Star Wars - SPOILERS INSIDE

[ron the dial]

the mon motha/davo/tay meeting was sharply written. they are not fucking around with this series in any aspect.

[Ol Dirty Dastard]

I want to be arrange married to Jenivieve O’Reilly’s iteration of Mon Motha. Original one was more like Mom Mothma or even grandmom Mothma

[Ol Dirty Dastard]

30 men. Plus Kregyr.

[Lock Jaw]

Very real possibility that Cassian and Melchi were the only two who got off the planet....

[ron the dial]

i'm a sucker for a symmetrical shot and this show is full if them. the one of the imperial captain or whatever after luthen escaped was great.

[Ol Dirty Dastard]

I wish they never even showed the holo-projected shot of Kregyr so that he could've been the Maris Crane (or Vera Peterson) of Andor.

[Ol Dirty Dastard]

Also, compared to Mandalorian (because honestly, the other shows aren't really in this conversation), I really love the dimension they've given the baddies. Diedre is an awful human--yet, I find myself rooting for her (not to beat Cassian or anything, but there are --strangely--things about her I find admirable).

I think of Moff Gideon from the Mandalorian, and he's such a black and white baddy. I appreciate him and like what he brings to the show, but he's just a straight heel. Yet--Diedre is probably worse than him in some ways as a person. The same could possibly be said about Cyril, who you also can't help but sort of root for.

Realistically, Cyril and Diedre are no more militant and ruthless than Saw or Luthen.

Gilroy thrives in creating these complex characters, whereas Filoni and Favreau are just like "here are the good guys, and here are the bad guys."

My whole commentary probably goes back to what Fig was talking about with a show that follows the Empire. But it's a success of the show. And just because the characters are more rounded doesn't always make for a better show. Sometimes that can get gimmicky. But Gilroy has struck the perfect balance.

[Lock Jaw]

Still rooting for Dedra to "let her hair down" and "become sexy"

[Ol Dirty Dastard]

Saw her in an interview with her hair down. She was with Cyril, who didn’t even look like the same person.

[Lock Jaw]

Didn't even know the other dude's character name until now.... always just referred to him as "Space Cereal Mom Guy"

[Ol Dirty Dastard]

I mean it's just as accurate of a descriptor.

[Lock Jaw]

What If

He catches Cassian Andor, but then Andor escapes via tempting him with some Space Cereal, ala how superheroes used to defeat bad guys with Hostess Fruit Pies in advertisements

[Ol Dirty Dastard]

I'd say Diedre's love and imperially-meted justice are more important to him than space cereal.

[Destor]

Just found some dvd copies of the theatrical cuts of the original trilogy. Very hyped.

[Ol Dirty Dastard]

That was quite the finale. Goodness.

[Ol Dirty Dastard]

Also I definitely like Andor’s first season better than Mando.

[Ol Dirty Dastard]

https://scontent.fyto1-2.fna.fbcdn.net/v/t1.15752-9/316008379_459869819404425_5644441471618902934_n.png?_nc_cat=109&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=ae9488&_nc_ohc=acIs6zTfnAIAX8aDtaQ&_nc_ht=scontent.fyto1-2.fna&oh=03_AdQyvO8VUjPUVIagk9e02BuN5KeRP_4nUmZR_2E6kl3_iA&oe=63A6546E

[Lock Jaw]

Syril gonna get some :cool:

[Lock Jaw]

Great finale... hate that I have to wait a year to see where it goes from here.... I heard there's gonna be a time jump next season... wonder if they continue off this cliffhanger or if they just tell it via flashbacks later....

Wonder what Cassian's "plan" is....

Kill me or take me in.... take him in as in to the empire or take him in as in a partner in rebellion?

[Ol Dirty Dastard]

lol very clearly he meant the latter, you wild animal (re: spoilers)

[Lock Jaw]

Syril gonna get some :cool:

Now that I actually know his name it is quite funny how it rhymes with cereal

[Ol Dirty Dastard]

How is it just lock jaw and me to have watched this damned finale.

[ron the dial]

i watched it but the holiday/being out of town hasn't given me an opportunity to properly share my thoughts. i will eventually. it was fantastic as expected.

[Ol Dirty Dastard]

:rant:

[Fignuts]

I watched it, but I don't really have anything to add on the praise I've already given the show. It is in fact the most well written star wars media of everything, including the movies.

[Ol Dirty Dastard]

Lol well I mean we sit here and prattle on when something is shit. Why not be just as consistent with the praise when it’s earned? It’s some exciting, inspiring stuff.

[Lock Jaw]

I still want that dude who was Cassian's boss in Rogue One to show up next season.... forget his name.....

[Ol Dirty Dastard]

He seems like a lesser Luthen.

Also, props to Mon Mothma for gaslighting the fuck out of her husband in the name of covering her tracks.

[Seanny One Ball]

4 episodes into Andor.
It’s good but it’s not Mando good. Not sure it’s even Obi Wan good. It has too many ugly English people in it, even for Star Wars…

[Seanny One Ball]

There have been a few bits that were great but I am hoping it goes a bit tits towards the end. It’s certainly warming up in the middle.

[Ol Dirty Dastard]

lol Obi Wan was so shite. Come on.

[Ol Dirty Dastard]

That's like saying you liked Full House better than The Wire lol

[Fignuts]

Lol well I mean we sit here and prattle on when something is shit. Why not be just as consistent with the praise when it’s earned? It’s some exciting, inspiring stuff.

I feel like its much easier to elaborate and juxtapose on negatives.

[Ol Dirty Dastard]

lol that says a lot about you, Fignuts.

[Fignuts]

Well I don't see you elaborating either, mister sunshine and rainbows.

I think expecting everyone else to do the work says a lot about you, and I suggest you let that marinate.

[Seanny One Ball]

lol Obi Wan was so shite. Come on.

That's like saying you liked Full House better than The Wire lol



The thing is Dale, until fairly recently to me all Star Wars was shite so I have no real axe to grind.
I’m the one person who can just enjoy the good and ignore the bad because I’d just as happily be watching something else.

I just want to see cool shit, I am more likely to find that outside of Star Wars than inside of it.

[Seanny One Ball]

Andor is the laziest show title ever too. Andor should fuck off to Endor and get eaten by the little hairy bastards that live there

[Destor]

I watched 2 eps of Andor and didnt go back for a 3rd. Im told ep 3 is where it gets good but i feel like if id had watched 3 id hear ep 4 is where it gets good

[Seanny One Ball]

I’ve seen the first four and episode 3 was warming up but episode four felt like the middle stage of a long wank.

[Destor]

Im sure ill give it another go. Got way too many other things to do right now. It wasnt bad it just wasnt engaging.

[Lock Jaw]

Episodes 1 and 2 and 4 and 5 are a bit slow and weird cause of the 3 episode story arc structure.

[Seanny One Ball]

Maybe they should have built more attractive arcs. Episode 3 was the best so far because of the metal ball ceiling shenanigans but they could have put more into it.
Diego Luna sort of sucks balls so it’s hard to take him seriously. So glad they never made that Scarface adaptation with him in it…

[Lock Jaw]

They definitely could have structured it better. The 3 episode arc from 8-10 is great, and also elements from the first two arcs start getting more integrated and retroactively gets you to like them more.... but thinking back on it now it is like "yeah, those were some slow ass episodes"

[Seanny One Ball]

Too much fannying around in the woods

[Fignuts]

If theres one thing I can't get enough of, its fannying.

[Seanny One Ball]

Watching Andor again.
It’s pretty impressive that Alex Lawther agreed to do this. He’s one of the best British actors out there and this is not his usual fare.

[Seanny One Ball]

Getting Doc Brown was good but no way was that difficult. I feel like Alex Lawther is a proper actor and getting him in a series like this is huge.

[Seanny One Ball]

I stuck the Star Wars Holiday Special on for a laugh but I’m half an hour in and it isn’t funny at all…it’s creepy and weird.
Art Carney is chewing scenery but with false teeth.

Terrible.

[Ol Dirty Dastard]

I'm surprised you didn't like the Holiday Special given your love for Kenobi.

[Fignuts]

Is that the one where Luke looks like a drag queen?

[Lengua]

https://scontent.fyto1-2.fna.fbcdn.net/v/t1.15752-9/316008379_459869819404425_5644441471618902934_n.png?_nc_cat=109&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=ae9488&_nc_ohc=acIs6zTfnAIAX8aDtaQ&_nc_ht=scontent.fyto1-2.fna&oh=03_AdQyvO8VUjPUVIagk9e02BuN5KeRP_4nUmZR_2E6kl3_iA&oe=63A6546E

Every time I saw him I just thought how much he looked like macca back in the day.

I thought the series was great. It's a series that needs a definite rewatch to really absorb everything in all at once imo. I think it lacks the ratings from the majority of star wars fans that think you need lightsabers all over the place. I do think as we venture into next season we could see some Vader interaction, with at least, a Palpatine cameo.

[Lock Jaw]

Glad to have Mandalorian back

I loved the design of Pirate King Swamp Thing. Definitely not seen the last of that guy.

Also, nice @ the purrgil tease in hyperspace

[Lengua]

Glad to have Mandalorian back

I loved the design of Pirate King Swamp Thing. Definitely not seen the last of that guy.

Also, nice @ the purrgil tease in hyperspace

Makes me wonder what kind of other tease we will get based on when and where the purrgil first appeared and how heavily they featured woth Ezra and Thrawn. I could easily see Mando crossing paths with Ezra at some point and we have no idea they did until later.

[Ol Dirty Dastard]

It was nice seeing old friends which is the strength of the show.

[Seanny One Ball]

I’m excited to see it. Best Star Wars thing ever.

[Seanny One Ball]

Pedro Pascal is getting less than the friends cast did twenty years ago

[Lengua]

Pedro Pascal is getting less than the friends cast did twenty years ago

Different Era. No online streaming. They were getting like 30 million views for first run. Advertisers were screaming for time.

That makes a huge difference vs today.

[Destor]

Friends aired for 22 million viewers as a 3 cam 22min sitcom with ad breaks. There's way way way more money in that. Its basically a stage play. The only cost is the cast and the set design... of which there were like 3 sets for the whole run. And with the quality of the show they were def saving by having hamsters write the scripts.

[Destor]

Meanwhile Mando has no ad breaks. Runs roughly an hour. Has cgi out the ass. Huge set and production costs. Location expenses. Plus the sub revenue has to be dispersed across all projects.

[Destor]

There is way more money to pay Lisa Cudrow or whatever than Pascal

[Destor]

All the while disney is losing millions...bad time to ask for a raise

[Ol Dirty Dastard]

Plus there are about 15 other people they also have to pay to be in that Mando costume.

[Fignuts]

Should do a Friends/Mandalorian crossover episode.

[Ol Dirty Dastard]

Can Chandler get shot? Or maybe his hand sliced off by a lightsaber.

[McLegend]

Episode where Grogu refuses to share his food with Joey.

Then for years to come we have the quote “Grogu doesn’t share food!”

Everyone will find it hilarious

[Ol Dirty Dastard]

Ross unwittingly gets pulled into a life-threatening mission with Mando.

Phoebe and Grogu get high on spice together by accident. They write a hit song together called stinky Bantha.

[Lengua]

Instead of a monster of the week bad guy Joey hooks up with a different female alien starting with a twi'lek. Shit writes itself.

[Ol Dirty Dastard]

Damb. Was not expecting Godzilla to be in this episode.

[Ol Dirty Dastard]

Pog Soup.

[Lock Jaw]

Slammers are for fiber

[Ol Dirty Dastard]

lolol

[Ol Dirty Dastard]

Question: will Bo and Din end up getting hitched?

[Lengua]

Question: will Bo and Din end up getting hitched?

Do they just rub the front of their helmets together to signify a kiss? Asking for a cosplay friend.

[Ol Dirty Dastard]

Somebody described this past episode as "undercooked Andor" which I think is accurate. But it was still good. Not sure how I felt about the constant ominous music whenever Caine was interacting with Pershing--kind of gave away what was going to happen. But maybe that was the point?

[Ol Dirty Dastard]

Do they just rub the front of their helmets together to signify a kiss? Asking for a cosplay friend.

They don't kiss. But Bo wears a strap-on (Mando creed says nothing about pants).

[Fignuts]

I enjoyed the first couple episodes, but they didn't really hook me the way the series has in the past. That changed with the last episode. Some intriguing plot threads starting to form.

[Fignuts]

Ah, the imerial officer chick was in the new ant man. Was bugging me where I had seen her before.

[Ol Dirty Dastard]

There was a lot of intrigue in this episode--and it suggests Mando will be a lot more like Clone Wars now, where we'll follow different characters and POVs instead of just Grogu and Din.

My only real knock against it is that Andor was much better at doing the slower, more considered story. There was a lot of good stuff going on--and I appreciated the added depth. This was far more ambitious than the previous two episodes.

But part of it was rushed and hamfisted. It kinda felt like Vince McMahon was trying to write legacy television.

Still gets a B from me and I look forward to where the story is going.

[rez]

That last Mando ep was out of place. If anyting, it shoulda been a pre season ep

[Ol Dirty Dastard]

I think the strength of the show is Din and Grogu adventuring. It's the reason people tune in. Veering away from them (even if we visit with them on episode bookends) kind of defeats the purpose

[wwe2222]

I thought last weeks Mando episode was great. They need more of that in my opinion. The strength of the show is Mando and Grogu but every episode does not need to focus on them.

[Ol Dirty Dastard]

It was dece but I thought it could've been better. Some good acting from the Pershing guy but much of it just felt like Andor-lite. I'm all for being more ambitious, but if you're going to get away from my two faves, the story needs to kick ass.

That said, it's basically in line with my expectations of the show. I've enjoyed this season. There are just things about Favs and Feloni that don't 100% do it for me.

[Ol Dirty Dastard]

lol this ep was something else.

[Fignuts]

I thought it was another really strong episode. Great action.

This season doesn't seem to have an overarching plot direction, but rather is weaving several sub plot threads at once. Hopefully by the end, they can bring them together in a way that makes sense.

[Ol Dirty Dastard]

Yeah this ep was all about not really thinking too much and just getting to watch the Mandalorians be Mandalorians. Enjoyed the Grogu stuff, too.

[Fignuts]

Holy shit the guy playing the jedi is the same dude who played jar jar binks.

[Ol Dirty Dastard]

I actually found that out this morning. Happy he got a chance to be a badass in Star Wars after the shit he's been through.

[Lock Jaw]

Wish he would have did a cameo as Jar Jar......

[McLegend]

Maybe it really was Jar Jar all along?

[Ol Dirty Dastard]

I do hope they clarify why the children of the watch are staying on a planet where they're repeatedly being eaten by giant space lizards.

[McLegend]

There isn’t many safe options out there. Space is a dangerous place.

[Ol Dirty Dastard]

Surely there must be safer options.

[Lock Jaw]

Hot episode. Business has just picked up!

Marked at the Zeb cameo

Laughed at the exchange between the dude from Kim's Convenience and the dude from The Goldbergs. I liked that after Kim's Convenience dude warned The Mandalorians there were hints of The Resistance theme from the sequels. Starting to make it clear how/why a "Resistance" had to be formed outside the New Republic.

Loved Swamp Thing Pirate guy and his "first mate"... loved their whole ship design and how it actually had a big wheel for steering and an isolated "captain's chair". Just so different than anything we have seen before.

Then the final scene opens a lot of questions and possibilities.... season has definitely picked up big time

[Ol Dirty Dastard]

Dunno why but Gorian Shard/Shart (pirate swamp thing guy) reminds of me of Uncle Phil. But he reminds me of Uncle Phil when he was the Shredder. Especially because of Gorian Shard's ineptitude.

[Lock Jaw]

Christopher Lloyd :heart:

[Lock Jaw]

<iframe width="1620" height="1080" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/HnzNZ0Mdx4I" title="Ahsoka | Teaser Trailer | Disney+" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe>

[Lock Jaw]

Also announced are a trio of new Star Wars movies:

- "Dawn of the Jedi" by James Mangold which will be a "biblical epic" set 25,000 years before any Star Wars canon, telling the origins of the Jedi and discovery of The Force.

- A Star Wars movie by Dave Filoni that will act as a "climactic event" that will crossover Mandalorian/Boba Fett/Ahsoka. (Speculation from me is that this will be strictly a Disney+ movie release)

- A new Star Wars movie starring Daisy Ridley as Rey (Skywalker), trying to establish a new Jedi Order.

[El Vaquero de Infierno]

<iframe width="1620" height="1080" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/HnzNZ0Mdx4I" title="Ahsoka | Teaser Trailer | Disney+" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe>

I want to watch this series. I want it to be great. But Disney suck so hard.

[El Vaquero de Infierno]

- A new Star Wars movie starring Daisy Ridley as Rey (Skywalker), trying to establish a new Jedi Order.

Do we really need another film about that Mary Sue? I'm going with: no.

[wwe2222]

Looking forward to the Rey movie and Ahsoka show.

Oh his you are really bringing up that stupid Mary Sue argument again? Lol

[Ol Dirty Dastard]

Looking forward to the Rey movie and Ahsoka show.

Oh his you are really bringing up that stupid Mary Sue argument again? Lol

Mary Sue is the cry of the incel.

[El Vaquero de Infierno]

Looking forward to the Rey movie and Ahsoka show.

Oh his you are really bringing up that stupid Mary Sue argument again? Lol

Rey is such a boring, over-powered character that can do nothing wrong; there is no room for character development or anything to root for. A product of lazy and untalented writing, which was the defining element of the sequel trilogy.

Ahsoka, on the other hand, is a great example of smart and substantial character development: starting off as a bratty child who becomes an absolute beast and resourceful person, forged in the fires of war and adversity. A character you can get invested in.

[Destor]

Mary Sue is the cry of the incel.i hooe she sees this

[Destor]

Rey is such a boring, over-powered character that can do nothing wrong; there is no room for character development or anything to root for. A product of lazy and untalented writing, which was the defining element of the sequel trilogy.

Ahsoka, on the other hand, is a great example of smart and substantial character development: starting off as a bratty child who becomes an absolute beast and resourceful person, forged in the fires of war and adversity. A character you can get invested in.Until the Palpatine bit i was on board with her no matter how vacantly written she was. Daisy Ridley is cute and has a ton of charisma. When she's on the screen she has a big time syar quality.

I dont know how you salvage the Palpatine issue. It undermines the entirety of Vaders arc. Its a massive slap in the face to 40+ year of story telling. Asking the fanebase to just be ok with that...i dont think thats the path to box office success.

I'll say this though, aside from Palpatine, the character is totally salvageable mostly because she basically a blank slate. Becauae she was a mary sue she doesnt have a defined character at any level. You could do anything with her. Clean break. Fresh slate. Jedi wonders the galaxy and gets into wacky adventures. With decent writing i dont see how you cant get something out of it.

Ridley isnt a hack, Rey's writers were.

[Destor]

But without question the writing of that "character" is hackneyed schlock. No question.

[Lock Jaw]

The Lego Star Wars specials set after Rise of Skywalker were pretty good, and the best things involving the new trilogy characters. Hopefully they can introduce some of that

[Fignuts]

They could have told a much more interesting story if they had revealed she was a palpatine from the start.

[Lock Jaw]

<iframe width="1130" height="636" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/otoDnun24zM" title="Young Jedi Adventures | Official Trailer" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe>

I hope this series ends with Anakin Skywalker just massacring these adorable little kids

[Lock Jaw]

Star Wars: Visions volume 2 also coming:

<iframe width="1130" height="636" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/SSXqU92cymY" title="Star Wars: Visions Volume 2 | Official Trailer | Disney+" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe>

I never actually watched the first set of these....

[Lock Jaw]

Damn @ penultimate episode of Mandalorian....

[Ol Dirty Dastard]

so are Bo and Din gonna bang or what?

[Lock Jaw]

And will Din wear a helmet?

[Ol Dirty Dastard]

He better wear the helmet! /armorer

[Lock Jaw]

On his wang

[Destor]

Im all caught up on mando.


A propose a new title for the series. One that encapsulates the spirit of its beginnings but is more current. Freshen it up a bit:

A Mandalorian

[Destor]

The protag literally doesnt have an arc this season. And we force fucked grogu back in only to not give him an arc either. But hey he's got a robot so maybe thatll sell some toys.

[Destor]

The only way this works is if whatsher face dies in the finale and passes on her messianic quest to Mando. Otherwise there is, literally, no character arc for the protagonist across 8 episodes.

[Lock Jaw]

Whole thing with IG-88 was kinda weird

"I need IG-88, I'm going on a quest to get some parts because I can't use anyone else"

Next planet: "How about this one instead?"-"Oh, sure, why not."

Then eventually: "We rebuilt IG-88 as a present to you! But not really, just as a mech-suit for Grogu!"

[Destor]

Finale is very good. Doesnt salvage the season but its a strong ep. Couldve easily condensed this run into 3 episodes

[Lock Jaw]

Sweet finale. Feels like everything is "wrapped up" in a full circle/complete.

Feels like maybe there won't be a S4. They might pick up on Mandalore a bit with Sabine in Ahsoka and then maybe it isn't until this Filoni movie that we see Mando return, hunting down Imperials.

"lol" though @ Moff Gideon seeing that "The Mandalorian has escaped" and even have tracking on him on a map somehow.... but then sending no one after him and just letting him come.... I forget if that scene was before or after Mando destroyed his clones.... if it was after then it is even more "lol" because presumably he would see Mando approaching his super important lab and do nothing about it and send no one to try to stop him... and then be super mad about it.

[Ol Dirty Dastard]

This season definitely was a big meh. I still enjoyed it and I enjoyed-ish the finale while I watched it but was left feeling empty. Tried to serve too many masters throughout the season and it turned into something quite vapid.

[Ol Dirty Dastard]

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[Ol Dirty Dastard]

Andor is a god damned triumph. What a fucking show.

[Ol Dirty Dastard]

Holy shit--Nicholas Brittell (the composer of Succession's epic score) also did Andor's score.

[El Vaquero de Infierno]

I've generally kept away from Disney-related shows and films, post-Endgame, but I'm down for some Ahsoka.
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[Ol Dirty Dastard]

Did you not watch Andor? It was fucking sick.

[El Vaquero de Infierno]

After the crap that was the Book of Boba Fett, I've stayed away from any other Star Wars series. Granted, I've heard good things about Andor, so if Ahsoka brings the goods, I'll watch Andor.

[Ol Dirty Dastard]

I assure you that Andor will prove to be better, although Ahsoka should be lots of fun. Dave Filloni has done some good stuff, but he is limited. Tony Gilroy (who did Andor) is on another level. It's a much more "grownup" show with better dialogue and acting and storytelling. A slow burn.

[poopfromweiner dude]

crazy Darth vader dient have a father

[poopfromweiner dude]

that wrinkly guy just put him in Schmee like Jesus

[poopfromweiner dude]

he never really stopped being a slave if you think about it

[McLegend]

If you think about it he was always a slave… To his emotions!

[poopfromweiner dude]

yeah that's what I said

[Lock Jaw]

Ahsoka off to a great start. The Rebels sequel all us nerds wanted.

In a way it is also proving how much the sequel trilogy went off the rails. Very similar plot threads of a "map" to find a lost Jedi (and Thrawn), but a more interesting plot of two parties trying to get there first.... and being another galaxy that they are going to opens up possibilities of not just Thrawn and the Imperial threat but perhaps other stories and threats that aren't a rehash of the Empire, like bringing in the Yuuzhan Vong into continuity or something.

[Ol Dirty Dastard]

Ahsoka was good but in the middest sort of way.

[Ol Dirty Dastard]

3rd ep felt a bit more focused.

[Lock Jaw]

Have a "bad feeling" that the masked dude will turn out to be Ezra, and feel like that is "too obvious/lazy" a reveal...

[Ol Dirty Dastard]

Visually, a dark-sided Ezra would be cool. But I agree that it'd be lame and eye-rolling.

[Lock Jaw]

I mean, I did kind of vote in my head to have Ezra be more "grey" when they find him, cause he always seemed like he could go either way...

Like Enzo from season 3 of Reboot when he becomes a gritty adult.... except maybe with more extremes of Ezra doing "bad things" but in the name of what he thinks is best/good....

But revealing him under the mask would be "meh"...

[Ol Dirty Dastard]

I'm fine with grey Ezra. Just him under the mask would kinda stink lol

[Ol Dirty Dastard]

This past episode was aite. Liked the reveal at the end. Part of me really doesn't enjoy how Sabine is being portrayed and written. The saucy, conflicted Mandalorian teenager worked on the cartoon, but the schtick is grating in live-action. She's also supposed to be an adult by this point, so you'd expect the teen angst to be dialed down a few notches.

Plus she's definitely written as a liability. Why is Ahsoka even working with this person if she can't be trusted to do the right thing?

Dave Feloni just kinda bugs me.

[Ol Dirty Dastard]

Ray Stevenson is great, though. More of him.

[Lock Jaw]

Wonder if they recast his character should he survive the season. Seems like he coulda been a big part of the upcoming Feloni movie.

[Ol Dirty Dastard]

The “stoicism” critique is a strong one for this show. And some people have misinterpreted it as “women should smile” instead of Dave Feloni and whoever is directing lacking the nuance to direct and convey an engaging stoic character. Lots of forced gravitas that doesn’t land unless you’ve maybe watched all of rebels and even then it’s a stretch.

This is still a decent show and way better than the past few non-Andor efforts just because it’s not a total practice in futility and the acting is way better. But fuck me, this is Feloni’s attempt at a masterpiece and what we are getting instead is something (relatively) solid but sometimes middling without much oomph.

[Lengua]

Maybe they should have given filoni a couple of years of directing episodes of other stsr wars shows to grt the full transition from animation to live action.

[Ol Dirty Dastard]

Tbh I was vibing on Boba Fett at first (not Feloni, but a similar kiddie Star Wars property) which is objectively a million times worse than Ahsoka lol. The finale was bad enough that it ruined whatever good feelings I had about it.

I may just be burnt out on Star Wars cuz I keep finding things I don’t like instead of leaning into things I’m digging.

[Lock Jaw]

My friend pointed out something to me and I kind of hate him for it because I couldn't stop noticing it now when watching the latest episode... and that's just that everything looks too clean.

So now I couldn't unsee it and was like "ugh, why does everyone's clothes look brand new, like it is the first time they ever wore it? Why does Sabine's bag she is digging around in look so pristine? How is the ship so clean?"

But other than that gripe now, I've been really enjoying it. Better than Fett, Kenobi, Mando season 3.

[Ol Dirty Dastard]

lol your friend's take is the height of dipshittery. Like...I get those details DO matter. But they should be celebrated when they're minded instead of derided when they're missed. The story itself and the way it's shot and acted is so much more important.

[Ol Dirty Dastard]

That said, I know a lot of people like the aesthetics of the show. It's not QUITE doing it for me pallet-wise. I find it a little drab and dismal, which I get is thematic. But Ahsoka at her best is such a vibrant character. Seems so counterintuitive to weigh her down with all the grimness.

[Lock Jaw]

She was more "solemn" in Rebels than she was in Clone Wars already, but yeah, I wouldn't mind a little bit more "passion", maybe even some "snippiness".

[Ol Dirty Dastard]

Yeah there were still hints of "snips" in Rebels. Although I was more referring to the dismal visuals. The colours are so blah on the show. This is a show about fantastical shit. It should more look that way.

[Ol Dirty Dastard]

A lot of nuts and bolts stuff is good. Enjoying the space fights and such. And outside of the first couple of eps the action has been really good.

[Lock Jaw]

First underwhelming episode in my opinion.... 50 minutes and nothing really happened until the end.

[Ol Dirty Dastard]

the fuck LJ? Easily the best one and I was wondering why it took so long to get this good.

[Lock Jaw]

Dunno, feel like the whole Anakin thing was pretty pointless other than "look at these two characters together, isn't that cool?" And it was cool, just didn't have much of a point and could have been a lot more meaningful... dunno... maybe they will call back to it and make whatever "lesson" she learned in there save the day and retroactively make it more meaningful...

[Ol Dirty Dastard]

It was about a million times more meaningful than the relatively paint-by-the-numbers episodes leading into it.

Conveyed her trauma very well and shows the grey area in which Anakin inhabits. Doing anything more would have likely been too much. Reconciling who he was as her teacher and what he turned into as Darth Vader can't be resolved by one trip to the world between worlds. The conflict between the two should very well seem like it's on the way to being resolved, but there should still feel like there's work to do. I mean...he ostensibly killed her a few years prior.

Plus, by the end, she wasn't acting so "stoic" anymore. I could be wrong, but it seemed like she was being lit differently and her whole demeanour changed. A subtle, maturely told story from a guy who typically struggles to do so.

Then, the Purgles added a nice catharsis at the end.

[Ol Dirty Dastard]

Hayden Christiansen was also fucking excellent. Channeled Matt Lanter’s Clone Wars performance. You can tell he watched the show and leaned into that character and you really have to respect that.

[Lock Jaw]

Thrawn's entrance scene was masterful. So much presence.

[Lock Jaw]

Wonder what Baylan is playing at... extra bummed that Ray Stevenson died because he is killing it in this role. I could have seen them doing a "bait and switch" where Baylan is the "big bad" of the Filoni movie and not Thrawn.

[Ol Dirty Dastard]

Yeah Thrawn kicked ass. Didn't realize it was actually Lars who did his voice in the cartoon. Really makes it work.

[Ol Dirty Dastard]

The Sabine drag factor really gets to me. Don't know if it's the actress's fault, but she is so wooden and outright irritating.

Otherwise, though, this show works for me on the "fun" metre. I wish it was better than it was, and it really should be. But they've by no means fumbled and the Thrawn intro minus some aesthetic hangups I have really worked for me.

Was kinda jokes how much he looks like Robert Patrick.

https://ntvb.tmsimg.com/assets/assets/78710_v9_bb.jpg?w=270&h=360

Kept wanting him to flash a picture of a young Ezra and be like, "Have you seen this boy?"

[Lock Jaw]

:lol:

Well, I can't unsee that resemblance now.

[Ol Dirty Dastard]

LOL it was all I could see as soon as he was introduced on screen.

[Ol Dirty Dastard]

A lot of hate for Thrawn's makeup/wardrobe. I'm not super super super into visuals, so I didn't bump too much against it. But I definitely noticed his dad bod, and how the makeup and wig were kinda shit. His voice and dialogue do enough of the heavy lifting for me so that I doesn't matter too much. But I knew a lot of people would be complaining.

So odd tbh...you have ALL this time, and he's supposed to be the big bad. And there were so many holes in his appearance.

Of course, part of it is they're leaning into his "exile" with his aesthetic. But IMO that's a bit of a stretch--doesn't explain the bad wig and the waxy makeup.

It's things like this that baffle me about this Feloni era star wars. I was cool with dad bod Boba because Morrison is a burly Maori and I think he looks tough. But Thrawn is this exquisitely fine-tuned specimen. Feloni wrote Rebels wherein he's this refined badass, chiseled out of granite. Why not ensure Lars Mikkelson turns up lean and mean, while putting in the extra work on the makeup and wig?

[Lock Jaw]

I thought the wig and makeup were fine, no issues with it. I did notice the dad bod, but I'm not broken up about it since his most dangerous weapon is his mind.

[Ol Dirty Dastard]

I dunno man. I rarely pay attention to that shit, and even I was like "why does this motherfucker look like a statue made of blue candle wax?"

[Ol Dirty Dastard]

And yeah, the dad bod is fine because Thrawn is a tactician. Still, it was one of those things about him that made him seem equal to Vader as a threat (and sometimes more threatening due to his skills as a strategist). The details do matter. Feloni focuses so much on other lore-building aspects and connecting with all the trilogies that he takes his eyes off the most basic shit.

This is why I liked Andor so much better than this more kid-friendly stuff. More focus on story and actual good acting/writing/dialogue, and less on trying to satisfy lore-heads.

[Lock Jaw]

I get that Ahsoka and Sabine are the main focus of the show, but Ezra being booked as a real chump so far.

Really curious as to what Baylan is up to.... feel like he is going to awake some hidden power on that planet... maybe Jorus C'Baoth or something...

[Ol Dirty Dastard]

Lock Jaw you just talk the dumbest shit lol

[Ol Dirty Dastard]

Anyways--the portrayal of Ezra is about 7 million times better than the portrayal of Sabine, which has been outright rotten much of the time.

[Lock Jaw]

Dunno, he has felt like an afterthought and not a "big deal". Just like "he's here" and that's it.

[Lengua]

Anyways--the portrayal of Ezra is about 7 million times better than the portrayal of Sabine, which has been outright rotten much of the time.

I'm getting pretty convinced Sabine and hera are just around for gratuitous ass shots. Even Ezra was checking that shit out.

Dunno, he has felt like an afterthought and not a "big deal". Just like "he's here" and that's it.

You have to remember a lot of people aren't familiar with rebels so I don't think they are going to outright just make him a bad ass on ashokas show. I think he gets a slow introduction with maybe a few kick ass moments in the finale before we see him get his story fleshed out later. Dude is giving me heavy Jesus vibes and the fact he didn't want to use his lightsaber kinda reinforces that. He's going to the spiritual side of the force so maybe he will part a sea next episode or some shit.

[Ol Dirty Dastard]

I mean Ezra very clearly can fight, and it was conveyed well in the episode. But he's never been presented as a world-beater. He's very crafty and has skill, but has never been one to just dominate.

Shin also had a better teacher (in the ways of combat) than Ezra. I'd hope he couldn't just wreck her if we're going to write baddies as actual threats.

[Ol Dirty Dastard]

I'm getting pretty convinced Sabine and hera are just around for gratuitous ass shots. Even Ezra was checking that shit out.



lol the Hera ass shots are def prominent but at least Mary Elizabeth Winstead can act and I believe her as Hera. I know some people have bumped against her but she is on a different level to the girl playing Sabine.

What bothers me is the lack of nuance in the writing and performance of Sabine. They're just like "She's sassy and conflicted and angsty." And that's all we get. There's no texture or dimensions. It's infuriating, boring, and lame.

[Ol Dirty Dastard]

Didn't hate the finale. Didn't love it either. A steaming pile of MID. Dave Feloni is a lazy storyteller in live action.

[Lock Jaw]

Yeah, it was alright. It was incredibly lazy for Ezra to just show up in a shuttle at the end... feel like Thrawn would have been on top of a shuttle suddenly taking off from his ship and shot it down before it could get far.

I also feel like maybe Baylan had originally more to do in the finale to set some future things up, but things got cut/changed or just not shot because he passed away (not sure if he passed during the filming or after they were all done). Shame cause his was the most interesting plot going on and it is just left dangling with absolutely no closure.

[Ol Dirty Dastard]

Gotta love Thrawn's big victory. Leaving. Like...it was obvious he was going to "win." Should probably have done something a bit more emphatic.

[Lock Jaw]

Was also "pretty weird" at Sabine suddenly mastering the force in the last episode after not being able to do anything at all... but then suddenly she can help push open doors, fly her lightsaber, force throw a human....

[Ol Dirty Dastard]

lol don't get me started on that bullshit. LAZY.

[Destor]

Ahsoka was...fine.

Some of the action was good.. when it was the stunt doubles at least. Lot of odd choices.

Production design was oddly sterile. World felt very clean like i was watching star trek and not star wars. Probably just to save time on the production end. Budgets are getting smaller for these shows and thats likely a good thing.

Writing was a bit half hearted. Very memberberries at times. Others is just manifested solutions out of thin air.

Never wont be saddened to see Mary Elizabeth Winsteds beauty covered in green makeup but at least she's getting work.

Didnt hate it. Less headbuttingly frustrating than their other efforts lately.

[Ol Dirty Dastard]

Memba berries aren't always a bad thing. Worst thing South Park did was make that a thing because nostalgia can be mined effectively, but any time it happens everyone just goes "MEMBA BERRIES" and acts like they're Roger Ebert.

Anakin was good memba berries because it fits with who Ahsoka is. C3PO was bad memba berries because it was hella lame.

Other than that, yeah, the show was meh as fuck. A disappointing b-minus at best, but probably a C-plus based on what it should've been.

[Destor]

I dont believe memberberries are any acknowledgement of nostalgia. Anikan was not merriberries. It was just organic story telling. Memberberries is specially a *vapid* callback. It has no value intrinsic value outside of making you go "oh thats the thing from the thing!" Anikan couldve been memberberries but for her to seek out his force ghost subconsciously, or he sought her out who's to say i guess (or even perhaps he was a memory manifest by the force hence him not being blue) it would have been less authentic to the story to not explore that.

Now you can say "well the situation was contrived" and maybe. In fact it most likely was but regardless they knew it was interesting avenue to explore and they found a way to explore it that wasnt shoehorned. They earned those sequences. Maybe execution could have been better. Whatever. It wasnt arbitrary or some deus ex machina.

3PO (and by proxy the Lea name drop in of itself) are obviously memberberries. There are others that didnt add to anything outside of a lazy cheap pop based of, frankly, much better stories in the mythos. Those moments are embarrassingly bad. And thats across all of the disney era. Its something thats holding them back and theyd do well to get away from.

The Obi-Wan series was memberberries in its entirety for example. It added nothing to anything, in fact retroactively hurt numerous things. Gratuitous fan service. Couple of really dope visual moments but ultimately it would have been better to have not existed.

Ahsoka did try to move the clone wars/rebels plotlines forward. Not saying it was done in a way that left me begging for more but there was an effort to do more than just play on nostalgia. Perhaps thats because there really hasnt been enough time for any nostalgia to actually exist...but thats getting into semantics. At its core the goal of the series was to spin new tales not cling on old ones.

In any case i think one of the best things south park ever did was create the memberberries because it gave a clear voice for people to call out this hackneyed schlock that these focus group driven souless corporations keep trying to pass off as worthy successors to legitimate artistic efforts of the past. Memberberries should be throw away cameos. Perfectly fine place for such things. Blink and you missed it easter eggs and whatnot. Instead theyre major plot points or are even the entire premise.

[Lock Jaw]

Watched the Acolyte two episode premiere. It sure was some content!