Talking Star Wars

In this episode, the hosts explore the themes and plot of the most recently-released Star Wars miniseries - Tales of the Empire, focusing on the lives of both Morgan Elsbeth and Barriss Offee and how their destinies are affected by the rise (and eventual fall) of the Galactic Empire. In particular, this episode dives into the shared themes between the two plot lines, the way supporting characters provide rich worldbuilding, and fut...

This episode returns to previous explorations of various force traditions to explore the concept, popular in the Star Wars community, of the ‘Gray Jedi.’ Looking through the lens of canon characters who profess various degrees of neutrality or differences of opinion with the Jedi Order, the hosts examine what being neutral towards The Force in the Star Wars universe truly means. Is it possible to dabble in the Dark Side without cor...

In this episode, Connor and Alex resume their survey and discussion of each work in the current Star Wars canon by going over the next group of novels in release order. This episode discusses the works released in the leadup to Solo: A Star Wars Story, the first book of the Queen’s Shadow Trilogy, and the second two books of the Thrawn trilogy. These works consist of: Last Shot, Most Wanted, Mighty Chewbacca in the Forest of Fear!,...

In this episode, Alex and Connor explore the factors that led to both the downfall of the Jedi Order at the hands of Emperor Palpatine and the destruction of Luke’s Jedi Order after his attempt to directly resurrect their practices and beliefs. This episode traces the increasingly strict dogma of the Jedi Order from the first attacks of the Nihil in the High Republic Period, which sets the precedent for the Jedi becoming Generals o...

In this episode, the hosts provide an overview of The High Republic, with a particular focus on the characters and factions introduced in Phase 1: the Supreme Chancellor Lina Soh and her Great Works; the growing threat of the Nihil marauders; the establishment of the Republic Defense Force; and a huge array of Jedi Knights, Masters, and Padawans with the Order itself at the zenith of its power. The episode also touches on the portr...

In this episode, Connor and Alex conclude their first miniseries exploring varoius ‘What If?’ scenarios in The Skywalker Saga by taking a pass at Episodes VII, VIII, and IX. For each of the sequel trilogy films, each host picks one key change to make, and together they discuss the effects this alteration would have on the Star Wars galaxy. If you’ve ever wondered what would happen if Finn was also openly Force Sensitive, if Rey joi...

In this episode, Connor and Alex continue their miniseries on ‘What If?’ scenarios throughout the Star Wars universe, with a specific focus on the prequel films. For each of the prequel trilogy films, the hosts pick one key change to make, and discuss the effects this shift would have on the story as a whole. If you’d like to hear an exploration of a possible universe where Anakin never becomes a Jedi, or a galaxy where Obi-Wan and...

In this episode, Connor and Alex begin a new miniseries where they discuss ‘What If?’ scenarios through a Star Wars lens. For each of the original trilogy films, the hosts pick one key difference or inflection point to change, and discuss the ramifications and implications of these changes, such as: What If Luke lost to Vader on Cloud City?, or What If Leia also studied with Yoda? Please join us for potential changes to A New Hope,...

As a follow up to earlier episodes 4, 5, and 6 exploring various Force traditions in the Star Wars universe, the hosts take this episode to discuss the figure of the Dark Jedi - a former Jedi who has fallen to the Dark Side, but who has not become a Sith or entirely abandoned their original teachings. From the principled-but-murderous Baylan Skoll, to the sneering and brutal Pong Krell, to the desperate and fanatical Barriss Offee,...

Welcome to Season 2 of Talking Star Wars! Our first Star Wars-focused episode of 2024 dives right into another character spotlight by focusing on the backstory, deeds, and personality of none other than Grand Admiral Thrawn. The original brandchild of Timothy Zahn in Legends, who has also had great influence on his current-canon incarnation, Thrawn stalks the high orbits of our hero’s planets with organ music at his back and compet...

This episode continues Alex and Connor’s review of the expanded universe content set in the world of Avatar: The Last Airbender and The Legend of Korra. After reviewing the initial arc of six graphic novels that continued the story of the original Team Avatar, the hosts explore the shorter, character-focused, standalone comics that expand on specific characters centered around Avatar: The Last Avatar before diving into the two prim...

This episode begins Connor and Alex’s review of the expanded universe content set in the Avatar universe that continues and expands on the stories of both Team Avatar and the world at large. In this first episode, the hosts review the primary six graphic novels that continue the story of Aang, Katara, Sokka, Toph, Zuko, Suki, and others - from The Promise that is set immediately following season 3, to Imbalance that takes place mor...

In this episode, Connor and Alex delve into the nature of the eponymous Avatar that gives the setting of Avatar: The Last Airbender and The Legend of Korra their names and primary characters.The hosts explore the figure of the Avatar both through the lens of an in-universe figure of awe, power, mystery, and hope as well as from a storytelling perspective and what having an Avatar present in the setting does to focus the narratives ...

This episode dives into the more mystical side of the Avatar universe by examining spirits and the spirit world. Connor and Alex explore both the spirit world itself, including the ways that humans are able to journey spiritually and physically to and from this separate land, as well as surveying the unique denizens of that strange and emotionally-reactive land. From the terrifying lair of Koh the Face-Stealer to the sacred and dan...

This episode explores the various political systems in place in the Avatar universe, from the tribal relationship of the Water Tribes, to the feudal monarchies and lordships of the Earth Kingdom, to the absolute monarchy of the Fire Lord. The hosts also explore how the political landscape changes between the time of Aang and Korra’s day, including the eventual rise of the first democracy (and the mixed feelings about the first Pres...

In this episode, Connor and Alex continue their ongoing miniseries about Avatar: The Last Airbender to discuss the role of technology in the Avatar universe.The hosts review how the world has largely organized society and what technology exists around bending and manipulation of the elements until the Hundred Years War, which involves a rapid industrial revolution that spreads to the entire world.The episode explores the role of te...

In this episode, the hosts review the primary protagonists of Avatar: The Last Airbender and The Legend of Korra (Aang, Korra, and Zuko as a bonus deuteragonist) through the lens of The Hero’s Journey as popularized and codified by Joseph Campbell’s seminal work. Here, we see the patterns of the mythic hero play out in the lives of both Avatars, from the call to adventure, to the ordeal they must overcome, to the change they bring ...

This episode explores a specific variance in the way that parental figures are portrayed in the Avatar world: one where this is a complex and distant father with a fraught relationship with his children; and where the mother is dead or otherwise entirely absent from the story, and characterized more by her absence than her ongoing agency. The hosts explore why this trope might exist, the ways in which parental roles evolve between ...

This episode spotlights one of the most wholesome characters in popular fiction: Uncle Iroh, the Dragon of the West, and surrogate father figure to Prince Zuko. Known for his wisdom, his hidden depths, and his love of tea, Iroh also serves as an example of redemption and forgiveness for the entire cast. The hosts trace the trajectory of Iroh’s life, from his time as a ruthless General, to his secret life as Grand Lotus of the Order...