Tales of the Empire: Barriss’s Tale
Tales of the Empire Anna Squires Tales of the Empire Anna Squires

Tales of the Empire: Barriss’s Tale

In our final “catch-up” episode to get back into chronological order, we’re covering Tales of the Empire: Barriss’s Tale (S1, Ep. 4–6, “Devoted,” “Realization,” and “The Way Out”). We dive into themes of redemption, the parallels between Barriss, Obi-Wan, and Ahsoka, and the archetype of The Crone.

Read More
The Bad Batch: “Juggernaut,” “Into The Breach,” and “Flash Strike” (Season 3, Episodes 12–14)
The Bad Batch Anna Squires The Bad Batch Anna Squires

The Bad Batch: “Juggernaut,” “Into The Breach,” and “Flash Strike” (Season 3, Episodes 12–14)

Over this week’s episodes (“Juggernaut,” “Into The Breach,” and “Flash Strike,” S3 Ep. 12–14), the Batch calls in essentially every favor they have left. A Monster truck-style tank battle, a tautly executed stealth mission, and a rush through the jungle of Wayland leave our heroes set up for the endgame.

Read More
The Bad Batch: “Identity Crisis” and “Point of No Return” (Season 3, Episodes 10–11)
The Bad Batch Anna Squires The Bad Batch Anna Squires

The Bad Batch: “Identity Crisis” and “Point of No Return” (Season 3, Episodes 10–11)

This week, we're recapping “Identity Crisis” and “Point of No Return” (S3, Ep. 10–11). We talk through the work happening at the Mount Tantiss facility, the long fascist history of medical experimentation, and how community is the answer to oppression…until even community may not be enough. (That’s when action is required.)

Read More
The Bad Batch: “Bad Territory” and “The Harbinger” (Season 3, Episodes 8–9)
The Bad Batch Anna Squires The Bad Batch Anna Squires

The Bad Batch: “Bad Territory” and “The Harbinger” (Season 3, Episodes 8–9)

This week’s episodes (“Bad Territory” and “The Harbinger,” S3, Ep. 8–9) mark the return of two scene-stealers: Fennec Shand and Asajj Ventress. These women of many talents shine with Bad Batch’s upgraded visuals (seriously, we’ve never seen Asajj in high definition before), and also dance around what they’re really up to—and the truth about Omega.

Read More
The Bad Batch Season 3 Premiere: Confined + Paths Unknown + Shadows of Tantiss (S3, E1–3)
The Bad Batch Anna Squires The Bad Batch Anna Squires

The Bad Batch Season 3 Premiere: Confined + Paths Unknown + Shadows of Tantiss (S3, E1–3)

The Bad Batch Season 3 premiere (S3, Ep. 1–3, "Confined," "Paths Unknown," and "Shadows of Tantiss”) is a confident, thrilling, beautiful arc that thrusts us back under the Empire’s boot. In our discussion this week, we covered our first impressions of this gripping first installment, the disturbing implications of Project Necromancer, and the loneliness of being Hunter and Wrecker rattling around the Marauder. 

Read More
The Acolyte: Choice (Season 1, Episode 7)
The Acolyte Anna Squires The Acolyte Anna Squires

The Acolyte: Choice (Season 1, Episode 7)

Our recap of “Teach / Corrupt” (The Acolyte S1, E6) focuses on mirrors, desire, and the faces we present to the world. We talk through the responsibilities teachers have to their pupils and discuss which of Star Wars’ teachers merit the title of “good.” We also talk through the temptations presented by the Sith, Qimir / The Stranger’s many masks, and the ones Sol might be wearing, too.

Read More
The Acolyte: Teach / Corrupt (Season 1, Episode 6)
The Acolyte Anna Squires The Acolyte Anna Squires

The Acolyte: Teach / Corrupt (Season 1, Episode 6)

Our recap of “Teach / Corrupt” (The Acolyte S1, E6) focuses on mirrors, desire, and the faces we present to the world. We talk through the responsibilities teachers have to their pupils and discuss which of Star Wars’ teachers merit the title of “good.” We also talk through the temptations presented by the Sith, Qimir / The Stranger’s many masks, and the ones Sol might be wearing, too.

Read More
The Acolyte: Revenge / Justice (Season 1, Ep. 2)
The Acolyte Anna Squires The Acolyte Anna Squires

The Acolyte: Revenge / Justice (Season 1, Ep. 2)

“The Acolyte” is a cop procedural, right?? That’s our working thesis this week as we recap episode two, “Revenge / Justice,” which opens on a locked-room murder scene, and introduces fascinating new allies and enemies. (The line between which is which becomes murkier every moment.)

Read More
The Acolyte Season 1 Premiere: Lost / Found
The Acolyte Anna Squires The Acolyte Anna Squires

The Acolyte Season 1 Premiere: Lost / Found

We’re typewritering back in time to watch “The Acolyte” (2024). The season premiere, “Lost / Found,” invites us to ask about the elitism of the Jedi, the seeds of fascism, and the good twin/bad twin paradigm. We also talk about this episode’s beautiful pacing and masterful manipulation of reality, perception, and time.

Read More
Return of the Jedi: Part 2
Movies Anna Squires Movies Anna Squires

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. 

Read More
Return of the Jedi: Part 1
Movies Anna Squires Movies Anna Squires

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!

Read More
The Empire Strikes Back: Part 2
Movies Anna Squires Movies Anna Squires

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.

Read More
The Empire Strikes Back: Part 1
Movies Anna Squires Movies Anna Squires

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.

Read More
A New Hope: Part 2
Movies Anna Squires Movies Anna Squires

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.

Read More