The Force Awakens, Part 2

With the balance of power in the galaxy deeply shifted towards the Dark, what is next for our heroes—and our villains? It’s time for us to find out in Star Wars Episode VII: The Force Awakens.

We focus our discussion on the second half of the film on the Pyrrhic victory that is the end of Starkiller Base and the passing of the torch from the Original Trilogy trio (Luke, Leia and Han) to the new era: Rey, Finn, and Poe. We also do character deep-dives, and parse which characters have the most—and, notably, the least—chemistry.

Anna Squires 9/1/26 Anna Squires 9/1/26

The Force Awakens, Part 1

Our non-toxic, loving, and chronological coverage of Star Wars has wound its way through five years to bring us to this point: Episode VII, The Force Awakens.

In the first half of the most expensive movie of all time, themes of baptism and rebirth, found family and lost family, and the subtle manipulation of the Dark Side are all strongly apparent.

Anna Squires 9/3/24 Anna Squires 9/3/24

Return of the Jedi: Part 2

After 160 episodes of Growing Up Skywalker, we finally hit the end of the Original Trilogy. The moment of Anakin's redemption hits really different after seeing his entire story. This week, we had a deep conversation on the nature of the Force, cosmic death, destiny, and redemption.

Anna Squires 8/27/24 Anna Squires 8/27/24

Return of the Jedi: Part 1

The first half of "Return of the Jedi" is a who's who of who dies how on Jabba's sail barge. It also gives us the perfect opportunity to zoom out and discuss Luke's Hero's Journey and his 5 Jedi Trials, the big picture of galactic conflict, Leia’s rebrand to Huttslayer, and teeny-weeny bikinis. Did Anna or did Anna not read an entire doctoral thesis on Women of Star Wars for this episode? Find out!

Anna Squires 8/20/24 Anna Squires 8/20/24

The Empire Strikes Back: Part 2

Welcome to Cloud City! This week, we’re covering 01:06:33 all the way to the end of “The Empire Strikes Back.” The Original Trilogy flexes its operatic muscles and hits on deep themes of family, loyalty, individuality, and fate.

Anna Squires 8/13/24 Anna Squires 8/13/24

The Empire Strikes Back: Part 1

This week, join us for 00:00 to 01:06:33—the first half of 1980’s “Episode V: The Empire Strikes Back.” On a freezing planet, the Rebellion bides its time. On a swamp and fleeing through an asteroid belt, the Rebels run from enemies and dive into mystery. The first half of Empire Strikes Back sets an atmosphere and cadence that weaves the Original Trilogy magic.

Anna Squires 8/6/24 Anna Squires 8/6/24

A New Hope: Part 2

We’re carrying the wisdom of 150+ episodes of Growing Up Skywalker into our viewing of the second half of 1977’s “Star Wars: A New Hope.” Turns out, we’re super jaded about Luke and Han shooting down a measly 4 TIE fighters—but Leia’s sass will never get old. This week, we’re diving into Star Wars archetypes, tropes, and sacred plotlines. We’re also doing deep dives into Leia, Han, Luke, Obi-Wan, and Vader—and shedding not a single tear for Grand Moff Tarkin.

Anna Squires 7/31/24 Anna Squires 7/31/24

A New Hope: Part 1

After more than three years watching Star Wars in universe chronology, we hit the grandaddy of it all: 1977’s “Star Wars: A New Hope.” Watching this film with the context of everything that has come before it makes for an absolutely extraordinary viewing experience.