Star Wars Binge: Recent Episodes
Jeff Cook and Daniel Mothershed
There are over 150 hours of Star Wars on Film.
This is the Star Binge where we select, order and elevate the top 40 hours of the Star Wars Canon.
We continue our commentary on Season One of the Acolyte.
Do take a moment to check out the rest of the Star Wars Binge, for--as many know--this is the way.
We talk shop about all that we are loving in the Acolyte: our theories, hopes and joys.
Our dive into the final episode of Ahsoka.
We elevate all the things we loved about the first season, all that can be improved, and what we hope to see moving forward.
Ahsoka
Here is our full Binge list:
I. FALL OF THE REPUBLIC
PROLEPSIS | SIEGE OF MANDALORE
S7E9 : Old Friends but Not Forgotten
S7E10 : Phantom Apprentice
S7E11 : Shattered
S7E12 : Victory and Death
PART 1 : STUDENTS
HEROES
S2E5 : Landing at Point Rain
S2E6 : Weapons Factory
S3E1 : Clone Cadets
LEADERS
S1E1 : Ambush
S1E5 : Rookies
S6E10 : The Lost One
FAMILY
S3E2 : ARC Troopers
S2E10 : The Deserter
S1E22 : Hostage Crisis
ANAKIN
4.11 Kidnapped
4.12 Slaves of the Republic
4.13 Escape from Kadavo
VENTRESS
S1E16 : The Hidden Enemy
S3E12 : Nightsisters
S3E13 : Monster
S3E14 : Witches of the Mist
20 Episodes
PART 2 : DARKNESS
AHSOKA
S3E18 : The Citadel
S3E19 : Counterattack
S3E20 : Citadel Rescue
KENOBI
S2E12 : The Mandalore Plot
S2E13 : Voyage of Temptation
S2E14 : Duchess of Mandalore
REX
S4E07 : Darkness on Umbara
S4E08 : The General
S4E09 : Plan of Dissent
S4E10 : Carnage of Krell
MORTIS
S3E15 : Overlords
S3E16 : Altar of Mortis
S3E17 : Ghosts of Mortis
MAUL
S4E21 : Brothers
S4E22 : Revenge
S5E1 : Revival
16 Episodes
PART 3 : BETRAYAL
BAD BATCH
S7E1 : The Bad Batch
S7E2 : A Distant Echo
S7E3 : On the Wings of Keeradaks
S7E4 : Unfinished Business
MANDALORE
S5E14 : Eminence
S5E15 : Shades of Reason
S5E16 : The Lawless
AHSOKA
S5E17 : Sabotage
S5E18 : The Jedi Who Knew Too Much
S5E19 : To Catch a Jedi
S5E20 : The Wrong Jedi
YODA
6.11 : Voices (Death, darkness coming)
6.12 : Destiny (Dark Yoda)
6.13 : Sacrifice (Sidious)
ORDER 66
S6E1 : The Unknown
S6E2 : Conspiracy
S6E3 : Fugitive
S6E4 : Orders
18 Episodes
53 Episodes : 22 Minutes Each : 19.5 Hours
1 year plus 1.
EPISODE III | REVENGE OF THE SITH
II. RISE OF THE REBELLION
PART IV : FAMILY
S1E1 : Spark of Rebellion
S1E2 : Spark of Rebellion
S1E5 : Rise of the Old Master
S1E7 : Out of Darkness
S1E10 : Path of the Jedi
S1E15 : Fire Across the galaxy
You tube: “Ashoka Remembers” |
No Star Wars in recent years has inspired more conversation than the one released 5 years ago today : Ryan Johnson's "The Last Jedi".
From the character beats to controversial locations to the dramatic choices effecting all of canon, "The Last Jedi" soars for some and crashes for others and it's time to talk about it.
We wrap up our reaction to Andor and its phenomenal episode 11 and 12 finale, as well as diving into whether our hopes have shifted for the future of Star Wars.
We have been thrilled with all things Andor, so we decide to record early.
Do Subscribe, and begin listening to the Binge from "Episode1".
Look forward to our a Third Part releasing after Thanksgiving.
We are half way through the first season of Andor.
There is so much to love and talk about and we're jumping into the first six episodes.
We complete our trilogy of episodes on the wonderful animated release: "Tales of the Jedi." We have saved the best for last, and we are joined again by the TJ Wilson.
We continue our commentary on the new shows, and take a fresh look at Tales of the Jedi, the themes, the characters, the ethics, and their place in the wider realm of Star Wars.
Last time we spoke, we were pretty down on the creatives at Star Wars. But we have seen the first half of Andor and Tales of the Jedi and there are all kinds of fresh, hopeful signs. We will release thoughts between now and December 2022 on the two new shows.
We have gone from 150 hours of Star Wars on Film to 200. Before we can Binge the best, we need to consume all the good things coming out that cover the Prequel and Original Trilogy Eras. Daniel and Jeff spend some solid time on the huge announcements this last week at D23 of 6 new shows. They discuss all they hope for, what they're most excited about, and what Star Wars can uniquely say to our culture in this moment.
We're giving some honest thoughts on where we think Star Wars is struggling, what they are doing well, and what we think they should do moving forward. We love Star Wars and sometimes you encourage and coach and cheer for stuff you love.
We comment on all the possibilities and potential of one of the most anticipated returns to screen in decades. We talk Vader. We talk world building. And we talk about The Ewan McGregor. Music is by Samuel Kim here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S_2YJF5DQiY
Friends, we have been doing the Binge for a year. In this episode we celebrate by talking shop about all the new Star Wars projects being released in the next year, and giving the low down on how we are tackling Act 2 off the Binge.
The culmination of the fantastic "Nightsisters Arc". All the pieces are in place as we end the first Act of our Star Wars Binge.
In this central episode to "The Nightsisters" arc, we see the introduction of a key character voiced by one of the great actors of our time. The themes of abuse, identity and corruption continue as we move to close out the first act of the Star Wars Binge.
Part 2 as we break down this wonderful arc! Lots of backstory for the first time for Asajj Ventress, and the introduction of magic into the Star Wars universe.
This episode begin, what Jeff believes, is an arc superior to almost all the movies. Lots to love and discuss here as we are introduced to the inner life of Asajj Ventress.
A wonderful early episode that not only elevates a primary theme in Star Wars of betrayal and evil working under the surface, but this gives us an opportunity to unpack what is the most interesting character in all of the Clone Wars.
Season 4 : Episodes 10-12 | This is our culminating episode into one of the most underrated of all the Clone Wars arcs. We see Obi Wan escape from slavery, Rex murder a slaver, Ahsoka elevated by her people and Anakin at the height of his powers and goodness. This arc is special. Jump in.
We end this arc with one of the great tropes in all story: heroes moving to rescue a whole people from misery and enslavement. Do watch this Clone Wars arc -- Season 4; episodes 10-12 -- as we discuss the overlaps running through all of pop culture, and hit what we believe is the central idea within all of Star Wars.
One of the better Clone Wars episodes, borrowing heavily from Return of the Jedi. We talk about heroes stealing cars, Anakin's Don Juan persona, and we talk about "Slave Leia" and the assassination of gangsters.
We conclude the first episode of the Kadavo Arc: Season 4 | Episodes 10-12. Excellent themes hit here from terrorists with bombs to Post Traumatic Stress caused by slavery. So much to discuss!
We tackle a significantly underrated 3 episode arc from Season 4. This may be the best unveiling of the hearts of Ahsoka, Anakin and Kenobi in all of the Clone Wars. In this arc we see trauma, we see the inability of friends to help heal deep wounds, and we see the hearts of our characters exposed in ways seldom seen in this series. In terms of its importance and ability to set up everything to come, this is top shelf material.
In a wonderful salute to Die Hard and The Dark Knight, we see Anakin Skywalker seeking to save his bride from what is arguably the best villain created in the Clone Wars Era. We had a lot of fun here, and we may also make fun of buffoons who storm capital buildings ... so be warned.
We talk freedom, duty, and the importance of family in Star Wars, concluding a primary episode that elevates the heart of Rex and the Clones.
In what Daniel describes as the best episode of Star Trek he's seen, we enjoy a Rex focused episode that elevates the Captain's humanity, sense of self, and his own thoughts on "freedom". This is not only a character building episode, "The Deserter" highlights many of the central themes and conflicts in the Clone Wars: family, free will, duty and the desire for happiness. This may be the best episode in all of Season 2. Enjoy!
This is easily a Top 10 Clone Wars episode! "Arc Troopers" is the animated series at its best : Gorgeous lightsaber battles, Brilliant Star Wars tech, deeply evil moments, and one of the most moving death scenes in all Star Wars ... without question. "Arc Troopers" desired two parts, but we slammed all the goodness into one epic episode. Enjoy!
Our second dive into this essential episode of the Clone Wars. "The Lost Ones" is Season 6 Episode 10 and shows us the Jedi discovering that the Clones have been created by dark forces.
We jump forward to Season 6, Episode 10 where the Jedi Council discovers that something is not right with the Clone Army ...
This is the second episode in the Domino Squad Arc: Season 1, Episode 5. We love everything about this episode. Great action, solid character beats, unexpected deaths, it all culminates in a fantastic Star Wars moment, but most importantly we get to talk about the pop significance of "bloody hand prints".
The very first Clone Wars episode ever released falls as number eleven in the Binge, but there's a reason it was number one. This is a wonderful Yoda story that further elevates not only the humanity of the Clones but of Asajj Ventress as well. Very rewatchable. Do jump in with us.
An origin story for arguably three of the most important characters in Star Wars! This is a stellar episode that introduces us to the inner life of the clones, and sets up much of the heart of all that is to come. We recorded on "Clone Cadets" prior to the release of Bad Batch, but many of you will notice all the set up in this episode for all that is being unveiled right now in 2021.
We dive deep into the early relationship between Anakin and Ahsoka in a very moving Clone Wars episode. This is Season 2 Episode 6 | "Weapons Factory." If you are just jumping into the Binge, we do suggest starting with "Episode One | "Old Friends Not Forgotten". But otherwise, buckle up for a discussion of mansplaining, love, and what weapon you want to have in your pocket when you get mugged at night.
We begin Act 1 of our Binge with Season 2 Episode 5 of the Clone Wars. "The Landing at Point Rain" is the very first chronological material in the binge and we watch a young Ahsoka and Anakin establish their connection, see the loyalty of the Clones, and elevate the war in Star Wars.
We introduce the first of six acts in the Star Wars Binge! "Act One" elevates all the major "Students" introduced during the Clone Wars, including Ventress, Ahsoka, Anakin and the Domino Squad. Here we talk about the hero's journey, the role of the mentor and the home that a hero eventually finds on their path. Intro audio from CW Edits : https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nDcRoGHDiD4
Here are our first thoughts, predictions and celebrations from the release of the new Bad Batch series. Subscribe at : https://www.starwarsbinge.com/listen
There are 10 new Star Wars projects coming out in the next few years. This is the Star Wars Binge where we not only select, order and elevate the best 40 hours of the Star Wars Canon. But we also add our thoughts to the conversation regarding all new Star Wars.
We conclude the "Siege of Mandalore" with a discussion of gravesites, epic character introductions, and the future of all things Clone Wars.
We tackle Episode 12 of Season 7, the last episode of the Clone Wars Animated. There is a lot to say in this two-parter as we end this epic series in tragedy.
Season 7 | Episode 11 | Clone Wars Animated We conclude the penultimate episode of the Clone Wars Animated Series with our deep dive into arguably the best Star Wars episode ever. This is our commentary and annotations for part 3 of the "Siege of Mandalore" arc.
We begin a long discussion of the penultimate episode of the Clone Wars Animated series. This is our commentary on Season 7, Episode 11: the third part of the fantastic "Siege of Mandalore" arc. We divided "Shattered" into two parts because this 20 minutes may be the best of all Star Wars not in one of the films. Truly a treasure. Do take a listen.
We continue our dive into the exceptional "Siege of Mandalore". We explore the character beats, moments and plot of Season 7, Episode 10 of the Clone Wars.
We begin the entire Star Wars Binge with the Concluding Arc of the Clone Wars. The next five of our episodes will cover Season 7, Episodes 9-12 of the Clone Wars Animated Series conclusion. We will feel this is the absolute best way to jump into a galaxy far, far away.
There's over 150 hours of Star Wars on Film. This is the Star Wars Binge where we select, order and elevate the best 40 hours of the Star Wars Canon.