Code Clearance Blue: A UK Star Wars podcast

James and Paul are back in the cockpit for a full spoiler-heavy chat about The Mandalorian and Grogu movie.

After seeing it twice, once as mates and once with the kids, we break down what worked, what dragged, and whether the film really did feel like Mando Season 4 stitched into a movie. We talk Grogu snacks, Rotta the Hutt, Sigourney Weaver’s Leia energy, surprise Star Wars cameos, the lack of an opening crawl, the return of familiar aliens, and that brilliant live-action dejarik arena scene.

We also get into the online reactions, the “too many aliens / not enough aliens” Star Wars fan paradox, whether Hutts should speak Basic, and what this film might mean for the future of Mando, Grogu, Ahsoka and Starfighter.

Expect spoilers, pub ratings, baffled questions about Imperial shooting accuracy, and one very important phrase: big pipe.

In this episode:

• Our first and second viewing reactions

• Was this really just a long TV episode?

• Should Star Wars movies always have an opening crawl?

• Rotta the Hutt and the Hutt family drama

• Sigourney Weaver, Zeb, Embo and the cameos

• The dejarik monster fight scene

• Grogu becoming more independent

• What comes next for Mando and Grogu?

Drop your thoughts in the comments. Did you enjoy The Mandalorian and Grogu, or did it feel too much like a TV episode on the big screen?

Follow us on X/Twitter: @UKStarWarsPod

May the Force be with you.

#StarWars #TheMandalorian #Grogu #MandalorianAndGrogu #CodeClearanceBlue #StarWarsPodcast #RottaTheHutt #Ahsoka #Starfighter

James and Paul are back for another episode of Code Clearance Blue, diving headfirst into the finale of More Shadow Lords with full spoilers ahead. Along the way, the conversation somehow detours through pressure washers, foxes disrespecting Gina Carano figures, the strangely addictive world of jet washing simulators, and the rising black market value of obscure Boba Fett toys.

The lads also break down the chaos surrounding Star Wars Celebration ticket sales, chat about George Lucas’ upcoming museum, speculate on Hayden Christensen’s return in Ahsoka Season 2, and dream about finally getting Anthony Daniels to a London convention before time catches up with everyone.

There’s Andor appreciation, Rogue One nostalgia, South American beer adverts edited seamlessly into Obi-Wan scenes, and a live on-air attempt to organise cinema tickets for The Mandalorian & Grogu movie.

Basically: Star Wars, middle age, collectibles, and absolute nonsense. Business as usual.

Paul and James delve into Maul: Shadow Lord', Star Wars birthday presents and a Captain Peavey salute!

Paul and James delve into Maul: Shadow Lord', Star Wars birthday presents and a Captain Peavey salute!

James and Paul discuss the hierarchy change at Lucasfilm, Jake Lloyd spotted and  the surge of AI fan films.

They also explore the impact of fan films on the franchise's canon and the importance of character connections across the saga. The conversation touches on nostalgia and cultural references that continue to resonate with audiences.

00:00 Welcome to a New Year of Star Wars Discussions

01:50 Kathleen Kennedy's Departure and Its Implications

05:28 Dave Filoni's New Role and Future Directions

08:06 The Future of Star Wars: Movies and Series

13:51 Anticipating Ahsoka and Other Upcoming Projects

18:35 Reflections on Legacy Characters and Their Impact

23:49 The Legacy of Star Wars Characters

26:27 Fan Films and AI in Star Wars

30:27 Reunion of Star Wars Actors

33:20 The Future of Star Wars Content

34:19 Star Wars Influence on the Next Generation

36:57 The Impact of Animated Films

41:19 Cultural Reflections in Cinema

In this episode, James and Paul discuss their recent visit to a prop store, share experiences from various conventions, and reflect on the impact of Star Wars on their families. They delve into the future of Star Wars films, including the potential for new releases and the nostalgia surrounding past films. The conversation also touches on the topic of film piracy and its cultural significance, as well as the excitement surrounding upcoming anniversaries and releases in the Star Wars franchise.

Chapters

00:00 Return of Co-Clearance Blue

02:42 Exploring Star Wars Props and Conventions

05:25 Collecting Autographs and Convention Experiences

08:10 Star Wars Film Discussions and Family Engagement

10:57 Future of Star Wars Films and Projects

13:44 The Hunt for Ben Solo and Fan Reactions

16:27 AI Clips and Audience Testing

27:11 Exploring Star Wars Lore and Fan Theories

29:49 The Evolution of Star Wars Fan Creations

32:47 Disney's Influence on Star Wars Content

35:25 Anticipating Future Star Wars Releases

38:08 Reflections on the Sequel Trilogy

43:32 Nostalgia and Pirate Copies of Star Wars

Summary

In this episode of Co Clearance Blue, James and Paul discuss various topics related to Star Wars, including recent viewing experiences, updates on series and films, George Lucas's appearance at Comic Con, camera technology used in Star Wars films, Rian Johnson's future with the franchise, and exciting memorabilia auctions. They also share personal anecdotes about family life, school plays, and a review of the burlesque show 'The Empire Strips Back', highlighting its humor and creativity.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Personal Updates

02:59 Discussion on Recent Shows and Movies

05:57 Star Wars Series and Future Releases

08:58 George Lucas and His Museum

11:52 Technical Aspects of Filming Star Wars

14:58 Rian Johnson's Future with Star Wars

17:56 Fan Reactions and Opinions on Star Wars

20:58 Auction News and Collectibles

22:36 Star Wars Memorabilia and Auctions

25:04 The Impact of Star Wars on Generations

27:30 Creative Impressions and Family Stories

29:48 Library Books and Kids' Interests

32:13 School Plays and Creative Performances

39:55 Humor in Star Wars Parodies

42:01 A Night Out at the Empire Strips Back

56:22 The Surreal Experience of Burlesque Star Wars

58:16 Summer Plans and Future Episodes

Mark Newbold (Fantha Tracks, SW Insider) joins us to discuss his trip to Celebration 2025 and how he saw Andor 2 a month before most people on the planet!

00:00 Introduction and Guest Introduction

02:58 Mark's Trip to Japan and Celebration 2025

05:31 Convention Vibes and Attendance

08:20 Panel Experiences and Announcements

11:15 Darth Maul's Return and Future of Animation

14:09 Character Development and Story Arcs

16:57 Tales of the Jedi and Future Storytelling

19:56 Andor's Impact and Future Prospects

22:53 Recasting Iconic Characters

25:49 Fan Reactions and Expectations

28:35 Closing Thoughts and Future Speculations

36:45 Bold Moves in Storytelling

39:13 Diverse Styles in Star Wars

41:36 Character Deaths and Audience Reactions

43:57 Jurassic Park and Star Wars Connections

47:43 Ryan Gosling's Star Wars Role

49:33 Celebrating 50 Years of Star Wars

53:35 Star Wars Autograph Collection Unboxing

We discuss the reissue of Revenge Of The Sith with added reviews from our kids! We explore the connections between Star Wars and our personal experiences, including cinema visits and the impact of family films on the industry. The conversation also delves into the casting choices in Star Wars, the significance of certain scenes, and their overall impressions of the film. In this conversation, we delve into various aspects of Star Wars, particularly focusing on 'Revenge of the Sith.' We explore character connections, analyse key scenes and performances, and discuss thematic elements such as Anakin leaving us and birth. The discussion also includes children's perspectives on the film and insights into its box office success, as well as speculations about future releases in the Star Wars franchise.

00:00 Intro

15:58 Exploring Star Wars and Cinema Experiences

16:28 Reviewing Revenge of the Sith

23:44 Key Moments and Takeaways from the Film

25:06 Analysing Key Scenes and Performances

28:37 Thematic Elements

30:48 Children's Perspectives on Star Wars

36:12 Box Office Success and Future Releases

James and Paul delve into the Andor fallout, plus the usual Star Wars fayre.