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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. 

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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!

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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.

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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.

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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.

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A New Hope: Part 1
Movies Anna Squires Movies Anna Squires

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.

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Rogue One: Part 2
Movies Anna Squires Movies Anna Squires

Rogue One: Part 2

Rogue One's second half starts with a crash and gets wilder from there. From 56:17 on, we string together heroic space battles, Vietnam war techniques, and Star Wars’ classically atrocious file-sharing practices. We do, indeed, both cry about X-wings.

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Episode 75: Revenge of the Sith, Part 2
Movies Anna Squires Movies Anna Squires

Episode 75: Revenge of the Sith, Part 2

We finish Revenge of the Sith — the sweeping conclusion to the Prequel Era — with big feelings on Order 66 and the end of the Jedi Order, big love for beloved characters, and big thoughts on the cyclical story of Star Wars.

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Episode 74: Revenge of the Sith, Part 1
Movies Anna Squires Movies Anna Squires

Episode 74: Revenge of the Sith, Part 1

This week, we’re army-crawling to the finish line of the Prequel Era. In our recap of Revenge of the Sith (Part One), we talk about the gorgeous visuals, tight plotting, absolutely delightful banter and compelling themes of Star Wars’ final prequel film.

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Episode 73: Rewatching Attack of the Clones
Movies Anna Squires Movies Anna Squires

Episode 73: Rewatching Attack of the Clones

Begun, the Clone War has!

This week, we’re rewatching Attack of the Clones in all of its magnificent sprawl. We talk all about the rewards of a second watch-through after seeing the Clone Wars TV show, the huge differences in production between The Phantom Menace and Attack, the weirdness between Anakin and Obi-Wan, and the iconic Yoda/Dooku duel. We have lots of thoughts about Padme and Anakin — and you already know we talk about Padme’s outfits.

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Episode 72: Rewatching The Phantom Menace
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Episode 72: Rewatching The Phantom Menace

A lot has changed since we watched Phantom on the first two episodes of Growing Up Skywalker (and we have, too!).

Our recap centers on the viewers we used to be versus the watchers we are today. We talk about how our perceptions of the main quartet — Anakin, Qui-Gon, Padmé and Shmi — have changed wildly over time. We try to figure out why George Lucas decided to start Star Wars here, and why he decided to frame it around an economic story. We share our favorite Easter eggs, and — most importantly — crown a Queen of Bae Watch.

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Episode 7: The Clone Wars Movie, Part 2
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Episode 7: The Clone Wars Movie, Part 2

In the second half of the feature-length Star Wars: The Clone Wars movie, Sam and Anna talk at length about Huttese genders and Ahsoka and Anakin get shot down again (yes – again). We also see IG-100 MagnaGuards at their absolute finest. First 100 listeners get to babysit baby Jabba, and all listeners should beware of senators wearing white jumpsuits.

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Episode 6: The Clone Wars Movie, Part 1
Movies Anna Squires Movies Anna Squires

Episode 6: The Clone Wars Movie, Part 1

Introducing Snips! In the first half of the feature-length Star Wars: The Clone Wars movie, we do our best to keep up with the lightning-fast plot changes. Obi-Wan commits war crimes, Anakin deals with an intern crisis and we (reluctantly) explore sex ed for Hutts.

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Episode 4: Attack of the Clones, Part 2
Movies Anna Squires Movies Anna Squires

Episode 4: Attack of the Clones, Part 2

In the second half of Attack of the Clones, we sing an ode to Mace Windu and rank Padme’s best outfits. Also, we throw in a casual conversation about the meaning of death (to Force users, that is). Quoth Anakin to C3PO: “Get in, loser, we’re going to Geonosis.”

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Episode 3: Attack of the Clones, Part 1
Movies Anna Squires Movies Anna Squires

Episode 3: Attack of the Clones, Part 1

In the first half of Attack of the Clones, Anna finds out she accidentally became a true Star Wars fan, and we discuss the impeccable Kaminoan aesthetics. Also, the Fetts get an honorary award for the healthiest father-son dynamics in Star Wars (for about 20 minutes, that is).

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Episode 2: The Phantom Menace, Part 2
Movies Anna Squires Movies Anna Squires

Episode 2: The Phantom Menace, Part 2

In the second full-length episode of Growing Up Skywalker, we talk about the thrilling conclusion to The Phantom Menace (not actually inspired by #WakandaForever) and how a 16-part plan cooked up by a 14-year-old actually works.

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