In this weekly podcast, hosts Jason Tagmire, Alex Strang and Marty Cobb will be discussing the Star Wars universe, one useless fact at a time.
Swinging out of the jungle, we return again for Star WTF season 2. This week, we look at Wicket’s best friend and terrifying monster, Teebo the Ewok. You may remember him as the scary Ewok or maybe as the one that blew the sacred horn of the soul trees. We talk about Teebo’s connection with the force, his skinned animal hat, his creepy scary face, and just how awful the Ewoks cartoon is. Download Episode 55 - TeeboTeebo was an Ewok that was present during the Battle of Endor. One of Chief Chirpa's best hunters alongside Asha Fahn, they supported Chirpa's decision to help the Rebels take out the Imperial shield generator, vetoing Logray's choice to stay out of it. That night, he would write a message to be sent out to neighboring Ewok tribes to call them all to action against the Empire, that in the original Ewokese even Logray found beautiful.
In 2015 Star Wars came back in full force with The Force Awakens. Then came Rogue One, and The Last Jedi. During all of this time, StarWTF!? was completely silent. We had 54 episodes in a row and then as soon as Star Wars was back, we just zipped our lips and stopped the presses. You would think it would be the other way around, right? Well, it's time to announce season two of StarWTF!?Starting with today's episode, Moroff, and then continuing with such legends as Bidlo Kwerve and RX-24, we plan to bring out 10 episodes with no interruption. (Unless a new Star Wars film comes out and breaks us again... We're looking at you Solo!).And now, onto Moroff, the big white Gigoran a/k/a a snow Wookiee meets Wampa meets Plo Koon meets every cool character that we barely get to see. He's very much unused in Rogue One, but a killer design and worth the discussion. We answer the question who would win in a fight, a Gigoran or a Wookiee? Knowing that Gigoran are gentle giants, and Wookiee's can rip the arms off a Crolite (in a deleted scene, at least), it may not be who you think. Download Episode 48 - MoroffMoroff was a male Gigoran mercenary who was active during the Age of the Empire. During that time, Moroff sought out combat zones to sell his brawn and firepower to anyone who required it.
While The rest of the country celebrates the new Star Wars film, we here at StarWTF!? know that's there's something more important about this time of year. That's right, it's time to cuddle up by the fire and remember that the Star Wars Holiday Special exists. And boy, do we have a big one this year. He's tiny, he's hairy, he's... Lumpy? Yes, the true stand out star of the Star Wars holiday special makes his premiere on our show! We discuss everything from his humble origins to his insane future! Is Lumpy Chewbacca's son? What is his real name exactly? Why is he so darned terrifying? Find out all this and more as we dig into the lumpy carpet that is Lumpy.It should be noted that before you begin this episode, that this was recorded before we saw The Force Awakens. So, any predictions and guesses that we say are likely false. Please feel free to make fun of us if we manage to say some guess that turned out hilariously wrong.Download Episode 53 - LumpyLumpawaroo, also known as Waroo, was a Wookiee male who emerged from the shadow of his famous father Chewbacca to become a brave, talented, and powerful warrior within the Rwookrrorrocommunity on the planet Kashyyyk. Born Lumpawarrump in 1 BBYand known as Lumpy throughout his youth, he was raised by his mother Mallatobuck and his grandfather Attichitcuk while Chewbacca served a life debt to and traveled the galaxy with the Human smuggler Han Solo.
We decided to do a very speculative episode on a Force Awakens character that we really know nothing about. Based off of an action figure, we chose PZ-4CO, a Resistance Base Control Room Droid, who is as blue as it gets and has a very cool, yet kind of funky-looking action figure.The first half of this episode consists of our pre-The Force Awakens speculation and the second is our post-The Force Awakens realizations (and a SPOILER HEAVY brief discussion of the film). So if you've seen the film, listen away! If you haven't, we tell you when to stop (around 16 minutes and 30 seconds).So what's up with PZ-4CO? Will this droid be important? Force sensitive? Save the world?Download Episode 52 - PZ-43O
Yet again we peer into the deep depths of stupidity that is the Phantom Menace and bring out one of the first things we see on screen. It's the Battle Droid! Those ineffectual robots that we see get taken down by the thousands through out the prequel trilogy and Clone Wars TV show. Listen as we discuss the in and outs of these robot failures and talk about all the dumb things involved in their creation behind the scenes. What does the head of a battle droid look like? How many kinds of them are there? Why where they ineffectual enemies? Is is Gungan or Gunga? Find out as we slash our way through the cannon fodder robots!Download Episode 51 - Battle DroidDuring the Clone Wars, the Confederacy of Independent Systems used a variety of battle droids in their droid army, including B1 battle droids, B2 super battle droids, and Droidekas. The battle droids were often led in military campaigns by the Kaleesh cyborg General Grievous.Although battle droids were outlawed by the Galactic Empire in the wake of the Clone Wars, companies such as Holowan Laboratories were able to evade the ban by having their products reclassified as security droids.
No one said we could do it, but we finally did it! We finally got around to talking about Midicholrians! And it also happens to be our Fiftieth episode!For our first big milestone in podcasting, we sit down and look at one of the most controversial things in the Star Wars history. If you managed to block this microscopic horror from your memory, then allow us to remind you! The tiny germs in your cells are what make the force possible! We also managed to bring back Alex from his vacation in a galaxy far far away to discuss his findings. What exactly are midicholrians? How many is too many? Why was this a terrible idea? Find out all of this and more as we pull out our microscopes and do some blood tests live on the air!Download Episode 50 - MidichloriansMidi-chlorians were intelligent microscopic life forms that lived symbiotically inside the cells of all living things. When present in sufficient numbers, they could allow their host to detect the pervasive energy field known as the Force. Midi-chlorian counts were linked to potential in the Force, ranging from normal Human levels of 2,500 per cell to the much higher levels of Jedi. The highest known midi-chlorian count—over 20,000 per cell—belonged to the Jedi Anakin Skywalker, who was believed to have been conceived by the midi-chlorians.
Ah! It's good to be out of a prequel or a expanded universe character and back on to the classics! Today, we talk about the Qabbrat! The good old classic Qabbrat! What? Don't know what that is? Well, you certainly remember it quite well! It's Darth Vader's Meditation chamber from The Empire Strikes Back!We look in depth to this device, discussing it's innards and speculate what else it does? Does that helmet arm do anything else? Can it transported places? Does he have more? Why is it called a Qabbrat? Found out as our robo arms apply our breathing masks and talk about this weird pod one useless fact at a time.Download Episode 49 - QabbratDarth Vader's meditation chamber, or Qabbrat[1] was a life support pod that allowed the Sith Lord to survive for extended periods without the helmet and mask of his suit. The injuries Vader sustained during the duel with Obi-Wan Kenobi on Mustafar normally made this impossible.
We apologize for once again bringing up the Phantom Menace yet again, but we’ve managed to dig something quite interesting out of the bowels of it’s infinite oddities.It’s Gragra, the Mos Espa gorgmonger who yells at Jar Jar to stop eating her weird lizard things on strings. While seemingly an obscure character with no back story, Gragra manages to have one of the most bizarre back stories we’ve seen so far. What exactly is Gragra? What’s a Gorgmonger and what exactly is a gorg? What’s Gragra’s home life like? How many gorgs does it take to buy a starship? Find out all of this and more as we discuss this Swokes Swokes one useless fact at a time.Download Episode 48 - GragraGragra was a Swokes Swokes gorgmonger that worked in the marketplace of Mos Espa. Gragra grew her food in a sewer zone underneath Mos Espa.
He’s green, he’s furry, and he’s got a whole lot of attitude! He’s Jaxxon! If you don’t quite remember that name then you may remember him as the Green Anthropomorphic bunny wearing a spacesuit that you read about once in a list of the worst Star Wars expanded universe characters. We take a look at this rather obscure character from a 1977 Star Wars comic and discuss what the character’s done and where he’s gone since his debut. Where did Jaxxon come from? How did he come to work with Han Solo? How sweet looking was his spaceship? Does he like carrots? Find out all of this and more as we rip apart this green Lepus Carnivorus one useless fact at a time.Download Episode 47 - JaxxonJaxxon was a quick-witted Lepi smuggler from Coachelle Prime. The most rambunctious of his family's thirteen children, he left his homeworld at an early age, after stealing an unprotected freighter. He made his way to Nar Shaddaa, where he began to perform odd jobs, quickly becoming familiar with the important elements of fringe culture.
Wow. B'omarr Monks really surprised me. There is so much more to them than those creepy spider droids with jarred brains. The spider droid ISN'T REALLY EVEN the B'omarr Monk! This episode was a lesson learned in weird Star Wars information.Download Episode 46 - B'omarr Monks'The B'omarr are the monks who built the massive monastery fortress Jabba the Hutt occupies as his palace. They are spider-droids that carry around a nutrient-globe containing a living, sentient brain. These brains are all that remain of the enlightened monks.
So WTF is a Bothan and how many of them died to bring us the plans for the second death star.? Did you know they were furry dog/horse/cat like people? There’s a lot of non-canon information about Bothans, so we’re getting right down to it.Download Episode 45 - BothansBothans (pronounced /'bɑθɪn/) were furry mammalian anthropoids, about 1.5 meters tall. Hailing from Bothawui and several colonies, Bothans differed in facial appearance and body structure with canine, feline, and equine features. They were known for being master politicians and spies, craving intrigue and subterfuge.
It's time to talk about the mother of all villains, Shmi Skywalker. You may not realize this, but she was a character in The Phantom Menace and also seen in Attack of the Clones. We discuss her optimistic beginnings down to her optimistic ending, and how it triggered the demise of Anakin Skywalker.We also talk a bit about how to fix the prequels!Download Episode 44 - Shmi Skywalker LarsShmi Skywalker Lars, as the oldest known Skywalker ancestor, was the Human mother of the Jedi Knight Anakin Skywalker, as well step-mother to Owen Lars and the paternal grandmother of Luke Skywalkerand Leia Organa Solo. This made her the great-grandmother of Jaina,Jacen, and Anakin Solo, the latter who was named for her son, as well as Ben Skywalker. This also made her the great-great-grandmother of Allana Solo. She was also an ancestor of Nat Skywalker, Kol Skywalker, Cade Skywalker, and Ania Solo.
Today we discuss Mandalorian Armor. It's more than just the Fett family's choice of clothing. It goes WAY BACK. More than 4000 years back. We look at the changes that were made over the years, improvements (such as protection from rapid beheadings), and the reason for choosing specific colored armor.Other than that, we just talk about why it's so cool.Download Episode 43 - Mandalorian ArmorThe most recognizable symbol of the Mandalorian culture, Mandalorian armor was a catch-all term for the sets of distinctive full-body armor worn by Mandalorian warriors and soldiers throughout galactic history. Known as beskar'gam in the Mandalorian language of Mando'a—a name which meant "iron skin" when translated into Basic—Mandalorian armor was central to the Mandalorian way of life, and the wearing of armor was one of the Resol'nare, the six tenets that defined the Mandalorian culture.
This week we discuss the most debated Star Wars goof... the Kessel Run. What is it? And did Han Solo defy time and space in his travels? Or was he just a big old liar?In trying to get to the bottom of it all, we also learn about the boogie boogie looking-dark side entity, Abeloth, a small planet that never experienced and earthquake, named Little Kessel, and we discover an unknown of Star Wars / Weightlifting Mashup T-Shirts.Download Episode 42 - Kessel RunThe Kessel Run was an 18-parsec route used by smugglers to move glitterstim spice from Kessel to an area south of the Si'Klaata Cluster without getting caught by the Imperial ships that were guarding the movement of spice from Kessel's mines.
Today we talk about a species that is pretty much Mike Tyson with horns. That's a little bit of a stretch, but on the surface Zabrak's are just humans with some horns and face tattoos. But is there more deep down? Are these an interesting species?We take a look at it and find out a few interesting things about what makes them tick, where they came from and what happens when they breed with other species.Download Episode 41 - ZabrakThe Zabrak, also known as Iridonians when referring to the Zabrak who came from Iridonia, were a carnivorous Near-Human species native to Iridonia, a planet located in the Mid Rim known for its inhospitable terrain and fierce predatory life. They were a species known for having a fierce sense of self-determination and an equally dominant need for independence.
This week, we get all medical as we talk about the 2-1B surgical droid, also known as 2-1B (we know it's weird, and discuss exactly that!). 2-1B is the droid that you see in Empire fixing Luke's hand and tending to him in his Bacta Tank. He's blue-ish grey, has a massive ego and a gentle touch.Sit back and enjoy the episode about yet another droid that probably can't even move.Download Episode 40 - 2-1B2-1B (or Too-Onebee) was a 2-1B surgical droid that joined the Alliance to Restore the Republic as a medic. The droid was highly sophisticated, belonging to the older, yet remarkably astute 2-1B series. Because of his intellect, Too-Onebee was fiercely independent and morality-driven. His gentle touch can be attributed to his precise hydraulic systems, which utilized several liquids at different temperatures.
Wow. Just wow.That might be enough to say about Mount Sorrow. But no, we recorded a full episode about it. How else are we going to speculate on whether or not a talking sentient mountain will appear in Episode 7? (Hint... it won't.)But yes, Mount Sorrow is actually a thing, and by many opinions, it's one of the worst Star Wars things that has ever existed. So, of course we will be talking about it.Download Episode 39 - Mount SorrowMount Sorrow was a mountain on the Forest Moon of Endor. The tip of the mountain was in fact sentient, and had the power to both blow people off the summit, or cry tears of healing. Sorrow was a figure of legend in Ewok lore, albeit an obscure one, known only to the shamans and witch doctors of Endor. Sometime during the Imperial era, Mount Sorrow was able to cure budding poet Teebo of the perilous laughing spell, inherited from a loonee bird in the Endor woods.
It's time to discuss a weapon! Previously we've discussed Chewbacca's Bowcaster, the Lightwhip, the Gaffi Stick, and the Double-Bladed Lightsaber. So what's next?Naturally, it's the Vibroblade!While you may or may not know about the Vibroblade, it fills an integral role in the galaxy. They are vibrating swords, essentially, and some are able to hold their own against a lightsaber. Well, only if they are filled with cortosis-weave. DUH.Download Episode 38 - VibrobladeVibroblades were a type of bladed melee vibroweapon that used ultrasonic vibrations to increase cutting effectiveness.
This week we take WTF to a whole new level. This character has less screen time than just about anyone else, considering you only see her legs. It's Mos Eisley's huge bird creature Kal'Falnl C'ndros!WHO?It's just as ridiculous as you would imagine. Download Episode 37 - Kal'Falnl C'ndrosKal'Falnl C'ndros (sometimes known as Kal Fal) was a female Quor'sav trader.This frame is essentially everything you see in A New Hope.Possibly a Quor'sav from the Star Wars Holiday Special.
We are back with a vehicle! And not a starship or walker or anything like that. It's the Speeder Bike! Only one of the coolest vehicles in the galaxy.We look at WHY the speeder bike is so cool and discuss the TWO Return of the Jedi scenes as well as the Revenge of the Sith scene (who knew there was one?). We also discuss the best swing set of all time, the Scout Walker Command Tower by Gym Dandy with bonus Speeder Bike swing. This one's a long one, but a good one.Download Episode 36 - Speeder BikeSpeeder bikes, also known as hover bikes, were open-air repulsorlift vehicles, usually carrying one or two passengers. Speeder bikes emphasized speed and maneuverability over conventional speeders and were popular with thrill-seeking teenagers and military scouts. A typical speeder bike had a maximum altitude of 10 meters (32 feet) and could thus maneuver deftly over very rough terrain. Some companies manufactured extras like sidecars for speeder bikes.
In a very sad WTF!? moment last week, we found out that Sir Christopher Lee passed away at the age of 93. While he was known for many, many films, we wanted to get together and reminisce about his days as Dooku, the poorly-named Dark Lord of the Sith. We take a look into his battle scenes, the CGI that surrounds them, his death, and the action figures (with action features) that followed.Christopher Lee will be missed greatly.Download Episode 35 - Count DookuDooku was a Jedi Master who fell to the dark side of the Force and became a Dark Lord of the Sith, known as Darth Tyranus. Born into a noble family on the planet Serenno, he was the heir to vast wealth and the noble title of Count. Dooku was taken by the Jedi Order as a child and apprenticed to Thame Cerulian. As a Jedi Knight, he took Qui-Gon Jinn as his first Padawan, and later trained Komari Vosa. Dooku was a respected instructor in the Jedi Temple and one of the most renowned swordsmen in the galaxy, on par only with Masters Yoda and Mace Windu.RIP Christopher Lee
This episode has been a long time coming. Today we discuss Death Sticks, you know the illegal substances that Elan Sleazebaggano tries to sell to Obi Wan in Attack of the Clones? It's only one of the weirdest scenes in the prequel trilogy. We research Death Sticks to see what they're all about and try to determine whether or not this is just bad writing, or anti-smoking PSA message in the middle of a Star Wars film? You be the judge. Download Episode 34 - Death SticksDeath sticks were a mild hallucinogen primarily sold on Outer Rim worlds, but could be found in abundance on Coruscant. Originally developed in the illegal pharmaceutical labs of CoCo Town, they were relatively cheap and were smuggled into the clubs of cities by slythmongers. The cilona extract offered euphoria in exchange for a horrific outcome, producing a twisted version of reality enhanced by bright colors. With each dose, the user's life was shortened, and the successive dosages took away larger chunks from a lifespan. With each successive dose, the desire for a harder reaction increased. It was thus very difficult for a youth to shake off their addiction without medical assistance.
Oh Dengar... You are such an odd man. What's with the toilet paper? And you look like you've put on some weight.Yes, today we talk about one of the stranger Bounty Hunters in the Star Wars universe, Dengar. He's briefly seen in The Empire Strikes Back, and we've recently learned (DURING THE EPISODE!) that he's seen even more in Return of the Jedi. But thankfully he has an awesome role in the Clone Wars series, and is actually played by a super cool actor. Listen in for all of the details, as well as our list of the Top 5 Bounty Hunters from The Empire Strikes Back.Download Episode 33 - DengarDengar, also known as "Payback," was a Corellian bounty hunter and the pilot of the Punishing One. Brought up in the culture of swoop bikes and becoming a successful racer himself, Dengar also led a double life as a successful bounty hunter during the Clone Wars, becoming one of the galaxy's most efficient mercenaries; his work teamed him with the likes of bounty hunters such as Boba Fett and Bossk. Dengar would eventually give up the life of bounty hunting to pursue his other passion: swoop racing.WTF!? on the left.
We're on a roll with oversized things in the Star Wars universe. You might say it's a slow roll. About as slow as the SANDCRAWLER crawling through the Tatooine desert.Yes, today we discuss the mother of all land-based Star Wars vehicles.... the Sandcrawler! And probably more specifically, the Corellia Mining Corporation Digger Crawler. We get into the logistics of this thing, what's inside and what's making it run. The how's and why's and everything else.Download Episode 32 - SandcrawlerSandcrawlers were large, slow, treaded vehicles, used as self propelled bases for mining squads. Most notable example of usage of these vessels, later adapted by Jawas for their mobile homes, was on Tatooine, where bulky sandcrawlers climbing the dunes were a common sight.A question for our listeners. WTF was on the side of McQuarrie's Sandcrawler? A turret? A sidecar?20052014 (Big difference)
You know exactly who we are talking about in this episode. No it's not Jabba the Hutt.... it's the nearly asteroid sized creature that almost cuts the Empire Strikes Back short by a good hour. It's the Space Slug, also known as Exogorth... and it is massive. So massive that the Millennium Falcon can fit between two of it's teeth. Is there more to the mysterious Space Slug than meets the eye? We shall see!This is also the final episode in our Mike Matecha trilogy. Thanks Mike! Come back again sometime!Download Episode 31 - Space SlugSpace slugs, or giant space slugs, were immense lifeforms known to live in the Outer Rim Territories. At least one space slug resided in an asteroid near the planet Hoth.
In this episode Mike Matecha joins us again as we look at the Double-Bladed Lightsaber, as made popular by Darth Maul. We look at it's practicality, and discuss other Double-Bladed Lightsabers in the Star Wars Universe. We also discuss the color red and why it is always evil (THERE IS ACTUALLY A REASON!).Download Episode 30 - Double-Bladed LightsaberThe double-bladed lightsaber—also called a Saberstaff, Lightsaber Lance, Doublesaber, Dualsaber, Lightstaff, or the Sith lightsaber, was a specialized type of lightsaber that consisted of a single hilt with a beam emitter at both ends, resulting in a weapon that was wielded in a similar manner to a traditional quarterstaff.
Today's episode is the Krayt Dragon, our first podcast subject that only appears on screen after it has already died. (I think, you can feel free to call me out on that.) The Krayt Dragon is seen as a skeleton in C3P0 and R2D2's first Tatooine scenes in A New Hope. But OF COURSE there is more to say about the dragon. And most of it is a big letdown. It's short and squat and kind of like a fat lizard. But we have much more to say about it.We also have a new special guest host on this episode. It's Mike Matecha, our good friend and fan of the show!Download Episode 29 - Krayt DragonThe krayt dragon was a large carnivorous reptile native to Tatooine.
Cheers everybody! Today's episode is Major Bren Derlin, or as you may know him, the jerk that had to lock Luke and Han out of the Hoth base when he closed the doors for the night. But he was concerned about Princess Leia and the rest of the rebels safety, so he can't be that much of a jerk.The most interesting thing about Bren Derlin is the actor who played him. John Ratzenberger, who is famously known as the know-it-all mailman Cliff Clavin from Cheers, disguised his face (sweet mustache) and voice for this role. It was a little before Cheers, but you would never know it was him.Download Episode 28 - Bren DerlinBren Derlin was a male Human officer of the Rebel Alliance. Bearing the rank of Major, Derlin served as the operations and security chief at Echo Base, the Alliance headquarters on the planet Hoth, under the command of General Carlist Rieekan. In that post, Derlin had to order the closing of the base door to avoid putting the whole base in risk. By doing so, however, he risked the lives of Luke Skywalker and Han Solo, two valuable Rebels. Soon after that event, Derlin served during the Battle of Hoth. During the Battle of Endor, Derlin served as Unit leader.
When I say Life Debt, you instantly think of Wookiees, right? Well there's another Life Debt in the Star Wars universe that we all seem to have forgotten... JAR JAR!In this episode we discuss all kinds of Life Debts in Star Wars and even throughout general television and film. We discuss why Chewie and Han should have just been friends, and who we would want to owe us a Life Debt. Fun stuff!Download Episode 27 - Life DebtThe life debt was a social institution found in many honor-bound cultures throughout the galaxy, including the Wookiees, Trandoshans, Gungans, Noghri, Talz, and Srrors'tok. To summarize, if a person's life was saved by another, the saved person was obligated to pledge their life to protecting and looking after their savior, even to the point of sacrificing their own life, if necessary.
Last week we discussed the Rancor, so naturally we needed to follow up with Malakili. You may know him as the big shirtless guy that cries after the Rancor's death in Return of the Jedi. But there is so much more to him than that!We get down to the facts. What happened after the Rancor died? Which actor(s) played him? What's up with his choice of clothing? (We talk quite a bit about his fashion choices.)Download Episode 26 - MalakiliMalakili was a male Human from the Core World of Corellia, a creature tamer and servant of the Hutt gangster Jabba Desilijic Tiure on Tatooine. Malakili took care of Jabba's rancor.
It's time to talk about a beast. A massive beast that almost consumes our hero Luke Skywalker. It's the Rancor, Jabba's destructive pet that he keeps in the basement for entertainment.The Rancor scene is one of the most iconic scenes in Star Wars and when watching it back, it all happens so quickly. We discuss how it holds up today, as well as other Rancors throughout the Star Wars universe. There are a bunch of them and of course, they have wings and all kinds of other ridiculous things going on.Download Episode 25 - RancorRancors were large carnivorous reptomammals native to the planet of Dathomir. They were usually born brown, but in special circumstances, such as the mutant rancor, jungle rancor, and the bull rancor, their color may have differed.
In this episode we dig up one of the most bizarre Tatooine aliens... Budallenj Prill (a/k/a The Volley Ball Alien). He's another blink-and-you'll-miss-it character that fanboys didn't seem to blink or miss. His prop, which is 100% a volleyball, led to more expanded universe content than some proper characters. And when you hear what they named his volleyball beacon thing... you'll know exactly why.Download Episode 24 - Budallenj PrillA Balandisian from the planet of Tatooine.
Oh the Jedi Code. You are so rigid and stiff and boring and everything that we dislike about Jedi! In this episode we rant a little about some of the big Star Wars missed opportunities and our feelings about the Jedi in the Original Trilogy and the Prequel Trilogy. We discuss our hopes about Jedi in the new trilogy. We even modify the Jedi Code and make our own!Download Episode 23 - The Jedi CodeThe Jedi Code was a code of conduct intended to help establish, regulate and maintain the general behavior of all Jedi. Despite undergoing, at some point during Jedi history, a subtle but substantial alteration of at least its written tenets, the code's fundamental context and meaning, invoking as it did self-discipline, tolerance, compassion, harmony and peaceful exploration, remained unchanged.
Don't call them Hammerheads! They are Ithorians. Everyone's favorite Cantina-dwelling, sometimes force-sensative dual-mouthed, awesome looking aliens. We discuss the benefits and detriments to the species, as well as their fate in the ever-expanded Star Wars universe.Download Episode 22 - IthoriansIthorians were a mammalian herbivorous sentient species from the planet Ithor. They were commonly called "Hammerheads" by less sensitive beings because of their long, curving neck and T-shaped head. They found this nickname offensive.
Cloud Cars are so silly, but at the same time they are so cool! That's what makes this discussion so interesting. We love the Cloud Car but we just don't get it. Why are there two separate pods? In this episode we explain what they both do and how we would improve the current design.Download Episode 21 - Cloud CarCloud cars were small, atmospheric craft used for various purposes. Manufacturers of cloud cars included Bespin Motors, Ubrikkian Yards, and Bakur RepulsorCorp. They were a common sight in Cloud City on Bespin.The real deal when it comes to Cloud Cars.
In this episode we dive into the biggest dive in Coruscant. It's Dex's Diner! A 50's style diner just thrown right in the middle of a Star Wars film. If you think that is shocking, you should see the menu! We talk about the many possibilities and some actual items on the menu... including PROTATO WEDGES.This episode is one of our greatest yet. Enjoy!Download Episode 20 - Dex's DinerDex's Diner, originally Didi and Astri's Café or just Didi's Café, was a diner located in CoCo Town, Coruscant and was run by Dexter Jettster.
Today we dive into another one of the wonderful weapons of the Star Wars universe. We've talked about the Bowcaster, the Light Whip, so naturally it's time to discuss the multi-purpose Gaffi Stick! But what are the purposes? We never see the full potential when the Tusken Raiders attack Luke Skywalker in A New Hope. Also.... WTF is a GADERFFII!?There's a lot to learn in this episode, and weapons are quickly becoming my favorite category for discussion.Download Episode 19 - Gaffi Stick a/k/a GaderffiiThe gaderffii, or gaffi stick, was the traditional melee weapon of the Tusken Raiders of Tatooine. It was a pole weapon with a spike or blade on one end and some kind of bludgeoning instrument on the other.Note: the technical terms above: "some kind of bludgeoning instrument".See you next week!
In Episode #18 we talk about one of the greatest toys of all time... as well as a prominent location in Return of the Jedi. It's the Ewok Village, also known as Bright Tree Village! We nerd out a little about the toys as well as the various Ewoks, which brings up a great question. How many Ewoks can you name?Onto the episode!Download Episode 18 - Ewok VillageBright Tree Village was the name of an Ewok tree village on the Forest Moon of Endor. It was home to the Ewok tribe that helped the Alliance to Restore the Republic defeat the Galactic Empire at the Battle of Endor.And here's a peek at the Bri'ahlian creature from our game show segment. It's terrible! Even the phot is names "weirdgreenthing.jpg"
It's February... and you know what that means? Marvel Star Wars is back with a new issue! This snuck out without the fanfare of the first issue, but it holds up very well. The story is action packed and while there aren't as many secret reveals as the first issue, there are some things that are definitely worth noting as we get closer and closer to The Force Awakens.Download Special Episode: Marvel Star Wars #2We also noticed that we didn't mention the cover during the episode, but it's interesting. It's a lot jokier in tone than the issue (although there are a few jokes), but the big difference is that Chewbacca is MIA in this issue! By the looks of it, him and Han would be getting into some adventures, but Chewie does not make an appearance. Where is he? Hopefully we find out in issue 3.
Today we discuss and tribute one of the coolest, and evilest characters in the Star Wars saga, Grand Moff Tarkin... WHO HAS A FIRST NAME NOW!?!? Did you know he is called Wilhuff? This is just bonkers. Are you going to next tell me that Palpatine has a first name, and it's Sheev? :)We love Tarkin here and we talk for quite a bit about him, his cheekbones, and his quotable lines.Download Episode 17 - Grand Moff TarkinWilhuff Tarkin was a Human male who was one of the most powerful individuals in the Galactic Empire, a Grand Moff who shaped Imperial doctrine and was the driving force behind the creation of its key embodiment, the Death Star.Young Tarkin. Serious Cheekbones.Thanks!!
This one was a lot of fun. We discuss the walking trashcan that is known as Gonk! Along with special guest George Tagmire we speculate on the what, why, and even who... who played Gonk? We hope you have as much fun listening as we had discussing little old Gonk.Download Episode 16 - GNK Power Droid a/k/a GonkGNK power droids were effectively power generators with legs and a very simple artificial intelligence so they could understand rudimentary commands. They were commonly found on under-developed worlds that did not have an expansive power grid, or in mobile military operations.Thanks!!.
The episode you have been waiting your entire life for... it's MOISTURE FARMING!Probably the most boring aspect of the Star Wars universe, yet we keep it moving right along at a brisk and swift pace. What is Moisture Farming? How do you do it? What do you do with the moisture? Why is Uncle Owen so miserable?We also have special guest George Tagmire joining us for the first time, and definitely not the last.Download Episode 15 - Moisture FarmingMoisture farms were often found on dry planets such as Tatooine or Ord Mantell, where the arid climate made water a scarce commodity. Moisture farmers maintained moisture vaporators to gather water for themselves as well as to sell to others. They also used the gathered moisture to irrigate crops, which were grown underground, sheltered from the hot sun (or suns, as is the case in the binary star system of Tatoo).Thanks!!.
We got together for a quick discussion about Marvel's return the Star Wars comics! The issue has been out for a week and has made quite an impact on both fans and sales numbers. This is probably due to its 75 DIFFERENT COVERS.The new story takes place between A New Hope and The Empire Strikes Back and features the original trilogy characters and original trilogy tone. (Possibly a little too much at times). But there's some real good stuff in this new issue including a potential link to Episode 7.Download Special Episode: Marvel Star Wars #1Look at the little guy in the corner in the jail scene. Then watch the Force For Change video for a possible Episode 7 link.Covers: Many more http://www.slashfilm.com/marvel-star-wars-1-variants/
Who is Sifo Dyas!? I have been asking myself this question since the opening day of Attack of the Clones and I barely have more of an answer today. Now, after recording this episode, I feel a wee bit better about it.So... will we just add to the Star Wars confusion? Or do we have something smart to contribute? You'll have to listen and see.Download Episode 14 - Sifo DyasSifo-Dyas was a male Human Jedi Master who served the Jedi Order during the last decades of the Galactic Republic.Thanks!!.
Today we are discussing Luke's original choice of astromech droids... R5-D4! If it didn't have a bad motivator, Leia's message may have never been delivered and the entire original trilogy may not have even happened. Thank the maker for bad motivators.There's a lot to discuss here because there is a bonkers backstory for R5-D4. It's up there with IG-88's. I think the Expanded Universe writers love their droids.Download Episode 13 - R5-D4R5-D4, Arfive-Deefour, or Red as Luke Skywalker called him, was a white and red striped R5-series astromech droid on Tatooine.Stick around until the end for the StarWTF!? Game Show where we find the ABSOLUTE WORST city name in the entire galaxy.Thanks everyone! See you next week.
It's the Max Rebo Band! Everyone's favorite blue-skinned Ortolan jizz-wailer (WTF!?). We discuss all 12 members of the band, plus the one that was assassinated by Figrin D'an! There is so much to talk about here, so let's jump right into it.This is one of the best episodes so far, and if you are a new listener... welcome and thanks for checking us out!Download Episode 12 - The Max Rebo BandThe Max Rebo Band, also known as The Max Rebo Twelve and (originally) Evar Orbus and His Galactic Jizz-Wailers, was among the most well known bands of the galaxy, thanks in part to their status as the regular band at Jabba's Palace.
Today we discuss our first planet. And whichever one you were thinking of is wrong because we are talking about Kamino! Yes, the wet planet that's all about cloning. Home of Lamu Su, Taun We and the rest of the Kaminoan gang.If you wanted to know more about the wet, hidden planet than you ever thought you would care to admit, then make a left at the Rishi Maze and follow us to Kamino.Download Episode 11 - KaminoKamino, also known as the Planet of Storms, was the watery world where the Clone Army of the Galactic Republic was created, as well as the Kamino Home Fleet. It was inhabited by a race of tall, elegant beings called the Kaminoans, who kept to themselves and were known for their cloning technology. Kamino was located just south of the Rishi Maze, and was governed by the Ruling Council, headed by the Prime Minister.
It's our StarWTF!? Life Day Celebration! Today we look at one of the most INSANE Star Wars productions, the Star Wars Holiday Special... and specifically we are discussing Bea Arthur's badass bar tending character, Ackmena. She's the rough and tough nighttime bartender at the Cantina, who is wooed by a man which a volcano head... and did we mention that she sings to the customers? It's both wonderfully entertaining and completely unwatchable.Download Episode 10 - AckmenaAckmena was the nightshift bartender in Chalmun's Cantina in Mos Eisley on Tatooine. She was a favorite amongst the patrons there, as she was more approachable than the daytime bartender, Wuher. We also discuss our favorite Star Wars Christmas gifts from over the years.As well as a few things from our own personal gift wish lists.Happy Life Day everyone! Goodnight, but not goodbye.
Today we look back at Dejarik, the game that you probably know as "Holochess". It's the chess-like game that Chewbacca and R2-D2 play in the Millennium Falcon. The Dejarik table is a Star Wars icon (even teased by JJ Abrams during episode 7 shooting), but is the game itself any good? And more importantly, if you were playing, would you let the Wookiee win?Download Episode 9 - DejarikDejarik was a popular holographic game that was played throughout the galaxy. When activated, the game would project holographic playing pieces that resembled dangerous-looking species from throughout the galaxy. The players can move their pieces to attack one another and said pieces will behave like living beings when in battle.Lots more info at Wookieepedia: http://starwars.wikia.com/wiki/Dejarik
With The Force Awakens trailer out, everyone is buzzing about the new cross-guard lightsaber, but we go way back to the Expanded Universe and talk about the Lightwhip! We discuss the worst possible "light" weapons, and speculate on what we'll see in the sequels. (Note: We recorded this BEFORE The Force Awakens trailer was released, so there's lots of speculation. Alex's was eerily accurate.)Download Episode 8 - LightwhipLightwhips generally functioned on the same principles and mechanics as lightsabers, emitting a coherent beam of energy that was used as a weapon. However, rather than the straight, meter long blades emitted by standard lightsabers, lightwhips featured long, flexible blades that often exceeded several meters in length.Lots more info at Wookieepedia: http://starwars.wikia.com/wiki/Lightwhip
In this episode, we discuss the coolest looking vehicle in the Star Wars universe. And we get right down to business with the AT-AT vs. A Tee A Tee debate. How do YOU pronounce AT-AT? Then we discuss the practicality of the design. What is inside of this beast of a vehicle??Download Episode 7 - AT-ATSince we recorded the episode, we've caused quite a stir online asking people the important question on the pronunciation.Reddit got pretty crazy. :) http://www.reddit.com/r/StarWars/comments/2o0lvb/its_time_to_get_to_the_bottom_of_this_for_once/Twitter too.Here's the official Lucas response:http://techland.time.com/2010/09/02/how-do-you-pronounce-at-at/ There was a Kenner commercial that said "at at" about 7,000 times in 30 seconds.Lego continued the tradition: Then decided to change their mind:But most importantly we have this:And there it is! The word from Joe Johnston, Art Director on Empire Strikes Back and DESIGNER OF THE AT-AT. "Imperial Snowalker" has a nice ring to it...