For Christ's Sake, Anakin!

The Bad Batch season one is in the books and I give my reactions (plural) to the two-part finale. Like the season as a whole, I struggled with connecting these new characters to the wider Star Wars story. But with that concern out of the way, I was able on rewatch to focus on and appreciate the characters themselves. With her "home" of Tapioca City destroyed, Omega's courageous journey of compassion and charity is just opening up. In lieu of the Pull List, I express my utter glee at today's breaking news about Charles Soule's new Crimson Reign comic run, as well as my excitement from yesterday's gripping Star Wars: Visions trailer. I highly recommend you watch the Japanese version with English subtitles. Thanks for listening, and MTFBWY! Twitter @FCSA99 Instagram @FCSA1999 Facebook (go here)

Jonathan Majors' "Kang who Remains" may be eating the apple, but the institutions we all live under have their limits and try to exceed them. Kang's reasons for creating the TVA got me thinking of the Social Contract Tradition and its supposed "state of nature"-how it relates to and contrasts with the Scriptural narrative of Creation, Fall and Redemption on a Personal-Is-Political scale. For the Pull List I discuss the non-linear storytelling of War of the Bounty Hunters and what it might be setting up. Thanks for listening, and MTFBWY. New Social Media accounts! Twitter @FCSA99 Instagram @FCSA1999 Facebook (go here)

Back in Ontario but still at a lake, I'm joined by some friends for a fully-vaccinated and fully-clothed look at the High Republic and its third wave announced at SDCC@home. Lending their voices and perspectives are Din of F-105, Dominic of the Star Wars Underworld and Patrick of Beskar Guitar, as well as the wonderful bustle of Kew Beach in Toronto. Check out the SDCC@home panel here. Dom also hosted us on Pod Force 99 for a great conversation on the latest Bad Batch episode, which you can listen to here. Thanks for listening, and MTFBWY. Din on Twitter @f105music Dom on Twitter @theSWU @DominicJ25 Patrick on YouTube Beskar Guitar Feel free to comment, share and follow: Twitter @neug485 Instagram @mneug1138 Blog luminous-beings.com

My commentary on Cavan Scott's The Rising Storm continues with a trio of character reflections on senior Jedi in the novel. Longtime friends Elzar Mann and Stellan Gios seem to be on converging paths in their relationship to the Order. Loden Greatstorm was teased as a major character in the early part of High Republic, but his journey has gone in a different direction. Also I bring back the pull list with Doctor Aphra #12 and War of the Bounty Hunters #2, which shows the same events from different points of view! Thanks for listening. For Light and Life! Twitter @neug485 Instagram @mneug1138 Church blog luminous-beings.com

FCSA is back to its High Republic ways with a look at Cavan Scott's The Rising Storm. I contrast the Valo attack with the Hetzal Disaster, and then go into this book's take on a standing army for the whole galaxy. I begin with some brief, non-spoilery thoughts on this morning's Bad Batch episode. Thanks for listening. For Light and Life! Twitter @neug485 Instagram @mneug1138 Church blog luminous-beings.com

The rust of Bracca, and Crosshair's breathing apparatus. Unlike Omega, my own view was quite nice. Twitter @neug485 Instagram @mneug1138 Church blog luminous-beings.com

I'm taking this outside! Where you can hear the grandeur of wind and birds, alongside my thoughts on Mobius' eschatology and the show's potential reflection on global warming. I mention Thomas Aquinas again. Thanks for listening, and MTFBWY Twitter @neug485 Instagram @mneug1138 Church blog luminous-beings.com

Introducing the month of Sasky Summer Shorts with my reaction to that incredible Loki premiere, as well as today's moving Bad Batch episode. Spoilers abound, as does Hauerwas. Thanks for listening, and MTFBWY Twitter @neug485 Instagram @mneug1138 Church blog luminous-beings.com

This week I reflect on the first arc of Cavan Scott's High Republic comic run. Building off its (ironic?) title, I explore the ways that Keeve, Sskeer and the Jedi Order as a whole are confronted with the fears emerging from new Dark Side threats: the threat of the Drengir to be sure, but especially the threats within themselves. For the Pull List segment in this comics-focused episode, I discuss the fact that Solo 2 probably isn't happening, at least for now. Ok I mainly go into War of the Bounty Hunters #1 and its incredible character reveal. Thanks for listening, and MTFBWY Twitter @neug485 Instagram @mneug1138 Church blog luminous-beings.com Show art from the cover of High Republic #5 by Phil Noto.

This week we're back aboard the High Republic Hype Train with a question rooted in real-world history. When does the High Republic Era begin and end? How do we know when any "era" begins and ends? I look at signifiers, signposts of what we now call the "Modern era" of western history, when we know it had begun and can say that it ended: the Reformation, Revolution, World War and Great Depression. In-universe, I point to the 19th and 20th Lost Masters as potential signposts of the Jedi at their height and rapid decline. Is the term "High Republic" as lofty as it seems? The pull list goes into the War of the Bounty Hunters preludes for Vader and Aphra, and some thoughts on the crossover event and storytelling in general. The discussion on the High Republic Era was prompted by an episode of the Star Wars Underworld, which you can listen to here (especially around the 1:08 and 1:16 marks). It expands on a twitter thread I wrote in response to that episode, which begins here. Thanks for listening, and MTFBWY Twitter @neug485 Instagram @mneug1138 Church blog luminous-beings.com Show art is from the cover of Star Wars: The High Republic #3, art by Phil Noto.

This week I'm joined by Din of F-105 to talk about his new album, F-105 II Side B, the wonderful song Outer Space/Coming Home, his vocation as an artist and his perspectives on our own universe and the Galaxy Far, Far Away. It's an in-depth conversation the gets to the heart of FCSA's mission of fandom in dialogue. For the Pull List, I continue with the latest chapter in the War of the Bounty Hunters, which picks up Beilert's journey in Bounty Hunters #12. Thanks for listening, and MTFBWY F-105 II Side B: Spotify; Apple Twitter: @f105music Website: skysinger.wixsite.com/f105 Follow me: Twitter: @neug485 Instagram: @mneug1138 Church blog: luminous-beings.com Episode art photo by Din.

I love the Bad Batch! I really do, especially since it's taking the time to explore character growth, even as the "plot" or "mission" is moving slowly. It represents the way we're now in an era of "slow burn" television storytelling that aims for a satisfying experience whether you watch it weekly or binge it over a weekend. Either way, the focus is on character as the most important aspect *of* plot, rather than something that incidentally happens *through* plot. It's a challenge to contemporary audiences used to edge-of-your-seat continuous shows of the 2000s, but ultimately a rewarding one. Picard, WandaVision and The Last Jedi before it, and now the Bad Batch with Hunter and Omega at the heart of the story. For the pull list, I go into the first two issues of The War of the Bounty Hunters. It's Fett-tacular! Oh and clearly, I have Star Wars Celebration Anaheim 2022 on the brain. Only a year to go! Thanks for listening, and MTFBWY Twitter @neug485 Instagram @mneug1138 Churchy blog luminous-beings.com

The Bad Batch is here! It's great, and I give a brief review of the first two episodes. The first few minutes of the series make a change to pre-existing canon, and I delve into my thoughts and feels about it. Facts and events don't have to line up every time: I'm no "canon fundamentalist." But there should still be sound story and character reasons to tell an event differently than before: otherwise, why bother? This week of May the Fourth has certainly opened up a fascinating conversation on canon, story and character. For the pull list, a highlight another amazing backstory, the comic adaptation of Dune: House Atreides by Brian Herbert and Kevin J. Anderson. And fair warning, this ep has spoilers for Bad Batch episodes 1 and 2! Thanks for listening, and MT4thBWY! Twitter @neug485 Instagram @mneug1138 Churchy blog luminous-beings.com

The Bad Batch is just around the corner! As I do with most upcoming series, I preview the show with a discussion of what I'd like to see and what questions I'm going into the show with. How do these outside-the-box clones respond to Order 66? How do they see themselves in relation to the newly-formed Empire? Will the show give us glimpses of the nascent Rebel Alliance? I also bring back the Pull List, featuring the Women of Marvel One-shot. Lastly, Cal Kestis. His name is Cal Kestis. (Find out where I blank on his name...) Thanks for listening, and have a happy, joyful and hopeful May the 4th! Twitter: @neug485 Instagram: @mneug1138 Churchy blog: luminous-beings.com

Welcome back True Believers! This week I give my spoilery thoughts on The Falcon and the Winter Soldier--both the series as a whole and where it all landed in today's final episode. How well did Sam's story explore the struggles of Black Americans to find their place in their own country? Did it uphold the Flagsmasher's ideals of a world without countries at all? And did it stay true to John Walker's legacy as an ambiguous anti-hero? Give it a listen and let me know what you think! Some "bear with me" items (you'll hear why at the top): Yeah, I know it isn't episode 71... Also, sorry about the sound quality at some points: contact mics pick up *everything* Anyways, I'm glad to be back in the swing of things. Thanks for listening. Excelsior! Twitter @neug485 Instagram @mneug1138 Church blog luminous-beings.com

Jedi, Nihil and humble outer rim transport pilots. Claudia Gray's Into the Dark has it all, deftly exploring the struggles of three young folks making their way in the galaxy. I give my thoughts on the novel by focusing on Reath, Affie and Nan as believable, sympathetic characters. I also talk about Jesuits; just not Jesuits in Space.... For the pull list I look at Greg Pak's Vader #10 featuring yet another Anakin flashback, and the conclusion to the Brave New World arc in Kelly Thompson's Captain Marvel #26. Thanks for listening, and MTFBWY. Twitter @neug485 Instagram @mneug1138 Churchy blog: luminous-beings.com

The FCSA Star Wars Podcast Day episode is here! This week I break down the High Council debate that forms a pivotal interlude in Charles Soule's Light of the Jedi. How do we discern the Will of the Force? How can the past help us decide what to do in the present? Or should we ignore precedent, or future implications, and focus on the task in front of us? All of it is right there on p 300 of this brilliant High Republic novel, so read along and listen in! On the pull list, I talk about Daniel Jose Older's High Republic Adventures #1, and also give some brief thoughts on the first half of Claudia Gray's Into the Dark. Yeah, this is a full-tilt HR podcast now, but I still stan The Last Jedi and the First Trilogy as much as ever! Thanks for listening, and MTFBWY Twitter @neug485 Instagram @mneug1138 Churchy blog: luminous-beings.com

This week I finish off my commentary review of Charles Soule's Light of the Jedi with a look at the story as a whole, as well as some themes that emerge in parts two and three of the novel. After giving my story review, I go into Lina Soh's optimism and what it might mean for us and for the galaxy, as well as *that* Jedi Council scene! For the pull list, I talk about Bounty Hunters #9, why the series is finally growing on me, and how it might relate to both The Mandalorian and Zahn's original Thrawn trilogy. (Hint: Bounty Hunters Guild!) Thanks for listening, and MTFBWY Twitter @neug485 Instagram @mneug1138 Churchy blog: luminous-beings.com

FCSA goes MCU! The opening act of WandaVision is upon us, providing a good time to look back and reflect on its story and some comics connections as well as the theme of personal and systemic sin that the show starts to suggest. Who is keeping Wanda trapped in her own illusion? Who will help lead her out? What part do her blue-eyed twins have to play in this unfolding story? I speculate responsibly and theologize hamartalogically. I hope you enjoy it! The pull list stays in the GFFA, with a look at Doctor Aphra #7 and some live-action fan casting of our favourite anti-heroine. Thanks for listening. Excelsior! Twitter: @neug485 Instagram: @mneug1138 Churchy blog: luminous-beings.com

As promised, the first commentary episode on Charles Soule's Light of the Jedi. I reflect on themes of political and church unity as expressed in the first half of the High Republic novel, and in conversation with similar ideas in Soule's and Scott Snyder's Undiscovered Country comic. I also break out the Latin, which I hope is a good sign! On the pull list I continue discussing Greg Pak's Darth Vader run, which is turning its focus to some much-needed lore behind the events of The Rise of Skywalker. And as you'll hear, I'm tweaking the intro and outro a little bit. I think we have a winner. Thanks for listening, and MTFBWY. Twitter: @neug485 Instagram: @mneug1138 Churchy blog: luminous-beings.com

This week on FCSA: The Great Hyperspace Disaster of the High Republic is the latest in a number of post-cataclysmic stories that we *just happen* to be getting during this Pandemic. The Expanse, Picard and Season 3 of Discovery also reflect moments of great instability. What do these creative expressions of disaster explore? What do they say about the times we're living in? And what might a pair of Faster-than-Light disaster stories express about human division and connection? This packed episode includes some bleak moments, but ends on the high notes! I begin with a few added thoughts on the High Republic preview event from last week, and the Pull List opens my discussion with Cavan Scott's High Republic #1. Thanks for listening, and MTFBWY Twitter: @neug485 Instagram: @mneug1138 Churchy blog: luminous-beings.com

FCSA is back! We kick things off in 2021 with my thoughts coming out of the High Republic launch event this past Monday, which you can watch right here. My initial concerns about colonialism and 60s optimism and gave way to real hopes that the creatives involved will seriously tackle the underbelly of these issues. I also debut the new intro music, suggested by Din of F105. It's magical and a little snazzy, just like the Jedi of the High Republic themselves! Thanks for listening, and MTFBWY Twitter: @neug485 Instagram: @mneug1138 Churchy blog: luminous-beings.com

With a week to process Ahsoka Tano's triumphant two-sabred leap into live action, I share my thoughts on her appearance as a whole, and reflect on how her understanding of attachments informs her unwillingness to separate Grogu from Din. And I think I come around to calling him Grogu partway through! On the Pull List this week I comment on Undiscovered Country #10, and related it briefly to a theme that pervades the excerpt from that other Charles Soule book I'm excited about, Light of the Jedi. Thanks for listening, and MTFBWY. Twitter: @neug485 Instagram: @mneug1138

So Din Djarin was raised in an extremist cult: who knew? Of the many reveals in last week's Mando episode, this was the most intriguing. I pick up my conversation from a few weeks ago on Din's exploration of Mandalorian and Jedi tradition, and how that might help reconfigure our own conceptions of tradition, innovation and diversity. On the pull list, I look at the on-the-nose election in Star Trek: Year Five #16, and a pair of comics set on Mustafar. Thanks for listening, and MTFBWY. Twitter: @neug485 Instagram: @mneug1138

Execute Episode 66! This week I'm diving into moments and storylines in the Galaxy Far Far Away that don't quite line up between printed material and what we see on screen. They range from eminently satisfying story decisions to egregious and downright racist stereotypes. Hats off to Pablo Hidalgo, Matt Martin and the whole story group for keeping things together and knowing when it makes good sense to change it up! All power to them! Fair warning, this episode has *spoilers* for Mandalorian Season 2 Episode 1 and that glorious final arc of Clone Wars Season 7. Here's the YouTube video I reference in the ep, also with Mando spoilers. Thanks for listening, and MTFBWY Follow me on Twitter and Instagram.

It's the Eve of Mando Season 2! This week I dive into the question, why doesn't Din Djarin know about the Force or the Jedi? I revisit some real-world resonances with the retreat of Faith and Jedi from the Galaxy, and also explore what it might mean for Din and The Child to rediscover this heritage. For the Pull List, I touch on Dune: House Atreides #1, Engineward #4 and Bounty Hunters #6. Thanks for listening, and MTFBWY! Follow me on Twitter and Instagram

This week on FCSA I delve into Vader's stroll down memory lane in Greg Pak and Raffaelle Ienco's recent comic run. He's looking for Luke's origins, but what does that reveal about his own family bonds? The main episode covers #1-5, so the Pull List segment mentions #6 as well as Captain America #24 by Ta-Nehisi Coates and Daniel Acuna. Thanks for listening, and MTFBWY. Follow me on Twitter and Instagram.

This week we conclude our series on Qui-Gon Jinn and Prophecy in Claudia Gray's Master & Apprentice by examining his turn to a more literal interpretation of prophecy. I look at it from an in-universe perspective and discuss the Scriptural and Theological basis for this turn in Christian tradition. It gets at the origins of this podcast: a Virgin-born Promised One who restores the Cosmic Order by coming back from the pit of death. The pull list highlights a pair of SW-connected indie comics, Charles Soule's and Scott Snyder's Undiscovered Country and George Mann's Engineward. I also give my fresh-out-of-the-oven thoughts on the High Republic panel from NYCC Metaverse that aired earlier today. You can watch that panel, which did literally nothing to assuage my excitement for this new era of SW stories, right here. Thanks for listening, and MTFBWY. Follow me on Twitter and Instagram.

As promised, we've come to the Halin Azucca episode! And again, let's all agree: she's the real prophet here. And her witness is a timely reminder in light of the competing narratives around protest that have erupted in the last year. Like Azucca and her performance art protest group, 93% of these protests have been peaceful. This despite the fact that 100% of actions they're protesting have been violent instances of police brutality, institutional discrimination, verbal slurs and other examples of ingrained racism. Or in Azucca's case, the despicable slavery and stranglehold that the Czerka Corporation has on the Pijal system, including Azucca's beloved but disenfranchised moon. Just this week, the latest real-world example came to the fore when the murderers of Breonna Taylor got off scot-free. This is one of those episodes where I "go for it" politically, while also exploring why some folks don't see protest in the same prophetic light, but instead fear its capacity for destabilization. Either way, I aim to end on a hopeful note as I tee up next week's conclusion to this commentary series. Thanks for listening, and MTFBWY Follow me on Twitter at @neug485, and on Instagram at @mneug1138.

Picking up from last week's episode, this week we look at ways in which Qui-Gon is able to show calm, deft restraint in his prophetic role: his humble self-awareness regarding Obi-wan's development. and his ability to play the political game as a tool in his prophetic toolkit. I also introduce a new segment, the Pull List, during which I'll discuss something from the past week's comic book releases. This week I talk about Marvel's Empyre crossover event, which could have been so much more than it was. All told, a fun way to prepare for January's High Republic takeover of FCSA! Thanks for listening, and MTFBWY. Follow me on Twitter (@neug485) and Instagram (@mneug1138).

This week we continue our look at the themes of prophecy in Claudia Gray's Master & Apprentice, centring on the character of Qui-Gon Jinn. Master Qui-Gon believed that faith in the Force and the mission of the Jedi had to be grounded in a grasp of the real world: how people really live, what they care about, how they struggle. He longed for the Jedi, and for individual Jedi, to be more realistic about the galaxy they lived in and their own limits. Only then could they embody a contemplative presence that would enable them to truly guard peace and justice in the galaxy. I look at some ways that Qui-Gon pursued this in his own life, and ways that the Church is called to pursue this in our world today. I also give some shoutouts to ForceFest--where I encountered Podcast of the Whills and the Faithful Fangirl Podcast, as well as the amazing wildness that was DragonCon goes Virtual. I give a tribute to Chadwick Bozeman and his own prophetic film before going into my main topic. I hope you're inspired to be a contemplative presence in your community as well. Thanks for listening, and MTFBWY. Follow me on Twitter (@neug485) and Instagram (@mneug1138).

This week on FCSA I begin my commentary on Claudia Gray's masterful (pun!) Master and Apprentice. The early chapters of the novel introduce us to Qui-Gon's approach to prophecy, as well as set up some situations that test the way he practices what he preaches. Fittingly, this was filmed at the back of my church, which is why the audio quality is somewhat...homiletic. Enjoy and MTFBWY Follow me on Twitter and Instagram, and check out my actual sermons and reflections at luminous-beings.com.

Chelli is as Chelli does! FCSA is back with a review of the Doctor Aphra Audiobook Original, written by Sarah Kuhn, starring Emily Woo Zeller and Marc "the canon legend" Thompson. I go into what I thought worked well and what I didn't quite connect with. Spoilers abound, so if you haven't downloaded the audio play then go for it right here. If you're new to audible, you'll even get your first book for free! Can't beat that deal, eh? On the other hand, if you're just curious about an excerpt before diving into my review, head on over to the snippet on the mothership site right here. Either way, I hope you enjoy my review. Thanks for listening, and MTFBWY. Follow me on Twitter and Instagram.

This week on FCSA! I'm joined by Dillon from DilDev's Diner on Eleven-ThirtyEight for a great discussion on the Martez Sisters arc from Clone Wars Season 7 and its "ground level" or "underground level" view of the Jedi. Dillon's recent article describes some strong resonances between Jedi indifference to the Martez sisters' suffering and what we see in prominent forms of American Christianity today. We also go into some ways that Dillon's aro/ace orientation and experiences give her insight on Jedi community and celibacy. Follow Dillon on Twitter, read her articles on Eleven-ThirtyEight, and her personal blog, Dillon Development. Here're the other links and books she mentioned: Stich's Media Mix on white prioritization Reconstructing the Gospel by Jonathan Wilson-Hartgrove The Third Reconstruction by William J. Barber and Wilson-Hartgrove The contemporary classic, Searching for Sunday by Rachel Held-Evans Follow me on Twitter and Instagram. Thanks for listening, and MTFBWY

Now that season 1 of Picard is done, I look back at three themes that stood out in the show: choice, love and death. I found that they were handled with more realism and responsibility than we've seen from Hollywood in a long time, which bodes very well for season 2 and for Discovery season 3. I give a brief non-spoilery review of both story and themes, before diving into heavy spoiler territory. So pour yourself a decaf earl grey, strap yourself in, and engage! Thanks for listening, and LLAP. Follow me on Twitter and Instagram.

During the lead-up to last week's announcement of the High Republic (series? era?), I started to speculate and stew over what kinds of things I want to see explored in that time period. Now that we have some details I thought it...high time to devote a whole episode to this latest bit of news. Will the era be a sort of "Jedi Christendom" where the life of the Order and faith in the Force permeates Republic society? Will it relate well to our complex, nuanced, real-world history of Medieval and Reformation Western Europe and its transition into Enlightenment Secularism, or will it present a caricature of that history governed by that secular perspective? Lastly, what do the Jedi truly fear, and what might the Nihil's monkeying with hyperspace have to do with it? Also, Artoo finally got off his perch and returned to co-host with me! I hope he enjoyed it! Thanks for listening, and MTFBWY. Follow me on Twitter and Instagram, and stay tuned for an update to my blogging.

We've hit the halfway point of Picard Season 1, so it's high time for a review! It's non-spoilery until about the 7:10 mark, and then I dive in. I also make some small comparisons to the Mandalorian and reflect on this "third wave" of small-screen storytelling. Thanks for listening, and LLAP! Follows and reads: Twitter; Instagram; blog

Season 7 of Clone Wars is only a few weeks away! I've been doing a binge rewatch and have some thoughts and insights! The show's groundbreaking visual style was very ahead of its time. And even though it seems like an anthology series of semi-connected arcs, there's definitely an intricate structure (see episode art) that's leading to the fateful events of season 7 and that beauty of a film, Revenge of the Sith! Check out my twitter or insta pages for a better version of the diagram. Also feel free to give me a like and a follow! Thanks for listening, and MTFBWY

This week on FCSA I talk about Mark Russell and Richard Pace's indie comic Second Coming, especially my experience of reading a book that doesn't try to get Jesus right, then ends up getting Him profoundly right. Also, Happy Picard Day! Look for future episodes reacting to this new show that will hit me in all the nostalgic places! Follow me on Twitter and Instagram, and check out my writing at Ex Astris Sapientia. Thanks for listening, and MTFBWY.

At last, it's the FCSA Prequelist review of The Rise of Skywalker! Now that I've had a chance to process this IXth installment in the Star Wars saga, it's time to discuss how it relates to Episodes I, II and III. I first give a general review of the film, and how I've come to enjoy it, and then dive into its deeper connections with our beloved Prequel Trilogy (and Clone Wars, of course!). While the references may seem sparse on the surface, the deeper themes of TROS connect very richly with the Prequels, especially Revenge of the Sith. So strap into your podracer, grab your purple lightsaber and give it a listen! Also, follow me on Twitter and Instagram, and check out my writing over at Ex Astris Sapientia. Thanks for listening, and MTFBWY

It's Advent: time for me to tell you what I really think! This week I consider Prophecy: Biblical, Political, the Chosen One, and the ways it can be misread for the sake of idolatrous power games. It's a bit of a departure from my thesis about Vader and the Crucifixion, but it never hurts to consider another angle. I get some help from Bill Cavanaugh's article on Nationalism and Idolatry. Thanks for listening, and MTFBWY Follow me on Twitter and Instagram. And check out my newly-returned blog, Ex Astris Sapientia.

I'm back! Hopping on to give my review of Resistance Reborn by Rebecca Roanhorse. An overall excellent book, with compelling characters, but some things I felt were overcooked. The novel is definitely recommended. *Spoilery* content starts at the 4:45 mark. Oh and my blog has been reborn as well! Give me a read over at ex-astris-sapientia.blogspot.com. Some more in-depth content and commentary is headed in that direction. Thanks for listening, and MTFBWY. Follow me on Twitter and Instagram.

What does it mean to leave? To leave the Jedi? To leave conservative fundamentalist communities? A lot of younger Christians have left for other pastures, embracing the label "exvangelical." Where have they ended up? Are they more like Count Dooku, or Ahsoka Tano? And what might Qui-gon's prophetic stance and Yoda's reflections-in-exile have to say both to the Jedi and to western Christians in our time? I tackle these questions in a super-sized solo episode, recorded in the shiny recording studio of the Vaughan Civic Centre Resource Library. Follow me on Twitter and Instagram. Thanks for listening, and MTFBWY

Welcome back to FCSA! This week I finish my recap of Fan Expo 2019, delving into the YA fiction panel I went to on the Sunday and how it helped me understand the (incredible) YA Star Wars novels. I then respond to another Beltway Banthas episode...this time, the one I was on! The original episode can be found here: https://www.stitcher.com/podcast/beltway-banthas-star-wars-politics-more/e/63532526. It was a great experience; I wanted to take the opportunity today to go into a bit more about the history of the Reformation, as well as some new insights on heresy and schism. Thanks for listening, and MTFBWY. Follow me on Twitter and Instagram.

I'm back at Roundhouse Park to cover all the panels I caught on this Con Saturday. Jonathan Frakes, Charles Soule and more.

Denise Crosby, Representation of women superheroes, Hasbro Star Wars and more!

I'm back! And just in time for Fan Expo Canada 2019. I return to the exact same spot I recorded last year's Fan Expo preview, and talk about what I'm looking forward to this year. But first I go into the renewed and expanded vision for this podcast. Now that I'm on Anchor, I don't need to worry about sticking to the (very beneficial) community requirements from Podiant, so I can open this up to discussing various franchises and fandoms, engaging them theologically and otherwise intellectually. But the title remains, the intro (for now) remains, because the bleeding heart of this podcast will always be the story of Anakin and the Jedi as told in the Prequel Trilogy, and its resonances with Christian tradition. So I hope you join me for the ride, and enjoy this 2019 Fan Expo Canada preview. Follow me on Twitter and Instagram. (Episode art is available here: https://www.fanexpocanada.com/en/fxc25.html)

Our Lenten series concludes--a little late--with a look at the cardinal virtues in Return of the Jedi. We can see many characters displaying patience, wisdom, courage and justice, but we also see Luke Skywalker truly complete his training by exemplifying all four in one toss of a lightsaber. I also give a few lingering thoughts on Celebration Chicago, my initial reaction to the first 100-or-so pages of Master and Apprentice (it's even better than I expected!), and provide an update on the next phase of this here podcast. Thanks for listening, Happy Easter, and MTFBWY! Follow me on Twitter and Instagram.

Our Lenten series continues with an exploration of the Cardinal Virtues in Episode V: the Empire Strikes Back. Spoiler alert: Yoda is wise. Of course, I also give an instant reaction to the EPISODE IX TRAILER that just dropped, as well as the panel at Star Wars Celebration Chicago 2019. I then give my thoughts on southern Ontario's Kate Johnston's Queen's Shadow, now that I finished it. Follow me on Twitter and Instagram. Thanks for listening, and MTFBWY.

Our Lenten mini-series begins with an examination of Cardinal virtues in the film that started it all. I look at which characters show Courage, Prudence, Patience and Justice, and which character brings together all four. I also give some brief thoughts on Queen's Shadow, the end of Resistance season 1, and Captain Marvel. Follow me on Twitter and Instagram. Thanks for listening, have a holy Lent, and MTFBWY.

Are Grey Jedi a thing? Do we really want them to be? Answer: nope and nope. I delve into my response to a recent Clashing Sabers episode on the topic. I hope both episodes are enLIGHTening (hint hint). I also go Zahnny about Conqueror's Pride and the Thrawn novels and why we struggle with them, why Galaxy's Edge sounds stressful and how Black Panther was in a league of its own at the Oscars. Check out Clashing Sabers here and find their Episode 30 - "shades of Grey" here. Follow me on Twitter and Instagram. Thanks for listening, and MTFBWY.