SSSW - The Mandalorian S2E1 "The Marshal"

Julian Meush November 2, 2020

Welcome back to Small Screen Star Wars! With every major blockbuster movie being delayed or moved out of 2020 there hasn’t been too much to get excited about this year. That is, until now! The Mandalorian has returned, and with it brings exciting new adventures from a galaxy far, far away. The acclaimed series returns and kicks off it’s second season with a bang. Mando is on the hunt for other Mandalorians so he can return Baby Yoda to “his kind”. This sees him return to Tatooine to hunt down a mysterious stranger in Mandalorian armour, beyond the Dune Sea. We’re introduced to new characters and creatures as Mando makes a deal to take down the apex predator of dessert, a Krayt Dragon. Julian, Dan, and Rachel are here to break down every minute detail for you. From the backstory of the titular ‘Marshal’ to the implications of the episodes big reveal. Enjoy this jumbo sized season 2 premiere recap and join us as we cover the entire second season!

Episode 156 - Too Soon for the MCU Spider-Verse

Julian Meush October 9, 2020

With about a month since our last full show, there's been a lot of news piling up. The guys dive into all the juiciest stories to cover the latest in film and television (oh and obviously the biggest story of the month, Steve joining Super Smash Bros). Unfortunately, before getting to the fun stuff, Julian, Dan, and Jeremy, hypothesize about a grim future where movie theatre chains have all gone out of business. It's truly the darkest timeline, but one that seems all too possible, with all the remaining blockbuster releases for this year being moved into next year (or later in some cases). On a more exciting note, the news of Jamie Foxx's Electro joining the MCU for Spider-Man 3, along with Doctor Strange, begs the question if it's too soon to start introducing a multiverse in the MCU. On the DC front, it's discovered that reshoots for the Snyder Cut of Justice League will cost $70 million, and the much maligned streaming service, DC Universe, will officially close its doors as all it's major shows will move to HBO Max (don't worry, it'll live on in a comic book subscription form). Speaking of TV, 'The Boys' is getting a spin-off series, Ted Lasso is renewed for season 2 (I had to mention it) and Nick Fury is getting his own Disney+ series. All that and so much more (I know, I always say that, but this time there's literally so much more stuff!), on this week's Tower of Babble Podcast!

ToB Games - Next Gen Pre-Orders + Microsoft & Bethesda

Julian Meush September 28, 2020

It's been awhile since the ToB Crew got together to talk gaming, but with some of the biggest video game news of the last 5 years unfolding before our eyes, we felt it was time to get back in the saddle. Julian and Jeremy sit down to discuss the huge news of Microsoft buying Bethesda and what that means for not only ‘Xbox Game Pass’ but also for Sony and the next-gen console battle as a whole. It's a major shift of power in the gaming space but it also means fewer independent studios (so it's not all good news). Speaking of anti-consumer moves, the guys also touch on 'Super Mario 3D All-Stars' and Nintendo's baffling decisions around the bundle. Lastly, the pricing for the next-gen consoles are unpacked and the question of "is the series S price point a game changer?" is posed. All this and so much more on this week's Tower of Babble Podcast.

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Episode 155 - Dune , Godfather 3, and Resident Evil

Julian Meush September 10, 2020

As theatres start to re-open, and production resumes on our most anticipated movies, it could almost feel normal again. That is until you look at the box office numbers for Tenet, or that Matt Reeves’ ‘The Batman’ had to halt production after Robert Pattinson came down with COVID. So in this continually crazy world, Julian, Dan, and Jeremy attempt to make sense out of the latest film and television news. Not the least of which being the exciting trailer for Denis Villeneuve’s ‘Dune’, as well as a live action ‘Resident Evil’ series in the works at Netflix, Ben Affleck returning to the role of Batman, and the ‘The Godfather: Pt 3’ is being recut. The guys also discuss the first few episodes of Amazon’s ‘The Boys’ and look forward at 2021’s DC animated movies. All that and so much more (including an exciting announcement for Patron supporters) on this week’s Tower of Babble Podcast.

SSSW - Star Wars Oscars

Julian Meush September 3, 2020

Inspired by the creative minds at @starwarstuff on Twitter, Small Screen Star Wars is back with more podcasting goodness. This week’s theme is Star Wars Oscars (not to be confused with Star Wars AT the Oscars, where John Williams owns). Julian and Rachel pick the best of the best from across Star Wars on film (and television of course). Who’s the best Star Wars director? What is the best lightsaber duel? The best droid? (spoilers, there’s only 1 correct answer for this. I’m sorry, but we don’t make the rules) Tune in to find what is OBJECTIVELY (subjectively) the best stuff in Star Wars!

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ToB Interlude - DC Fandome 2020

Julian Meush August 25, 2020

With no San Diego Comic-Con (or any comic-con for that matter) this year, the big comic companies are turning to alternate means to get their message out. DC decided the best way to spread the word about their latest projects, was to host their own comic-con, completely online. With intimate panels to massive reveals across their TV, film, and print, properties, the goal was to replicate the feeling of being in the San Diego Convention Centre, but from the comfort of your own home. By all estimations, they largely succeeded in that endeavor. Their 24-hour stream was chock-full of major announcements and reveals. Not the least of which being the first teaser for Matt Reeves “The Batman”, which largely stole the spotlight. Though the trailer for the Snyder Cut of “Justice League” was also exciting (especially for Jeremy). That is without even mentioning the details we got about “Black Lightning” (JSA whaaat!), “The Flash”, or “The Suicide Squad” (gotta love that cast!). Speaking of the Suicide Squad, the latest game from Rocksteady “Suicide Squad: Kill the Justice League”, was also announced along with “Gotham Knights” a co-op Batman game. Long story short, there’s plenty of content to fill you ears as the ToB Crew break it all down in excruciating detail.

Episode 154 - DC Doomsday

Julian Meush August 14, 2020

A lot can happen in 2 weeks. Julian, and Jeremy, are reunited with Dan after a couple weeks away, and boy howdy is there a lot to discuss. After the obligatory Tenet check-in, the guys dive deep into the layoffs at Warner Brothers. Layoffs that hit particularly hard at DC. Not unexpectedly, the much maligned DC Universe streaming service appears to be getting the axe, however, it was the move to completely gut DC Collectibles and hobble DC Comics that came as the biggest shocker. This all comes only weeks ahead of DC Fan Dome, the comic book companies much hyped digital comic-con. Fortunately it wasn’t all bad news on the DC front as it was revealed that Rocksteady’s new game would revolve around the Suicide Squad as they hunt the Justice League (which is pretty cool if we’re being honest). After that the ToB Crew jumps over to the bleak future of the theatrical experience as news of Mulan coming to Disney+ became a reality (among other downer news bits on that front). Fortunately, some good news came out of the Emmy nomination as Watchmen was (rightfully) nominated for 26 awards. All that and so much more in this week’s (extra long) Tower of Babble Podcast!

ToB Interlude - Dark Knight Trilogy & XBox

Julian Meush August 5, 2020

Julian and Jeremy have a casual chat about the legacy of the Dark Knight trilogy. Where it got things right and where it fell down. Afterwards the guys jump into some recent video game news. Specifically the Xbox showcase and if Game Pass will change the industry (spoilers: it probably will).

ToB Games - The Last of Us: Pt II - Spoilercast

Julian Meush July 22, 2020

What is there to say about The Last of Us that hasn’t already been said? Masterpiece. Epc. Umatched. In many ways it’s as close to a perfect video game as you can get. Fast forward to 2020 and in the midst of a real world pandemic, the sequel to that near-perfect game is released to polarized reaction. How does the sequel to one of the greatest games ever made create such a response? Easy; by being different, by challenging the audience, by being unconventional and bold. Julian, Dan and Jeremy, in a spoiler-filled discussion, unpack every story beat and character development to try to understand what makes the The Last of Us: Pt II tick.

Episode 153 - DC, Tron 3, TMNT, and AMC

Julian Meush July 8, 2020

It’s been almost a month since the ToB Crew conveeded, and in that time A LOT has happened. Making for a jumbo sized episode of The ToB Podcast! Starting with just DC, there’s news on The Snyder Cut, Michael Keaton’s Batman, Ryan Reynolds’ Green Lantern, Henry Cavill’s Superman, two animated features, and the future of their streaming service. That’s without even mentioning the rest! The guys also dive deep into Tron 3, a reboot to Twister, the AMC Theatres saga, a new TMNT movie (and possible also a live action show?), the strangeness of Qubi, a Fallout show at Amazon Prime, and so much more (if you can believe it)! On a slightly more serious note, Julian, Dan, and Jeremy also examine the recent move of white voice actors stepping down from voicing non-white characters, as well as the deaths of Joel Schumacher and Ian Hom.

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Jun 5, 2025

SSSW - Tales of the Underworld

Jun 5, 2025

Lucasfilm Animation has been hard at work on their next major project, 'Maul: Shadow Lord', but they've found the time to deliver another installment in their "Tales of" anthology series. The first ones covering the Jedi and the Empire, they now turn their focus towards the Underworld. However, be warned, this is a bit of a misnomer. Don't expect any crime syndicates or really any large scale criminality here. These 2 mini-arcs instead focus on Asajj Ventress (I know, not the first thing that comes to mind when someone mentions the Underworld) as she assists a young Jedi on the run from the Empire, and the origin story of Cad Bane. Which admittedly is closer in line with the criminal underworld concept, but is really more interested in telling a western style revenge story instead. All in all, despite the always great visuals and sound/music design, and few interesting ideas, there's not enough meat on the bone here to satisfy most viewers. But most disappointing is its failure to capitalize on the potential of the Underworld concept.

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May 22, 2025

SSSW/ToB Film Club - Rogue One: A Star Wars Story

May 22, 2025

It's hard to believe that 'Rogue One' premiered nearly a decade ago. At the time, it was fairly well received, considered to be a decent first step into the standalone Star Wars movies, if not a bit messy. As the years passed, we learned more about the production. Gareth Edwards, who retained sole directing credit, was assisted by Tony Gilroy to "fix" the project. Tony went so far as to call it a "corpse" when he came aboard for rewrites and reshoots. It was Tony's inclusion that brought us some of the movies most memorable moments, and ultimately led him to leading the charge on 'Andor', a prequel project that flew under the radar as hits like 'The Mandalorian' hogged the spotlight. With 'Andor' now complete, considered by many to be a masterpiece in storytelling, not just in Star Wars but on television in general, now is the most appropriate time to reexamine the movie that spawned the Cassian-centered prequel series with fresh eyes. 'Andor', which leads directly into the events of 'Rogue One' recontextualizes much of the film, creating a unique viewing experience that pays off a multitude of threads that are brilliantly laid over the two seasons of 'Andor'. It takes the movie, which was already pretty good, and makes it great. Now existing as part of a whole that weaves a cohesive narrative from the nascent moments of the Rebellion all the way through to the destruction of the Death Star in 1977 (the seed that begat ALL Star Wars, and what we appropriately align our Star Wars BBY calendars to). It all feels wholistic and considered when viewed from the broader perspective - an accomplishment that should set a shining example of what Star Wars can and should aspire to.

May 22, 2025

May 15, 2025

SSSW - Andor S2 Finale

May 15, 2025

After only 4 weeks - the blink of an eye - it's all over. The best Star Wars story since the Original Trilogy has graced our screens and left us in awe. These final three episodes weren't able to reach the emotional highs of last week's arc, but that wasn't the goal. Instead, it provides time to look back at what brought us here, and sets the stage for the climax of the story to take place not in this moment, but within the now recontextualized film that birthed all of this in the first place, 'Rogue One'. And while the show may carry Cassian's name on the title screen, it's been the cast of characters we've met along the way that truly elevated this experience. Not to pick favourites, but in particular, Luthen and Kleya, who get an episode all to themselves this week are the standouts. And what an episode it was, as their story which shepherded much of the series came to an end, as we all expected it would have to. Embracing those feelings of closure, in the final moments of the series, as Cassian flies off into 'Rogue One', we are treated to our last glimpses of our heroes and villains. From Dedra to Vel and even Perrin, we are left to consider their fates as the story marches with inevitability into what begat all of this way back in 1977. Will we ever see Kleya, Vel, Wilmon, or Bix again? One can only hope - and rebellions? Well, they're built on hope.

May 15, 2025

May 9, 2025

SSSW - Andor S2 E7 - 9

May 9, 2025

When dealing in the world of prequels, it’s impossible to escape the inevitable - Anakin will fall, Han will win the Falcon, Cassian will die on Scarif. Somehow, in the midst of some of the most thrilling episodes of television ever put to screen, Tony Gilroy and his team found a way to address that impending doom and weaponize it against the audience to induce some of the most gut wrenching and heart breaking moments we’ve yet to see on ‘Andor’ - “There’s some place he needs to be”. At a larger scale, the show continues to outdo itself on a weekly basis, proving that the Star Wars galaxy provides a colour pallet of some of the richest hues from which to paint bold and personal stories. Proving you can go beyond the larger than life stories of heroics and grandeur to human stories of loss and pain and everything in between. That’s without mentioning the deft touch in pulling in themes that resonates with the contemporary while remaining timeless - a feeling that is a staple of Star Wars. Every detail is considered, every character is deep and interesting. There isn’t much more that can be said about such a powerful piece of art, except that not even the audience can escape the inevitable - only one week remains of this masterpiece.

May 9, 2025