Our panel of rebel podcasters, striking again from their hidden base, present another perspective on “The Rise of Skywalker.” Why does James want to see evil droids? Does Liz find Ben Solo or Kylo Ren more intriguing? Can Chip be satisfied with the ending to this generation-defining saga? Why are we in the midst of a global Porg shortage? Guest host Antony Johnston will seek the answers.

Host Antony Johnston with Lizbeth Myles, James Thomson and Chip Sudderth

In this spoiler-filled episode, we give The Rise of Skywalker a thorough going-over. Plus, we discover a not-as-terrible-as-you-might-think addition to our carousel of bad holiday made-for-TV movies. And Phil has a nasty break-up with Jennifer Lawrence.

Movies Ruined: Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker, Avengers: Endgame, The Irishman, Black Widow, Turkey Drop.

Host Lisa Schmeiser and Philip Michaels

The Dead Speak, and so do we! It’s our first panel reviewing “The Rise of Skywalker.” Can this film bear the gravitational pull of the eight previous Skywalker Saga films? Does it provide a proper ending? We discuss Rey’s parentage, Finn’s increasing abilities, Poe’s lessons in leadership, whether Kylo Ren can possibly be redeemed, Zen and the Art of X-Wing Maintenance, how the film balances honoring Carrie Fisher with serving Leia’s character arc, and much more.

Host Jason Snell with John Siracusa, Dan Moren, Erika Ensign, Tony Sindelar, Kelly Guimont and Aleen Simms

We regroup on this week’s episode of A Complicated Profession, as host Dan Moren recruits trustworthy allies Guy English and John Moltz to discuss lazy biker scouts, Chekhov’s bassinet, and Baby Yoda’s moral code.

Host Dan Moren with Guy English and John Moltz

It’s double trouble on A Complicated Profession this week, as host Dan Moren is joined by special guests Jane and Evan Ritt, to discuss the offscreen life of our protagonist, warring codes of morality, and unfortunate high school flashbacks.

Host Dan Moren with Jane Ritt and Evan Ritt

Though Disney’s purchase of Fox clears all final hurdles in terms of rights to the original “Star Wars”, there’s still no way for anyone to watch the historic theatrical cuts of any of the original films. Instead, the new Disney+ streaming service now offers a 4K Special Edition with even more changes to the beloved classic. Is this the definitive version of “Star Wars” for the rest of eternity? Does Disney’s assumption of the franchise provide a new hope? Can Disney honor history and give fans what they want without negating George Lucas’s insistence that his Special Editions are the only editions? What is “Star Wars” and what will it be in the future? In this episode, we solve the whole thing. You’re welcome.

Host Jason Snell with John Siracusa, Dan Moren, Moisés Chiullán and Kelly Guimont

This week, on A Complicated Profession, host Dan Moren is joined by special guest Tony Sindelar to discuss the most recent episode of The Mandalorian, including how much fan service is just the right amount, droid-related head-canon, and the premature(?) fate of an anticipated character.

Host Dan Moren with Tony Sindelar

A Complicated Profession returns with Chapter 4 of The Mandalorian. Host Dan Moren is joined by special guest Kathy Campbell to discuss a compelling new ally for Mando, reinforcing the essential nature of our characters, and homages to a favorite Western trope.

Host Dan Moren with Kathy Campbell

Score for Chapter 4 on Apple Music.

We’re back for the third episode of A Complicated Profession and your host Dan Moren is joined by special guest and network head honcho Jason Snell to discuss chapter 3 of The Mandalorian. Our discussion covers the many possible interpretations of sin, what exactly happened to the Empire, and how this show paves the way for future Star Wars series.

Host Dan Moren with Jason Snell

Score for Chapter 3 on Apple Music.

In the second episode of A Complicated Profession, Dan Moren is joined by Aleen Simms to discuss the second chapter of The Mandalorian, including how an episode can succeed without using a lot of dialogue, ants at picnics, the unpredictability of characters that live in the gray areas, and whether or not the Mandalorian should take off his helmet.

Host Dan Moren with Aleen Simms

Apple Music link for the music from Chapter 2.