Aggressive Negotiations: A Star Wars Podcast

Give Clone Peace a Chance.The conflict that is the pivot point for all of the Star Wars is the Clone War, the culminating battle between Good and Evil with heroes determined by a point of view. It is the point around which an entire galaxy spirals into chaos, and a battle that continues all the way into The Force Awakens.In this episode of Aggressive Negotiations, Jedi Masters John Mills and Matthew Rushing examine this crucial moment in Star Wars to see how they might have avoided it, how it could have ended previously and the aftershocks that continue through the Disney-era sequel era.HostsJohn Mills and Matthew RushingSend us your feedback!Twitter: @TheJediMasters   Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheNerdParty/ Email: an@thenerdparty.comSupport Aggressive Negotiations, and the Nerd Party network, by trying Lootcrate at: www.lootcrate.com/nerdparty Subscribe in iTunes! 

Issue 22: 8-Bit JediJohn and Matt revisit their pixelated polygon dreams in this issue, discussing the history and the present of Star Wars video games with an eye toward what could work for the future of the franchise. Learn a little bit more about your hosts when they discuss what tickles their midichlorians and what games appeal to them most!In this episode of *Aggressive Negotiations*, Jedi Masters Matthew Rushing and John Mills reminisce about their favorite Star Wars video games and share special stories about how they handled both success and failure.HostsJohn Mills and Matthew RushingSend us your feedback!Twitter: @TheJediMasters   Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheNerdParty/ Email: an@thenerdparty.comSupport Aggressive Negotiations, and the Nerd Party network, by trying Lootcrate at: www.lootcrate.com/nerdparty Subscribe in iTunes!

Issue 021: Directing RevengeContinuing their series examining the direction of the Prequel Trilogy, John and Matt ask each other who, if not George Lucas, would have been well-suited to directing Revenge of the Sith? What could a different director have brought, and how would it have shaped the story on the final chapter of George Lucas’ vision for the Skywalker Saga?In this episode of Aggressive Negotiations, Jedi Masters John Mills and Matthew Rushing offer a look at alternatives that were open to Lucas, fantasy picks that are a bit outside the wheelhouse, and surprise each other with names the other wishes they’d considered.HostsJohn Mills and Matthew RushingSend us your feedback!Twitter: @TheJediMasters   Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheNerdParty/ Email: an@thenerdparty.comSupport Aggressive Negotiations, and the Nerd Party network, by trying Lootcrate at: www.lootcrate.com/nerdparty Subscribe in iTunes!  

The many places of the Star Wars galaxy.The rich tapestry of Star Wars has always been woven between fantastical places and planets. So project yourself into that place, and ask yourself if there’s somewhere you’d like to live. What jumps to mind, and how do you see yourself there?In this episode of Aggressive Negotiations, Jedi Masters Matthew Rushing and John Mills review the travel catalogue of the Star Wars film universe to root out the places they’d like to live, the places they’d like to visit, and the places that would serve as their own personal Hell.So where would you like to live in Star Wars?HostsJohn Mills and Matthew RushingSend us your feedback!Twitter: @TheJediMasters   Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheNerdParty/ Email: an@thenerdparty.comSubscribe in iTunes! 

The Attack of the Clones soundtrack.As the prequel trilogy entered its second chapter, John Williams continued to build his sonic oeuvre from a galaxy far, far away. While The Phantom Menace told a tale of wonder, discovery, and heroism, Attack of the Clones was to be a tale of intrigue, mystery, and fateful love. In this episode of Aggressive Negotiations, Jedi Masters John Mills and Matthew Rushing review the soundtrack’s successes, its missteps and its home-release format to see how Williams’ score measured up, and whether he found the right symphonic voice to match Lucas’ increasingly computer-generated visuals.What is your opinion of the score for this much-maligned Star Wars film?HostsJohn Mills and Matthew RushingSend us your feedback!Twitter: @TheJediMasters   Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheNerdParty/ Email: an@thenerdparty.comSubscribe in iTunes!    

The Case for Revenge of the SithThe prequel trilogy encountered a far chillier reception than the original Star Wars trilogy, or even The Force Awakens. However, there were fans who not only enjoyed the prequels, they’ve dared to find things to love about them. They’ve even chosen one of them as their favorite of the saga.In this episode of Aggressive Negotiations, Jedi Master Matthew Rushing asks Jedi Master John Mills to explain and defend his choice of Episode III as the most complete and satisfying Star Wars film of all time.You know his choice for best Star Wars film. What’s yours? HostsJohn Mills and Matthew RushingSend us your feedback!Twitter: @TheJediMasters   Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheNerdParty/ Email: an@thenerdparty.comSubscribe in iTunes!

Characters on Every Side.The Star Wars galaxy has always been a wonderful example of an expanded story universe. Colorful characters in each frame constructed a fantastic depth to root the stories within a cinematic reality that  compelled you to imagine limitless stories with amazing action.In this episode of Aggressive Negotiations, Jedi Masters Matthew Rushing and John Mills explore their favorite side characters. They compare notes on what makes a successful side character for them, which ones resonated most and where they agree  (or disagree?).They’ve shared with you their favorite side characters. Which are yours? HostsJohn Mills and Matthew RushingSend us your feedback!Twitter: @TheJediMasters   Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheNerdParty/ Email: an@thenerdparty.comSubscribe in iTunes! 

Defending Your Star Wars.Two years before The Phantom Menace tore apart friendships, George Lucas tested the world with the Star Wars Special Editions. An opportunity to restore a deteriorating print became a project where Lucas made changes both small and large. What were the pressure points that caused the more extreme reactions, and were there choices that could have been made differently that would have made January 1997 a less tumultuous time of change for fans?In this episode of Aggressive Negotiations, Jedi Master Matthew Rushing is put on the stand by Jedi Master John Mills to defend the love of the Special Edition of A New Hope, and argue for why other Star Wars fans should as well. HostsJohn Mills and Matthew RushingSend us your feedback!Twitter: @TheJediMasters   Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheNerdParty/ Email: an@thenerdparty.comSubscribe in iTunes! 

The direction of the prequel films became a contentious point among Star Wars fans as The Phantom Menace hit theatres in 1999. This debate became more pointed when George Lucas stayed in the director's chair for Attack of the Clones, as many fans voiced the opinion he should have handedthe reigns to someone else. So what if Lucas, the victim of stinging criticisms, had decided to do just that?In this episode of Aggressive Negotiations, Jedi Masters John Mills and Matthew Rushing offer a look at alternatives Lucas could have chosen if he'd sat back to focus on producing, instead of directing, the second entry in the prequel trilogy. They offer their dream choices, debate their more-realistic picks, and pitch their dark horse candidates for who Lucas would've been able to trust with his tale of galactic intrigue and romance.HostsJohn Mills and Matthew RushingSend us your feedback!Twitter: @TheJediMastersFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/aggressivenegotiations/Email: an@thenerdparty.comSubscribe in iTunes 

The voice of the Star Wars films has always been more than dialogue. John Williams’ inescapable score set the emotional tone and resonance which transcended the words and direction, transporting modern audiences back to the feeling of the Silent Era when music was the only soundtrack provided. His work indelibly marked film culture in a way that grounded future works of fantasy. In this episode of Aggressive Negotiations, Jedi Masters Matthew Rushing and John Mills look at the fourth work of Williams’ Star Wars  oeuvre, accompanying the retroactively-first film in story order, The Phantom Menace. They discuss its impact and reception at the time, the ties it had to the scores which came before and how it set the expectation for what was to come.HostsJohn Mills and Matthew RushingSend us your feedback!Twitter: @TheJediMasters   Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheNerdParty/ Email: an@thenerdparty.comSubscribe in iTunes!

Bonus 001: The Commentary AwakensHappy May the 4th! Celebrated across fandom as “Star Wars Day,” we’re sharing an exclusive commentary to pair with “The Force Awakens.” It’s our way of saying “thank you” for your listenership and support.Joined by Jedi Council members from across the galaxy, or at least the globe, get what Lucasfilm failed to give you on the home release of Episode VII - an insightful, informed commentary track from fandom’s many points of view.In this episode of Aggressive Negotiations, Jedi Masters Matthew Rushing & John Mills are joined by Tristan Riddell (Nerd Nuptial), and Lee Hutchison & Matt Hansen (The Senate Floor) to accompany your journey from the wastes of Jakku to the chilly innards of Starkiller Base. Learn about music cues, director influences, design decisions and points of contention with the deep perspective that you’ve come to expect from The Nerd Party. HostsJohn Mills and Matthew RushingGuestsTristan RiddellLee Hutchinson Matt HansonSend us your feedback!Twitter: @TheJediMasters   Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheNerdParty/ Email: an@thenerdparty.comSubscribe in iTunes! 

The Force Awakens.Our most contentious negotiations occur this week, as our examination of The Force Awakens Blu-Ray/DVD/Digital Download continues, as we move from discussing the special features on the latest Star Wars home release to the film itself. We assess how home viewing alters estimation of the film, new reads on the material, and what flaws are highlighted and strengths magnified. Are there story choices that could have been made that would have benefited the film, or are the Jedi Masters seeking something that cannot be found?In this episode of Aggressive Negotiations, Jedi Masters John Mills and Matthew Rushing journey back to Jakku from the comfort of their living rooms to discover what The Force Awakens means to them now, as the fervor from its theatrical release has died down. Find out where the film ranks in order of preference, what they see happening with public perception in the future, and what the impact of future releases will be.HostsJohn Mills and Matthew RushingSend us your feedback!Twitter: @TheJediMasters   Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheNerdParty/ Email: an@thenerdparty.comSubscribe in iTunes! 

The Extras Awaken.April 4, 2016 will be a day long remembered…at least for a while. It saw the release of the second most successful film in history in box office terms, *Star Wars: Episode VII: The Force Awakens*. Fans are now able to feel the rumblings of the dark side, the heat of Jakku’s sand dunes and the thrill of a Rathtar attack while on the comfort of their own couches.In this episode of Aggressive Negotiations, Jedi Masters Matthew Rushing and John Mills look at the extras that came with the most anticipated home video release of the year. They break down what they enjoyed, what they thought of the film’s transfer, what they could have done better, and how the set compares to previous Lucasfilm home releases in the digital age.HostsJohn Mills and Matthew RushingSend us your feedback!Twitter: @TheJediMasters   Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheNerdParty/ Email: an@thenerdparty.comSubscribe in iTunes!     

So Civilized.“The weapon of a Jedi Knight. Not as clumsy or random as a blaster. An elegant weapon, from a more…civilized age.” In 1977, the character of Obi-Wan Kenobi introduced the world to the lightsaber with those words. As the energy blade emitted from that gleaming metal hilt, it captured the imaginations of children and adults without exception.In this episode of Aggressive Negotiations, Jedi Masters John Mills and Matthew Rushing examine the symbolism, schematics, and style of one of the most iconic weapons in film history! Through decades of films, books, and television shows, the lightsaber has seen its meaning and expression changed to reflect the look and feel of each era. They share the hits, the misses, and what the most meaningful blades of the saga are to them.HostsJohn Mills and Matthew RushingSend us your feedback!Twitter: @TheJediMasters Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheNerdParty/ Email: an@thenerdparty.comSubscribe in iTunes!

The Expanded Universe.The Star Wars Expanded Universe has been a source of great joy, angst and debate for fans since the 1990s. While the comics of the 1980s and the West End Games source materials could coexist without conflict, the later EU found itself the source of continuity errors, conflicting writer interpretations, a perpetual second act, and vociferous arguments about how authoritative it really was.In this episode of Aggressive Negotiations, Jedi Masters Matthew Rushing and John Mills open their holocrons to take a larger view of the Star Wars Galaxy, delving deep into the lost Legends lore to talk about favorite characters, cartoon series, RPGs and video games, and the so much more. As an added bonus, Matthew and John provide their authoritative Top Ten lists of must-read EU titles!HostsJohn Mills and Matthew RushingSend us your feedback!Twitter: @TheJediMasters Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheNerdParty/ Email: an@thenerdparty.comSubscribe in iTunes!