Eye on Canon Podcast

EP.   185If you can believe it, 2026 is only a month away! A new year is always a good time to consider getting into new things, or helping your friends get into new things – resolutions and all that… So if you or someone you know is hoping to get into a new-to-you-or-them part of Star Wars, we’ve got you covered this week! We look back at the last 49 years (!) of screen stories, the last 11 years of the new canon, and the upcoming 13 months of new shows, books, comics, and yes I hear there’s a film coming out, to pick out the best Star Wars on-ramps for 2026!You can watch our episodes live every Monday at 5:30 PM PT, 8:30 PM ET at https://www.youtube.com/@Starwarsunderworld/streams Hosted by Matthew Neugebauer https://instagram.com/mneug1138and Joel Davis https://bsky.app/profile/jid20234.bsky.socialBluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/eyeoncanon.bsky.socialStar Wars Underworld Podcast Networkhttps://www.instagram.com/theswu/ Join us on Discord!  https://discord.gg/xhbXgRuuGx

Claudia Gray of Team Luminous gave us this in Master & Apprentice: “Only through sacrifice of many Jedi will the Order cleanse the sin done to the nameless. The danger of the past is not past, but sleeps in an egg. When the egg cracks, it will threaten the galaxy entire. When the Force itself sickens, past and future must split and combine. A Chosen One shall come, born of no father, and through him will ultimate balance in the Force be restored.” In Revenge of the Sith, Yoda reminds us just how slippery interpreting it can be: “A prophecy, misread could have been.” That didn’t stop Qui-Gon though: he was convinced Anakin was the one. As we approach Advent and Christmas, we explore the theme of Prophecy in Star Wars and in real-world religions!You can watch our episodes live every Monday at 5:30 PM PT, 8:30 PM ET at https://www.youtube.com/@Starwarsunderworld/streams Hosted by Matthew Neugebauer https://instagram.com/mneug1138and Joel Davis https://bsky.app/profile/jid20234.bsky.socialBluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/eyeoncanon.bsky.socialStar Wars Underworld Podcast Networkhttps://www.instagram.com/theswu/ Join us on Discord!  https://discord.gg/xhbXgRuuGxAudible 30-Day Free Trial  https://amzn.to/3cfeebq

EP.   183The Last Order by Kwame Mbalia gives us a probing story of brainwashing, heroism and disillusionment, told through the backstories of Finn and Jannah before the events of the sequel trilogy. It also gives us a fun self-insert character and framing device, who knows more about the galactic tea-making industry than we knew we wanted, and pushes the needle a few inches forward in the timeline after The Rise of Skywalker! The YA novel is a must-read for fans of the Sequel era, so this week we dive in!You can watch our episodes live every Monday at 5:30 PM PT, 8:30 PM ET at https://www.youtube.com/@Starwarsunderworld/streams Hosted by Matthew Neugebauer https://instagram.com/mneug1138and Joel Davis https://bsky.app/profile/jid20234.bsky.socialBluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/eyeoncanon.bsky.socialStar Wars Underworld Podcast Networkhttps://www.instagram.com/theswu/ Join us on Discord!  https://discord.gg/xhbXgRuuGxAudible 30-Day Free Trial  https://amzn.to/3cfeebq

EP.   182Canon storytelling often dances around the topic of humanocentric fascism – maybe it has other fish to fry? Or maybe it’s uncomfortable to write about? However, it’s been lurking in the background of Star Wars since the very beginning. This week we square it up, face-first, and chart the development of that lurking lore point in Legends, Canon and on screen.You can watch our episodes live every Monday at 5:30 PM PT, 8:30 PM ET at https://www.youtube.com/@Starwarsunderworld/streams Hosted by Matthew Neugebauer https://instagram.com/mneug1138and Joel Davis https://bsky.app/profile/jid20234.bsky.socialBluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/eyeoncanon.bsky.socialStar Wars Underworld Podcast Networkhttps://www.instagram.com/theswu/ Join us on Discord!  https://discord.gg/xhbXgRuuGxAudible 30-Day Free Trial  https://amzn.to/3cfeebq

EP.   181Ever since the Disney changeover, Legen…I mean EU fans have been clamouring for their favourite characters, storylines, factions and concepts to make their return to canon. Over a decade later, Thrawn is the only major example of the Legends-to-Canon pipeline, alongside some minor (and very minor) ones. This we look at what kinds of returns-to-story there could be, and offer some of our favourite examples.You can watch our episodes live every Monday at 5:30 PM PT, 8:30 PM ET at https://www.youtube.com/@Starwarsunderworld/streams Hosted by Matthew Neugebauer https://instagram.com/mneug1138and Joel Davis https://bsky.app/profile/jid20234.bsky.social Guest! Ash Mothmahttps://bsky.app/profile/bejeweledmothma.bsky.social Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/eyeoncanon.bsky.socialStar Wars Underworld Podcast Networkhttps://www.instagram.com/theswu/ Join us on Discord!  https://discord.gg/xhbXgRuuGxAudible 30-Day Free Trial  https://amzn.to/3cfeebq

EP.   180This week we focus on cosplay, novels and sourcebooks. How is Lucasfilm Publishing embracing the Sequel era once more? What insights might we glean from The Mandalorian Visual Guide? What’s it like to be interviewed for SW dot Com? Find out as we round up the network’s coverage of New York Comic Con 2025!You can watch our episodes live every Monday at 5:30 PM PT, 8:30 PM ET at https://www.youtube.com/@Starwarsunderworld/streams Hosted by Matthew Neugebauer https://instagram.com/mneug1138and Joel Davis https://bsky.app/profile/jid20234.bsky.social Guest! Ash Bakerhttps://instagram.com/def.the.only.ashleyBluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/eyeoncanon.bsky.socialStar Wars Underworld Podcast Networkhttps://www.instagram.com/theswu/ Join us on Discord!  https://discord.gg/xhbXgRuuGxAudible 30-Day Free Trial  https://amzn.to/3cfeebq

EP.   179Clone Force 99 goes on a wild chase through the Galaxy, which leads to some fantastic exploration of their own motivations and worries. Bad Batch: Sanctuary by Lamar Giles is at once moving and exciting, a combination brought out masterfully by Marc Thompson’s stellar audiobook performance. This week, we get ourselves back to a good old-fashioned book review!You can watch our episodes live every Monday at 5:30 PM PT, 8:30 PM ET at https://www.youtube.com/@Starwarsunderworld/streams Hosted by Matthew Neugebauer https://instagram.com/mneug1138and Joel Davis https://bsky.app/profile/jid20234.bsky.social Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/eyeoncanon.bsky.socialStar Wars Underworld Podcast Networkhttps://www.instagram.com/theswu/ Join us on Discord!  https://discord.gg/xhbXgRuuGxAudible 30-Day Free Trial  https://amzn.to/3cfeebq

EP.   178We’ll admit it: canon contradictions can sometimes be hard to swallow. Of course, screen stories have overwritten details on paper a few times, perhaps the most famous example being Caleb Dume’s experience of Order 66 in the opening moments of The Bad Batch. And what about when one paper story seems to go against another, like the apparent discrepancies between Alex Segura’s Battle of Jakku and Chuck Wendig’s Aftermath Trilogy? How much do these inconsistencies really matter? And how has our thinking and feeling about them evolved in the nearly four years(!) that we’ve been doing this podcast? This week we catch up on the Great Canon Continuity debate, and dive back in!You can watch our episodes live every Monday at 5:30 PM PT, 8:30 PM ET at https://www.youtube.com/@Starwarsunderworld/streams Hosted by Matthew Neugebauer https://instagram.com/mneug1138and Joel Davis https://bsky.app/profile/jid20234.bsky.social Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/eyeoncanon.bsky.socialStar Wars Underworld Podcast Networkhttps://www.instagram.com/theswu/ Join us on Discord!  https://discord.gg/xhbXgRuuGxAudible 30-Day Free Trial  https://amzn.to/3cfeebq 

EP.   177We all know that the real winner of the Clone Wars was one Sheev Palpatine aka Darth Sidious, at least from a narrative and character point of view. How about from an institutional perspective? Between the main combatants, the Republic and the Separatists, is it possible to claim a winner? If the Empire is the successor state to the Republic, then does that mean that the clones were ultimately victorious? Or how about the ties that the New Republic and even the Resistance had to the Separatists? This week we pick up our discussion about successor states to look at its implications for our understanding of history in Star Wars.You can watch our episodes live every Monday at 5:30 PM PT, 8:30 PM ET at https://www.youtube.com/@Starwarsunderworld/streams Hosted by Matthew Neugebauer https://instagram.com/mneug1138and Joel Davis https://bsky.app/profile/jid20234.bsky.social Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/eyeoncanon.bsky.socialStar Wars Underworld Podcast Networkhttps://www.instagram.com/theswu/ Join us on Discord!  https://discord.gg/xhbXgRuuGxAudible 30-Day Free Trial  https://amzn.to/3cfeebq

It's an Eye on Canon bonus episode!Matthew got a chance to talk with Tessa Gratton, author of The Acolyte: The Crystal Crown, four High Republic novels and multiple books outside the galaxy far, far away. Give the full interview a listen here!Tessa's socials: BlueskyInstagramWatch the Eye on Canon Podcast LIVE every Monday at 5:30 pm PT, 8:30 pm ET on The Star Wars Underworld YouTube Channel

EP.   176The Crystal Crown is a fun and gripping adventure! It continues Tessa Gratton’s strong work from The High Republic of writing diverse young characters stepping out into a larger world. Matthew got a chance to interview Tessa all about her impressive Star Wars output and what she brings to our favourite sandbox. Catch the full interview, followed by Matthew’s and Joel’s thoughts on Tessa’s comments. And yes, we’re bringing back the original tagline for old time’s sake!You can watch our episodes live every Monday at 5:30 PM PT, 8:30 PM ET at https://www.youtube.com/@Starwarsunderworld/streams *Special guest* Tessa Gratton https://tessagratton.bsky.socialHosted by Matthew Neugebauer https://instagram.com/mneug1138and Joel Davis https://bsky.app/profile/jid20234.bsky.social Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/eyeoncanon.bsky.socialStar Wars Underworld Podcast Networkhttps://www.instagram.com/theswu/ Join us on Discord!  https://discord.gg/xhbXgRuuGxAudible 30-Day Free Trial  https://amzn.to/3cfeebq

EP.   175Did the Empire succeed the Republic? Did the First Order succeed the Empire? Does that mean the First Order succeeded the Republic? Real-world history abounds with examples of regime changes, successor states and sweeping constitutional amendments. How can they help us understand similar dynamics in Star Wars? This week we’ve got our poli sci hats back on so strap yourselves in for another classic EOC deep dive!You can watch our episodes live every Monday at 5:30 PM PT, 8:30 PM ET at https://www.youtube.com/@Starwarsunderworld/streams Hosted by Matthew Neugebauer https://instagram.com/mneug1138and Joel Davis https://bsky.app/profile/jid20234.bsky.social Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/eyeoncanon.bsky.socialStar Wars Underworld Podcast Networkhttps://www.instagram.com/theswu/ Join us on Discord!  https://discord.gg/xhbXgRuuGxAudible 30-Day Free Trial  https://amzn.to/3cfeebq

EP. 174Ritual, material, cultural adaptation, genuine faith: these are a few things that mark real-world communities defined by metaphysical beliefs, what we call “religions” nowadays. How well does Star Wars depict religions and their communities, at least analogously? Does it show widespread beliefs and practices, or confine them to a select few practitioners? When does it explore the relationship between the elites and the masses of a religious hierarchy? If a Jedi gives a Sunday sermon, do they have a congregation to hear it?You can watch our episodes live every Monday at 5:30 PM PT, 8:30 PM ET at https://www.youtube.com/@Starwarsunderworld/streams Hosted by Matthew Neugebauer https://instagram.com/mneug1138and Joel Davis https://bsky.app/profile/jid20234.bsky.social Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/eyeoncanon.bsky.socialStar Wars Underworld Podcast Networkhttps://www.instagram.com/theswu/ Join us on Discord!  https://discord.gg/xhbXgRuuGxAudible 30-Day Free Trial  https://amzn.to/3cfeebq

EP.   173One of the nicest things about an extended canon – be it in streaming shows or in books and comics – is that it gives creatives more time to flesh out and expand the characters and character beats of the films. This expansion is particularly notable for characters who only have bit parts on the big screen, but then find a new lease in life in other media. For some of these examples, it's the fan reaction to a character or even a character design that prompts both creatives and executives to give these characters more time in the sun, reminding us that the stories that Lucasfilm tells and the support (financial and otherwise) that fans give to those stories are in a symbiotic, chicken-and-egg relationship. This week we look at some major characters that had a surprisingly small amount of screen time when we first met them.You can watch our episodes live every Monday at 5:30 PM PT, 8:30 PM ET at https://www.youtube.com/@Starwarsunderworld/streams Hosted by Matthew Neugebauer https://instagram.com/mneug1138and Joel Davis https://bsky.app/profile/jid20234.bsky.social Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/eyeoncanon.bsky.socialStar Wars Underworld Podcast Networkhttps://www.instagram.com/theswu/ Join us on Discord!  https://discord.gg/xhbXgRuuGxAudible 30-Day Free Trial  https://amzn.to/3cfeebq 

EP.   172Ewan McGregor. John Boyega. Ethan Sacks. Paulo Villanelli. Tim Zahn. Some other folks named Matthew, Ash and Dominic. The premiere genre fandom event on the north side of the border is *just* around the corner, and we get you set for all the Star Wars content coming up!PLUS! We do an extended “grab bag” edition of Our Week in Star Wars!You can watch our episodes live every Monday at 5:30 PM PT, 8:30 PM ET at https://www.youtube.com/@Starwarsunderworld/streams Hosted by Matthew Neugebauer https://instagram.com/mneug1138and Joel Davis https://bsky.app/profile/jid20234.bsky.social Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/eyeoncanon.bsky.socialStar Wars Underworld Podcast Networkhttps://www.instagram.com/theswu/ Join us on Discord!  https://discord.gg/xhbXgRuuGxAudible 30-Day Free Trial  https://amzn.to/3cfeebq

EP.   171San Diego Comic-Con culminated in its first-ever appearance by The Maker himself, George Lucas. He was joined by Oscar-winning director Guillermo Del Toro and longtime Star Wars designer Doug Chiang to introduce the Lucas Museum of Narrative Art, set to open next year. In the Hall H panel, they described the “why” of the museum, which led to a moving and profound exploration on the meaning and power of art in our social and cultural consciousness. This week we unpack their comments on the panel and talk about what that might mean for the way we approach the narrative and visual worlds of Star Wars.You can watch our episodes live every Monday at 5:30 PM PT, 8:30 PM ET at https://www.youtube.com/@Starwarsunderworld/streams Hosted by Matthew Neugebauer https://instagram.com/mneug1138and Joel Davis https://bsky.app/profile/jid20234.bsky.socialBluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/eyeoncanon.bsky.socialStar Wars Underworld Podcast Networkhttps://www.instagram.com/theswu/ Join us on Discord!  https://discord.gg/xhbXgRuuGxLucas Museum @ Comic-Con panel: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_ke3LUd2V30Last night! Matthew joined Starrapter on Outer Rim Transmissions to look back on the High Republic initiative! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5z5RmvFXaEwAudible 30-Day Free Trial  https://amzn.to/3cfeebq 

EP.   170San Diego Comic-Con was a whirlwind, and Star Wars sure made its mark! Filling the gap were two publishing panels, a spectacular booth celebrating Lucasfilm animation, and an awesome afterparty. Rounding out the whole convention was The Maker’s first-ever SDCC appearance! This week we continue our coverage of con season with a look at all the offerings from the Galaxy Far Far Away!You can watch our episodes live every Monday at 5:30 PM PT, 8:30 PM ET at https://www.youtube.com/@Starwarsunderworld/streams Hosted by Matthew Neugebauer https://instagram.com/mneug1138and Joel Davis https://bsky.app/profile/jid20234.bsky.social Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/eyeoncanon.bsky.socialStar Wars Underworld Podcast Networkhttps://www.instagram.com/theswu/ Join us on Discord!  https://discord.gg/xhbXgRuuGxAudible 30-Day Free Trial  https://amzn.to/3cfeebq

Ep 169Begun the Clone Wars has! Back in 2003 Dark Horse comics and Jon Ostrander chronicled these events in the epic Republic comic book run. Joel is joined by Redleader Antillies to discuss it all and more!You can watch our episodes live every Monday at 5:30 PM PT, 8:30 PM ET at https://www.youtube.com/@Starwarsunde... Hosted by Joel Davis https://bsky.app/profile/jid20234.bsk... Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/eyeoncanon.b...Star Wars Underworld Podcast NetworkJoin us on Discord!   / discord  Audible 30-Day Free Trial https://amzn.to/3cfeebq

EP.   168They did it. They really did it. In Trials of the Jedi by Charles Soule, the story of the High Republic publishing initiative comes to a gripping, heartfelt and utterly satisfying end. This week we dive deep into the twists and turns of adventure and introspection carried throughout by this extremely well-paced and engaging final novel.You can watch our episodes live every Monday at 5:30 PM PT, 8:30 PM ET at https://www.youtube.com/@Starwarsunderworld/streams Hosted by Matthew Neugebauer https://instagram.com/mneug1138and Joel Davis https://bsky.app/profile/jid20234.bsky.socialGuest: Dominic Jones! https://instagram.com/dominicj25 Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/eyeoncanon.bsky.socialStar Wars Underworld Podcast NetworkJoin us on Discord!  https://discord.gg/xhbXgRuuGxAudible 30-Day Free Trial  https://amzn.to/3cfeebq

EP.   167The origins of Star Wars lie in Modesto, California, an All-American city in the San Joaquin Valley. While creatives from across the globe have made their mark on the Galaxy Far, Far Away, the franchise is first and foremost a piece of American pop culture. George Lucas used his platform and his imagination to reflect on the ins and outs, ups and downs of his own world, his own society, and his own country. Many others have followed, putting the good, bad, liberating and concerning aspects of American history, politics and social life on display up to the present time. This week, a few days after the United States celebrated its 249th birthday, we explore the many American dimensions of Star Wars.You can watch our episodes live every Monday at 5:30 PM PT, 8:30 PM ET at https://www.youtube.com/@Starwarsunderworld/streams Hosted by Matthew Neugebauer https://instagram.com/mneug1138and Joel Davis https://bsky.app/profile/jid20234.bsky.social  Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/eyeoncanon.bsky.socialStar Wars Underworld Podcast NetworkJoin us on Discord!  https://discord.gg/xhbXgRuuGxAudible 30-Day Free Trial  https://amzn.to/3cfeebq