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Tower of Babble

Discussing the goings on in geek news with a focus on film and television. We're talking about the things you care about. Characters, places and events that aren't real... but are.

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SSSW - Maul: Shadow Lord - Chapter 3 & 4

Julian Meush April 15, 2026

Now that the premiere is out of the way, the team at Lucasfilm Animation can focus on driving the story forward with authority. The pacing is much improved this week as time feel more evenly dispersed across the characters. There's a greater concentration on characters who can wield a lightsaber and it's appreciated. No shade to the crime syndicate storyline, but we've kind of seen all that already (it was quite literally a 'Clone Wars' arc). The action remains strong while taking another step forward with lightsaber duels joining the mix. Plus, the fast cutting from last week seems to have been dialed back, which is appreciated as it provides more clarity in action scenes. For example, Devon's engagements with Maul are gripping, and with the additional time provided to Master Daki, the stakes feel ratcheted up. Kevin Kinner's music remains a highlight, the illusions to the Anakin vs Obi-Wan Mustafar theme was a particular highlight. In general, there is still room for more character growth, especially with characters not named Maul, who really can't/won't change - but happy to proven wrong! This show feels like it's in full swing already, which is good because next week things look to be really heating up as we hit the half way mark. Julian and Rachel unpack it all!

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In Small Screen Star Wars Tags Star Wars, Star Wars: Maul - Shadow Lord, Darth Maul, Lucasfilm Animation, Review, Recap
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SSSW - Maul: Shadow Lord - Chapter 1 & 2

Julian Meush April 9, 2026

It's been some time since we've been able to sink our pointy teeth into a meaty Star Wars animated project. Since the finale of 'The Bad Batch' all the way back in May of 2024, all we've had to tie us over were anthology installments of varying quality. Praise the Force, that wait is finally over with the release of 'Maul: Shadow Lord', the latest full length series from Lucasfilm Animation. The series marks another technical leap forward for the animation studio, taking their patented visual style and adding another layer of detail and artistry that jumps off the screen. The story follows the titular, Maul shortly after the fall of the Republic and the rise of the Empire, he's looking for revenge and the series wastes no time dropping us right into the thick of things (3 car/speeder chases in 40 mins is impressive). And while we know much of Maul's criminal dealings (and most of the rest of his life actually), the introduction of a new Padawan into the mix, another apprentice-to-be for Maul, adds a layer of intrigue to an otherwise underworld focused story. Join Julian and Rachel as they unpack Chapter 1: "The Dark Revenge" and Chapter 2: "Sinister Schemes", in intricate detail.

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In Small Screen Star Wars Tags Star Wars, Star Wars: Maul - Shadow Lord, Darth Maul, The Clone Wars, Solo: A Star Wars Story, Lucasfilm Animation, Disney+
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Bonus Episode - ToB Film Club - Slap Shot (1977) - Review + Commentary Track

Julian Meush April 8, 2026

In honour of Matt strapping on the goalie pads again for the first time in many years (and not completely pulling his groin), it only made sense to revisit the classic hockey comedy, 'Slap Shot' from 1977. This isn't the first time seeing the movie for either Julian or Matt but it's been a long time so there are plenty of questions still to answer. Here's a few examples: How well shot are the hockey scenes? Does the movie feature more or less actual hockey than 'Heated Revelry'? Does the plot and/or humour hold up all these years later? All these questions are answered in time, but we're also trying something new this month. Instead of a traditional movie review, Julian and Matt decided to go a layer deeper and add a full commentary track for the movie as well. So enjoy the full review, which takes place, before, during, and after the movie itself, and sync up your own copy of the movie (there's a countdown before we start) to get the full experience!

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In Bonus Episode Tags ToB Film Club, Review, Commentary, Slap Shot, Paul Newman, Hockey
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Bonus Episode - 2026 Oscars Recap

Julian Meush March 20, 2026

Matt and Julian are back to unpack the results from last Sunday's Academy Awards ceremony. While the show itself had few surprises (there was a tie though so that's something!), between Conan's bits, the winners, and the losers, there is plenty to discuss. Congrats to 'One Battle After Another', PTA and all the winners ('Sinners' probably deserved a better fate, but respect to MBJ for his ascension)! Plus, I still can't believe the bit about making Leo into a meme actually made another meme. Join us for the full deep dive!

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In Bonus Episode Tags Oscars, Bugonia, F1, Frankenstein, Hamnet, Marty Supreme, One Battle After Another, The Secret Agent, Sentimental Value, Sinners, Train Dreams, Leonardo Dicaprio, Benicio Del Toro, Sean Penn, Emma Stone, Elle Fanning, Paul Thomas Anderson, Ryan Coogler, Avatar: Fire and Ash
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Bonus Episode - 2026 Oscars Preview Show

Julian Meush March 14, 2026

Julian is back from vacation just in time or the 98th Academy Awards! Airing tomorrow (Match 15th), hosted once again by Conan O’Brien, it’s the most prestigious night in Hollywood (after the Tobies of course). This is Matt’s first time on the preview show, so the format is tweaked a bit from our traditional reviews of Oscar noms, though there is still some of that. A broader approach is taken, with a larger focus on the ceremony itself, a peak at the front runners in each category, as well as the betting odds. It’s not all new-school though, find Julian’s traditional “will win”/’want to win” ballots below (Matt will put his together privately) for those curious. Lastly, look for a follow-up show discussing the ceremonies, unpacking the winners, and scoring the ballots next week. Until then, grab your tux, hit the red carpet, rub elbows with the celebs, and enjoy the 2026 Oscars!

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In Bonus Episode, The Tower of Babble Podcast Tags Oscars, Bugonia, F1, Frankenstein, Hamnet, Marty Supreme, One Battle After Another, The Secret Agent, Sentimental Value, Sinners, Train Dreams, Leonardo Dicaprio, Benicio Del Toro, Sean Penn, Emma Stone, Elle Fanning, Paul Thomas Anderson, Ryan Coogler, Avatar: Fire and Ash
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SSSW - Kathleen Kennedy Steps Down

Julian Meush February 12, 2026

There have been rumours circulating for years about the eventual retirement of Kathleen Kennedy from her role as President of Lucasfilm. Never mind the seemingly constant swirling demands for her head from segments of the fan base. And while those rumours and demands may have felt at times unwarranted, they were nevertheless always going to be right... eventually. Kathleen Kennedy, after 14 years as head of the studio announced that she would be stepping down and returning to a more traditional producer role, and her successors would be Dave Filoni on the creative side, and Lynwen Brennan on the business side. Julian and Rachel unpack the announcement, the press coverage, and even Kennedy's exit interview with Deadline, reading between the lines and trying to get a read on her legacy. As well as examining what life might be like under Filoni as Star Wars enters a new era under his watch. Plus, a check-in on 'The Mandalorian and Grogu' following the underwhelming Super Bowl spot.

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In Small Screen Star Wars Tags Kathleen Kennedy, Star Wars, Lucasfilm, George Lucas, Bob Iger, Disney, Dave Filoni, The Mandalorian and Grogu
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Episode 204 - Oscar Noms + 2026 Predictions

Julian Meush January 26, 2026

As noted by the recent Tobies, awards season continues in full flight, so it's no surprise to have The Oscars drop their nominations just in time for Matt and Julian to break them down. 'Sinners' taking home 16 noms sets an Oscars record and (more importantly) validates Julian's recent Tobie pick. Plus, the guys return to a more traditional news format with headlines about James Bond, Game of Thrones, He-Man and more! Finally, the guys look into their crystal balls, gazing into the future, to make entertainment-based predictions for the year 2026. How will the WB/Netflix deal play out? Will Star Wars have a hit with 'The Mandalorian and Grogu'? Will Nolan's 'The Odyssey' be as big as 'Oppenheimer'? Only the ToB hosts can tell you! (No future lotto tickets or sports almanacs unfortunately)

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In The Tower of Babble Podcast Tags Oscars, Pierce Brosnan, James Bond, George Clooney, Masters of the Universe, Sam Raimi, Batman, Batgirl, DCU, James Gunn, James Cameron, Avatar, Avatar: Fire and Ash, Idris Elba, Game of Thrones, A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms, House of the Dragon, Stranger Things, Star Wars: Maul - Shadow Lord, Star Wars, Warner Brothers, Netflix, The Mandalorian and Grogu, Dave Filoni, Kathleen Kennedy, Chris Nolan, The Odyssey, Dune, Avengers, Marvel, Robert Downey Jr., X-Men, Captain America, Green Lantern, Lanterns, 28 Years Later, Lord of the Rings, The Rip, Andor, Pluribus
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Episode 203 - The 2025 Tobie Awards (9th Annual)

Julian Meush January 19, 2026

With the Golden Globes holding their annual ceremony last week, it signals only one thing - it’s AWARD SEASON BABY! And of course, when one thinks of the most prestigious awards in entertainment, of course names like Oscar, Tony, and Emmy might come to mind. But held on equal footing with those self-congratulatory titans is of course the name Tobie. That’s right y’all THE TOBIES ARE BACK for another go around at the top three best movies and shows of year. And while there may be a new host in the rotation, the format and the prestige remain unchanged. Join Julian and now Matt to explore what, upon reflection, was a pretty damn good year for visual storytelling on both the big and small screens.

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In The Tower of Babble Podcast Tags Star Wars, Andor, Severance, Pluribus, Netflix, Task, The Chair Company, Running Point, Miami Vice, The Studio, Adolescence, Sinners, One Battle After Another, 28 Years Later, F1, Guillermo Del Toro, Frankenstein, Conclave, The Phoenician Scheme, Ballerina, Avatar: Fire and Ash, Tron 3, Eddington, Captain America: New World Order, Friendship, Happy Gilmore, Predator Badlands, Predator, Predator: Killer of Killers, Jaws, Kill Bill, Superman, DCU, DC, Thunderbolts, Marvel, Disney, Warner Brothers, Wake Up Dead Man: A Knives Out Mystery, Dead Poets Society (1998), Sideways (2004), ToBies, Golden Globes
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SSSW - Year in Review 2025 + Visions Vol 3

Julian Meush January 5, 2026

With the back half of 2025 being relatively quiet from a Star Wars perspective, it's hard to remember that 'Andor' wrapped up it's two season run and blew us all away THIS year. Never mind that 'Skeleton Crew' also wrapped up in 2025! Julian and Rachel, using the help of this handy Starwars.com article as reference, look back at the year that was in Star Wars. Overall, despite things slowing down content-wise, 'Andor' alone makes it a stellar year, and with new movies on the horizon and a new animated series set to drop in 2026, there's still plenty to be excited about going forward. If that wasn't enough, join us as we explore 'Star Wars: Visions - Volume III', posing the question: has the Star Wars anime concept run it's course?

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In Small Screen Star Wars Tags Star Wars, Andor, Star Wars Visions, Revenge of the SIth, The Mandalorian, The Mandalorian and Grogu, Star Wars: Maul - Shadow Lord, Lucasfilm Animation, Lucasfilm, Kathleen Kennedy, Star Wars: Starfighter, Skeleton Crew, Star Wars: Fate of the Old Republic, The Old Republic, Star Wars: The Old Republic, Star Wars Episode IX, The Force Awakens, Star Wars Episode VII
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Bonus Episode - ToB Film Club - Surviving Christmas (2004)

Julian Meush December 24, 2025

Happy holidays ToB Fans! Completing a string of 3 straight publicly available Film Club episodes, commemorating the show's relaunch, we finish with our annual tradition of doing a Christmas movie for December. This year, with Matt joining the show it was his choice. He went with a movie from the mid-2000s that he's revisited time and again - 'Surviving Christmas'. A Ben Affleck vehicle that comes from a rocky era of his, just one year removed from 'Gili'. Fortunately, it features a strong supporting cast, with both Catherine O'Hara and the late James Gandolfini stealing the show and preventing this from being a complete disaster. Devoid of any type of strong holiday message, we spend much of the movie indulging Affleck's character's obnoxious desires, and despite some funny moments peppered throughout and a relatively strong third act, the tonal inconsistency and unlikability of the main character leave this movie mired in mediocrity. See you all again in 2026!

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In Bonus Episode Tags ToB Film Club, Christmas, Holidays, Ben Affleck, Review
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Bonus Episode - ToB Film Club - Office Space (1999)
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Episode 207 - Avengers: Doomsday Trailer + News Roundup
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Tower of Babble Podcast

We're a podcast network talking about the things you care about. Characters, places and events that aren't real... but are. Three friends chat about the goings on in geek news. Film and television are the focus with a variety of shows that also concentrate on gaming and comics.

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