We're two-thirds of the way through this prison arch and once again the tension is palpable. Every scene drips with suspense - which is quite the feat considering we already know the fate of many of these characters. It's a testament to the quality of the storytelling that the show is able to create such dramatic weight in a prequel setting. We watch as Andor slowly puts an escape plan in place, while we cut back and forth to the ISB as they continue to close the noose on the Rebels. We also learn an interesting connection between Mon Mothma and Vel, while Syril slips further into fantasy land as he stalks Dedra on Coruscant.
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SSSW - Andor S1E8 "Narkina 5"
Andor is admitted to a very "different" type of prison following his swift conviction. This further adds to the fallout from the heist as we see it's even reached previously convicted prisons. Meanwhile we see how the elites are handling this while Mon hosts another cocktail event to garner votes to delay the Emperors latest "overreach". On Ferrix the Empires grip tightens as Vel and Cinta watch Andor's mom in hopes for a clue. Maybe not as "exciting" as previous episodes, this one is particularly dense with some very fun surprises!
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SSSW - Andor S1E7 "Announcement"
The repercussions from last week's "successful" heist are far reaching. This character driven and world building heavy episode shows us how the Empire responds to threats (not well), and what that means for the wider galaxy. Meanwhile, Andor has to grapple with all of this in a much more personal, heartbreaking, way. Mon and Luthen spar somewhat, but the mission continues as we're treated to some very intriguing backroom dealings of her own. Plus Syril gets a desk job.
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SSSW - Andor S1E6 "The Eye"
Andor’s second 3-episode arch came to a dramatic close this week as the Imperial heist we have all been waiting for was finally executed. Was it a complete success? No. But the “heroes” did come out with a decent chunk of change, striking a blow against the galactic villains; “vulnerable to manipulation” my butt. The win came at a cost though, with key members of the team not reaching the the finish line. Leading up to that climax, the episode did a great job building suspense, with eerily beautiful music paired with stunning visuals as the titular “eye” was finally visualized. Ending with a surprising twist, and a peak at the Imperial Senate, there was plenty to enjoy. Overall, it doesn’t get much better than this, but there’s still plenty of episodes left to be proven wrong.
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SSSW - Andor S1E5 "The Axe Forgets"
Some might say this middle episode of this second arch is slow, but if you ask us, it’s some of the best character work ever done in Star Wars and it’s doing a masterful job of setting up a thrilling follow-up that will see Andor and his team of misfits finally take on the Empire on Aldhani. Meanwhile, we check in with Mon Mothma, as her web of lies, necessary for keeping a nascent rebellion alive, is straining her family life. Speaking of strained family life, we also get to check in with Syril and his mother as they attempt to regroup after the fiasco on Ferrix that forced him back home. We also briefly touch base with the ISB and Luthen to make sure everyone gets a scene. All in, certainly not an “exciting” episode by any traditional metric, but for our money, this is still some top notch Star Wars.
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SSSW - Andor S1E4 "Aldhani"
After a thrilling finale to the first three-episode arch, we pick up episode 4immediatly following the events that drove Andor from Ferrix with Luthen. As Andor gets drawn further into the ranks of the Rebellion, we also get introduced to a new plot line, as we start following an Imperial Security Bureau (ISB) agent Dedra and her colleagues on Coruscant. Speaking of which, this is the first time we’ve returned to the galactic capital in any meaningful way in live action, particularly in Imperial era, and damn is it good to be back. We’re also reintroduced to Senator Mon Mothma in one of the best scenes in the show yet. The political intrigue is ramping up fast and we’re here to break it all down!
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SSSW - Andor - S1 Premiere
Small Screen Star Wars returns to cover another Disney+ adventure in a galaxy far, far, away. Julian and Rachel break down every single scene from the first 3 episodes of 'Andor'. A series pitched as being "Star Wars for adults". From writer Tony Gilroy, 'Andor' follows the titular Cassian Andor, who you may remember from such films as 'Rogue One: A Star Wars Story" as he joins the ranks of the Rebel Alliance. We're promised political intrigue mixed with a spy thriller. The first 3 episodes are more heavy on the latter but I suspect there will be plenty of the former over it's 12 episode first season. Join the SSSW Crew as they examine what makes 'Andor' unique from other Star Wars projects, as well as dive deep into how it shows the beginning of the rebellion from a new perspective. Yes, it's a slow burn, but have faith, as 'Andor' is shaping up to be something completely new for Star Wars; a fresh tone with mature characterizations. Who woulda thought you could pull that off in a Star Wars show?!
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Episode 180 - D23 & Emmys and More!
Following an eventful D23 Expo, and a less eventful Emmys, the boys are back to break down the latest in film and TV news, and they have a very special guest to help them do it - Axel Foley from the DVR Podcast network! On the docket is Marvel and Lucasfilm's plethora of announcements from this years D23, that includes the reveal of the 'Thunderbolts' lineup, trailers for 'The Mandalorian' S3, 'Secret Invasion' and 'Tales of the Jedi', and even a first look at 'Indiana Jones 5', which of course didn't get put online (bummer). Plus the guys break down the Emmy wins for this year, do a quick "Agree or Disagree" and dive into some initial reactions for 'Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power', and 'House of the Dragon'. All that and so much more on this week's Tower of Babble Podcast!
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Episode 179 - The Drama Continues
Another episode, another dump of bad news out of WBD. This time, following their investors call, we learn that they've been pulling content from HBO Max liberally, while 'Shazam 2', and 'Aquaman 2' get pushed again. Have no fear, they have a 10 year plan they say. Fortunately, HBO seems to have been spared the knife so far, featuring 'House of the Dragon' pulling in record numbers for it's premiere. In fact, prosperity seems to be abound across the nerd world when it comes to adapted material, with 'Sandman' on Netflix hitting the mark, and 'She-Hulk' at Disney+ capturing even Jeremy's attention. The guys sit down to discuss all of that and more, including 'Avatar's' return to theatres, 'Green Lantern: Beware My Power', and a final word on 'Prey'.
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Bonus Episode - ToB Film Club - Swingers (1996)
Our film club circle grows once again! This month we have a very special guest joining us to review their absolute favourite movie, another cult classic hit, 'Swingers'. Which comes to us from all the way back in 1996 (which also plays into our primarily 90's heavy selections recently). A movie that launched the careers of Doug Liman, Jon Favreau, and Vince Vaughn. A couple names you might have heard of. A true "bro movie" in that it's really just a bunch of dudes hanging out and partying, but it brings a level of truth and honesty to the situation, with deep characters that you want to root for. It wears its heart on its sleeve as we watch Mikey struggle get over his ex-girlfriend, with Favreau bringing an essential performance to the part, and really being the beating heart of the picture. Join the usual cast of characters, Julian, Rachel and Jeremy, with special guest Matt Tworek, as they unpack it all in this month's ToB Film Club!
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