It’s been two months since we did our “State of Star Wars” episode where we essentially eviscerated the current situation in regards to the decision making process at Lucasfilm and their seeming inability to get a movie into production, among other things. Well in that time, we’ve had a smattering of news stories of all stripes, which Julian and Rachel cover in this episode, but what really prompted another Bonus Episode was the latest piece, again from The Hollywood Reporter, exploring the situation in further depth on the movie side of the business at Lucasfilm. Your hosts deep dive on all of it, and then cap things off with something much more lighthearted. Next up, ‘Skeleton Crew’ in December, where we’ll be breaking down every episode. Stay tuned!
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SSSW - Obi-Wan Kenobi S1E6
Well that's all folks! Only five short weeks later and we're now looking back at 'Obi-Wan Kenobi' in full context. Following an epic 2-episode premiere, it was a bit touch-and-go there in the middle. Fortunately, they pulled it together for the conclusion and absolutely nailed the final episode. Not only does it live up to the "rematch of the century", as it was billed, but it's character moments are just as strong (if not stronger), and gives the appropriate amount of closure not just to the characters, but to the fans as well. Julian and Rachel break it all down scene by scene (and even break down granular lines of dialogue!), and discuss the conclusion to a mini-series that by no means was perfect, but as a whole largely works, with satisfying character arches and interesting choices that did more than enough to justify the shows existence. Join us as we discuss it all!
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SSSW - Obi-Wan Kenobi S1E5
'Obi-Wan Kenobi' returns to form this week with one of the strongest entries since the 2-part premiere. With the Empire baring down on Ben, Leia, and friends, we are treated to flashbacks of Obi-Wan and Anakin training, pre-clone wars (an era not often enough explored in my opinion) . This not only justifies bringing back Hayden for Vader, but also acts as an exciting, and insightful, framing for the larger "modern" story being told. Despite some odd dialogue moments, this episode feels concentrated on Obi-Wan and Anakin's relationship, and how that is reflected in Vader and Ben's choices, it's fascinating. Plus, there's also some very good action here (even some inspired by the Clone Wars I might add), with enough moments that will make you audibly exclaim, "that's cool", to largely overshadow some of the flaws this week. On to the finale!
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SSSW - Obi-Wan Kenobi S1E4
As we pass the half-way point of the season, it comes as a bit of a surprise that Part 4 of 'Obi-Wan Kenobi' was only just over 30 min. With only 6 episodes for the full season, 30 min episodes, in my opinion, really need to justify the truncated length. Unfortunately, Part 4 ultimately still felt rushed, despite also having some very cool moments. Of course seeing Obi-Wan skulk around an Imperial instillation never really gets old, but it's everything around that core setup that felt under baked this week. We are introduced to new characters who we barely get any time to get to know, and despite some interesting allusions to a more interesting story with them, we are rushed off to a set-piece far too quickly. After the events of last week's big confrontation with Vader, I would have liked a little more time to let those moments breath, but alas, the show must go on!
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SSSW - Obi-Wan Kenobi S1E3
We see Obi-Wan face off with Vader much sooner than we might have expected. But with only 6 episodes to work with, maybe we shouldn't be so surprised, as we're already half way through. And just as Ben reunites with Anakin this week, so to does Julian reunite with Rachel, following her return from Star Wars Celebration in Anaheim (though with much less death and agony). They break down the return of Vader, Ben's fear, Leia's intuition and much more in this over-stuffed review!
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SSSW - Obi-Wan Kenobi - Premiere Reaction and Review
Run, dont walk, to your nearest Disney+ enabled device, because ‘Obi-Wan Kenobi’ is finally here and it’s been worth every excruciating moment you have spent waiting. With Rachel “on-location” at Star Wars Celebration in Anaheim (don’t worry, she’s already promised to have A LOT to talk about when she’s back), Jeremy fills in to review the premiere (Part 1 and Part 2) with full spoilers. Join the guys as they gush over the execution of a series long awaited, that carried the weight of enormous expectations, yet still managed to deliver something that goes beyond even what the most strident Star Wars fan could have expected. Everything from the elevated scope and scale, to the brilliant performances by returning and new actors alike, there isn’t much to dislike here, if anything at all. This is something big that deserves your attention. Join us every week as we break down each new installment. It all starts here!
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Episode 164 - Netflix Inking Deals, WB Cancels New Gods, and the Iron Anniversary
Just the two J’s this week as Dan is away. Julian, and Jeremy discuss Rian Johnson’s big money ‘Knives Out’ deal with Netflix, Warner Bros. cancelling ‘The Trench’ and Ava DuVernay’s ‘New Gods’, and the 10th year anniversary of ‘Game of Thrones’ premiere on HBO that they’re calling the “Iron Anniversary”. The guys also touch on some notable release schedule changes around Hollywood, and the cast list for ‘Obi-Wan Kenobi’, which had a few pleasant surprises. All that, and so much more, on this week’s Tower of Babble Podcast!
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Episode 125 - Gladiator 2... But Why?
This week the ToB Crew discuss Ridley Scott's incessant need to make a squeal to every single one of his movies, the very strange names for the Avatar sequels, the Boba Fett movie officially being cancelled, the first look at Henry Cavill as Geralt in The Witcher series, and Naomi Watts being cast in the Game of Thrones spin-off. Plus Julian and Jeremy dive into episode 3 of Titans and talk C4 Comic-Con. All that and so much more in this week’s Tower of Babble Podcast!
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