Best Sam Nilsson Podcasts (2025)

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The Mandalorian, Chapter 14: “The Tragedy” 1:03:04

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1d ago1:03:04

1:03:04

The tragedies of “The Tragedy” (The Mandalorian Chapter 14) are as follows: The Child is stolen. The Razor Crest is disintegrated. Boba Fett only gets to shatter the helmets of, like, 15 Stormtroopers, when we could watch it all day. This week, we’re covering themes of honor, promises, life debts, and what we owe each other. We also talk about cool…

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The Mandalorian, Chapter 13: “The Jedi” 1:09:15

8d ago1:09:15

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The Mandalorian’s thirteenth chapter, “The Jedi,” picks up Morgan Elsbeth’s story right where it left off in Tales of the Empire. Ahsoka’s tale, though, is another story. This week, we rehash the wibbly-wobbly timey-wimey stuff of Ahsoka’s journey, and discover just how alone she’s been since The Clone Wars. We sing Rosario Dawson’s praises, develo…

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Tales of the Empire: Morgan’s Tale 1:06:59

17d ago1:06:59

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In “Tales of the Empire: Morgan’s Tale,” we wind through the paths of fear, anger, and finally hatred to tell a tale of witches, genocide, ambition, and revenge. But we definitely haven’t reached the end of the path yet, because Moran Elsbeth’s great destiny is still definitely a mystery??? We thread our discussion of “The Path of Fear,” “The Path …

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The Mandalorian, Chapter 12: “The Siege” 1:09:30

22d ago1:09:30

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Is it a siege, or more of an infiltration? Regardless, The Mandalorian’s Chapter 12, “The Siege,” brings us back to Nevarro—and a plotline we thought we’d seen the end of. This week, we’re diving back into Project Necromancer and all of its implications. We talk through the twin difficulties of transferring both consciousness and Force affinity, qu…

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The Mandalorian, Chapter 11: “The Heiress” 1:07:52

29d ago1:07:52

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We met the Marshall, we escorted the Passenger, and now we’re encountering…the Heiress. (It’s Bo-Katan, baybee!) In this week’s episode, we tell the entire bloody tale of Mandalorian history: Tracing the Darksaber’s path through Mandalorian society, tracing Bo-Katan’s journey from radical to royal, and asking how Din Djarin ended up in a religious …

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The Mandalorian, Chapter 10: “The Passenger” 1:00:32

1M ago1:00:32

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Anna’s been dreading having to recap this episode for 4 ½ years. But it turns out it actually has some lovely themes of parenthood and what we’ll do for love?? In our recap of “The Passenger” (The Mandalorian, Chapter 10) we watch as Mando walks ten thousand miles in the desert heat and wades through at least one million ice spiders—and has to lear…

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The Mandalorian Season 2 Premiere: "The Marshal" 1:14:22

1M ago1:14:22

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With twists, turns, and one of the largest monsters ever seen in Star Wars, The Mandalorian’s second season starts with a cannonball. In our recap of Chapter 9, “The Marshal,” we gather a basket full of Easter eggs—and identify how they serve the plot, not just the vibes, of this dragon versus cowboys mashup. We weigh the influence of both Camelot-…

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Tales of the Underworld: Asajj’s Tale 1:06:11

2M ago1:06:11

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If you could live, but only without your heart’s desire, would you still choose life? Asajj does in “Tales of the Underworld,” and the shroud of her love affair with Quinlan Vos from Dark Disciple (2015) hangs heavy over her tale. But it’s also full of surprising tenderness, self-determination, and a willingness to start new. More than any of the T…

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Tales of the Underworld: Cad’s Tale 1:07:49

2M ago1:07:49

1:07:49

Cad Bane is bound to a life of blood and money. (And blood money.) Will it be his only legacy? Deeply out of chronological order, we’re venturing five or six decades before the Battle of Yavin to watch Cad Bane grow up in “Tale of the Underworld.” We examine how, and why, Star Wars chose to tell a police drama, a spaghetti Western, and a Mafia crim…

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Andor Season 2 Finale: “Jedha, Kyber, Erso” 1:12:29

3M ago1:12:29

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It’s the end of an era. And so many lives. This week, we trace the ways that Andor knits itself together into the wider tapestry of Star Wars, specifically by tying itself to Rogue One. We question whether the Rebels’ sacrifices are cheapened by Luke Skywalker’s heroism in Episode IV, define heroism through two key characters—Bix and Nemik—and inve…

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Andor: “Who Else Knows?” (Season 2, Episode 11) 1:14:13

3M ago1:14:13

1:14:13

We feel pretty confident that most sane Andor viewers skipped right from “Who Else Knows?” (S2, E11) into the finale. Turns out, there’s still a LOT to discuss in the penultimate episode of Andor ever. We spent significant time this week digging into ISB hierarchies, and how the rise and fall of ambitious Imperials has hollowed out the Empire’s ins…

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Andor: “Make It Stop” (Season 2, Episode 10) 1:10:22

3M ago1:10:22

1:10:22

And the death count grows. This week, in “Make It Stop” (Andor S2 E10), everyone is either leveling up, going rogue—or shuffling off this mortal coil. As we get booted another year forward in time, we talk through Lonni’s growth into a true spymaster and Dedra’s grief curdling even deeper into fanaticism. Then, looking deeper into the past, we exam…

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Andor: “Welcome to the Rebellion” (Season 2, Episode 9) 1:07:01

3M ago1:07:01

1:07:01

Two ferocious monologues close the penultimate chapter of Andor, “Welcome to the Rebellion” (Andor S2 E9). To do a proper recap of this week’s episode, we also rewatched Rebel’s “Secret Cargo” (S3 E18), showing the conclusion to Mon’s journey to unite the Rebellion. We talk through Senate corruption, Luthen’s role—or lack thereof—in the Rebellion p…

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Andor: “Who Are You?” (Season 2, Episode 8) 1:09:24

3M ago1:09:24

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Our hearts are heavy this week as we compare the Empire’s actions on Ghorman to real-world parallels. This week, as we recap Andor’s “Who Are You?” (S2, E8), we draw connections to the Gleiwitz incident that kicked off WWII, student massacres in Tiananmen Square, and sniper deaths in Syria—plus the Los Angeles protests and Minnesota political assas…

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Andor: “Messenger” (Season 2, Episode 7) 1:06:58

4M ago1:06:58

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The girls are fighting!! And by the girls, we mean the Rebellion and Luthen (probably). In Andor’s “Messenger” (S2, E7) we parse the schism between the Rebellion proper and…whatever Luthen is up to. Relationships are at the core of this episode, and we dig into Bix and Cassian’s healthy, established love; Dedra and Syril’s anemic but weirdly passio…

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Andor: “What A Festive Evening” (Season 2, Episode 6) 1:11:20

4M ago1:11:20

1:11:20

It was the best of times, it was the bloodiest of times. And for some, it was a very festive evening. In our recap of “What A Festive Evening” (S2, E6), we dive into relationships in the Rebellion. Should our Rebels be giving them up for the cause, or clinging to what makes them feel human? We dive deep into engineering ethics and why Dr. Gorst def…

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Andor: “I Have Friends Everywhere” (Season 2, Episode 5) 1:10:41

4M ago1:10:41

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Wake up babe, new Saw Gerrera backstory just dropped. This week, we’re asking what makes a Rebel cell the “real deal.” Is it Saw Gerrera’s Cave Angels, who have all the fire—but lack direction? Is it the Ghorman Front, who want the Empire gone, but haven’t looked past their front doorstep? And do Luthen, Kleya, and Cassian count, when they keep rai…

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Andor: “Ever Been To Ghorman?” (Season 2, Episode 4) 1:12:39

4M ago1:12:39

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If you’re looking for liminal spaces, 1 million French WWII parallels, and honeypots for days, this episode is for you. In “Ever Been To Ghorman?” (Andor S2, E4), we meditate on resource extraction and the Ghormans’ supremely reasonable political demands. We also dive deep into the history of the Maquis—the French resistance group fighting Nazis du…

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Andor: “Harvest” (Season 2, Episode 3) 1:07:09

5M ago1:07:09

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The harvest has come in, and we’re tallying one less Rebel in its count. In the final installment of Andor’s first triptych, “Harvest” (S2, E3), we’re counting the cost of freedom. Mon sells her daughter to the Rebellion, Vel catches a glimpse of a lover who never spares the time…and one of our faves gives their life to the cause. In a happier ligh…

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Andor: “Sagrona Teema” (Season 2, Episode 2) 1:10:58

5M ago1:10:58

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Andor’s second season is a different beast—and an absolute feast of real-world parallels. In “Sagrona Teema,” (Andor S2, E2), the differences between Andor’s seasons become clear: Season 2 is faster, more mysterious, and altogether more oblique. But the parallels to life in 2025 have become even more clear. In our recap this week, we draw the lines…

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Andor Season 2 Premiere: “One Year Later” 1:02:12

5M ago1:02:12

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Fast, pointed, and irresistibly astute: Andor’s Season 2 premiere, “One Year Later,” isn’t holding any punches. In our recap this week, we discuss Andor’s magical ability to pull on both historic and modern-day threads. The super-secret Imperial summit, for instance, calls back to the World War II Wannsee Conference and its “Final Solution of the J…

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Skeleton Crew Finale: “The Real Good Guys” 1:06:36

5M ago1:06:36

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With one mysterious smile, Jod’s story ends—for now—and we sweep into Skeleton Crew’s storybook ending. The real question is what happens next. This week, we talk through all the implications of Skeleton Crew’s final moments. What will happen to At Attin? And all of its meticulously trained employees? What does this mean for Jod? And the New Republ…

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Skeleton Crew Episode 7: “We’re Gonna Be In So Much Trouble” 1:07:38

6M ago1:07:38

1:07:38

Is Jod falling to the Dark Side? Or is he just full of so, so many red flags? Find out in Skeleton Crew’s “We’re Gonna Be In So Much Trouble” (S1, E7). This week, we talk through what we know about Jod’s arc—from lost boy to pirate captain to potential Dark Side Force user. We discuss Star Wars’ treatment of fallen Force users and question whether …

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Skeleton Crew Episode 6: “Zero Friends Again” 1:07:43

6M ago1:07:43

1:07:43

“Zero Friends Again” was such a delightful exemplar of both Skeleton Crew and Star Wars that we spent about 15 minutes singing Bryce Dallas Howard’s praises. Then we get into the REALLY good stuff: the shapes and structures of Star Wars stories, disability in Star Wars, and community-building. (Mega points to our kiddos for building community among…

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Skeleton Crew Episode 5: “You Have A Lot To Learn About Pirates” 1:04:08

6M ago1:04:08

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Not even Star Wars is immune to gentrification, huh? In the most delightful Skeleton Crew episode so far (S1, E5, “You Have A Lot To Learn About Pirates”), our faves navigate the mud baths and grottos of the spa planet Lanupa. (It’s the former hideout of ferocious pirate Tak Rennod.) The spa offers a wealth of opportunities for our characters to dr…

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Skeleton Crew Episode 4: “Can’t Say I Remember No At Attin” 1:01:10

6M ago1:01:10

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What exactly went wrong on At Achrann? We have some theories… In this week’s episode, our recap of “Can’t Say I Remember No At Attin” (Skeleton Crew S1, E4) opens up a conversation that starts with the Kardashev Scale, bounces through the hypocrisy of child soldiers, and brings us around to exploring the deeper mysteries of At Attin. We also talk t…

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Skeleton Crew Episodes 2–3: “Way, Way Out Past The Barrier” and “Very Interesting, As An Astrogation Problem” 1:13:29

7M ago1:13:29

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Second star to the right and straight on 'til morning. That’s how you find At Attin, right? This week, we’re recapping Skeleton Crew’s second and third installments, “Way, Way Out Past The Barrier” and “Very Interesting, As An Astrogation Problem.” They’re DEEPLY Peter Pan-coded and full of classic Star Wars homages. Even more importantly, they’re …

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Skeleton Crew Season 1 Premiere: "This Could be a Real Adventure" 1:03:45

7M ago1:03:45

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This could be a real adventure—and a real vibe shift for Growing Up Skywalker. Hot off the heels of our coverage of The Mandalorian’s first season, we’re diving into a brighter side of the galaxy in Skeleton Crew. In our recap of the premiere, “This Could Be a Real Adventure,” we discuss the mysteries of At Attin, the tyranny of suburbs, and the gl…

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The Mandalorian Season 1 Finale: Redemption 1:08:33

7M ago1:08:33

1:08:33

Callbacks to Rebels and The Clone Wars abound in The Mandalorian’s season 1 finale, but in the end, this show has always known what it’s really about. In our recap of “Redemption” (The Mandalorian Season 1, Chapter 8), we wrestle with questions of honor, if it matters, and why it’s so important to try. We also cover the chain of ownership of darksa…

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The Mandalorian, Chapter 7: The Reckoning 1:13:17

7M ago1:13:17

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Maarva Andor's words about reckonings loom over our discussion today. As authoritarianism creeps over the United States, we’re finding parallels to the Imperial Era everywhere. In “The Reckoning” (The Mandalorian, Chapter 7), we explore the governance (and lack thereof) of the New Republic, the rise of fascism in a post-Endor era, and what the Empi…

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The Mandalorian, Chapter 6: The Prisoner 1:01:51

8M ago1:01:51

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Mando’s in his freelance era. (Spoiler alert: It’s not going that great??) In “The Prisoner,” (The Mandalorian, Chapter 6), we take a good long look at prison, punishment, and justice in the New Republic Era. We talk through the DELIGHTFUL cameos of this episode—Matt Lanter, Dave Filoni, Deborah Chow, Rick Famuyiwa, and more—and ask ourselves…Does …

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The Mandalorian, Chapter 5: The Gunslinger 58:10

8M ago58:10

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He’s a rich boy, and he’s gone too far… This week, we’re talking about honor, traitors, quests, rich newbies, and elite assassins in The Mandalorian, Chapter 5, “The Gunslinger.” Is Toro Calican an inexperienced newbie, or a seasoned killer? What’s Fennec Shand been up to since we saw her in the Bad Batch? And is the Mandalorian a paragon of honor,…

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The Mandalorian, Chapter 4: Sanctuary 1:04:22

8M ago1:04:22

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After an unexpected hiatus (sorry!! Loth-flu is catching!!) we’re just in time for “Sanctuary,” (The Mandalorian, Chapter 4)...and the introduction of the tough and tender Carasynthia Dune. This week, we dive behind the camera to explore the female gaze in The Mandalorian and how it stems from the first female directors of a live-action Star Wars p…

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The Mandalorian, Chapter 3: The Sin 1:02:00

9M ago1:02:00

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The Spaghetti Western spirit is strong in The Mandalorian, Chapter 3: “The Sin.” This week, we dive deep into the Mandalorian’s crisis of ethics, starting with the Bounty Hunter Guild Code and ending with his loyalty to the Mandalorian Creed. We also dig into thoughts on currency, value, and compensation; showdowns on the street; and whether or not…

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The Mandalorian, Chapter 2: The Child 58:35

9M ago58:35

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In which all Mando wants is to get off-planet without being besieged by rogues and scavengers. This week, in our recap of The Mandalorian’s Chapter 2, “The Child,” we talk through the Mandalorian’s stylish, distinct, comic book-esque visual language and the rights of Mudhorns to, you know, peacefully exist. We also talk about the Mandalorian’s code…

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The Mandalorian Season 1 Premiere: The Mandalorian 1:09:30

9M ago1:09:30

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Three and a half years ago, Growing Up Skywalker began a non-toxic, chronological weekly watchthrough of all of Star Wars—with the goal of getting to The Mandalorian. And we’re here! We’re finally here! On the show this week, we’re recapping the premiere of the shot heard ’round the world in the form of the first Star Wars live-action TV show, “The…

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Tales of the Empire: Barriss’s Tale 1:07:18

10M ago1:07:18

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We often talk about how every Star Wars character’s story forms a tile in the mosaic of the galaxy, and Barriss Offee’s tale is no exception. In our final “catch-up” episode to get back into chronological order, we’re covering Tales of the Empire: Barriss’s Tale (S1, Ep. 4–6, “Devoted,” “Realization,” and “The Way Out”). We dive into themes of rede…

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The Bad Batch Finale: “The Cavalry has Arrived” 1:09:10

10M ago1:09:10

1:09:10

It’s the end of an era…a Bad one. In the Bad Batch finale ("The Cavalry has Arrived," S3 Ep.15), heroic and monstrous intervention combine to conclude this dark and beautiful chapter of Star Wars. This episode showcases what the Bad Batch is capable of even when outnumbered, bruised, battered, and ambushed. With our heroes hanging up their blasters…

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The Bad Batch: “Juggernaut,” “Into The Breach,” and “Flash Strike” (Season 3, Episodes 12–14) 1:03:23

10M ago1:03:23

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Surprise! We’re throwing a fastball—this week, we’re covering all three of the episodes leading up to the Bad Batch finale. Over this week’s episodes (“Juggernaut,” “Into The Breach,” and “Flash Strike,” S3 Ep. 12–14), the Batch calls in essentially every favor they have left. A Monster truck-style tank battle, a tautly executed stealth mission, an…

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The Bad Batch: “Identity Crisis” and “Point of No Return” (Season 3, Episodes 10–11) 1:01:04

10M ago1:01:04

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At first blush, these episodes are beautiful, but surface level. On closer inspection, they turn into a surprisingly moving—and compelling—statement on anti-fascist work. This week, we talk through the work happening at the Mount Tantiss facility, the long fascist history of medical experimentation, and how community is the answer to oppression…unt…

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The Bad Batch: “Bad Territory” and “Harbinger” (Season 3, Episodes 8–9) 1:01:33

10M ago1:01:33

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Things we love about Bad Batch Season 3: The deepening love between Crosshair and Omega. Things that make us laugh: Schmonsters on schmonsters on schmonsters. This week’s episodes (“Bad Territory” and “The Harbinger,” S3, Ep. 8–9) mark the return of two scene-stealers: Fennec Shand and Asajj Ventress. These women of many talents shine with Bad Batc…

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The Bad Batch: “Infiltration” and “Extraction” (Season 3, Episodes 6–7) 59:13

11M ago59:13

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This week, it’s clones all the way down. “Infiltration” and “Extraction” (The Bad Batch Season 3, Ep. 6–7) finally give us a glimpse of Rex’s work over the past three seasons of The Bad Batch: Building a clone resistance force. It only takes one shadow trooper to tear it all down. This week, we’re diving deep into the world of clones, TK troopers, …

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The Bad Batch: “A Different Approach” and “The Return” (Season 3, Episodes 4–5) 57:24

11M ago57:24

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We may be stewing in the oppressive soup of the Galactic Empire again—but at least we get a family reunion out of it. “A Different Approach” and “The Return” (The Bad Batch Season 3, Ep. 4–5) ask Crosshair, at gunpoint, if he’s willing to accept the new Bad Batch. (Spoiler alert: He is, and everybody cries.) These episodes brilliantly weave togethe…

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The Bad Batch Season 3 Premiere 1:09:58

11M ago1:09:58

1:09:58

The cavalry has arrived! Well…the cavalry that’s left. The Bad Batch Season 3 premiere (S3, Ep. 1–3, "Confined," "Paths Unknown," and "Shadows of Tantiss”) is a confident, thrilling, beautiful arc that thrusts us back under the Empire’s boot. In our discussion this week, we covered our first impressions of this gripping first installment, the distu…

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The Acolyte Season 1 Finale: The Acolyte 1:18:42

11M ago1:18:42

1:18:42

In The Acolyte’s season finale, a convergence around a vergence leads each of our faves back to Brendok for a final showdown. In “The Acolyte” (The Acolyte S1, Ep. 8), we see circles closing, mirrors breaking, and themes resolving…and not always for the better. Our discussion centers on justice and whether it was achieved. We also break down that g…

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The Acolyte: Choice 1:12:23

12M ago1:12:23

1:12:23

The long awaited episode mirror to "Destiny" (The Acolyte S1, E3) has arrived in the form of “Choice” (The Acolyte S1, E6). But this week, it casts the events on Brendok in a whole new light. “Choice” poses questions about fallibility, destiny, doubt, and desire. We also talk through the tragedy of the Brendok coven, cops covering up crimes, and ho…

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The Acolyte: Teach / Corrupt 1:04:42

12M ago1:04:42

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Our recap of “Teach / Corrupt” (The Acolyte S1, E6) focuses on mirrors, desire, and the faces we present to the world. We talk through the responsibilities teachers have to their pupils and discuss which of Star Wars’ teachers merit the title of “good.” We also talk through the temptations presented by the Sith, Qimir / The Stranger’s many masks, a…

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The Acolyte: Day / Night 1:06:55

12M ago1:06:55

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Surprise! Just like Mae and Osha, we’ve got a two-for-one special this week: We’re recapping both “Day” and “Night” (The Acolyte S1, episodes 4–5). We dive deep into the twisting forest of Khofar this week. Our discussion covers the secrets of the Sith-like Stranger, the hypocrisies of the Jedi, and the razor line between light and dark. We also re…

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The Acolyte: Destiny 1:02:16

1y ago1:02:16

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Witches. Get. Stitches. We’re in flashback mode this episode as we hearken back to the Clone Wars’ Nightsisters, and bring back the same conversation we had during their extermination—about the persecution of powerful women. This episode spirals us through a million possible theories of what happened The Night of the Fire. What do we really know ab…

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The Acolyte: Revenge / Justice 53:49

1y ago53:49

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“The Acolyte” is a cop procedural, right?? That’s our working thesis this week as we recap episode two, “Revenge / Justice,” which opens on a locked-room murder scene, and introduces fascinating new allies and enemies. This week, we dive deep into Mae’s revenge and Torbin’s justice—maybe. The Acolyte continues to twist our perceptions of what’s rea…