Page Turners They Were Not

The Star Wars shows have shown us the "recent" history of the darksaber in detail. The ancient history of the blade has only been hinted at throughout the franchise. Join me as I piece together what we know and speculate responsibly about what could be in the long tale of this particular relic...

When George Lucas was a young film student at the University of Southern California, he met another aspiring filmmaker named John Milius. The latter introduced Lucas to the cinema of a prolific Japanese master named Akira Kurosawa. The effect this brilliant sensei has had on Star Wars cannot be overstated. Join me!

We have seen a few post-mortal manifestations in the Star Wars saga. But the question remains: How do the characters, especially the Jedi, view the afterlife? We get a few hints that even they might not fully comprehend life after death. Join me as I explore this concept.

The climax of 1983's Return of the Jedi has gone down in history as one of the greatest sequences in all of cinema. At the same time, it has led many fans to pose the question: Did Anakin Skywalker 'deserve' to be redeemed? Joining me today to officially ring in SEASON NINE of the show (and address the aforementioned question) is my partner from our *other* show, the unflappable Captain Christopher Ingle!

With George Lucas' museum set to open to the public before the month is out, I thought I would take a few minutes to talk about the origins of Star Wars as it pertains to comic books as an art form. Join me!

Even though the franchise is called "Star Wars", perhaps the greatest lesson we can learn from that galaxy far, far away is the importance of avoiding violence. When I was a kid, I was interested in the action and the battles in the films, rather than the pacifism George Lucas was teaching. Join me as I share my understanding of the philosophy.

With season 2 of the Ahsoka series coming in January, I thought it would be interesting to look at the character and motivations of everyone's favorite blue Grand Admiral. Some fans have wondered where his true loyalties lie, while yet others have wondered why he seems to be a hero in the new novels and a villain in the shows. Join me as I share some thoughts...

Next year marks the 50th anniversary of that galaxy far, far away and there are a plethora of events to celebrate the occasion! Among the many, I want to focus on just three: the rerelease of the original film in theaters, Star Wars Celebration Los Angeles, and the debut of Star Wars: Starfighter on the big screen! Join me!

As new Star Wars stories continue to fill in the gaps in the galactic timeline, it has become increasingly apparent to me that the "Big Three" characters (Han, Luke, and Leia) need to have their journeys continue on the big and small screens. Join me today as I explain why I believe they should be recast.

On this week's episode of our show, Captain Ingle is joined by returning guests Chris "Skywalker" Dohmen and Lisa Ingle to take a look at Guillermo Del Toro's 2017 Best Picture-winning science fiction monster love story "The Shape of Water". Join us as we go boldly!

On this week's episode of our show, the Captain and I are joined by returning guests Jeff Call and Lisa Ingle to set a course for Texas in the year 1868. When former Confederate soldier Ethan Edwards' niece is abducted by Comanche warriors, he sets off on a long quest to find her in this 1956 John Ford Western masterpiece. Join us as we go boldly!

Throughout the Trek franchise we have seen some terrible decisions from high-ranking officials in Starfleet. Join Captain Ingle as he takes a look at what we feel are the worst Admirals that have appeared in the history of the series.

On this week's episode of our show, Captain Ingle and I set a course for the animated side of Star Trek. We begin with the original animated series, wherein intergalactic salesman Cyrano Jones brings genetically modified tribbles onboard the Enterprise. Second, we look at Lower Decks, wherein Ransom and Mariner Attempt to repair a space elevator while Boimler agrees to be more amenable to other people's requests. And finally, we look at Prodigy, wherein a genetic scientist promises to help Dal figure out his origins while the Romulans close in. Join us as we go boldly!

On this week's episode of our show, Captain Ingle and I set a course for the Delta Quadrant and the continuing adventures of the USS Voyager. When our crew discovers the presence of another Federation starship near their vicinity, the Nova-class USS Equinox, they proceed to investigate. What they find are the remaining officers of a nearly ruined vessel, under the command of the noteworthy Captain Rudy Ransom. But as always, things are not what they seem. Join us as we go boldly!

The Transformers franchise has been enthralling audiences for over 40 years, and it doesn't seem to be slowing down anytime soon. Next year will mark 20 years of a nearly continuous cinematic universe inspired by those robots in disguise. Today we'll be taking a look at the latest film in the series, the 2024-released “Transformers One”, which takes us to where the story all began. Join us as we go boldly!

Anyone familiar with acclaimed “Family Guy” creator Seth MacFarlane knows of his deep love of Star Trek. From appearing on episodes of “Enterprise” to hiring the entire cast of The Next Generation to voice themselves on “Family Guy”, his love of the final frontier is apparent to all. It was then no surprise for him to create the loving tribute and popular science fiction show “The Orville”. Joining Captain Ingle to talk about this fan favorite series is our good friend Fares Muthana. Join us as we go boldly!

On this week's episode of our show, Captain Ingle and I set a course for the 24th century and Federation station Deep Space 9. After discovering that he was illegally genetically augmented by his parents, Doctor Bashir meets with a group of fellow augments to give them a sense that someone who has been thus modified can live a normal life in The United Federation of Planets. Join us as we go boldly!

On this week's episode of our show, Captain Ingle and I set a course for the year 1987 and the Danny DeVito-directed dark comedy “Throw Momma from the Train”. In this strange tale, the director himself plays a college student who becomes obsessed with the idea of murdering his overbearing mother (played by Anne Ramsey). As this twisted concept takes root, he attempts to recruit his teacher (played by Billy Crystal) into joining him in his dark endeavor. What follows is pure insanity. Join us as we go boldly!

Recently, the first Star Wars film in nearly 7 years was released in theaters. As you can expect, I saw it on opening night, and I wanted to take some time to share a few thoughts on the movie. A wild, crazy planet-hopping creature feature, “The Mandalorian and Grogu” is a far cry from the self-serious storytelling the saga has given us recently, and a welcome return to the wackier side of that galaxy far, far away…

This week on our show, Captain Ingle and I set a course for the 24th century and the continuing voyages of the USS Enterprise-D. When Geordi La Forge is kidnapped by Romulans, he is conditioned into being an assassin to serve their evil designs. Meanwhile, the Klingon Empire has accused the Federation of supplying arms to rebel forces, and it's up to Captain Picard and crew to prove that this is not the case. Join us as we go boldly!

On this week's episode of our show, Captain Ingle and I set a course for the 23rd century and the continuing voyages of the starship Enterprise. When crew member Benjamin Finney is killed during the survey of an ion storm, Captain Kirk must account for his actions. Though he maintains that he was unfortunately forced to jettison the research pod containing Finney (leading to the latter's death), the ship's computer log says otherwise. Due to this discrepancy, Kirk faces a court martial! Join us as we go boldly!

On this week's episode of our show, Captain Ingle and our good friend Fares Muthana set a course for the 23rd century and the adventures of the USS Enterprise under the command of Captain Christopher Pike. This time around, a comet is on its way to strike an inhabited planet, and it's up to our heroes to solve the problem before it's too late. But as always, things are not exactly what they seem! Join us as we go boldly!

On this week's episode of our show, Captain Ingle and I set a course for the year 1776 and the birth of the United States of America. When the Revolutionary War comes to South Carolina, veteran Benjamin Martin attempts to avoid the conflict but finds himself in the thick of things when events go disastrously wrong for his family and his home. Joining us to discuss this Roland Emmerich-directed historical drama is our good friend Chris Dohmen. Join us as we go boldly!

Earlier this week the 5th and 6th episodes of the latest Star Wars series were released, and it's safe to say the show keeps getting better and better! Join me as I share a few thoughts.

On this week's episode of our show, Captain Ingle and I set a course for the 22nd century and the origins of the prime directive. This time around, Enterprise encounters a race of beings who procreate by means of 3 genders. When Trip learns that the third gender is treated as second class citizens, he defies their cultural customs and tries to give them the opportunities they are denied. Join us as we go boldly!

The third and fourth episodes of the latest Star Wars series were released earlier this week, and I wanted to share some thoughts on the latest developments in this story. Suffice it to say that I thought these episodes were brilliant, so join me as I share my thoughts. May the Force be with you!

With the first season of the new Star Trek series “Starfleet Academy” ending recently, Captain Ingle and I have decided to take a look at the series as a whole and share our thoughts on this latest installment of the final frontier. Join us as we discuss the world, the characters, and the storytelling. Join us as we go boldly!

With the two-episode premiere of the newest animated Star Wars series, I wanted to share my thoughts on this new and unique entry in that Galaxy far, far away. Let's discuss the atmosphere and the tone, and the new characters that populate this world. Join me!

On this week's episode of our show, Captain Ingle and I set a course for an alternate universe version of the year 2024. When the trickster Q transports Admiral Picard into a twisted version of the Federation, the crew of the La Sirena must travel back in time to discover the source of the change in the timeline. Join us as we go boldly!

With the year 2025 being a big moment for the genre of horror, I thought I would take the opportunity to discuss the archetypes frequently represented, and why they resonate with us both in our day and in times past. Joining me to talk about this very subject is my good friend and horror expert Le Gault, host of The Unhinged Binge.

On this week's episode of our show, Captain Ingle and I set a course for the high seas of the mid-19th century and the enduring story of revenge. We are looking at the 1998 made-for-TV adaptation of Herman Melville's eternal classic “Moby Dick”, the Great American novel that has been referenced more than once in the world of Star Trek. In this classic tale, Captain Ahab leads the crew of the Pequod to seek vengeance upon the white sperm whale that took the captain's leg. Join us as we go boldly!

This week on our show, Captain Ingle and I set a course for the animated side of Star Trek. First, in the original animated series, a mysterious energy field causes the Enterprise computer to start playing practical jokes on the crew; second, the USS Cerritos is sent to the Pakled homeworld to negotiate peace; and third, the Protostar arrives at a planet that seems to be at the center of the corruption of the timeline. Join us as we go boldly!

This past Sunday was the 98th Academy Awards, and as always there are many things to discuss regarding the ceremony itself and the films that were nominated. Join me as I share my thoughts on the good, and then bad, and the ugly of this conclusion to the award season honoring the films of 2025.

On this week's episode of our show, Captain Ingle and I set a course for the distant Delta Quadrant and the adventures of the USS Voyager. When Tom Paris is sentenced to 30 days in the brig for treasonable actions, he recounts the story as what led to his incarceration in a letter to his father. Join us as we go boldly!

We are about two months away from the release of “The Mandalorian and Grogu”. It has been six-and-a-half years since a Star Wars film has graced the big screen, and the Internet is abuzz with anticipation, both positive and negative. Join me as I share some thoughts.

On this week's episode of our show, Captain Ingle and I set a course for the 24th century and the farthest reaches of the Federation at space station Deep Space 9. This time around, Major Kira and Constable Odo go searching for a member of the Maquis while Nog attempts to convince Captain Sisko to sponsor his application to Starfleet Academy. But as always, chaos ensues. Join us as we go boldly!

On this week's episode of our show, Captain Ingle and I set a course for the far-off year of 2005 and the distant reaches of the planet Cybertron! As the heroic Autobots attempt to defend their homeworld from the evil Decepticons, they are all caught unawares by the arrival of the villainous planet-devouring entity known as Unicron. Join us as we go boldly!

On this week's episode of our show, Captain Ingle and I set a course for the 24th century and the continuing voyages of the USS Enterprise-D. In this attempt at a Scottish ghost story, Doctor Crusher travels to the Caldos colony to attend the funeral of her grandmother. While there, she discovers that her nana had a lover that no one knew of until now. And she learns more, strange occurrences suggest that something more is afoot. Join us as we go boldly!

On this week's episode of our show, Captain Ingle and I set a course for the 23rd century and the continuing voyages of the USS Enterprise. When an exploratory mission via shuttlecraft crash lands on an alien world, Mr. Spock must figure out how to survive as tensions mount among his fellow crewmen! Join us as we go boldly!

On this week's episode of our show, Captain Ingle and set a course for the 23rd century and the continuing adventures of the USS Enterprise. When Nurse Chapel returns to the ship with her new fiancé, Mr. Spock is caught completely off guard. When he then crosses paths with a mysterious bartender, things get strange. Join us as we go boldly!

It is a great understatement to say that Star Wars is quotable. In fact, it may be the most quoted franchise in history. Joining me today to discuss our favorite quotes from that galaxy far, far away is my friend Eli of the Star Wars: In a Galaxy podcast. Join us!

On this week's episode of our show, we take a look at Stanley Kramer's 1961 courtroom drama masterpiece “Judgment at Nuremberg”. When judge Dan Haywood is called upon preside over a tribunal for Nazi judges and jurists at the end of World War II, deep wounds the war left behind are opened and one of the darkest chapters in human history is laid bare to both the characters and the audience. Join us as we go boldly!

On this week's episode of our show, Captain Ingle and I set a course for the 23rd century and the wild adventures of the USS Discovery. In this epic conclusion to the second season of the show, our heroes must find a way to keep the sphere data from the sinister clutches of Control and Section 31. When all other options come up short, Burnham proposes to take the ship and the data into the future! Join us as we go boldly!

This morning, the nominees for the 98th Academy Awards were announced. Having not looked at the list before, join me as I give my reaction to this turn of events. Let's see what surprises are in store…

On this week's episode of our show, Captain Ingle and I set a course for the 22nd century and the misadventures of the NX-01 Enterprise. After destroying the Xindi superweapon, the crew returns to Earth only to find themselves in an alternate 1940s in the midst of the Second World War. But this time around, the Nazis have conquered the eastern seaboard of the United States! Join us as we go boldly!

A big news item dropped yesterday: Kathleen Kennedy is stepping down as president of Lucasfilm. Dave Filoni, long-time storyteller of the Star Wars Galaxy is taking her place. Join me as I share my thoughts.

On this week's episode of our show, Captain Ingle and I set a course for the 32nd century and the continuing voyages of the USS Discovery. Having discovered the location of the Progenitors' technology, the Breen Imperium and the Federation are caught in a deadly game to see who will arrive at the location first, knowing that possession of the technology will determine the course of the future. Join us as we go boldly!

On this week's episode of our show, Captain Ingle and I set a course for the late 24th century and the adventures of the retired Admiral Picard. The crew of the La Sirena travels to the Romulan refugee planet Vashti to attempt to recruit a former acquaintance of the Admiral, a young orphan named Elnor. But as always, things don't go according to plan. Join us as we go boldly!

On this week's episode of our show, Captain Ingle and I set a course for the 29th century and the adventures of a waste allocation robot on the abandoned planet Earth. From director Andrew Stanton comes the Academy Award-winning 2008 animated sci-fi masterpiece “WALL-E”. In what is surely one of the greatest films of the 21st century, we are presented with the deep themes of romance, nostalgia, and corporate greed, as well as witness the unfolding of one of the greatest love stories in cinematic history. Join us as we go boldly!

One of the things I think a lot about at Christmas is family. Most if not all of us will be born into dysfunctional families or less than ideal circumstances. Our true families are not necessarily those we are related to, but those who love us unconditionally and those who bring us true joy. So, whatever your true family looks like this holiday season, Merry Christmas to all of you.

On this week's episode of our show, Captain Ingle and I set a course for the world of Star Trek animation! First, we take a look at the premiere episode of the original animated series; second, a trio of Betazoid ambassadors wreaks havoc on the crew of the USS Cerritos; and third, the story of the Protostar comes full circle as our heroes attempt to fix the timeline they inadvertently ruined. Join us as we go boldly!