Blaster Fire: Recent Episodes
Alex de León & Nick Starks
From blasters to banthas, this is the podcast for everything Star Wars. We cover the films, television shows, books, video games, and we do deep dives into the philosophy of the Star Wars universe. So choose your lightsaber color and join us in a galaxy far, far away!
You may have seen it, a bumper sticker, a patch, even a tattoo with the words "The Empire did nothing wrong" slapped on it. Wait what?
From the innovative 'urban renewal' of Alderaan to Darth Vader's intense commitment to 'hands-on leadership,' we explore the laughable lengths some go to defend the Empire's, um, questionable tactics.
And in a Blaster Fire first, Liz joins Alex and Nick as the three dive into the twisted logic of thinking the galactic Empire wasn't actually evil.
Warning: This episode may cause the sudden realization that maybe, just maybe, the guys in white armor aren't the good guys.
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Join us as we celebrate the 25th anniversary of the movie that gave us Jar Jar Binks, podracing, and a whiny little shit named Ani! From epic lightsaber duels to questionable dialogue, we're diving deep into the quirks and charms of 'Star Wars: The Phantom Menace.' This episode is sure to transport you back to 1999 faster than you can say 'Yippee!'
Now this is podcasting!
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Once a powerful Sith with the infamous title of Darth, Maul is transformed into a rampaging renegade bent on vengeance.
Unravel the layers of his personality, examining the impact of his cybernetic transformation and the enduring rage that fuels his actions.
Is he a tragic figure consumed by hatred, or a survivor driven by a thirst for power? Tune in to explore the inner workings of Maul's mind and gain a deeper understanding of one of the galaxy's most formidable and mysterious figures.
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From zero to hero. Ahsoka Tano clawed her way into our hearts in one of the greatest comeback stories in the history of Star Wars. Now the star of her own Disney Plus series, she teams up with Sabine Wren, Hera Syndulla and Ezra Bridger to defeat the bluest of villains, Grand Admiral Thrawn.
Listen. Listen right now.
Thanks for listening! Check us out on YouTube and Tik Tok now!
What just happened? Rise of Skywalker happened.
Alex and Nick round out a three-episode series on the sequel trilogy and Episode IX is a doozy.
Strap in, listen, marvel at the chaos.
Milk-sucking hermit Luke Skywalker, Deathstar-sized plot holes, cancer-causing humor and Porgs. The Last Jedi has pissed off a lot of people. It is a radical subversion of George Lucas' vision and it is quite possibly the most divisive movie in the Star Wars universe. Let's pick through the ashes of this dumpster fire and find out what went wrong.
The Force Awakens was meant to be a fresh start for Star Wars. George Lucas was out and Disney was calling the shots. J.J. Abrams was tapped to helm the first in a trilogy of movies set after the events of Return of the Jedi. The results were whelming.
Alex and Nick perform a post mortem on Episode VII in the first of a three episode series on the sequel trilogy. They know what they have to do but do they have the strength to do it? Spoiler alert: yes they do.
The Mandalorian. A space western that has single-handedly brought Star Wars back from the brink. But has the show jumped the shark in season 3? An expanding universe risks unraveling the fantastic work done by creators Jon Favreau and Dave Filoni.
It's gritty. It's edgy. And deadly serious. Showrunner Tony Gilroy breaks new ground with Andor, a spy-thriller set five years before the events of Rogue One. Gilroy is best known for his work on the Bourne franchise, bringing his no-nonsense style to a galaxy far, far away. But does it work?
Alex and Nick discuss the implications of creating such a series, a slate of new characters and a new angle on the dreaded Galactic Empire.
Years in the making, Obi-Wan Kenobi was released on May 27th, 2022 and stars Ewan McGregor who reprises his role as the eponymous hero. Also returning is Hayden Christensen who inhabits the character who made him famous: the evil Sith Darth Vader.
Alex and Nick discuss the series and how it fits into the Star Wars universe: thoughts, criticisms and what the showrunners got right.
They're as integral to the Star Wars mythos as are lightsabers and The Force. Droids are servants, faithful companions, comic relief and sometimes up to no good. But are they slaves? Have the makers of Star Wars accidentally created a world rife with discrimination and cruelty?
Alex and Nick get into some dark territory with an analysis of C-3PO, R2-D2, K2-SO and more.
A lightsaber rifle. That is a thing.
Alex and Nick continue their discussion about lightsabers by getting into specifics about Ezra Bridger's blaster saber, Tera Sinube's cane saber and Jocasta Nu's lightsaber rifle. Nick also changes some opinions about previous sabers that might not be as silly as initially thought. But first, listen to "Let's Talk About Lightsabers!"
The Jedi Order and the Mandalorian people: the differences are stark. Alex and Nick discuss the philosophy behind the philosophy of these historic enemies and get into the real-world implications of their differing points of view. A unique fan theory is also put forth which, if proven right, could create a new kind of Jedi Order, a new kind of Mandalorian and a fascinating future for Star Wars.
It is the weapon of a Jedi Knight. Not as clumsy or random as a blaster. It has the power to promote peace and justice or to enforce the will of the dark side. Let's talk about everyone's favorite glowing hand-remover. Lightsabers!
He is infamous. The evil dark lord and the bringer of death for those who would dare oppose the galactic Emperor. But before he was Darth Vader he was Anakin Skywalker, Jedi Knight, sworn defender of the Old Republic.
Alex and Nick discuss Anakin's decent to the dark side. Who is to blame? The conclusions may be surprising...
Links:
Villain Therapy: ANAKIN SKYWALKER
https://youtu.be/a9liFjwDHbY
The Philosophy of Darth Vader:
https://youtu.be/KJBbzmlSaxU
We have a bone to pick with the prequel-era Jedi. They made mistakes and the repercussions were severe. Alex and Nick discuss the events leading up to Star Wars: Episode III Revenge of the Sith, the infamous Order 66 and the fall of the once great Jedi.
Yoda, Mace Windu, Qui-Gon Jinn, The High Republic, it's all here!