage, complete with puzzle rooms, treasure maps, and unethical archaeology, plus some DEEP Star Wars lore. We get to spend time with pirate queen Phee, and see Omega become the #1 best treasure hunter student ever. “Tribe” brings us to Kashyyyk (!!) to reunite with one of our absolute favorite Padawans (!!!!). We talk about eco warriors, the natural resource curse, cultural assimilation, and how drop-dead gorgeous Kashyyyk is. Also, Ferngully. Also, why Bad Batch is the sweetest Star Wars show (yet). To skip to your favorite segments, check out the timestamps below. And join us next week to watch “The Clone Conspiracy” and “Truth and Consequences.” Timestamps: 00:00 Plot Overview 14:37 “Entombed” Discussion 28:30 “Tribe” Discussion 40:28 Are The Kids Gonna Be All Right? 47:16 Bae Watch 55:51 End Credits --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/growingupskywalker/message

“The Solitary Clone” and “Faster” (The Bad Batch S2, Ep. 3–4) are such beautiful love letters to the prequel era that we forgot we weren’t watching The Clone Wars for a second.  In our recap, we talk about the many blasts from the past we get in these episodes: podracing (!!!!), callbacks to the Funding the War Arc with Mina Bonteri, hanging out with Commander Cody, more emotional trauma in front of the clone trooper memorial on Coruscant, and allllll the Separatist battle tech. On the less fun side, we also get a callback to the unfortunate prequel-era habit of killing off Star Wars’ coolest and most powerful women (more on that during Bae Watch). To skip to your favorite segments, check out the timestamps below. And join us next week to recap “Entombed” and “Tribe” (Bad Batch Season 2, Episodes 4–5).  00:00:00 Plot Overview 00:13:53 “The Solitary Clone” Discussion 00:22:17  Calling Back to “Heroes on Both Sides” 00:26:25 How Strong Is The Empire Anyway? 00:31:07 The Bad Batch As a Samurai Story  00:38:35 “Faster” Discussion 00:50:36 Bae Watch 01:00:54 End Credits --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/growingupskywalker/message

The Batch is back, back again! In the SEASON 2 PREMIERE (!!!) we talk about war, peace, love, death, capitalism, exploitation, and Count Dooku’s tragic backstory. Also, everybody’s sweet new character designs. “Spoils of War” and “Ruins of War” smash-open Season 2 of The Bad Batch with business as usual. Except…business is about to get unusual. In a few months, Cid predicts that the Empire will be knocking down her door on Ord Mantell, and the Bad Batch’s vagrant lifestyle will be over….unless they loot Count Dooku’s palace on Serenno and use his former war chest to start a new life.  But just like the light shifts through a kaleidoscope, jobs for the Bad Batch rarely go as planned. And these two episodes give us some deep looks into how far the Batch has come, and where they might be headed in the future. Join us next week to recap “The Solitary Clone” and “Faster” (Season 2, Episodes 3–4). And check out episode timestamps below! 00:00 Plot Overview 13:57 Season 2 Themes Discussion 27:29 Piracy/Exploitation/Capitalism  34:53 Dooku’s Exploitation of Serenno 40:41 The Whitewashing  47:01 Easter Eggs 51:51 Bae Watch 56:20 End Credits --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/growingupskywalker/message

It’s finale time! The final episode of Bad Batch Season 1 sees the Batch literally (or, well, at least figuratively) reborn in fire and blood, shot straight out of the test tubes that grew them back into the world for a second chance at life. We talk about the finale, “Kamino Lost,” and also discuss Season 1’s themes: purpose, togetherness, liberty vs. order, fascism, and whether or not you understand that your life is what you make it. Yes, these are all themes in a kid’s show, and yes, they are all beautifully wrought. We crown Baes for the episode and overall Baes for Season 1. And we laugh a LOT. Next week, join us for the first two episodes of the newly-dropped Bad Batch Season 2 (!!!)—”Spoils of War” and “Ruins of War” (Season 2, Episodes 1–2). And check out timestamps for each chapter of the episode below! Timestamps: 00:00 Plot Overview 08:28 Episode Discussion 22:34 Season 1 Wrap-Up Discussion 37:09 The Second Birth of the Bad Batch 41:51 Easter Eggs 48:14 Bae Watch 58:47 End Credits --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/growingupskywalker/message

The first two episodes of the Bad Batch Season 1 finale (“War-Mantle” and “Return to Kamino,” Episodes 14–15) are just as thrilling as you might expect. What you might not expect is to be a little heartbroken by their revelations. These episodes pit Hunter and Crosshair together like two magnetic poles, each fighting for the direction the Bad Batch will go. We see a new kind of Imperial army forming—this one filled with voluntary recruits. We also say hello to an old friend…and goodbye to an old haunt. Join us next week for the thrilling conclusion to Season 1: “Kamino Lost” (Episode 16). And then it’s onwards and upwards to Bad Batch Season 2! --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/growingupskywalker/message

We said “Reunion” was the best episode of S1 of The Bad Batch. Then we said it about “Devil’s Deal.” And now we’re saying it again about “Rescue on Ryloth” (S1, Episode 12) because holy shiznibblets!! This week, we’re recapping “Rescue on Ryloth” and “Infested,” which is pretty unfair to “Infested,” tbh. (But it does have some thoughts on trust fund babies, which are always appreciated.) We follow Hera Syndulla as she and the Bad Batch lie, cheat, steal, and explode their way into the prison where her parents are being held for false accusations of trying to assassinate Orn Free Taa (relatable). And then we follow Cid and the gang as they reclaim her office/bar, which has been taken over by a minor crime-lord-in-training. These episodes were not created equal, but we sure laughed a lot talking about them (and cried a lot watching one of them), and Nepotism Baby Roland Durand will always hold a place in our hearts, if only for having a really dumb name. Join us next week as we discuss the PENULTIMATE! two episodes of Season 1: “War-Mantle” and “Return to Kamino” (The Bad Batch Season 1, Episodes 14–15). --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/growingupskywalker/message

The Bad Batch becomes the Syndulla Show in mid-to-late S1 and that is fantastic and we are fangirling so hard. “Common Ground” and “Devil’s Deal” (The Bd Batch Season 1, Episodes 10–11) are mirror images of each other, each giving us a front row seat to the Empire taking over the galaxy. But coups, curfews, military occupation, civilian disarmament, and forcible manipulation of political figures all take a backseat to the real stars of the show: Cham, Eleni, and Hera Syndulla (!!!). Also, Chopper. Also, Omega. Also, Cid. Also, everyone in this show is the best and we love them so. freaking. much. Join us next week for more Syndulla stanning as we recap “Rescue on Ryloth” and “Infested” (The Bad Batch Season 1, Episodes 12–13). After that, there are only two more podcast episodes before we hit Season 2! --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/growingupskywalker/message

This week, we're excited to bring you a Crossover Connection special. Instead of us, this week you can listen to the phenomenal FSF Popcast interview of Anna Graves (aka Duchess Satine from The Clone Wars). We are obsessed with Anna Graves and we are obsessed with the FSF Popcast: your one-stop shop for all things nerdy (and never dirty). Notes from The FSF Popcast: Episode 31 - The Duchess of Mangalore ft. Anna Graves If you're a fan of Star Wars Clone Wars, then you are familiar with Anna Graves. Anna voiced Duchess Satine Kryze amongst other characters in the series as well. But with as talented as Anna Graves is, Star Wars Clone Wars is not the only universe she has lent her voice to. She has portrayed characters in the Metro Video Game Series, Star Wars Rebels, Voltron, Jumanji Video Games, and so many others!  Enjoy the show! To find out more about Anna Graves - please visit the following Instagram - @gravypic Twitter - @gravyvoice Her website - www.annagraves.com For RSWOF Merch - https://www.teepublic.com/t-shirt/31938193-rswof?store_id=1397534 100% of all proceeds Benefit Wish Upon a Teen For direct contributions - www.wishuponateen.org Join the FSF Popcast Discord! https://discord.gg/cpry4fCDTq FSF PopCast on Twitter and Instagram - @fsfpopcast Buy us Coffee - https://ko-fi.com/fsfpopcast For more on our show partners - Big Boy Graphics - www.etsy.com/shop/bigboygraphics Bridgework Studios  - https://www.teepublic.com/user/bridgework-studios Level Up Sabers - https://shareasale.com/r.cfm?b=2018189&u=3289465&m=124959&urllink=&afftrack= --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/growingupskywalker/message

Once you hit the middle of Season 1 of The Bad Batch (“Reunion” and “Bounty Lost,” episodes 8–9) the hits start coming and they don’t stop coming. We get revelations about Omega’s origins, a terrible run-in with a former friend, and a knock-down, drag-out fight between two legendary bounty hunters. The stakes are high, but we laughed a LOT and loved these episodes for their drama, their cinematic mastery, and deft callbacks to about a million Clone Wars references. Join us next week to recap “Common Ground” and “Devil’s Deal” (The Bad Batch Season 1, Episodes 10–11). After that, there are only three more podcast episodes before we hit Season 2! PS: This episode celebrates Star Wars Podcast Day, the annual Feb. 7 celebration of the date the first-ever Star Wars podcast premiered in 1999. Check out #SWPD2023 for more! --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/growingupskywalker/message

The Bad Batch is officially a show about parenting and we’re okay with that. In “Decommissioned” and “Battle Scars” (The Bad Batch Season 1, Episodes 6–7) we get the good, the bad, and the unintentional, as far as parenting goes. Good: Hunter rescuing Omega from a lava-fired slag pit in a droid decommissioning factory. Bad: Wrecker’s inhibitor chip finally snapping him into an Order 66-fueled fugue state. Unintentional: RAFA MARTEZ showing up having become a much better influence on her lil sister, Trace…all thanks to Ahsoka being herself in Season 7 of The Clone Wars. We also talk about bow and arrow safety, what Rex is up to, and the increasingly narrow line between droids and clones. Join us next week to recap “Reunion” and “Bounty Lost”  (The Bad Batch Season 1, Episodes 8–9). --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/growingupskywalker/message

We cackled our way through a recap of “Cornered” and “Rampage” (The Bad Batch S1, Ep. 4–5) because the Bad Batch is FUN, y’all. This week, we talk about the new reality the Bad Batch faces: no snacks, no gas, no summer job. And also, their ship is on a watchlist and there’s a smoky-eyed bounty hunter after Omega. The Bad Batch has to play hot potato with their young protege across the entire city of Pantora (!!) and also take a job from the sassiest Trandoshan who ever sassed. We talk about the Bad Batchers’ parenting styles, Clone Wars references of yore (Zygerrians, anyone?) and space doggos. It is truly and deeply delightful. Join us next week to recap “Decommissioned” and “Battle Scars” (The Bad Batch Season 1, Episodes 6–7). --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/growingupskywalker/message

Good soldiers follow orders, but we’re just following the Bad Batch (with heart eyes) as we continue our Season 1 recap! “Cut and Run” and “Replacements” (The Bad Batch S1, Ep. 2–3) continue to illuminate a changing galaxy. The Empire is rolling out chain codes to register and track citizens, sending elite forces to wipe out insurrectionists, and scheming to make the former Republic’s clone troopers obsolete. At the same time, the Bad Batch is skittering from one hidey-hole to the next, never able to stand still. The tension is tight, but we still get some absolutely delightful moments: Omega seeing sunlight and dirt for the first time, reuniting with Cut Lawquane and Suu, moon dragons, piggy-back rides from Uncle Wrecker, and a plot that revolves around getting a family onto a bus out of town. This show has us in tears in all the best ways. Next week, join us in recapping “Cornered” and “Rampage” (The Bad Batch Season 1, Episodes 4–5). --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/growingupskywalker/message

And we’re back! We return from our holiday hiatus with a brand new phase for the podcast, a brand-new series, and a brand-new galaxy for our heroes to survive. The 70-minute pilot episode of The Bad Batch, “Aftermath,” smash-opens with another view of Order 66 (like we needed to suffer this pain again). Then we follow the Bad Batch as they navigate a changing galaxy — one that isn’t exactly giving them cakes and wishing them a fine day. We meet Omega, a tiny girl with a mighty Australian accent, and reencounter some old favorites (including SAW GERRERA!). There is a food fight, a delightful battle simulation, and a betrayal of the highest order. Also, so many hand signals. This is basically the Clone Wars Season 8 and we are here for it. Next week, join us in recapping “Cut and Run” and “Replacements” (The Bad Batch Season 1, Episodes 2–3). PS: A huge thank you to Nick Stockbridge of Funny Science Fiction Popcast for our fantastic new show intro! --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/growingupskywalker/message