Episode 228 - Star Wars (for the first time)

[kingstownted]

MP3 Direct Download

A long time ago in a galaxy far, far away...

Those were the immortal words that ushered a generation into the wonders of the Star Wars universe. A trilogy of films that transported us and set our imaginations free, films that broke the boundaries of what science fiction and fantasy could be, spawning a lifelong love of strange new worlds, unforgettable characters, and an undefined power that surrounds us, penetrates us and binds the galaxy together... and then they made three more.

Since it is now virtually impossible to have a frank and honest discussion of what the Star Wars films were, and what they have become without trudging through the quagmire that is George Lucas – how about a fresh approach? The six films have been introduced to a first time viewer, age 8, who joins the show as a special co-host to share some impressions as we walk through the film series from an unbiased perspective (or "a certain point of view" as Obi Wan would say).

So it’s a different format to be sure but here’s hoping you enjoy revisiting and reminiscing over what is undeniably a major part of film history. It’s very difficult to divorce ourselves from the positive or negative opinions that we may have formed over the franchise and its creator so now we present Star Wars for the first time!

Listening Guide:
A New Hope (0:47)
The Empire Strikes Back (13:49)
Return of the Jedi (37:56)
The Phantom Menace (59:42)
Attack of the Clones (1:21:55)
Revenge of the Sith (1:50:45)

As always we welcome your comments: [e-mail]
Voicemail [phone]

[Mama Bear]

Alright, this should be fun.

[jlaw1719]

Awesome. I was just about to leave for work, now I'm downloading and syncing this to my ipod real quick for later. Thanks guys, should be an interesting episode with the different approach.

[jlaw1719]

This was a really cool episode. It was interesting to hear an unbiased opinion on the series and obviously I'm pleased as well that an 8 year old of today prefers the original trilogy, yet still likes the prequels as a whole. I like Revenge of the Sith a lot more than you two, but this was on the money for the most part.

It is definitely hard to have a discussion about Star Wars without some disdain for Lucas seeping in. Ted, I liked how you informed Alexis of some of the changes Lucas made and hearing her react to it. Again, I think that's what made this episode intriguing, hearing the opinion of someone so young. I think a lot of us fans forget that these movies are for kids too and that most of us saw them as kids. Alexis said something like that too, about how it's not only for adults.

I'm guessing you did this because of the alternative approach, so I'm sure a regular Tony and Ted and sometimes Doug discussion about Star Wars probably won't happen, but that would still be cool to see someday. All in all, good show.

[tjfar67]

I missed the first couple of minutes, but Tony's voice sure sounded weird.

[jpollard]

Adorable.

[Scary Gary]

Awesome idea for a show. Hits close to home for me as I've got a 7.5 year-old daughter that has been showing recent interest in scifi/action cartoons (so I figure an intro to SW is right in that ballpark).

My two cents on the Darkside Cave - I always assumed that it was a symbolic warning saying that Luke would destroy himself if he strikes down Vader in hate/anger.

Edit - To be more precise, Luke would follow in his father's steps if he strikes him down in anger.

[Mama Bear]

That was really great. Getting a child's perspective on the prequels makes me hate them a tiny bit less. Sadly, my kid has no interest in Star Wars, probably because she saw the prequels first. I can't imagine how but I hope Alexis returns in a future podcast, maybe if you revisit kid horror.

Here's a question, how did Anakin learn the Jedi ghost thing? Did the Emperor teach him, and if he did then shouldn't he still be around too?

[anthonydpmann]

Good on you, Ted and Alexis.... great show :-)

[mundays]

OH MY GOD! I'm sorry but this was hands down the best episode of Horrorect ever. I listened to the whole thing with a great big soppy grin on my face! And when she said that the bit in the cave in empire, when darth vaders head splits to reveal lukes face, was probably to show they are related! Wow! She's 8 yeah? I was about 30 before I finally worked out what that was about!

Kudos and massive thanks for this episode, loved it, loved it, loved.

[wallygatorca]

Alexis the Articulate! Great Job!

Good stuff, Ted.

[andreana2112]

What an amazing episode of the Horror etc podcast. Seriously gentlemen, any typical star wars rant would have been flogging a dead horse, but you found a way to produce an interesting SW podcast. "impressive"

[jlaw1719]

Jan 27, 2012 8:51:46 GMT -5 mundays said:

OH MY GOD! I'm sorry but this was hands down the best episode of Horrorect ever. I listened to the whole thing with a great big soppy grin on my face! And when she said that the bit in the cave in empire, when darth vaders head splits to reveal lukes face, was probably to show they are related! Wow! She's 8 yeah? I was about 30 before I finally worked out what that was about!

Kudos and massive thanks for this episode, loved it, loved it, loved.

I agree, she was very bright. I still think the scene in the cave was more to show what fate awaited Luke if he fell to the dark side, rather than that he and Vader were related.

Or it could be both!

[Stylus]

Great Episode! I'm a huge SW fan and have yet to come across a podcast that's been able to approach the subject from so fresh an angle. Hearing Alexis call out the "Anakin's Mom/No Father" scenario was hilarious! Gearing up for 'Phantom Menace" 3D with my 6 1/2-Year Old come February... (Would I be gearing up if I didn't have a 6 1/2-Year Old son? Absolutely not...)

[rterrell24]

Great episode. It was nice to hear someone go through what we all did, I just hope in ten years she not saying Lucas ruined her childhood.