This is the Way on The Mandalorian

There's not much Andor left to review, so "Who Else Knows?" fits snugly in the middle of the final story arc before we get to Rogue One. Episode 10 had emotion, flashbacks, and the death of Luthen Rael. Episode 11 is all ticking clock and pulse codes.Kleya has become a favorite character and seeing her at risk made every moment feel more stressful. Meero's reaching the end of her rope. Heert seems ineffectual, but who else do you get to do the job? Krennic is on the verge of panic. Partagaz is already there. The adminstration on Yavin wants to prevent a mission for safety's sake when completing the mission quickly might be the only thing that KEEPS them safe. Not much happens, if you think about it, but since three episodes dropped at once, it works well as a bridge to the finale.It might not be easy to remember, but after finishing episode 11 of season two, we STILL weren't sure Kleya would make it. Oh, we knew Andor, Melshi, and K-2SO were going to be fine, but killing Luthen meant Kleya was VERY MUCH at risk. Having Rogue One just an episode of streaming television away felt like watching a magic trick get explained after you've already seen the prestige. Actually, that's a good description: we've seen the pledge and know the prestige, so the turn is coming.There's still a chance to send in a comment to the email address we reveal in our podcasts. A good subject line helps us know what episode you're referencing. There are other ways to interact with This is the Way Podcast, like via ⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠ or 'X' @ThisistheWayPod or on Facebook, YouTube, or Spotify, but we also added a Discord channel recently! May the Force be with us!

Andor is some of the best television Disney Plus has produced and is almost assuredly the best Star Wars product on the platform. Ahsoka is up next, but is easily a year away.Jake Tropper is probably hard at work on the Star Wars: Starfighter movie now that Your Friends & Neighbors has concluded a first season on Apple TV Plus. Rian Johnson said he wants to revisit Star Wars (Nooooo!). Popcorn buckets came to Florida's Disney Parks. Collectibles are still being announced almost a month after Star Wars Day. Fortnite has one more week of content from a galaxy far, far away, and there's a new VR game coming...eventually.May sometimes has a bit more in store for our news updates, but every now and then all the big news comes out in April, as it seemed to do this year. If you want to take part in contributing ideas and commenting on our podcasts, you can do so here on Spotify, on YouTube, or Amazon's podcast portal, and you can listen to this podcast for our This is the Way Podcast HQ email address. May the Force be with us!

It's a milestone for any podcast to reach 100 episodes. This is the Way Podcast now has 200. Getting one podcast isn't that difficult in the grand scheme. It's when life comes at you and this isn't for your livelihood that the real tests come.Watching "Make It Stop" with my father in the hospital, just after lung surgery and about to undergo heart catheterization, well, you'll forgive me for admitting this was a hard episode to get through. Emotionally. As far as fictional entertainment goes, sign me up for the Tom Bissell Fan Club newsletters.Flashbacks including a visit to Naboo? Check. Learning how Kleya came to be in Luthen's service? Check. Resolution for Dedra AND Luthen tying back into some of the very first episodes of the series? Check and check. Feels like Star Wars? Check. Feels brand new at the same time? CHECK.I hesitate calling this show one of the best ever, but it's certainly the best made Star Wars show on Disney Plus. I LOVE The Mandalorian. I'm just saying that I might have felt differently if THIS was the first show to debut on Disney Plus and The Mandalorian took 2-5 years to come out. I'm glad I don't have to find out.Kleya might be one of the best characters in Star Wars. I don't mean "female" characters. I mean character...period. She's definitely my favorite of the show and more than any other character, I find it uplifting that she made it and heartbroken that she had to do for her father figure what he'd have done for anyone else...kill. Rest in peace, Luthen Lear. You've served the galaxy well.If you have an episode specific comment, send it in to the email address we reveal in our podcasts. Make sure to leave a good subject line for us so we know what episode you're referencing and let us know what you'd like us to call you if we mention your message. There are other ways to interact with This is the Way Podcast, like via ⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠ or 'X' @ThisistheWayPod or on Facebook, YouTube, and Spotify! May the Force be with us!

Andor's second wraps up with some emotional moments in the final three episodes that make up the BBY 1 story arc. Episode 10 ("Make It Stop") was not something a child wants to watch when their loved one is undergoing heart and lung surgeries. Seeing Luthen, a father figure, on the bed like that and hearing and seeing the breathing apparatus move until Kleya releases him from his future of pain and suffering...Episode 11 was the response to the spy game Kleya just pulled off and the Empire wasn't far enough behind for her to get comfortable. The action wasn't as incredible as the Ghorman Massacre, but it didn't have to be. K-2SO got to be a hero for the rebellion for the first time and Melshi earned his keep as well. It's good to see some Imperials fell along the way because the ones we're seeing here had passed the point of an easy redemption.Episode 12 bridged the gap to Rogue One and despite what was being sold for weeks, a rewatch of the movie right after finishing the show didn't enhance or recontextualize things, at least for This is the Way Podcast's sensibilities. Rogue One is still more close to A New Hope than it is Andor...and there's more characters and story shared in the show. Why does it feel that way?There's room for another season or two or three. A lot happened while Luke, Leia, and Han were at the forefront of that story. Tony Gilroy might be the one to tell those side stories of the rebels behind the scenes setting the stage for the Force to be used in mighty ways. Could we sneak in Wilmon to the Endor assault team? Would Kleya and Vel be tasked to recruit some Bothans? Who might find out where Han was taken by Boba Fett? Would someone have to recruit more star systems to the rebellion? Does anyone discover, too late, that the Milllenium Falcon has a tracking device on it on arrival at Yavin? How about the move from Yavin to Hoth and the scouting and secrecy in constantly moving from base to base?None of that may ever come to fruition. Tony Gilroy has said he's done. The only way I think I'd be interested in hearing those stories is if someone took the care and time he did with Andor and only if they keep Luke, Leia, and Han out of the story completely or relegated to out of focus background. You can do Chewbacca, that's it. I've gotten a hug at Disney Hollywood Studios. That works. I don't want to see fake Lukes and Leias, though. R2-D2, C-3PO, Chewbacca, and our Andor characters. Want me to work on it Lucasfilm? I will. I'll put every ounce of my being into it.The full recap and discussion episodes will come later. Life events continue to wreak havoc on the This is the Way Podcast schedule. I will not guarantee that we'll finish with Andor in May. There's nothing new coming anyway. It's just news updates, Mandalorian and Grogu movie leaks, and Ahsoka season two production notes for the foreseeable future.If you have an episode specific comment, email it to the address we reveal in our podcasts. You've got time to interact with This is the Way Podcast via ⁠⁠⁠'X'⁠⁠⁠ and ⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠ @ThisistheWayPod or on Facebook, YouTube⁠, and also on Spotify⁠⁠! May the Force be with us!

Don't call Palpatine a monster. He hates that. The Emperor doesn't make an appearance in episode 9, but his presence is felt in every lackey and underling and the stresses that Imperial officers go through to prevent his displeasure. The ISB thinks it set up Ghorman for a fall, but they didn't realized that seeing the fall coming was the only way the rebellion could salvage a tragedy and inspire courage and hope.Mon Mothma's path seemed set by Rebels years ago, but Tony and Dan Gilroy manage to throw some curveballs without retroactively changing continuity in such a drastic way that longtime fans revolt. Is the key just "do it better" when making those tweaks? It feels so, because K-2SO's origins are much different than they are in a comic book. Aren't we glad they didn't have to stick to something like that?If you're not, that's okay. Your opinion is your own. You can have terrible opinions and still be a fan. Some people, for instance, don't think Andor is any good. I don't know if I'd share a meal with that kind of person, but I'm not going to argue. The show has spoken for itself. The writing and the action have been "movie quality" for weeks now and episode 9 of season 2 feels like a terrific third act of the third act.This is the Way Podcast HQ has been under immense stress getting out new podcasts each week with personal issues weighing heavily. With just one week left, it's strange to realize that there won't be another high quality show coming to Star Wars for quite some time. There's content that CAN be covered, but there's also content that should be removed from the streaming site.If you have an episode specific comment, send it in to the email address we reveal in our podcasts. Make sure to leave a good subject line for us so we know what episode and let us know what you'd like us to call you if we mention your message. There are other ways to interact with This is the Way Podcast, like via ⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠ or 'X' @ThisistheWayPod or on Facebook, YouTube, and Spotify! May the Force be with us!

The stage was set in Palmo and it's time for the trap to be sprung. Ghorman's sacrifice is one of heartbreak for the galaxy because little did the citizenry know it never had a chance. One thing is left unexplained: just how did the Empire find out this kalkite was there and how did they know it was needed for the Death Star?This is the Way Podcast HQ is working hard to get these recap and discussion podcasts out before next week's episodes air. Once those hit the internet, there's no turning back. Andor's story will be complete. Is that sad? It's a great show, but there will be no season three, no matter how high the ratings climb.If you have an episode specific comment, send it in to the email address we reveal in our podcasts. Make sure to leave a good subject line for us so we know what episode and let us know what you'd like us to call you if we mention your message. There are other ways to interact with This is the Way Podcast, like via ⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠ or 'X' @ThisistheWayPod or on Facebook, YouTube, or Spotify! May the Force be with us!

The third act of Andor's second season begins with a sight for sore eyes--the base on Yavin 4! We're even closer to the rebellion as we know it in the original trilogy. It wasn't sad to rewatch A New Hope knowing how many sacrifices were made to get Luke and Leia (and Han) into the fray. Rogue One will also have new layers.The stage is being set in Palmo, as is the trap. The Ghorman aren't even aware of the intricate web of lies woven in their midst, but the threads have been plucked and the town square will soon be vibrating with action. Dedra Meero is bucking for a promotion. Syril doesn't want to believe the rumors but can't help but believe his own eyes. Cassian gets pulled back in by Wilmon. The Force awakens on Yavin. What a ride we've been on to get to "Messenger" and we're close to a pivotal moment in rebel history.This is the Way Podcast HQ is working hard to get these recap and discussion podcasts out before next week because there are some events taking place Tuesday that may forever alter a family in Florida. There's a lot of sadness and a lot of fear. The dark side cannot win the war. It's winning far too many battles lately.If you have an episode specific comment, send it in to the email address we reveal in our podcasts. Make sure to leave a good subject line for us so we know what episode and let us know what you'd like us to call you if we mention your message. There are other ways to interact with This is the Way Podcast, like via ⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠ or 'X' @ThisistheWayPod or on Spotify, YouTube, and Facebook! May the Force be with us!

Andor's second season BBY 2 story arc is the best "movie" of the three arcs so far. No controversies, unless you think gently altering the way episodes of animated TV and a one-shot comic told the Star Wars story is something about which to get upset. It's always better to see the live action events unfold, at least according to This is the Way Podcast.Today's episode includes first impressions of the stories told in episodes 7, 8, and 9 and the closer we get to Rogue One and A New Hope, the more at stake. It's not a surprise that Cassian Andor is getting out of this show alive. He has a date with destiny on Scariff. This podcast may appear here on YouTube, but it's an audio form for a YouTube audience. I know others provide video clips of the show, but "the Mouse" and Lucasfilm are very proactive in the way they copyright strike and we don't have the time to work by trial and error until we hit on the right formula.The full recap and discussion episodes will come later. Life events have their way of altering schedules, but even with so much going on last week, the episodes were finished before new Andor started streaming on Tuesday night. The hope, dear listeners, is that we can continue to make that happen.If you have an episode specific comment, email it to the address we reveal in our podcasts, but you can interact with This is the Way Podcast via ⁠⁠⁠'X'⁠⁠⁠ and ⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠ @ThisistheWayPod or on Facebook, Youtube, and also on ⁠⁠⁠Spotify⁠⁠⁠! May the Force be with us!

Andor's second season is halfway done and we're so close to tragedy on Ghorman. They've had their share in the past, but we're on the brink of THE spark for the rebellion. Mon Mothma can't stay in the Senate forever. When will she speak out on the atrocities of the Empire?It's not in this arc. Sorry. No, this week Mon Mothma has a ton of parties to go to and it's all political. Even her daughter's in-laws are throwing shindigs and guess who's invited? Krennic loves to schmooze and spar with politicians who are dirty but don't want to get their HANDS dirty...or bloody, like Kleya.Lonni saves the day by talking braile. Partagaz oversees while Syril is on overwatch. Vel loses Cinta. Gorst loses his mind and his body. Cassian loses his cool. Luthen wins by losing chess pieces. Ghorman loses by winning at a heist. It's all relative. Including Vel and Mon...you know, cousin Aunt Vel.This is the Way Podcast HQ is having a rough week, personally speaking. New episodes of Andor are imminent, so we'll be back at the grind soon enough. Two straight episodes with listener feedback? Wow!If you have an episode specific comment, email it to the address we reveal in our podcasts and put the particular episode in the subject line. If you just want to interact with This is the Way Podcast, you can do so via ⁠⁠⁠'X'⁠⁠⁠ and ⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠ @ThisistheWayPod or on Facebook, YouTube, and Spotify! May the Force be with us!

I'm much more forgiving of Tony Gilroy than of Beau Willimon. The writing this week is...weaker by far. Perhaps it's the increased drug use in Star Wars that I'm not appreciating.I'm a big fan of "show don't tell" but sometimes the "show" part is unnecessary and even the "tell" part doesn't make sense. I won't comment specifically, but there were too many times in episode five where I felt there was an obvious way to do something better. I shouldn't be better. I don't want to be better at it. I want to be amazed and amused. I was neither this time."I Have Friends Everywhere" does everything it can to prove that phrase wrong. It's by design! Varian Skye...walking and talking? Ghorman Massacre...part one? A traitor that isn't Finn? D'Qar noire? My Sister Rhydo?The less I discuss episode five, the quicker I can get back to editing episode six's recap and discussion. In case you haven't noticed, this is late in the BBY3 week. This is the Way Podcast HQ is having a heck of a time, personally speaking. There are more podcasts to listen to including a first impressions podcast already out for the BBY 3 story arc and and recaps and discussions for the first five episodes of season two, with one in the hopper. If you have an episode specific comment, email it to the address we reveal in our podcasts and put the particular episode in the subject line. If you just want to interact with This is the Way Podcast, you can do so via ⁠⁠⁠'X'⁠⁠⁠ and ⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠ @ThisistheWayPod or on Facebook, YouTube, and Spotify! May the Force be with us!

Can you really say "Happy May the Fourth" or is it just better to say "May the Fourth Be With You" every year? It's that time for another very special episode of This is the Way Podcast.Three years ago it was my dad and with his heart troubles, I'll cherish that podcast episode. Two years back it was my oldest daughter getting interviewed and then last year, my youngest wanted to hear her voice. Now, it's time for the Leia to my Han, the Padme to my Anakin, or if you're much, much younger, maybe the Leida to my Stekan. How about that? An Andor reference from a week ago!I've padded this out with a few funny soundbites, because that's what I do. This isn't an interrogation. I'm thankful she even agreed to do it. Let's just enjoy the day and start the clock for the next family member to join the podcast. Next year might take some more planning now that the household has been exhausted. Do I go sibling or mother next? Should I try a niece or nephew or in law? I've got 365 days to decide!If you'd like to comment, please send email to the address mentioned during the podcast, but comments on YouTube, on Facebook, Instagram, X, or Spotify are also fine.May the Fourth be with you in 2025!

If you thought the assault on Bix was controversial last week, how do you feel about substance abuse in Star Wars? It might be odd to say it, but last week felt much more reasonable, at least to the host of This is the Way Podcast.Syril has embedded himself in Ghorman culture and has woven a web of deceit. Dedra isn't connecting well with her colleagues because she's not willing to let her old job go and Bix is having trouble letting her last job go because Cassian killed a contact. Cassian picks up Peezos, but maybe prices are too high on Coruscant. It doesn't matter what price you agree to with Saw, he's not going to let you go until he's happy. Remember Lonni? Luthen's not burning sunrises anymore, but they're burning the midnight oil to figure out what the Empire wants with Ghorman. We know, don't we?"Ever Been to Ghorman?" isn't action packed, but there's enough to keep us going into episode 5. There is a first impressions podcast already out for the BBY 3 story arc and and recaps and discussions for the first four episodes of season two now. If you have an episode specific comment, email it to the address we reveal in our podcasts and put the particular episode in the subject line. If you just want to interact with This is the Way Podcast, you can do so via ⁠⁠⁠'X'⁠⁠⁠ and ⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠ @ThisistheWayPod or on Facebook, YouTube, or Spotify! May the Force be with us!

Andor's second season 3 BBY story arc is almost 12 minutes longer than the one for BBY 4. There's been almost 4 1/2 hours of content released within the last 7 days for Star Wars fans!This is the Way Podcast has an episode for you today where the host gives first impressions of the second group of stories in audio form for a YouTube audience. I know others provide video clips of the show, but "the Mouse" and Lucasfilm are very proactive in the way they copyright strike and we don't have the time to work by trial and error until we hit on the right formula.If you're looking for some commentary and reactions on the second block of three episodes for season two of Andor, this is the place! The full recap and discussion episodes will come later, although this section wasn't particularly as good. Yes, that's a matter of opinion, but everything is, to be honest.If you have an episode specific comment, email it to the address we reveal in our podcasts, but you can interact with This is the Way Podcast via ⁠⁠⁠'X'⁠⁠⁠ and ⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠ @ThisistheWayPod or on Facebook, YouTube, and also on ⁠⁠⁠Spotify⁠⁠⁠! May the Force be with us!

Episode 3 of Andor's second season includes a controversial scene. I was tempted to suggest that it's whether or not Kellen ratted out the "Ferrix four" but I don't want to risk people thinking I'm making light of assault.It's disgusting. It's hard to watch. It happened, even in a galaxy far, far away. Cassian Andor isn't a squeaky clean and virtuous guy, but it's all in degrees. Is Luthen a better man? Certainly not Saw. Was Brasso a stand up guy? I think so. Rebelling against the tyranny of the Empire as we see it in Star Wars takes sacrifices. The Imperial playbook seems to be that an atrocity doesn't happen if you don't hear about it and we'll let you hear about the ones we can use."Harvest" reaps what was sown in the first two episodes and it gives us a look into the home life of two government workers who came together under a problematic circumstance. Dedra delicately handles Syril's mom. Leida wishes her mom was drunk. Kleya is watching the weather for Cassian. Tay Kolma's usual rideshare driver is out, and Cinta is in. Wilmon is nowhere to be found, Brasso is down, and Bix stands her ground. We hear more of Chandi Merles and Rakatans and someone who was born on Naboo. We see a Chandrilan wedding, a Chandrilan wedding dance, and the reception is jumping to the sound of last summer. Niamos!There is a first impressions podcast already out and recaps and discussions for the first two episodes of this story block as well. This is the Way Podcast HQ has been enduring some hardships, but we made it through the first week just in time to get started on the second. If you have an episode specific comment, email it to the address we reveal in our podcasts and put the particular episode in the subject line. If you just want to interact with This is the Way Podcast, you can do so via ⁠⁠⁠'X'⁠⁠⁠ and ⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠ @ThisistheWayPod or on Facebook, YouTube, and Spotify! May the Force be with us!

Andor's second season second episode is not the Episode V of the first story block that takes us through stories in BBY 4. It's not Episode VIII or Episode II either. "Sagrona Teema" is really like the "rehearsal dinner father of the bride" toast. Everyone knows about the one coming from the best man tomorrow, but it's still important that dear old dad gets his say.There is a first impressions podcast already out and a S1E1 episode recap and discussion as well. In this one, there's Cassian continuing his leadership in captivity, Kleya returning to HQ to listen to galactic radio waves, Vel and Mon taking a hike, Luthen getting suspicious, Tay getting crazy, and monsters lurking everywhere...even in a sensible Coruscant apartment.S2E3 will get the recap and discussion treatment at a later date, but life events at This is the Way HQ have made things tricky this week. If you have an episode specific comment, email it to the address we reveal in our podcasts and put the particular episode in the subject line. If you just want to interact with This is the Way Podcast, you can do so via ⁠⁠⁠'X'⁠⁠⁠ and ⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠ @ThisistheWayPod or on Facebook, YouTube, or Spotify! May the Force be with us!

Andor's second season debut episode drops us off a year later in the Andor timeline and a year closer to A New Hope. "One Year Later" seems like a fitting title.The previous podcast episode gives the host's first impressions on the 4 BBY story arc...sorry, BBY 4 story arc. This episode is just about one of those parts, the first one, episode one of season two.We express our appreciation of Kleya Marki, laugh at the rebels formerly led by Maya Pei on Yavin 4, worry for the Ghorman people and their world wide webs, and get prepared for Imperial bureaucracy on Mina-Rau.Episodes 2 and 3 will get recaps and discussions at a later date, but life events at This is the Way HQ are going to make things tricky this week. If you have an episode specific comment, email it to the address we reveal in our podcasts and put the particular episode in the subject line.If you just want to interact with This is the Way Podcast, you can do so via ⁠⁠⁠'X'⁠⁠⁠ and ⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠ @ThisistheWayPod or on Facebook, YouTube and Spotify⁠⁠⁠! May the Force be with us!

This is a podcast for Andor's second season 4 BBY story arc that gives first impressions in audio form for a YouTube audience. If you're looking for video clips of the show, you'll be disappointed, because "the Mouse" and Lucasfilm are very proactive in the way they copyright strike.If you're looking for some commentary and reactions on the first three episodes of season two of Andor, this is the place! Andor's first season was a triumph of writing and acting, at least critically. There are many who call it boring, and that's fine, because I'd rather others complain about it having to think too much than be upset with the ones making garbage like The Acolyte.If you're looking for a full recap and discussion, this isn't that kind of episode. This is just first impressions from This is the Way Podcast about the first three episodes. Episode by episode content will come later, either directly after the story arc or at a time later. If you have an episode specific comment, email it to the address we reveal in our podcasts.If you just want to interact with This is the Way Podcast, you can do so via ⁠⁠⁠'X'⁠⁠⁠ and ⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠ @ThisistheWayPod or on Facebook, YouTube and of course, Spotify⁠⁠⁠! May the Force be with us!

This is the Way Podcast was developed specifically for the very first Disney Plus Star Wars show. Several shows later (The Mandalorian, The Book of Boba Fett, Obi-Wan Kenobi, The Bad Batch, Visions, Tales of the Jedi, Empire, and Underworld, etc,) we're about to see what many critics who have seen the second season in its entirety, the best yet in Andor.Unlike Rogue One, the protagonist of this story was not a reluctant participant. Cassian Andor has had to give up his personal quest to find his sister for one where he rescues the galaxy. Jyn Erso got to reconcile her relationship with her father, not just through a holo message, but holding him one last time on Eadu. Cassian didn't get to say goodbye to his mother, but helped fan the flames of rebellion on Ferrix at the end of season one.This is the Way Podcast's preview of season two is not so much a refresher as it is a look ahead through selecting information carefully from trailers, clips, featurettes, and interviews. There's social media, of course, but Star Wars Celebration 2025 (Tokyo, Japan) saw some answers being revealed. There is writer and director information shared, cast talk, and the format of release. Some story beats are discussed, but for the most part, this is a short preview of what's to come on April 22nd, 2025 when season two debuts with the 4 BBY three episode arc.If it's your first time here, please check out all our podcast episodes and like and subscribe to all This is the Way Podcast's available outlets. It helps! Episode blocks will air Tuesday nights so expect a story arc first impressions and reaction podcast shortly after, then there will be time between each episode's deep dives, usually called "recap and discussion" podcast episodes.Send feedback to us at the email that's revealed at the end of our shows, via ⁠X and ⁠Instagram⁠ @ThisistheWayPod and also on ⁠YouTube⁠ or on Spotify. May the Force be with you...always!

Star Wars Celebration 2025 has come and gone and though there's still April left to go, we're wrapping up news because Andor is coming!Season two of the critical hit show will stream Tuesday, April 22nd on Disney Plus, so let's make way since Disney and Lucasfilm probably announced everything they're going to have for us already in Japan.We got NO update on Rey's movie, but Ryan Gosling's Star Wars movie has a name and Shawn Levy's Star Wars: Starfighter is only two years away. Ahsoka is shooting season two this week, The Mandalorian and Grogu comes out in 2026, Star Wars Visions has a spin-off, Maul gets a show, and there's lots for Star Wars gamers to listen to this month. There's Disney Parks news, merchandise announcements from Hasbro and Dave Filoni (yes, really) and more.If you want to take part in contributing ideas and commenting on our podcasts, you can do so here on Spotify or YouTube or Amazon's podcast portal, or you can listen to this podcast for our This is the Way Podcast HQ email address. May the Force be with us!

We're less than a month from a new season of Star Wars on TV with the last twelve episodes of Andor before the storyline catches back up with Rogue One. Andor is great TV, but Tony Gilroy won't be making more.There's a couple trailers, a livestream on YouTube, and a way to watch the first season even without Disney Plus if fans want to refresh their rebellious minds. There's a few Disney Parks news updates, a video game that's shutting down, and plenty of collectibles revealed by Hasbro Pulse. This is the Way Podcast will most likely have an early entry for April's news in order to make some room for Andor coverage, three or four podcasts a week once it starts. If you want to take part in contributing ideas and commenting on our podcasts, you can do so on Spotify or YouTube or Amazon's podcast portal, or listen to this podcast for our This is the Way Podcast HQ email address. May the Force be with us!

She's retiring!"No, she's NEVER retiring, but she is stepping away from her role."So, she IS retiring?"No, she's just going to pick a successor and stay involved to help."So..."Look, there will be an announcement in the next few months that she's retiring, but we weren't ready, so we'll pretend everything is fine and all the projects we announced are moving forward, just slowly, so the focus will be taken off Kathleen Kennedy leaving."The big news of the month came in the last few days of February, but the real excitement remains the second season of Andor and we're two months away from more Star Wars television. More will be revealed in March and it might be best for This is the Way Podcast to do a news update in mid-April in order to avoid breaking up coverage.There's a quick mention of an opportunity for free games through the Epic Games store app on Android and iPhones and iPads in the European Union, and collectors can check out Sideshow collectibles if they want some high priced items on their shelves...or prominently displayed like Jabba.If you want to take part in contributing ideas and commenting, you can do so on Spotify or YouTube or listen to this podcast for our This is the Way Podcast HQ email address. May the Force be with us!

It's #StarWarsPodcastDay2025 and This is the Way Podcast is talking about the timeline of Star Wars.This episode is a response to a fan submission regarding when Skeleton Crew took place in the grand scheme of a galaxy far, far away.This marks the fifth anniversary for #SWPD, but it was 26 years ago, on February 7th, 1999 that Daniel C of Star Wars, Now This is Podcasting says the first Star Wars centered podcast streamed the first episode dedicated to this fandom. This is the Way Podcast has five years and 181 episodes as of this special edition.There is surely an audio only version of this podcast, but the host put great effort into making a timeline visual for those that watch as well as listen. We talk about the placement of shows and movies on the line, but also what's worth your time.If it's your first time here, we hope you'll check out more episodes. Send feedback by the email address mentioned during the podcast or interact via ⁠X⁠, Instagram, or Facebook⁠⁠ @ThisistheWayPod. There are many podcasts out there releasing special episodes today and you can find them by visiting the celebration Instagram page ⁠⁠@starwarspodday⁠⁠ or on ⁠⁠X⁠⁠ or the ⁠⁠Facebook⁠⁠ page for the event. May the Force be with us always!

It's a new year and Disney and Lucasfilm just wrapped Skeleton Crew. There won't be much coming in 2025 (as we mentioned throughout 2024's news updates), but there IS Andor coming in April. Yeah, there's Visions and the second half of a season of a show for toddlers, but Star Wars news is about to get sparse. Star Wars Podcast Day 2025 is coming soon (February 7th) so we'll celebrate the origins of podcasting about a galaxy far, far away in just a week, but until then we talk the future of Skeleton Crew and why, despite the hopes of The Acolyte apologists, there won't be one for that show. Hollywood Studios is dropping Muppets for Monsters on the doorstep of Batuu, gamers are getting Star Wars armor in Destiny 2, and you can now buy a Luke action figure in his "famous" Imperial Guard armor. Please check out our Linktree links (⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠linktr.ee/ThisistheWayPod⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠) and listen to this podcast for our This is the Way Podcast HQ email address. May the Force be with you!

Jod was once 12 years old, just like the "core four" of Wim, Fern, Neel, and KB. They grew up sheltered and safe on At-Attin behind a barrier. Jod spent his childhood starving in a hole. I mean, sure, he had potential, but who doesn't at twelve? Skeleton Crew's eighth episode of season one is called "The Real Good Guys" and we are treated to a lot of good TV. It's not perfect, but it does exactly what is asked and delivers entertainment for the younger Star Wars audience without traumatizing or preaching the Lucasfilm "northern California" agenda. I call that a win after the last show to air on Disney Plus decided to alienate at least half the fan base. Family is front and center in the show and it's a shame it might not get a second season. Sure, Watts and Ford came out and said they planned for more, but if people don't get out the word that this show is good, it won't find the audience and the numbers it needs to get another adventure. We discover a droid at the top of a tower, hear about the Crystal of the Founders, fight off a pirate invasion, hear Jod's backstory, see KB fly casual, and have a happy ending, complete with X-wings AND B-wings. The barrier is down, but now the people of At-Attin can finally see the stars. We don't get a "one year later" epilogue, but anyone who knows what's coming with The Force Awakens looming in the future has an idea of where those golden credits might end up. This was it! Coverage of the Skeleton Crew is complete, but we'll surely still end up talking about it here and there on future podcasts, like the next scheduled episode, which should be one of our monthly Star Wars news updates. After that, there's Star Wars Podcast Day on February 7th, 2025 and we always take part in that celebration of talking about our favorite galaxy (well, with Ahsoka, galaxies?) far, far away. If you missed our review with our special guest co-host, that was our previous episode, number 178. This recap and discussion is This is the Way Podcast episode 179. You can leave us a glowing review, as bright as the At-Attin barrier dissolve, if you don't mind. It's the best way to help our show. The best way to contact HQ with thoughts and comments on our work is through email and you can get that address by listening to the show. You can also interact on 'X', Instagram, Facebook, YouTube, or Spotify in the comments section! May the Force be with us!

Skeleton Crew's finale delivered on most of the answers we wanted and needed to wrap up the season. There's more stories to tell for kids in the galaxy far, far away, but it might not make sense to go back to At-Attin. Reviews from friends of the show have been mixed. Some say it's too much for kids and some say it's too "made for kids" for it to be entertaining for adults. Some have said it's confusing because there isn't enough ties to the original trilogy. Some have wondered what time periods are being referenced and others just don't care for the story. No one has hated it. That goes for our guest reviewer, who takes the podcast mic over in this episode to give an honest review of "The Real Good Guys" without any questions or prompts. It might be time to build the padawan a lightsaber. Skeleton Crew coverage may be coming to an end, but there's the monthly news updates, Andor in the spring, and Star Wars Podcast Day 2025 on February 7th. We hope you'll keep coming back for more Star Wars podcasting. This is the Way! Email the show at the link revealed in the podcast or interact with us on 'X', Instagram, Facebook, YouTube, or Spotify. You can also leave us a glowing review on Apple podcasts to help us reach more listeners. May the Force be with us!

The host has a cold and Jod get his gold. "We're Gonna Be in So Much Trouble" delivers a wonderful penultimate episode to Skeleton Crew's first (and only?) season by delivering answers and leaving some important ones for the finale. What made Jod the detestable pirate he is? How did he learn how to properly wield his powers? What's his real name? The kids have been reunited with the parents, but that might be dangerous. We hear the Supervisor's voice and know the actor well, but what exactly is the story behind that office? What really happened to Tak Rennod? Is SM-33 done for? What's the deal with the creature in his head? It looks like a rat with spider eyes and sounds like a monkey crossed with a parrot when it squeaks. Why are there thousands of vaults on At Attin and who are they really producing the money for? Is Neel's dad the strongest parent of the "core four" or do you think Wendle could take him? Episode 7 is well crafted and should be award nomination material across the board. If what's being said about the show's rating is true, it's certainly not because of the quality it displays. The blame certainly lies with past disappointments that shall remain nameless here. If the show doesn't pick up with word of mouth viewing, then Star Wars may truly be lost. There's just one episode left and one last chance to write in before the finale streams for the first time on the evening of January 14th, 2025. This is episode 177 of This is the Way Podcast and its the recap and discussion of S1E7 of Skeleton Crew. The reaction and review episode was the last release, episode 176. You can still send in theories, but the next time they'll make it into the podcast will be after the last episode is available. The best way to contact HQ is through email, with the address revealed in our show, but check out our Linktree links (⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠linktr.ee/ThisistheWayPod⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠) ⁠⁠ May the Force be with you!

Skeleton Crew's seventh episode answered some big questions and left the "core four" in a precarious place to start the finale. Jod has probably run out of time to make his case for being a good guy at heart, but we're still hoping that's not totally his fault. The biggest theft of the show might be leaving fans without a glimpse of what made him the "mad" pirate he shows himself to be. Not everyone loves the show and some have said that the show is TOO much for kids, but I don't see it. Sure, it has kid actors and that can turn off some people, but not many "kid shows" will have a main character shoot a defenseless alien at point blank range. We're still waiting for the thank you from Jod for that loading arm grab. One episode remains and that's not leaving much time to wrap up every single story. It also doesn't leave that much time to theorize along with the show! This podcast episode is a brief review and not a full recap and discussion episode. If you want to make your voice heard, email the show at the link revealed in the podcast or interact with us on 'X', Instagram, Facebook, YouTube or on Spotify. You can also leave us a glowing review on Apple podcasts to help our show! May the Force be with us!

One of the most sure ways to have "Zero Friends Again" in the Star Wars community is to bring up Rian or Leslye. People are going to have opinions and things are going to get as heated as a scrapper's maw. If you just stopped and listened, you wouldn't have to hit the self-destruct button, although stopping might mean you end up food for Tet'niss.Episode 6 of Skeleton Crew wasn't action packed, but it was packed with character moments for KB and Wim. Fern managed to learn a lesson without even trying and Neel kept it real by trying to keep the "core four" together even if he won't be manager material on his home planet. Speaking of At Attin, the coordinates are burned into KB's occipital link...or is that melted wires? Wim and KB shared a moment, didn't they? Too bad about the crabs. Neel is always worried about his bones, except when he's getting dragged up a cliff on a rope. Good thing Fern knows how to ride a speeder, because how else was she going to pilot a trash drone? Jod might want to take a deep breath next time he goes for a parlay with space pirates. After all, it might be the last air he gets if Brutus has his way. Oh, Lanupa! Two episodes at a spa and all we got was a lousy space shanty. We hope you are enjoying 2025. If you'd like to listen to our post New Years midnight review of the episode, that's our 174th episode of This is the Way Podcast. This here is our recap and discussion, # 175. There is still time to get your theories in and be part of the show! The best way is through email, with the address revealed in our show. You can also interact on 'X', Instagram, Facebook, Spotify, or of course, here on YouTube in the comments section! May the Force be with us!

Skeleton Crew's sixth episode managed to show that differences between two groups of friends aren't always different from the differences between two groups of pirates. Sometimes the one in charge isn't a good listener. Jod avoided an airlock execution and the kids managed to stay off a scrap heap and away from killer crabs. "Zero Friends Again" won't likely be called the favorite episode of the series, but it has plenty going for it. Just two episodes remain for the "core four" to get home and Jod to redeem himself. Will he?It seems like we're leaving Lanupa behind. Is At Attin next? It probably is, if the pirates are en route, because that sets up a planetary defense to close out the show. Fern learned to listen more and Wim may be too trusting, but that's not always the worst thing. Neel is a good friend and KB may be the one that has all the answers, even if her augments sometimes make sharing those answers difficult for her. Jod? He's between At Attin and an airlock, so he had to do what he could to survive, but maybe that's what he's been doing his whole life.We hope you enjoyed New Years Eve! This is the Way Podcast HQ celebrated by watching the episode with two new young fans of the show and fireworks were going off outside while recording. We wanted to get fresh thoughts recorded and start 2025 off with Star Wars!Remember, this is a brief review podcast and not the full recap and discussion episode, so email the show at the link revealed in our show or interact on 'X', Instagram, Facebook, Spotify, or of course, here on YouTube in the comments section! May the Force be with us! --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/thisistheway/support

It's the end of the year and Disney and Lucasfilm hope Star Wars content will increase in 2025 with successful streaming and more coming down the pipeline. December saw Skeleton Crew off to a strong start in households that hold family viewing valuable. Will more movies suffer the fate of those that have been announced in the past only to fade from the spotlight because Disney and/or Lucasfilm aren't enjoying the vision of their handpicked creators? Ahsoka hasn't started filming a season two, but Andor releases next year in April. You can't sell games and collectibles well if you're not putting out new content. You can't make money off the content you do complete if you don't market it well. If you spend your marketing budget on a terrible product, don't expect a good return on that investment. 2024 comes to a close and there's not much news left in the year, but we're looking forward to February's return of the Star Wars Podcasting Day! This is the Way Podcast has taken part every year and will again. Please check out our Linktree links (⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠linktr.ee/ThisistheWayPod⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠) and the best way to get in touch is to email This is the Way Podcast HQ at the address we reveal at the end of each podcast. We hope you had a Merry Christmas or Happy Hanukkah and have a Happy New Year, too! May the Force be with you! --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/thisistheway/support

The Skeleton Crew might refer to more than just Jod, SM-33, and the "core four" on the Onyx Cinder. Many of the crew, as it so happens, are now skeletons. Some people try losing weight at spas, but Lanupa is built on a pirate's lair, so you know, there are those who really are just bones. The magic of a youthful journey in space is starting to wear thin for Wim, who misses home. Fern's attitude has finally cost her captainship, though ironically it's not really her fault when it actually happens. K-B can spot Aurabesh even when it's on ceilings and Neel triggers traps that require people to, well, kneel. "You Have A Lot To Learn About Pirates" is a wonderfully written episode from Myung Joh Wesner in the midst of a Star Wars show that returns some of the goodwill that Disney and Lucasfilm have lost over the past couple years because of their openly stated social agendas. It's family friendly, but still fun and funny. If you're looking for adult themes, why are you watching Star Wars content in the first place? Why did Rennod have a lightsaber, where did he get it, and who lost it so many years ago? What is the deal with Jod's past and is that really his name? SM-33 not only remembers At-Attin now, but also the way to Rennod's lair, but not the traps. Lanupa, planet of luxurious mud baths and Skull Ridge Mountain hosts Muun, Hutts, and Ithorians alike with humans as hotel executives and security staff. Cthallops isn't a destroyer of worlds, but a destroyer of hidden pirate barriers. Pokkit survived leeches, but can she survive acid? Oh, and poor Gunter...Silvo is no Winslow. Was Tak Rennod a Weequay? Theorize along with This is the Way Podcast by sending in your thoughts to our email address, which you can discover through listening to the show. You can also participate through 'X' or Instagram or Facebook or YouTube or through Spotify⁠⁠⁠! May the Force be with us! --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/thisistheway/support

Skeleton Crew's fourth episode brought us to the halfway point of the first season, but it didn't leave all young viewers with a feeling of anticipation and excitement. Episode five, "You Have A Lot To Learn About Pirates" starts off the downhill portion by solving riddles and puzzles and giving us what we didn't even know we wanted. Other Star Wars shows have given us Muuns before, but Skeleton Crew makes it feel right. Tak Rennod is even better than Dash Rendar, in my opinion, but maybe Lucasfilm thought for a millisecond they'd use that character and then...played with the name? SM-33 follows order from a new cap'n now, but it makes sense, even if we don't like it. Fern stands tall even while yielding and works well with Wim, who can't work a lightsaber to save Fern's life. KB is going to have to access her visor for those coordinates, isn't she? Neel uses his keen sense of stomach to suss out a bit of barbecue that couldn't possibly be. Jod makes his heel turn and uses the Force. Cthollops had to get rich somehow, so why not imagine it's in destruc--I mean, construction? We hope you enjoyed Christmas Eve and Christmas. This is the Way Podcast HQ had too much to do on the eve so we waited until the presents were all opened to sit down for episode five. It was a good time had by all and completing the review in the week between Christmas and New Years feels like the right thing to do. Remember, this is a brief review and not the full recap and discussion episode so send email to ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠thisisthewaypodcast@gmail.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ or interact with This is the Way Podcast via ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠'X'⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ (Twitter) and ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ @ThisistheWayPod or the comment section on ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠YouTube⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ or through Spotify! May the Force be with us! --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/thisistheway/support

How many times have we heard "Can't Say I Remember No At Attin" through four episodes of the Skeleton Crew? It's almost like they wanted us to know there was something to it. While This is the Way Podcast made an educated guess to what would be the key to unlocking SM-33's memory, the planet name really was At Attin. The foreshadowing came from the "Jedi Mind Trick" or rather the "Fern Droid Memory Override" bit. Best to stand back when reprogramming murderous pirate sidekicks. Episode 4 of Skeleton Crew is not without weak spots. The Troik and Hattan on At Achrann may have modeled their military on the peacekeepers of the Old Republic. You're telling me the people on these planets have NEVER had someone exhibit some strange behaviors like pulling things to them in mid air, choking someone with their mind, or fooling their teachers with a wave of their hand? Maybe that's by design. The show is still enjoyable and there's still a chance the mystery is worth the speculating, but this was the first time the writing, pace, and story seemed off. It's not just original trilogy kids that feel that way, but our review podcast episode is the one you want to hear the opinions of a 2010s new Star Wars fan. If you'd like to theorize along with us, send in your thoughts to our email address ⁠⁠⁠thisisthewaypodcast-at-gmail.com⁠⁠⁠ or ⁠⁠contact us through ⁠⁠⁠'X'⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ (you know, Twitter) or ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠@ThisistheWayPod⁠⁠ or ⁠⁠Facebook⁠⁠ and of course, through the comments here on ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Spotify⁠⁠ or on ⁠⁠YouTube⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠! May the Force be with us! --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/thisistheway/support

Tuesday night releases aren't great for parents who value school night rests for the kids that are supposed to be the target audience for Skeleton Crew. Oh, I know Rocky Mountain and Pacific "only" have a 7 pm or 6 pm stream release. Eastern is the one that should matter most because it's first. Disney Plus and Lucasfilm are really making it difficult to build the hype in this house. It was Wednesday night that This is the Way Podcast HQ had the debut for "Can't Say I Remember No At Attin" and once again, our special guest co-host was able to join us. Much of the internet chatter indicated this wasn't the favorite of the four episodes released so far, but Neel had some time to shine. He's blue and Hayna had what felt like a french accent. Parents that watch Bluey might have had a thought about "Camping" and the bond that formed there as well. Will Neel someday steal a ship to come back to Hayna? Once again, this is a brief review and not the full recap and discussion episode. Send email to ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠thisisthewaypodcast@gmail.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ because HQ checks that every day we work on the podcasts. You can also try to interact with This is the Way Podcast via ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠'X'⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ (you know, Twitter) and ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ @ThisistheWayPod and Spotify and also the comment section on ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠YouTube⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠! May the Force be with us! --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/thisistheway/support

Who made the mistake at Disney Plus and typed in "astrogRation" instead of "astrogation" and does it really matter? Is At-Attin the treasure planet from "Treasure Planet" or are the people of the last remaining "jewel of the Old Republic" just money changers? Is Jod a former Jedi? What was going on between Crimson Jack and Kh'ymm? Can we just call her an owlcat or is that too easy? Will Fern ever stop trying to be like her mom? Will Wim ever grow up? Will Nooma get Neel some nasal strips for that snore? What's wrong with K-B, according to her parents, because she seems like the most put together of the core four? Is the Supervisor someone or a species we already know or is it a droid with a personality? Are the rest of the hidden planets really destroyed or is that just more propaganda? What IS the Great Work?Do I have answers for all these questions? Yes. Are they the correct ones? I don't know.Episode 3 of Skeleton Crew brings more fun and more questions. I don't know how well the show is doing, but I do want another season, even though I have no idea how that would go. My hope is the kids just want to go on an adventure and find the other planets, because as it turns out, no one can find them to tell them its safe to come out of hiding. Well, is it safe to come out of hiding? The poor kids get to find out their school on At-Attin has missed some galactic sized events.Jude Law is very solid as the adult lead. The kids are more than alright. The writing has been very good and the action fun. The plot continues to unfold. Did we mention the aurabesh? There's so much aurabesh.Hats off to David Lowery. Excellent back-to-back episodes leading into a hand off to "the Daniels" (Kwan and Scheinert). If you'd like to theorize, send in your thoughts either to our email address ⁠⁠⁠thisisthewaypodcast-at-gmail.com⁠⁠⁠ or ⁠contact us through ⁠⁠⁠'X'⁠⁠⁠⁠ (you know, Twitter) or ⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠@ThisistheWayPod⁠ or ⁠Facebook⁠ and of course, through the comments on ⁠⁠⁠⁠Spotify⁠ or ⁠YouTube⁠⁠⁠⁠! May the Force be with us! --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/thisistheway/support

This is the Way Podcast's special Skeleton Crew guest co-host once again gives her take on how the show looks and feels to a younger audience. We may not be able to call it "space navigation" anymore, after seeing and looking up the meaning of the title. It makes sense, except...should we be calling it navi-GRATION? Prepare to be amazed as we learn the new-old name (names plural?) of the pirate captain previously known as Captain Silvo, now known to us as Jod Na Nawood, but once upon a time or to some others he goes by Crimson Jack?An OWL-CAT species? Who can we trust? Is Fern too focused on being right or is Wim being a little too hasty to follow a dangerous criminal? This is the review, not the full recap and discussion episode, so there is still time to participate. Send email to ⁠⁠⁠⁠thisisthewaypodcast@gmail.com⁠⁠⁠⁠ because that's the best way to be heard or you can also try to interact with This is the Way Podcast via ⁠⁠⁠⁠'X'⁠⁠⁠⁠ (you know, Twitter) and ⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠ @ThisistheWayPod and also the comment section on ⁠⁠⁠⁠YouTube⁠⁠⁠⁠! May the Force be with us! --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/thisistheway/support

This is the Way Podcast's 166th episode is the Skeleton Crew season one, episode two recap and discussion cast. "Way, Way Out Past The Barrier" gets the deep dive treatment and theories about what might be hidden on At-Attin start to take shape. Is it "Atlantis" or "El Dorado" or a cloning facility or zillo beast laboratory? The second episode has an actual runtime 18 minutes shorter than the premiere, but it isn't burdened with introducing every character and gets right to piratey goodness. Our heroes are thrust into a floating hive of villainy called Port Borgo and we discover that their home might be a myth to the rest of the universe.Jude Law appears on screen (again?). Jaleel White appears on screen (again). Nick Frost's voice is heard through SM-33. We will meet more stars the further we head into the season, but for now, the core four is performing well, which has got to be disappointing, I'm sure, to all those people who tried to preemptively defend them. Secretly, those kinds of people hoped critics would hate Skeleton Crew so it would validate their twisted views about half of the Star Wars fandom. Sorry! We like the show and the kids are alright! The adventure grabbed the audience and now the mystery of At-Attin's mythic tales will keep us hooked at least a couple more episodes. Director David Lowery will get to continue his point of view in the next episode as well, so perhaps it will continue the story from Port Borgo to a new port of call where he'll hand off the crew to a couple of Daniels. Why don't you theorize alongside us by sending in your thoughts? Send an email to ⁠⁠⁠thisisthewaypodcast-at-gmail.com⁠⁠⁠ and feel free to disagree with any of the many tangents. You can also contact us through ⁠⁠⁠'X'⁠⁠⁠ (you know, Twitter) or ⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠ @ThisistheWayPod or Facebook and of course, through the comments on ⁠⁠⁠Spotify or YouTube⁠⁠⁠! May the Force be with us! --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/thisistheway/support

ARRRRRRRRRRRRE you STILL looking for a pirate adventure in a galaxy far, far away? This is the Way Podcast has now watched both available episodes of Skeleton Crew (as of December 7th, 2024) and keeping a level head may get tougher if they continue to produce family friendly content. If you're looking for a full recap and discussion, that will come next. This is a general review of the episode with some input from someone representing the "target audience" for Star Wars, at least historically according to the heads of Lucasfilm Limited. As we remarked after episode one, isn't that the best way to gauge if a show is good and not just relying on nostalgia? Send email to ⁠⁠⁠thisisthewaypodcast@gmail.com⁠⁠⁠ because that's the best way to be heard. You can also try to interact with This is the Way Podcast via ⁠⁠⁠'X'⁠⁠⁠ (you know, Twitter) and ⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠ @ThisistheWayPod and also the comment section on ⁠⁠⁠YouTube⁠⁠⁠! May the Force be with us! --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/thisistheway/support

I'm not sure if Disney and Lucasfilm expected Skeleton Crew to be a hit or not. I don't really concern myself with numbers and percentages. I'm only concerned with the reception inside my own home.This might have brought my oldest daughter from "I don't care about Star Wars" to "Hey, this isn't that bad. When is the next episode?" I DEFINITELY didn't expect that, but I'm here for it! "This Could Be A Real Adventure" has the elements of a good story. I have to temper my expectations, because Lucasfilm can still screw things up with their awful politics (and I'm not talking about the taxation of trade routes in outlying star systems). The previous This is the Way Podcast episode released on our channel was a review. THIS is the recap and discussion episode where the host does a deep dive into the cast and crew, talks "actual" runtime and then scours each scene. It may end up being one of the longest ones, not just because we're introducing the entire cast and crew, but the episode was a long one, too. You still have time to join the next podcast with your input. If it's in response to the first episode, it will come BEFORE we talk episode two now that we've got the review and the discussion podcasts out of the way. If it's about the already released episode two, it will come AFTER we have our recap and discussion podcast for that episode, and I have the feeling that might actually come after episode three is available. Send email to ⁠⁠⁠thisisthewaypodcast@gmail.com⁠⁠⁠ and if you just want to send us a nice note, you can certainly do that via ⁠⁠⁠'X'⁠⁠⁠ (you know, Twitter) or ⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠ @ThisistheWayPod and there is even a version on ⁠⁠⁠YouTube you can share and leave your comments and like and subscribe⁠⁠⁠! May the Force be with us! --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/thisistheway/support

ARRRRRRRRRRRRE you looking for a pirate adventure in a galaxy that is not close to the Milky Way? You're in luck! Jon Watts used his time with Jon Favreau on the sets of the most recent trilogy of Spider-Man movies well, because that's where Skeleton Crew was pitched. Two episodes are now available on Disney Plus (as of December 2nd, 2024) and it feels like Lucasfilm finally avoided another strikeout and may have an extra bases hit on their hands. If you're looking for a full recap and discussion, this isn't that kind of episode. This also isn't exactly like the first two seasons of The Mandalorian coverage on our network. This is the Way Podcast's review of the first episode of the first season of Skeleton Crew takes the temperature of the audience George Lucas has always claimed has been the target from the beginning. A special guest joins the host and creator for this episode to give her take on the show. She's not a lifelong fan of Star Wars, but if your child plays Minecraft and Roblox and watches Disney movies, you might consider listening to what a kid like that thinks makes the show worth a watch. Isn't that the best way to gauge if a show is good and not just relying on nostalgia? Since this is a review, you'll have time to join the discussion podcast with your input, but if it's about episode one, we plan on sharing your feedback at the end of the recap and discussion podcast. If you miss the window, we would then cover it before our episode two review. Send email to ⁠⁠thisisthewaypodcast@gmail.com⁠⁠ and if you just want to interact with This is the Way Podcast, you can do so via ⁠⁠'X'⁠⁠ (you know, Twitter) and ⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠ @ThisistheWayPod and also on ⁠⁠YouTube⁠⁠! May the Force be with us! --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/thisistheway/support

It's the holiday season and Disney and Lucasfilm are on the verge of a new show's debut. December will see the start of Skeleton Crew and hopes are high that it will offer family fun, especially at This is the Way Podcast Headquarters. Andor is on the horizon, set for April 2025, but there isn't much news, just hype, which it really doesn't need. There is some video game news and a couple collectible offerings from the Gift the Galaxy Hasbro campaign. Are you gifting yourself or others tickets or passes to a Disney park? You might want to listen to how much the prices have gone up recently. November is the month this podcast celebrated 5 years, but the plan is to keep going. We'll do it without questions or comments, but it's a lot more fun with people of like minds who are willing to participate in the discussion. So, please check out our Linktree links (⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠linktr.ee/ThisistheWayPod⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠) and the best way to get in touch is to email This is the Way Podcast HQ at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠thisisthewaypodcast@gmail.com. ⁠⁠ If you're in the states, we hope you had a wonderful Thanksgiving. May the Force be with you! --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/thisistheway/support

The 12th of November is the anniversary of Disney Plus. It's also the day (five years ago) that The Mandalorian started streaming on the service. It also happens to be the 5th anniversary of This is the Way Podcast. Sure, it's had a couple different names, but the host that started it all is still here and Star Wars has always been the main focus. From news updates to show recaps to collectibles to interviews, @thisisthewaypod has been steadily covering a galaxy far, far away with great anticipation for the future. Next up is a November news cast for episode 162, then Skeleton Crew coverage in December and Andor in April. For now, at least, there is hope for the future of Star Wars in the streaming landscape. Questions? Comments? Send email. You can check out our Linktree links (⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠linktr.ee/ThisistheWayPod⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠), but email is the way to go to connect with us. Contact This is the Way Podcast HQ at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠thisisthewaypodcast@gmail.com. ⁠⁠ May the Force be with you! --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/thisistheway/support

Sometimes Star Wars news is easy to find. Disney and Lucasfilm offer it up because it's part of a marketing push. Sometimes it's impossible to find. Disney and Lucasfilm don't want some things to get out. Sometimes news about shows leaks because Todd didn't realize Hasbro was going to release product information a month earlier because sales were down. This month we talk about Skeleton Crew characters and two possible place names. We talk Andor and some good news about that great show. We talk games because some developers just can't help messing with a good thing. Of course, there's always room to talk about action figures and there is a mix of new and the usual collectibles. One more thing-Disney Parks news returns with a new way to Lightning up your Lanes. As October comes to a close, our fifth November is rolling in and as Disney Plus turns five, so does This is the Way Podcast. There's no grand celebration planned, but I do kind of wish there was. No big deal. I will continue to churn out these podcasts until I can't. If you have questions or comments for me, please use our email. Facebook works and so does X, but there is a lot of Facebook messenger junk mail if you can believe it. I'd love for listeners to participate in the discussions of Star Wars, so check out our Linktree links (⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠linktr.ee/ThisistheWayPod⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠) but just know that email is the way to go for This is the Way Podcast HQ at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠thisisthewaypodcast@gmail.com. ⁠ May the Force be with you! --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/thisistheway/support

Vader is gone. The voice of Vader, James Earl Jones passed early in the month and it is by far the most newsworthy item on the list for this episode of This is the Way Podcast's Star Wars News Update. Jones is a legend and his work and the awards given speak to that. He will be missed, but remember, thanks to an agreement he made a few years back, his iconic voice can still be heard. Though the news of his passing loomed large, the amount of news notes is small in September. There's a small gaming note and perhaps even smaller one for collectors. There isn't even a Disney Parks segment this month, but instead a note about a rewards program for Disney that is sunsetting in December. If you have questions or comments, please contact us via email. Facebook works, sure, but there are too many podcast boosting scammers out there to weed through. Still, we would love for people to participate in the discussions of Star Wars, so check out our Linktree links (⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠linktr.ee/ThisistheWayPod⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠) and again, email is the way to go for This is the Way Podcast HQ at ⁠⁠⁠⁠thisisthewaypodcast@gmail.com. May the Force be with you! --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/thisistheway/support

The Acolyte will not get a second season. It's not the kind of thing to rejoice about, except...it is a little. Common sense and good content don't matter as much as actual money to business people that bankroll television shows and giving Leslye Headland $180 million turns out to be exactly the kind of mistake critics had been saying since news started leaking about the direction the show would take Star Wars. It's not really that Lucasfilm WANTS to admit it. They just accept it. If only some fans would... Yeah, that's right. Calling out the real toxic fans is now okay after having to deal with accusations of racism and misogyny and all the other distractions that liberal loonies love to lambast the (now very clear) majority. That's right. Most people didn't care for The Acolyte. One can only hope this is the last podcast that needs to address it and HQ is thankful that The Rings of Power isn't Star Wars content, because it's literally the only other show that compares to the level of incompetency that somehow got paid to create content. There IS good news, or at least hope. December will see the release of Skeleton Crew and then 2025 will bring us Andor's second (and final) season. Sure, The Mandalorian and Grogu movie is coming, but the only other real big note from D23 in 2024 was some stuff about Hollywood Studios that might indirectly affect Star Wars in that park. K2-SO and Darth Maul for collectors and Outlaws for gamers makes August a pretty slow news month, but perhaps a palate cleanse is what's needed here. If you have questions or comments or would like to participate in the discussion of Star Wars with the host, check out our Linktree links (⁠⁠⁠⁠linktr.ee/ThisistheWayPod⁠⁠⁠⁠) or you can email This is the Way Podcast HQ at ⁠⁠⁠thisisthewaypodcast@gmail.com. Just don't expect to gaslight anyone about The Acolyte any longer. It will not be tolerated. ⁠ May the Force be with you! --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/thisistheway/support

The summer of Star Wars is coming to a close now that The Acolyte's first and so far only season is also complete. You will have to go elsewhere for full coverage because this podcast decided if there's nothing nice to say, we better not say anything. Kind of like politics these days... Next up is probably Skeleton Crew, then Andor's second (and final) season, and The Mandalorian and Grogu movie. There's no earth shaking announcements out of San Diego Comic Con, at least on the visual media side of Lucasfilm. Gamers, collectors, Disney World parkgoers all have a note or two this month and Outlaws looks like it will feature prominently in the next news update podcast. If you have questions or comments or would like to participate in the discussion of Star Wars with the host, check out our Linktree links (⁠⁠⁠linktr.ee/ThisistheWayPod⁠⁠⁠) or you can email This is the Way Podcast HQ at ⁠⁠thisisthewaypodcast@gmail.com. May the Force be with you! --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/thisistheway/support

It's a summer of Star Wars? Well, not really, but The Acolyte started streaming this month and that's something new. Is this podcast covering the show? You could say yes or no depending on your point of view. What's more Star Wars than that? Gamers and collectors and Disney World parkgoers have something to listen to in the June news update and even if you don't like The Acolyte, you can get excited for Andor and the upcoming Skeleton Crew live action series! If you have questions or comments or just want to express yourself and talk about the Star Wars you love, check out our Linktree links (⁠⁠linktr.ee/ThisistheWayPod⁠⁠). You can also email This is the Way Podcast HQ at ⁠thisisthewaypodcast@gmail.com⁠ and may the Force be with you! --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/thisistheway/message Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/thisistheway/support

May 2024 comes to a close and This is the Way Podcast wraps up another month with another Star Wars news update podcast. The Bad Batch is done. The Acolyte is about to debut. Skeleton Crew has the same initials as "Santa Claus" and Tohan Lege is not that hard to say, especially if you're Stephen Stanton. Hot Toys are expensive. The toy Dejarik table is about as hard to get as a real one right now. Oh, and if you haven't played LEGO Fortnite, it's FREE TO PLAY, if you didn't know, and it has lightsabers and thermal detonators and Rebel and Imperial buildings and characters! If you have comments or questions, please interact with the show by contacting through one of our links found at our Linktree website (⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠linktr.ee/ThisistheWayPod⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠). If you want to know the best way to get in touch, though, it's email at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠thisisthewaypodcast@gmail.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ and as always "May" the Force be with you! --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/thisistheway/message Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/thisistheway/support

It's another very special episode of This is the Way Podcast. Make sure there's a tape in the recorder and you have the correct channel on the VCR. Two years ago it was my dad. Last year, my oldest daughter. This year, my youngest. "May the Fourth be with you" this year as the "baby" of the family gets a chance to speak her mind about Star Wars. Don't expect a marathon of an episode. The purpose isn't to exhaust the listeners with the host's own children, but to share how Star Wars is thought about in the home. Like the elder sister, death and dying aren't favorite parts, but surprise, surprise, royalty is where it's at for her. Oh, did we mention the Taylor Swift reference? Someone's teacher apparently likes to "shake it off" in the classroom and spread her fandom to the family. As mentioned last year (5/4/23), there are no trick questions, but because we're using one microphone for two speakers, the editor did have to get creative with a few clips in order to hide as many of the sound level changes as possible. If you'd like to comment, please send email to ⁠thisisthewaypodcast@gmail.com⁠. We have been using Linktree, so check out our appropriate links at linktr.ee/ThisistheWayPod. May the Fourth be with you...in 2024! --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/thisistheway/message Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/thisistheway/support

The April 2024 Star Wars news update episode stars off with a "my bad" as a result of constructive listener feedback. That's not a joke or a set up for a punch line. I have become overtly negative in my criticism of The Acolyte. I'm not suggesting there's reasons for me to be positive, but the old adage about not saying anything at all if you can't say something nice does have merit here. Why turn off potential listeners who disagree by laughing and expressing my hope for failure? Collectibles...Star Wars video game and board game news...the final episodes of The Bad Batch...the upcoming debut of The Acolyte...even news on the Skeleton Crew...lend an ear to the episode and let us know if you think we missed something. Are you the hostess from Ulele? Are you a friend from high school and/or college? Are you just someone who likes old school Star Wars? This podcast is definitely in your wheelhouse. If you have comments or questions (on this episode or the podcast in general) you can email us (well, me) or contact the show through one of our links found at our Linktree website (⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠linktr.ee/ThisistheWayPod⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠). Email is the best way to get through so add ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠thisisthewaypodcast@gmail.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ to your address or contact list. I know, it's April, but "May" the Force be with you...always! --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/thisistheway/message Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/thisistheway/support

March 2024's news update episode is available just before the end of the month, but it's Easter weekend, so it might be a slight gamble that something big doesn't come from Lucasfilm or Disney this weekend, but not as big a risk as The Acolyte action figures getting announced before anyone knows what kind of show it will be. Even the "Holocomm" collectibles seem a safer bet, but then again, it doesn't get much better than Darth Vader. Wait a second...are we LEADING the notes with collectibles? Yes. Oh, we are well aware The Acolyte released a trailer, but anything by Leslye Headland is "wait and see" because of her unproven track record and factual statements voluntarily given about her past and Star Wars in general. We don't have high hopes for the next live action Star Wars show, but we reserve judgment until actually seeing it. A reminder for Disney Parks news, a tidbit about a game company that kept plugging along after firings more than decimated a co-developer, the death of a casting agent, and a chance to see Star Wars in the theater, once again. Yeah, this definitely qualifies as a news update podcast. Disagree? Have comments or questions (on this episode or the podcast in general)? Email us or contact the show through one of our links that you can find by visiting our Linktree page (⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠linktr.ee/ThisistheWayPod⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠). If it helps you decide how to contact HQ, email is the best way to get through so add ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠thisisthewaypodcast@gmail.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ to your address or contact list. It might only be March, but "May" the Force be with you...always! --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/thisistheway/message Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/thisistheway/support