Star Wars Generations Podcast • Beyond the Screen

Danielle (Written in the Star Wars) stole the keys to the podcast, and took Erin off on a joyride without me! Aka, I was out of town this week, and these two awesome creators took over the podcast for me, recording their thoughts on The Bad Batch, Season 2, Episode 9, along with bonus content about the best bounty hunters in the galaxy.Patrons get access to bonus content with every episode! To show your support for this podcast, and all things Ethical Panda, please join us at - https://www.patreon.com/theethicalpandaDanielle (she/her) spends her days talking too much about Star Wars, MCU, and The Last of Us. She’s also a PhD researcher in Text & Image Studies, which basically means she gets read lots of comics and call it work. You can find her on TikTok at writteninthestarwars, Twitter at danies394, and Instagram at writteninthesw. You can find more of her content on the Bad Batch on Templeofgeek.com https://templeofgeek.com/author/danielle/Erin McGowan is a Twin Cities based cosplayer, she/her, who is new to cosplay and LOVING it. You can find her:Tik Tok @amateurahsokaInstagram: lady.tano.createsWe love feedback! To ask questions or let us know what you think, contact us atEmail: Matthew@TheEthicalPanda.comTwitter: https://EthicalPanda77Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheEthicalPandaOr go to our website www.theethicalpanda.com for more information, contact info and to find all of our podcasts!

Danielle (Written in the Star Wars) joins Erin and I to talk clones, conspiracies, & consequences as we dive into The Bad Batch, season 2, episodes 7-8.Patrons get access to bonus content with every episode! To show your support for this podcast, and all things Ethical Panda, please join us at - https://www.patreon.com/theethicalpandaDanielle (she/her) spends her days talking too much about Star Wars, MCU, and The Last of Us. She’s also a PhD researcher in Text & Image Studies, which basically means she gets read lots of comics and call it work. You can find her on TikTok at writteninthestarwars, Twitter at danies394, and Instagram at writteninthesw. You can find more of her content on the Bad Batch on Templeofgeek.com https://templeofgeek.com/author/danielle/Erin McGowan is a Twin Cities based cosplayer, she/her, who is new to cosplay and LOVING it. You can find her:Tik Tok @amateurahsokaInstagram: lady.tano.createsWe love feedback! To ask questions or let us know what you think, contact us atEmail: Matthew@TheEthicalPanda.comTwitter: https://EthicalPanda77Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheEthicalPandaOr go to our website www.theethicalpanda.com for more information, contact info and to find all of our podcasts!

Erin and I continue our coverage of The Bad Batch with season 2, episode 6.Patrons get access to bonus content with every episode! To show your support for this podcast, and all things Ethical Panda, please join us at - https://www.patreon.com/theethicalpandaErin McGowan is a Twin Cities based cosplayer. she/her, who is new to cosplay and LOVING it. You can find her atTik Tok @amateurahsokaInstagram: lady.tano.createsWe love feedback! To ask questions or let us know what you think, contact us atEmail: Matthew@TheEthicalPanda.comTwitter: https://EthicalPanda77Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheEthicalPanda

AJ (Jedi_Starkiller) joins Erin and I to talk The Bad Batch, Season 2, Episode 5. We love feedback! To ask questions or let us know what you think, contact us atEmail: Matthew@TheEthicalPanda.comTwitter: https://EthicalPanda77Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheEthicalPandar go to our website www.theethicalpanda.com for more information, contact info and to find all of our podcasts!Erin McGowan is a Twin Cities based cosplayer. she/her, who is new to cosplay and LOVING it. You can find her atTik Tok @amateurahsokaInstagram: lady.tano.createsAJ is a Star Wars fan, MtG Commander Player, Movie Buff, Comic Book Fan, family man, dog dad. Find Content on: @Jedi_Starkiller on TikTok and YouTube, he/him

We're talking Mario Kart, we're talking Tech, we're talking Crosshair's emotional damage and why so many of us relate to it- its Erin McGowan and I talking The Bad Batch Season 2, Episode 4.My cohost Erin McGowan is a Twin Cities based cosplayer. she/her, who is new to cosplay and LOVING it. You can find her atTik Tok @amateurahsokaInstagram: lady.tano.createsLily Bean, the cosplay Erin mentioned, can be found at - https://www.instagram.com/lily.bean.cosplay/We want to hear what you think! To ask questions or let us know what you think, contact us atEmail: Matthew@TheEthicalPanda.comTwitter: https://EthicalPanda77Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheEthicalPandaOr go to our website www.theethicalpanda.com for more information, contact info and to find all of our podcasts!

Erin and I come to you from the frozen plains of Hoth (Minnesota) to talk The Bad Batch, Season 2, Episode 3.Thank you to our newest patrons, Riley and Mary Garrett! To join our partreon and access the bonus content, go to - https://www.patreon.com/theethicalpanda. We love feedback! To ask questions or let us know what you think, contact us atEmail: Matthew@TheEthicalPanda.comTwitter: https://EthicalPanda77Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheEthicalPandar go to our website www.theethicalpanda.com for more information, contact info and to find all of our podcasts!

Erin McGowan and I jump into The Bad Batch, season 2, episodes 1-2. Enjoying our content? Please think about giving back by supporting our patreon! https://www.patreon.com/theethicalpandaWe love feedback! To ask questions or let us know what you think, contact us atEmail: Matthew@TheEthicalPanda.comTwitter: https://EthicalPanda77Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheEthicalPandaOr go to our website www.theethicalpanda.com for more information, contact info and to find all of our podcasts!For more on UnWhiteWash the Bad Batch, check out - https://unwhitewashthebadbatch.carrd.co/

The very, very, VERY long overdue part 2 of Paul and I talking about Star Wars in 2022.

With The Bad Batch Season 2 a week away, we look back at the characters and story lines from season one, bringing you up to speed with all you need to know for season 2!We'll be releasing episode by episode coverage, so be sure to subscribe to Star Wars Universe Podcast so you can follow along! We want to hear what you think! To ask questions or let us know what you think, contact us atEmail: Matthew@TheEthicalPanda.comTwitter: https://EthicalPanda77Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheEthicalPandaOr go to our website www.theethicalpanda.com for more information, contact info and to find all of our podcasts!My guest Erin McGowan is a Twin Cities based cosplayer. she/her, who is new to cosplay and LOVING it. You can find her atTik Tok @amateurahsokaInstagram: lady.tano.creates

Erin McGowan and I dive into Season 1 of Star Wars Resistance! We talk about the main characters and their journeys, and how the story depicts the reasons for the fall of the New Republic and the rise of the First Order. Erin McGowan is a Twin Cities based cosplayer. she/her, who is new to cosplay and LOVING it. You can find her atTik Tok @amateurahsokaInstagram: lady.tano.creates

Matthew and Paul embark on a quest to discuss every bit of Star Wars released in 2022. Part 1 covers Andor, Obi-Wan Kenobi, and Book of Boba Fett. Part 2 will cover Tales of the Jedi and Star Wars Summer Vacation, as well as novels and video games.

Ashoka Cosplayer and Star Wars SuperFan Erin McGowan joins Paul and myself to talk Andor & Ashoka, and some of the great feedback you've all been sending us!Erin McGowan is a Twin Cities based cosplayer. she/her, who is new to cosplay and LOVING it. You can find her atTik Tok @amateurahsokaInstagram: lady.tano.createsWe love feedback! To ask questions or let us know what you think, contact us atEmail: Matthew@TheEthicalPanda.comTwitter: https://EthicalPanda77Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheEthicalPandaOr go to our website www.theethicalpanda.com for more information, contact info and to find all of our podcasts!

Danielle (Written in the Star Wars) and AJ (Jedi_Starkiller) join me to look back at Andor and deep dive into our thoughts on the stories that were and weren't covered. Danielle (she/her) spends her days talking too much about Star Wars, MCU, and The Last of Us. She’s also a PhD researcher in Text & Image Studies, which basically means she gets read lots of comics and call it work. You can find her on TikTok at writteninthestarwars, Twitter at danies394, and Instagram at writteninthesw.AJ is a Star Wars fan, MtG Commander Player, Movie Buff, Comic Book Fan, family man, dog dad. Find Content on: @Jedi_Starkiller on TikTok and YouTube, he/himWe love feedback! To ask questions or let us know what you think, contact us atEmail: Matthew@TheEthicalPanda.comTwitter: https://EthicalPanda77Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheEthicalPandaOr go to our website www.theethicalpanda.com for more information, contact info and to find all of our podcasts!

The finale is finally here!Prof Matthew Kappell returns to join Paul and myself to talk about Andor ep 12.Matthew Wilhelm Kapell has taught everything from human genetics to film studies at universities and colleges in California, Michigan, the UK, and now New York City at Pace University. Currently he edits an academic book series on the study of digital and tabletop games. You can find out about his books and other stuff at matthewkapell.com. He never forgets that too many “Hero’s Journeys” are also “Heroine’s Ordeals.”

Prof Matthew Kappell returns to join Paul and myself to talk about Andor ep 11.Matthew Wilhelm Kapell has taught everything from human genetics to film studies at universities and colleges in California, Michigan, the UK, and now New York City at Pace University. Currently he edits an academic book series on the study of digital and tabletop games. You can find out about his books and other stuff at matthewkapell.com. He never forgets that too many “Hero’s Journeys” are also “Heroine’s Ordeals.”

The Mandalore Plot Arc: Obi-Wan's Lost Love and Anakin's Dark PathStar Wars: The Clone Wars’ Season Two's Mandalore trilogy of episodes explores one of the most pivotal character arcs in Star Wars. This three-episode storyline introduces Duchess Satine, reveals Obi-Wan's romantic past, and showcases a chilling moment that foreshadows Anakin's fall to the dark side.Key Questions ExploredIs pacifism realistic in wartime? The hosts debate whether Duchess Satine's complete rejection of Mandalore's warrior culture was the right approach, or if her pacifism actually enabled the very violence she sought to prevent.How did Obi-Wan's forbidden love shape his mentorship of Anakin? The episode reveals that Obi-Wan once considered leaving the Jedi Order for Satine, raising questions about whether his own romantic struggles made him too lenient with Anakin's secret marriage to Padmé.What makes Anakin's cold-blooded killing so significant? When Anakin executes Senator Tal Merrick without hesitation, the hosts analyze how this moment perfectly captures his path toward becoming Darth Vader—choosing expedient violence over Jedi restraint.Should the Republic have respected Mandalore's neutrality? The discussion examines Palpatine's manipulation tactics and whether the Senate's willingness to ignore Mandalore's sovereignty mirrors real-world political interventions.Episodes covered: "The Mandalore Plot," "Voyage of Temptation," and "Duchess of Mandalore" **************************************************************************This episode is a production of Star Wars Generations, a The Ethical Panda Podcast and part of the TruStory FM Entertainment Podcast Network. Check our our website to find out more about this and our sister podcast Superhero Ethics.We want to hear from you! You can keep up with our latest news, and send us feedback, questions, or comments via social media or email.Email: Matthew@TheEthicalPanda.comFacebook: TheEthicalPandaInstagram: TheEthicalPandaPodcastsTwitter: EthicalPanda77Or you can join jump into the Star Wars Generations and Superhero Ethics channels on the TruStory FM Discord.To learn more about co-host Erin and her incredible cosplay check out her Instagram, LadyTanoCreates.Want to get access to even more content while supporting the podcast? Become a member! For $5 a month, or $55 a year you get access to bonus episodes and bonus content at the end of most episodes. Sign up on the podcast’s main page you can even give membership as a gift!You can also support our podcasts through our sponsors:Purchase a lightsaber from Level Up Sabers run by friend of the podcast Neighborhood Master AlanUse Audible for audiobooks. Sign up for a one year membership or gift one through this link.Purchase any media discussed this week through our sponsored links.

The hosts of Star Wars Generations reunite after their hiatus to discuss rewatching Rogue One following the conclusion of Andor Season Two. This episode explores how the Disney+ series fundamentally changes the viewing experience of the 2016 film, adding emotional depth and context that wasn't there before.How does Cassian Andor's character development in the series change his role in Rogue One? The hosts examine how knowing Cassian's backstory makes every decision and mannerism more impactful, particularly that opening scene where he shoots his informant Tivik. Understanding his journey from reluctant participant to committed rebel adds weight to moments that previously felt surface-level.What does Andor reveal about the Empire's political machinery? Beyond the obvious evil of planet-destroying superweapons, the series shows the propaganda, political maneuvering, and systematic oppression that drives people to rebellion. The hosts discuss how this context makes characters like Director Krennic more menacing and the rebels' desperation more understandable.How does the Rebel Alliance's internal structure affect the story? Seeing the fractured, bureaucratic nature of the rebellion in Andor makes the "going rogue" aspect of Rogue One more meaningful. The hosts explore how the series shows rebels literally rebelling against their own leadership.What's the real nature of Cassian and Jyn's relationship? The episode tackles online discourse about whether their connection was romantic, especially given Cassian's relationship with Bix in Andor. The hosts argue for a more nuanced interpretation that doesn't require choosing sides or diminishing either relationship. **************************************************************************This episode is a production of Star Wars Generations, a The Ethical Panda Podcast and part of the TruStory FM Entertainment Podcast Network. Check our our website to find out more about this and our sister podcast Superhero Ethics.We want to hear from you! You can keep up with our latest news, and send us feedback, questions, or comments via social media or email.Email: Matthew@TheEthicalPanda.comFacebook: TheEthicalPandaInstagram: TheEthicalPandaPodcastsTwitter: EthicalPanda77Or you can join jump into the Star Wars Generations and Superhero Ethics channels on the TruStory FM Discord.To learn more about co-host Erin and her incredible cosplay check out her Instagram, LadyTanoCreates.Want to get access to even more content while supporting the podcast? Become a member! For $5 a month, or $55 a year you get access to bonus episodes and bonus content at the end of most episodes. Sign up on the podcast’s main page you can even give membership as a gift!You can also support our podcasts through our sponsors:Purchase a lightsaber from Level Up Sabers run by friend of the podcast Neighborhood Master AlanUse Audible for audiobooks. Sign up for a one year membership or gift one through this link.Purchase any media discussed this week through our sponsored links.

Andor Series Finale Discussion & Summer Hiatus AnnouncementThe Star Wars Generations team concludes their deep dive into the Andor series on Disney+ with a discussion of its darkest moments, compelling character arcs, and thought-provoking political themes. Hosts Matthew, Alex, and Erin share their thoughts on the series finale's shocking revelations and announce an upcoming summer hiatus as Matthew prepares to welcome a new addition to his family. **************************************************************************This episode is a production of Star Wars Generations, a The Ethical Panda Podcast and part of the TruStory FM Entertainment Podcast Network. Check our our website to find out more about this and our sister podcast Superhero Ethics.We want to hear from you! You can keep up with our latest news, and send us feedback, questions, or comments via social media or email.Email: Matthew@TheEthicalPanda.comFacebook: TheEthicalPandaInstagram: TheEthicalPandaPodcastsTwitter: EthicalPanda77Or you can join jump into the Star Wars Generations and Superhero Ethics channels on the TruStory FM Discord.To learn more about co-host Erin and her incredible cosplay check out her Instagram, LadyTanoCreates.Want to get access to even more content while supporting the podcast? Become a member! For $5 a month, or $55 a year you get access to bonus episodes and bonus content at the end of most episodes. Sign up on the podcast’s main page you can even give membership as a gift!You can also support our podcasts through our sponsors:Purchase a lightsaber from Level Up Sabers run by friend of the podcast Neighborhood Master AlanUse Audible for audiobooks. Sign up for a one year membership or gift one through this link.Purchase any media discussed this week through our sponsored links.

Rebroadcast of Rogue One CoverageAndor has come to an end, and after a month of recording within 24 hours of the episodes going live—and the recent baby shower for my soon-to-arrive new Padawan—we need a week off. In this episode, we’re sharing details about our new release schedule and revisiting Rogue One with a rebroadcast of our in-depth coverage. Since Andor leads directly into Rogue One, it’s the perfect time to revisit this pivotal film!In this rebroadcast episode of the Star Wars Generations podcast, hosts Matthew, Erin, and Alex dive deep into their analysis of Rogue One: A Star Wars Story. The hosts take a break from their Andor coverage to revisit this pivotal film that connects directly to the original Star Wars trilogy.Why Rogue One Stands Out in the Star Wars UniverseThe hosts discuss what makes Rogue One unique among Star Wars films. Erin describes it as her favorite Star Wars movie, praising how it grounds the franchise in realism and brings a more adult tone to the universe. The hosts appreciate how the film shows that not every "good guy" is truly good, creating moral complexity that was later expanded upon in Andor.Character Development and Moral ComplexityThe discussion focuses on Cassian Andor's character, noting how the film introduces him shooting his own ally to escape—an action that sets the tone for a morally complex story. This portrayal differs dramatically from traditional heroic characters in Star Wars. Jyn Erso's character development receives significant attention, with the hosts praising Felicity Jones' performance and how she portrays someone initially driven by selfish reasons who gradually buys into the rebellion's cause.The Film's Impact on Star Wars StorytellingMatthew highlights how important Rogue One was for expanding the Star Wars universe, demonstrating that compelling stories could be told without Force-using protagonists and focusing on characters who contribute to small battles rather than winning the entire war. This approach opened doors for projects like Andor, which the hosts consider among the best Star Wars content produced.Topics Discussed:How did the darker, grittier tone of Rogue One differentiate it from traditional Star Wars films?What made K-2SO one of the most memorable droid characters in the franchise?How does Orson Krennic embody the Empire's bureaucratic infighting and ambition?Why was Saw Gerrera's transition from animation to live-action significant?What continuity issues exist between Rogue One and A New Hope, and why don't they matter?How does the film's ending connect emotionally to the original Star Wars?Why is the Darth Vader hallway scene considered one of the most iconic moments in Star Wars?The episode concludes with all three hosts affirming Rogue One as one of their favorite Star Wars films, with Erin declaring she'll "preach about it till the day I die" and Alex suggesting it's the perfect film to recommend to people unsure about Star Wars or who think the franchise has been ruined. **************************************************************************This episode is a production of Star Wars Generations, a The Ethical Panda Podcast and part of the TruStory FM Entertainment Podcast Network. Check our our website to find out more about this and our sister podcast Superhero Ethics.We want to hear from you! You can keep up with our latest news, and send us feedback, questions, or comments via social media or email.Email: Matthew@TheEthicalPanda.comFacebook: TheEthicalPandaInstagram: TheEthicalPandaPodcastsTwitter: EthicalPanda77Or you can join jump into the Star Wars Generations and Superhero Ethics channels on the TruStory FM Discord.To learn more about co-host Erin and her incredible cosplay check out her Instagram, LadyTanoCreates.Want to get access to even more content while supporting the podcast? Become a member! For $5 a month, or $55 a year you get access to bonus episodes and bonus content at the end of most episodes. Sign up on the podcast’s main page you can even give membership as a gift!You can also support our podcasts through our sponsors:Purchase a lightsaber from Level Up Sabers run by friend of the podcast Neighborhood Master AlanUse Audible for audiobooks. Sign up for a one year membership or gift one through this link.Purchase any media discussed this week through our sponsored links.

Star Wars Generations: Andor Season 2 Finale Reactions - The Dawn of RebellionThe groundbreaking Andor series reaches its powerful conclusion, connecting directly to Rogue One and reshaping how we view the Star Wars universe. In this episode, hosts Matthew and Alex share their immediate reactions to the final episodes of Andor Season 2, examining how the show bridges crucial gaps in the Rebellion's formation while delivering some of television's most compelling character arcs.How Does Andor Enhance the Larger Star Wars Narrative?The hosts explore how Andor doesn't just stand alone but actively enriches the entire Star Wars saga. By connecting seamlessly to Rogue One and A New Hope, the series makes the sacrifices in the original trilogy even more meaningful. The show provides essential context for understanding the Rebellion's origins, showing the personal costs and moral compromises that went into fighting the Empire long before Luke Skywalker entered the picture.What Makes Luthen Such a Complex Character?Luthen embodies the moral complexities at the heart of revolution, raising uncomfortable questions about means and ends. As Matthew notes, the character "troubles me the most, and I think that's the point," drawing comparisons to historical revolutionary figures who employed violent tactics in service of just causes. Luthen's own words resonate throughout the series: "I'm condemned to use the tools of my enemy to defeat them," highlighting the central ethical dilemma facing all resistance movements. The hosts debate whether his methods were justified and how his character forces viewers to question their own moral judgments about real-world resistance movements.How Does the Empire Treat Its Own People?The fate of Imperial officers like Dedra Meero and Partagaz reveals a brutal truth: "You could do everything for the Empire, you could give yourself to it... but in the end, no matter how loyal you are, you're expendable." The hosts discuss how the series brilliantly portrays the Empire's callous treatment of even its most dedicated servants, creating a system where middle-management bullies like Krennic thrive while true believers are discarded when no longer useful.What Legacy Is Left Behind?The final moments of the series spark discussion about how characters' sacrifices ripple through the timeline. As Luthen states in his powerful speech, "I burned my life to make a sunrise that I know I'll never see," foreshadowing the future that Cassian and others will help create but never witness themselves. The hosts debate the controversial ending for Bix's character and whether it serves the narrative or relies too heavily on common tropes.Other Topics Covered:How K2-SO's introduction creates both comedic moments and surprisingly tense action scenesThe significance of Easter eggs connecting to other Star Wars properties, including RebelsWhether Kleya and Cassian might be siblings, and why making this connection would undermine the storyHow actors delivered Emmy-worthy performances across multiple complex rolesThe perfect execution of Andor as a complete two-season story with clear vision from start to finishWhy Orson Krennic's introduction establishes him as the quintessential Imperial middle-manager bullyThe visual parallels between key scenes in the finale and Rogue One's endingAndor has redefined what Star Wars storytelling can achieve on television, creating a rare series that appeals equally to hardcore fans and newcomers to the galaxy far, far away. By focusing on ordinary people caught in extraordinary circumstances, the show illuminates the personal costs of resistance while never losing sight of why the fight against tyranny matters—even when victory seems impossible and the path forward requires difficult compromises. **************************************************************************This episode is a production of Star Wars Generations, a The Ethical Panda Podcast and part of the TruStory FM Entertainment Podcast Network. Check our our website to find out more about this and our sister podcast Superhero Ethics.We want to hear from you! You can keep up with our latest news, and send us feedback, questions, or comments via social media or email.Email: Matthew@TheEthicalPanda.comFacebook: TheEthicalPandaInstagram: TheEthicalPandaPodcastsTwitter: EthicalPanda77Or you can join jump into the Star Wars Generations and Superhero Ethics channels on the TruStory FM Discord.To learn more about co-host Erin and her incredible cosplay check out her Instagram, LadyTanoCreates.Want to get access to even more content while supporting the podcast? Become a member! For $5 a month, or $55 a year you get access to bonus episodes and bonus content at the end of most episodes. Sign up on the podcast’s main page you can even give membership as a gift!You can also support our podcasts through our sponsors:Purchase a lightsaber from Level Up Sabers run by friend of the podcast Neighborhood Master AlanUse Audible for audiobooks. Sign up for a one year membership or gift one through this link.Purchase any media discussed this week through our sponsored links.