Growing Up Skywalker

“Legacy” and “A Princess on Lothal” (Rebels S2, Ep. 11–12) dive deep into why and how the Force calls—and how it moves the universe. It also introduces us to sassy, 16-year-old Leia Organa on her very first mission. Cue absolute delight.

We centered this week’s discussion on heritage, both Ezra’s and Leia’s, and the gifts they’ve gotten from their families. We also call back to the many ties that bind Rebels and Andor together, from shady prison-labor camps to two very differently handled prison breaks. We also zoom out and discuss why new fans and veteran fans both have something beautiful to look forward to.

Want even more Growing Up Skywalker? This is a great time to sign up for our Patreon for bonus audio content! We’re now taking suggestions on what to watch after we finish Visions Season 2.

Timestamps:

00:00:00 Plot Overview

00:14:00 Ezra and The Force

00:30:28 Leia Discussion

00:47:56 Bae Watch

00:55:00 Closing Thoughts

“Stealth Strike” (Rebels S2, Ep. 9) starts out all fun and games. Then it continues to be fun and games. Then, in “The Future of the Force” (Ep. 10) Ahsoka comes down on the Inquisitorius like an avenging angel and WE. ARE. HERE FOR IT!

In our discussion, we dive deep into the gravity well technology of Interdictor-class Star Destroyers. We talk about how these episodes are remixes of classic Clone Wars mess-arounds, and ask, “What do bad guys do with Force-sensitive babies?” Also, how do Inquisitors get promotions? And, what has Ahsoka been up to? And does leaving your baby in the car attune you to the dark side of the Force?

Join us to delight as Rebels hits its stride—with friends, impact, consequences, humor, and a cliffhanger combined.

Want even more Growing Up Skywalker? This is a great time to sign up for our Patreon for bonus audio content! Our watchthrough of Visions Season 1 is almost finished.

Timestamps:

00:00:00 Plot Overview

00:13:18 Stealth Strike Discussion

00:27:45 The Future of the Force Discussion

00:44:58 Fun Facts

00:51:14 Bae Watch

01:01:07 Closing Thoughts

Come fly with us! This week offers inspiring examples of womanhood as well as good old-fashioned vroom vroom/pew pew space action.

In our recap of “Wings of the Master” and “Blood Sisters” (Rebels S2, Ep. 7–8), we soar through the misty spires of Shantipole to watch Hera prove that she's not just a pilot, she's the pilot. Then, Sabine’s past bites back in the form of legendary Black Sun bounty hunter Ketsy Onyo—but she shows as much friendship and forgiveness as Chopper shows mischief.

What lengths should someone have to go to to prove themselves professionally? How does an inspiring leader act? What are B-wings good for? Join us to answer all of these questions and more, set against a backdrop of incredible female leadership and warrior prowess.

Want even more Growing Up Skywalker? This is a great time to sign up for our Patreon for bonus audio content! Our watchthrough of Visions Season 1 is going strong.

Timestamps:

00:00:00 Plot Overview

00:11:26 Hera, the Rebellion, and Proving Your Worth

00:20:13 B is For B-Wings

00:26:05 Sabine and Ketsu, Friends 4Ever

00:36:30 Rebellion vs. Empire

00:51:31 Bae Watch

00:55:13 Closing Thoughts

This week takes us on a wild ride from “too spooky” to “too goofy.” 

In our recap of “Always Two There Are” and “Brothers of the Broken Horn” (Rebels S2, Ep. 5–6), we crawl through an abandoned medical station that almost certainly isn’t infested with brainworms, but IS infested with Inquisitors! But as a palate cleanser, crazy drunk uncle Hondo Ohnaka shows up with a plan that will certainly pay off—at least for him.

We also talk about Inquisitor politics, how much fun Hondo always brings, and the curricula of raising Force-sensitives. The comparison between all the Age of Empire works is strong in this one!

Want even more Growing Up Skywalker? This is a great time to sign up for our Patreon for bonus audio content! Our watchthrough of Visions Season 1 is going strong.

Timestamps:

00:00:00 Plot Overview

00:15:03 Inquisitors Discussion

00:21:06 Kanan, Rex, and Ezra Discussion

00:34:29 Hondo Ohnaka Discussion

00:43:54 Inquisitors Discussion Part II

00:50:57 Bae Watch

00:57:42 Closing Thoughts

Calling the “crying over clones” club! This week, we reunite with our old (and we do mean old) faves: Grandpa Rex, Grandpa Wolffe, and crazy Uncle Gregor. And boy do they still got it.

In our recap of “The Lost Commanders” and “Relics of the Old Republic,” (Rebels S2, Ep. 3–4) we talk through the decade since we last saw Rex and pick through major themes of this arc: betrayal, trust, and what it takes to really leave an old life behind. 

Want even more Growing Up Skywalker? This is a great time to sign up for our Patreon for bonus audio content! Our watchthrough of Visions Season 1 is going strong.

Timestamps:

00:00:00 Plot Overview

00:18:45 Catching Up On Rex’s Rebellion

00:30:29 What Does It Take To Re-Learn Trust?

00:47:03 Bae Watch

00:55:21 Closing Thoughts

With the Empire reeling from the uprisings on Ferrix and Lothal, things are looking bright for the Rebellion. Then Darth Vader shows up.

In “The Siege of Lothal,” (Rebels S2 Ep. 1), Darth Vader all but rubs his hands together and cackles gleefully as he squeezes the life out of the Rebels, one A-wing at a time. Fortunately, the Spectres are made of sterner stuff.

Our recap centers on the DRAMATIC tone shift from Andor to Rebels, even as the themes and plot meticulously line up. We also do a deep dive into Darth Vader’s psyche, and sing our praises for the best Spectre of them all. (Spoiler alert: It’s Hera. It’s always Hera.)

Want even more Growing Up Skywalker? This is a great time to sign up for our Patreon for bonus audio content! Our watchthrough of Visions Season 1 is going strong.

Timestamps:

00:00:00 Plot Overview

00:14:42 The Andor-to-Rebels Tone Shift

00:29:06 Darth Vader’s Psyche

00:53:26 Bae Watch

01:00:52 Closing Thoughts

What game is this? No game—just the beginning of the fight of the Rebels’ lives.

The Rebellion is about to take a new shape so it can take on the Empire at large. In our recap of the Andor Season 1 finale, we dive deep into the many meanings of Andor’s ending, and what it signifies for Luthen, for the Empire, and for the Rebellion. (We also discuss if it was an effective ending for all fans, or just for veteran viewers.) 

More delightfully, we touch base on everyone’s crushes, and grudgingly acknowledge that this is Syril’s most attractive episode. (He really was willing to take a grenade for Dedra Meero.) 

Want even more Growing Up Skywalker? This is a great time to sign up for our Patreon for bonus audio content! Our watchthrough of Visions Season 1 is going strong.

Timestamps:

00:00:00 Plot Overview

00:13:15 How About That Ending?

00:32:59 The New Shape of the Rebellion

00:44:14 Updates on Everyone’s Crushes

00:58:10 Bae Watch

01:04:13 Closing Thoughts

This week, we recap “Daughter of Ferrix” (Andor S1, Ep. 11), where each character is looking down the barrel of a loaded gun and wondering what they’ll decide. Will Cass return to Ferrix, or warn the galaxy about Narkina 5? Will Bix give up her final secret to the Empire? Will Maarva live up to her promise to join the Rebellion (from beyond the grave)?

In our recap, we talk about how to link up with your friendly local rebel cells, why a second generation 13-year-old Chandrilan immigrant would find religion, and why hope is the fuel of the Rebellion—it’s an antidote to the darkness and pain that gives Palpatine and Vader power. 

Want even more Growing Up Skywalker? This is a great time to sign up for our Patreon for bonus audio content! We’ve officially begun our watchthrough of Visions Season 1.

Timestamps:

00:01:54 Plot Overview

00:19:34 Finding Your Friendly Local Rebels

00:26:34 Mon, Leida, and Chandrilan Customs

00:37:39 Maarva, Bix, Torture, and Hope

00:52:37 Bae Watch

01:02:03 Closing Thoughts

The only way out is through.

Our recap of “One Way Out” (Andor S1, Ep. 10) takes us through a discussion of Andor’s chain-linked, escalating structure. We talk about freedom, prison, sacrifice, and the mental calculus of ethics. We also ask who Andor wants us to see as a hero—and who is a hero behind the curtain.

Want even more Growing Up Skywalker? This is a great time to sign up for our Patreon for bonus audio content! In the spirit of Thanksgiving, we’re finishing our Patreon exclusive recap of the Tartakovsky Clone Wars and beginning on Visions Season 1.

Timestamps:

00:00:00 Plot Overview

00:13:14 Andor’s Escalating Structure

00:17:57 Freedom, Prison, Sacrifice, and Moral Calculus 

00:40:36 Kino Discussion

00:46:10 Bae Watch

00:52:38 Closing Thoughts

Such a jaunty title for such a dark episode. “Nobody’s Listening!” (Andor S1, Ep. 9) is a meditation on suffering, and power, and and breaking points. Fortunately, we do get to lighten up the conversation by talking about not one, but TWO toxic crushes (sorry Vel, Cinta may not be the one???) (also sorry not sorry that Deedra Meero had to fend off romantic overtures at work, she deserved it).

In our recap this week, we talk about why everyone’s crushes are toxic, why this episode WORKS, parallels to prequel-era Star Wars, and whether or not this is the most evil we’ve ever seen the Empire. 

Want even more Growing Up Skywalker? This is a great time to sign up for our Patreon for bonus audio content!

Timestamps:

00:00:00 Plot Overview

00:10:44 Everyone’s Crushes Are Toxic (Sorry)

00:17:50 Why This Episode Hit New Heights

00:45:24 Bae Watch

00:51:56 End Credits