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Star Wars

Lego Star Wars: Terrifying Tales – Scared Silly

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Hallowe’en has come early.

To kick off its ‘Hallowstream’ Event, Disney+ offers its latest gift in the form of Lego Star Wars: Terrifying Tales, it’s latest entry into the long-running animated franchise. Following last year’s Lego Star Wars Holiday Special, Tales continues to lean into the holiday-themed material with an episode devoted to the Dark Side and its minions.

Terrifying Tales takes place after the events of The Rise of Skywalker as Poe Dameron and BB-8 are forced to make a sudden landing on the volcanic planet of Mustafar. Standing at the base of Darth Vader’s iconic hideaway, they soon discover that Graballa the Hutt has bought the castle so that he can repurpose it into a luxury hotel. While they wait for their ship to be repaired, they are intrigued by the mysterious Vanee (Tony Hale). Once working as Vader’s loyal servant, Vanee spins three eerie tales that are linked to the past and leads them deep within the castle’s walls. As his sinister plan is revealed, Poe, BB-8 and young mechanic Dean must face their fears and defeat an ancient evil from taking hold once again.

Taking a page from Marvel’s What If…? series, Terrifying Tales spins its own web of Jedi stories that may (or may not) have happened amidst the Star Wars canon. True to other Lego Star Wars animated fare, the series pops with silliness and fun, even as the proverbial ‘terrifying tales’ themselves focus on the more villainous characters in the universe. Just like it’s Marvel cousin, the show frees up its storytellers to tell stories without the burden of overarching storylines and continuity. As a result, there’s a gleeful freedom within this particular episode that sets it apart from other entries into the Lego franchise. (I mean, how much fun is it to see the story of impetuous farmboy Luke joining the Empire so he can live his dream as a great pilot?)

Concerned parents may find it important to know that these ‘terrifying tales’ hardly live up to their name. Although there are a few minutes of shadows and spookiness, ‘terrifying’ is hardly the word to describe these lighthearted adventures. (Although, it’s worth noting that these particular animators clearly love The Shining as it influences some of the better jokes within the episode.)

Since it’s leaning into the Dark Side of its stories, the show puts a heavy emphasis on stories about fear and power. (Again, lightly and playfully, of course.) However, Disney does admittedly surprise here by taking the opportunity to talk about the nature of courage as well. As Dean is exposed to Vanee’s ‘terrifying tales’ of the past, so too is he tempted to fall into their fear. Even so, Poe uses the moment to speak into Dean’s life.  Acknowledging his own fear, the pilot let’s Dean know that everyone experiences it but what matters most is what you do with that fear. To him, fear can be overcome when you lean into it and believe that you are stronger than it says. (“Without fear, you can’t have courage,” Poe says.) In this way, Terrifying Tales does a good job of helping kids recognize that fear is a normal part of their experience and empowering them when it strikes.

Goofy and entertaining, Lego Star Wars: Terrifying Tales is a suitable addition to the Lego Star Wars universe. Featuring fun side stories about some of the franchises favourite villains (Kylo Ren origin!), the episode is lighthearted enough to kickstart a month of Hallowe’en specials and spooks. But the best part is the fact that Disney doesn’t leave its kids wallowing in fear but shows them the path to courage along the way.

Lego Star Wars: Terrifying Tales is available on Disney+ on Friday, October 1st, 2021.

Star Wars Visions: A Whole New World

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As a Star Wars fan, I’ve grown accustomed to a certain style of storytelling. Not necessarily because I wanted to… but because I knew that that was just how things were going to be.

Disney bought Star Wars and they had a formula that they wanted to maintain.

This was most evident when Disney first purchased Lucasfilm back in 2014. While the excitement was high for fans about the return of the franchise, the fallout was swift. With the House of Mouse’s desire to control its properties, any books, video games, and comics that were released under the Star Wars label (other than the six films) were no longer considered ‘canon’ and disappeared. (Sigh. Where did you go Dark Forces?) With a single blast from their proverbial Death Star, Disney vaporized such beloved characters as Mara Jade, Grand Admiral Thrawn and more from the Star Wars universe. While some of those characters have been reintroduced over the years, fans were left angered as their favourite tales were deemed unworthy of the next generation of stories. Admittedly, there’s certainly an argument for this decision (after all, Disney couldn’t possible may all these conflicting stories work within their continuity). However, it also limited the space for any real originality to the universe.

Then, along came Star Wars: Visions.

Now available on Disney+, Star Wars: Visions is a 9-episode series of shorts produced by six different Japanese animation studios. Directed in differing styles of anime by different directors, each episode feels like a completely new and exciting interpretation of the galaxy far, far away. 

What’s most impressive though is that, with the release of these shorts, Disney has injected a breath of fresh bacta into the Star Wars tank. Unhampered by the burden of ‘canon’, these visions rely on something much more important: creativity. Like a bolt of lightning, these simple stories have energized a world which had become a little stale. (Aside from Baby Yoda, of course.) For once, Disney allowed their storytellers to develop their own… well… vision for their closely guarded universe, create unique characters and styles that showcase the talents of their artists. Though it’s safe to say that there were certain boundaries given, every short differs wildly from one another and challenges our assumptions about the Star Wars universe. 

A samurai protects a small village from a Sith Lord.

A band of youth embark on a dangerous mission to rescue their friend from Jabba the Hutt.

Two twin siblings battle to redeem (or recruit) the other.

Each individual narrative is fully enclosed with no reliance on the other episodes. That gives each storyteller the freedom to simply dip their toe into the sands of Tatooine without being burdened by larger narratives or story arcs. Most importantly though, they allow the animators to tell their stories in their own voice in their own way. From Solo to Rogue One, there are multiple stories in recent years that site Disney’s penchant to control their IP and has resulted in the firing of numerous directors. However, with Visions, the House of Mouse has turned off the targeting computer and let their animators have the freedom that they need.

And the results are stunning. 

Featuring some truly eye-popping animation, it is refreshing to see the universe stretched with its interpretations. From their use of colour and style to their philosophical conversations, every individual episode feels like a masterclass in anime storytelling. (In addition, the voice cast features some impressive talent as well, including Shang Chi‘s Simu Liu, Henry Golding, George Takei, Alison Brie, Joseph Gordon-Levitt and, of course, Tamuera Morrison returning as Boba Fett.)

In this way, although not quite the restoration of what was lost, these new visions of the Star Wars universe feel like Disney has given a gift to the fans. 

And not just the animators either.

Star Wars: Visions feels like a long overdue gift to those who have been clamouring to hear their own voice represented in the Star Wars universe. Frankly, this begs the question of what could be next? Could there be Star Wars stories told from an African perspective? Indian? Middle-Eastern? The possibilities are endless… and every one of them has the potential to bridge the cultural gap in storytelling as well. No, Visions hasn’t changed the game—but it has provided an opportunity for the world to share in a property that had previously only been told from one perspective.

So, maybe something old really can be new again.

Star Wars: Visions is available on Disney+ on Wednesday, September 22nd, 2021

The Bad Batch: Bad Batch, Good Series

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(L-R): Crosshair, Echo, Hunter, Tech and Wrecker in a scene from “STAR WARS: THE BAD BATCH”, exclusively on Disney+. © 2021 Lucasfilm Ltd. & ™. All Rights Reserved.

It’s hardly a secret that May the 4th has taken on a life of its own.

Though it began as an internet joke by fans, Disney has leaned into this unofficial Star Wars holiday to release new content and celebrate the galaxy far, far away. Now, with the day upon us, Disney+ has taken the opportunity to begin their next chapter of the Wars world with The Bad Batch, the latest animated series from hit-maker Dave Filoni.

Admiral Tarkin in a scene from “STAR WARS: THE BAD BATCH”, exclusively on Disney+. © 2021 Lucasfilm Ltd. & ™. All Rights Reserved.

As the creator of the original Clone Wars and Mandalorian series, Filoni has become one of the founders of modern Warsstory-telling. With an emphasis on character development and long-form narrative arcs, his style has served them well, especially with the company’s increasing emphasis on Disney+. With The Bad Batch, Filoni returns to the Clone Wars era but, rather than simply continue the franchise (again), the story now focuses on a rogue squadron (pun intended) of faulty clones. Similar to the way in which Mandalorian offers a twist on the familiar, The Bad Batch also takes the world created by Lucas and creates something exciting and new(ish).

Picking up immediately after the clone troops have executed the now-infamous Order 66, the elite troop of soldiers Clone Force 99 are left shocked and confused by what has just taken place. After having followed their Jedi generals for years in the heat of battle, suddenly they have been commanded to wipe them out. (“All of them,” growls Palpatine.) However, as members of a bad batch of clones who have been genetically enhanced above their brothers-in-arms, Hunter, Wrecker, Tech, Crosshair and Echo seem immune to the Emperor’s orders. Lost and confused in the post-Clone Wars era, the Bad Batch must attempt to find their place in a much darker world than they could have imagined.

Emperor Palpatine in a scene from “STAR WARS: THE BAD BATCH”, exclusively on Disney+. © 2021 Lucasfilm Ltd. & ™. All Rights Reserved.

With a slightly darker edge than its animated predecessor, Bad Batch has genuine potential to be the next great Star Warsseries. Featuring solid story-telling and interesting characters, The Bad Batch is entertaining and engaging from the first episode. Filoni and his crew have yet again [re]created a world that’s worth our attention. Although this set up of a rag-tag band of freedom fighters may feel familiar within the Wars universe, the fact that the group consists of Imperial troopers somehow makes it seem fresh. 

What’s more, the timing of the story feels like it actually fleshes out part of Lucas’ original vision. (Admittedly, the poor writing of the prequels leaves ample space for this to happen.) By continuing the story post-Order 66 from the perspective from anyone outside the Jedi Order, Filoni opens up the importance of that moment to those who aren’t normally featured. This is yet again another example of how Disney+ has allowed Star Wars to give smaller characters not named Skywalker their moment in the sun. (Who knew that I’d be glad to see the Kimino cloners again?) Though formulaic, it is still working… and fun to watch.

Omega in a scene from “STAR WARS: THE BAD BATCH”, exclusively on Disney+. © 2021 Lucasfilm Ltd. & ™. All Rights Reserved.

Admittedly, the story doesn’t need the addition of a ‘kid’ to the group. (At least, not from the first episode.) With the inclusion of ‘Omega’, the Batch has someone else to protect and provide the necessary childlike innocence that they will need. This seems to be the trend for more mature Wars stories in order to ‘soften’ the groups for younger viewers (read: Yoda, Baby) but it isn’t always necessary. 

What makes this Bad Batch interesting is that, as ‘faulty’ clones, they have a unique flaw that sets them apart from other troopers: free will. Because of their genetic modifications, this crew of misfits are able to avoid the power of the Emperor’s viral commands and make their own decisions. In other words, despite their Clone DNA, this batch has the ability to make moral decisions instead of following orders blindly.

(L-R): Echo, Tech, Hunter, Crosshair and Wrecker in a scene from “STAR WARS: THE BAD BATCH”, exclusively on Disney+. © 2021 Lucasfilm Ltd. & ™. All Rights Reserved.

This squadron has a conscience.

Usually viewed as mindless drones who execute the Empire’s wishes at will, this group of troopers with the ability to reason for themselves creates some interesting tensions. In the pilot episode alone, the frictions within the unit mount as they attempt to wrestle with the implications of disobeying orders for the first time. Having been told what to think their entire lives, their circumstances have forced them to decide the nature of their duty for themselves. On the one hand, they value the military chain of command and accomplishing their mission.

On the other, they have begun to question what’s right and wrong.

Admiral Tarkin in a scene from “STAR WARS: THE BAD BATCH”, exclusively on Disney+. © 2021 Lucasfilm Ltd. & ™. All Rights Reserved.

For this group, morality is a new experience and offers solid potential as the story unfolds. As they process their way through a new world, Hunter and his crew are literally blank slates in search of their own identity and ethics. As a result, these new toys appear to have given Filoni and his team the opportunity to explore what makes something good or evil.

It’s also what appears to make watching this Bad Batch a good choice.

Star Wars: The Bad Batch premieres on Disney+ on Tuesday, May 4th, 2021 with new episodes airing on Fridays.

7.08 Behind the Mask of THE MANDALORIAN

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When the Star Wars universe made the transition to the small screen, no one could have predicted the cultural impact that The Mandalorian would have. Featuring a sympathetic hero in Din Djarin (Pedro Pascal), a wild-west atmosphere and, of course, Baby Yod… er… the Child, Mando has become a pop culture phenomenon, reviving a flagging franchise and rebuilding trust with its fans. This week, we welcome back pastor Jedi Greg Banik and ScreenFish padawan Gary Blaze to talk about the magic of the series and identifying with the man behind the mask.

(NOTE: This episode features spoilers up to episode 5 of Season 2.)

You can stream the episode on podomatic, Alexa (via Stitcher), Spotify or Amazon Podcasts! Or, you can download the ep on Apple Podcasts!

Want to continue to conversation at home?  Click the link below to download ‘Fishing for More’ — some small group questions for you to bring to those in your area.

7.08 The MandalorianDownload

GIVEAWAY: Digital Copy of STAR WARS: THE RISE OF SKYWALKER

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When it’s discovered that the evil Emperor Palpatine did not die at the hands of Darth Vader, the rebels must race against the clock to find out his whereabouts. Finn and Poe lead the Resistance to put a stop to the First Order’s plans to form a new Empire, while Rey anticipates her inevitable confrontation with Kylo Ren. (Warning: Some flashing-lights scenes in this film may affect photosensitive viewers.)

To enter, tell us your favourite force power and why. For a bonus entry, like or share the post on Twitter, Facebook and/or Instagram.

The winner will receive a digital copy of Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker on iTunes.

All entries must be completed by 11:59pm on Thursday, April 2nd, 2020.

To hear ScreenFish Radio’s episode on Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker, click here.

Ahsoka’s Universe: 1on1 with Ashley Eckstein (STAR WARS: THE CLONE WARS)

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It’s not every day that one gets the opportunity to speak with Star Wars royalty.

Since her introduction in the first season of Star Wars: The Clone Wars as a young Jedi-in-training, Ahsoka Tano remains one of the most beloved characters in the Star Wars universe that doesn’t carry the last name of Skywalker. Voiced by Ashley Eckstein, Ahsoka’s journey from precocious padawan to confidence and maturity is one of the great character arcs within the Star Wars canon.

With the latest—and truly final—season streaming on Disney+, Eckstein finally has the chance to revisit the beloved character and allow fans the opportunity to see what she’s been up to since she abandoned the Jedi Order. Asked why she believes Ahsoka resonates so deeply with the fans, Eckstein believes that the connection stems from the amount of time that they have had watching her grow and mature.

“With Ahsoka, there are very few characters, in Star Wars especially, that span a generation. An entire generation of fans grew up with Ahsoka, whether they were kids when Clone Wars first came out and it was their first introduction, or maybe they were parents watching it with their kids or whether it’s lifelong fans that went on this journey. The fans truly went on a journey with Ahsoka and she became the eyes of the Clone Wars. She was really the eyes of the audience and they really connected with her.”

“Something that Dave Filoni and his writing team did so brilliantly is that everyone relates to Ahsoka. I think in the very beginning, we never pointed out that she was a girl. We literally threw her gender out the door and she has orange skin so everyone can relate to her. No matter what your gender is, race, beliefs, anything, everyone can relate to Ahsoka. You can almost say that Ahsoka is everyone. Over the course now of twelve years, we’ve had so much time and so many hours of television to grow [and] experience with her, people have gone through an entire chapter of their life with her.”

Having voiced Ahsoka from the very beginning, Eckstein recognizes how truly special it is to have helped bring someone entirely new to life in the Star War Universe. Working with showrunner Dave Filoni and his team, Eckstein feels that she has also been allowed to bring her own voice into the character.

“I truly feel like I won the lottery by getting the chance to originate a new character in Star Wars,” she says enthusiastically. “It’s such a privilege and it’s one that I do not take lightly. I mean, I’ve practically devoted my life to it because I see what an honor and a privilege it is. Dave has allowed me to be part of the process from day one. I’m careful by saying that I’ve never written the episode. That is truly Dave and his writing team and they’re incredible. What Dave has allowed me to do from day one is bring my own voice. I don’t mean literally just my voice, but my own personality and how I would say things.” 

“It turns out that I was cast, not for my audition per se, but really just how I was acting in between takes. They wanted someone with an Icelandic accent and I just couldn’t master it and, in between takes, I was getting really frustrated that I couldn’t give them the voice that they wanted. And it turns out the way I was asking questions, the mannerisms of my body, how I was moving my arms, how I was getting exasperated, was actually what got me the part. I went to ask Dave, ‘why did you cast me?’ And you know, he said, ‘Ashley, you’re genuine and that is also Ahsoka.’ That always stuck with me. I never thought about it but, to me, it’s very important to be genuine in everything you do. I want to be that for Ahsoka and I will continue to be that.”

Asked how she feels Ahsoka has changed, Eckstein confesses that her characters journey is relatable to all and has even mirrored her own growth over the years.

“Ahsoka has gone from the snippy padawan to a master in her own right. It’s been an incredible journey and one that, even though these stories happen in a galaxy far, far away, we can all relate to. We all start out in whatever we do like Padawans and, as we grow up and go out into the world, we all can relate to Ahsoka. Me included… Sometimes it’s been really heartbreaking, but my life has mirrored Ahsoka’s in so many ways. It’s like art imitates life. And that’s why I’m so outspoken about the fact that I ask myself daily, what would Ahsoka do because I do believe that she represents all that is good and all that is light. She wants to make the right choice and so I ask myself that on a regular basis.”

Most important to Eckstein, however, is the impact that Ahsoka has had on Star Wars culture. Coming at a time when there were few strong female characters in the franchise, she recognizes that characters like Ahsoka have helped give voice to a generation of women who were looking for cultural role models.

“Ahsoka was a trailblazer, especially for female fans. People forget that, back in 2008, Rey didn’t exist. Jin didn’t exist. Hera, Sabine, all of these strong female characters. We weren’t having these female led stories and franchises. Ahsoka was a game changer and she wasn’t met with praise at first. She shocked people. She was the first female Jedi that was a lead character in the Star Wars universe and it was shocking. I realized very quickly again that this was an honor and a privilege to be voicing her. I so badly want to be a real-life representation of her.“

With this in mind, Eckstein is also passionate of her clothing company, Her Universe, which she hopes will be an encouragement to young females who have found themselves alienated in a primarily male-dominated fan culture.

“What Dave was always supportive of was to start ‘Her Universe’, my company, which was 100% because of Ahsoka,” she argues. “It wasn’t just for the merchandise. It was because fan girls were being bullied and they were being bullied terribly just for being a girl and liking Star Wars. I knew nothing about making clothes. I knew nothing about licensing. I knew nothing about starting a business, but when I saw all of these women and girls being bullied, I asked myself, I said, what would Ahsoka do?”

“Ahsoka would stand up for fan girls. She would give a voice to the invisible. Ahsoka would pay attention to and stand up for those that feel that they can’t stand up for themselves. So, with Her Universe truly, I started it to give a voice to female fans and not to say that this world is just for female fans. It’s not just for male fans. Star Wars is for everyone. Star Wars is a story to me of good overcoming evil. It’s a story of hope and it’s a story that you can’t put a gender on. I feel like the role that I’ve really been able to play as well by being the voice of Ahsoka and help giving her voice is to spread Ahsoka’s message throughout the galaxy and throughout our world of hope.”

In addition to her work on Clone Wars, Eckstein has also recently written her first fiction book, a Little Golden Book based on Ahsoka’s adventures. For Eckstein, the chance to contribute to a children’s franchise that has inspired for generations was simply too good to pass up.

“This is ‘bucket list’ level for me,” she beams. “I feel very blessed to have gotten to do some pretty cool things in my life, but this just ranks up there with one of the top. I grew up and learned to read because of Little Golden Books. So, when they asked me to write a Little Golden Book, I’m not joking when I say I think it was the fastest time I’ve ever said yes to anything in my life. It’s part of a series of Little Golden Books for Star Wars…

“When they asked me if I would be interested in writing I am a Padawan for Ahsoka, I just thought it was perfect. There are so many wonderful lessons that Ahsoka learned and the new generation that’s going to come up on the Little Golden Books, just like I did, are so hungry for these lessons… They’re lessons of hope and bravery and failure and friendship and knowledge and all of these wonderful lessons that, whether you’re learning them for the first time or whether you’re getting a reminder, these are good lessons for everyone. I had so much fun writing it.”

“I was really intimidated actually because this was the first fiction story that I wrote and I put it aside for a second. It was really daunting. I was kind of scared to start and one day, I had a deadline and I said, ‘okay, I gotta jump in’. I went back to the episodes of the Clone Wars and the lessons that I learned and really got to relive the entire journey. I picked out my personal favorite lessons that I took away from the Clone Wars and that I wanted to pay it forward and share.”

Despite the fact that The Clone Wars has famously been cancelled twice before, Eckstein confirms that they are officially wrapping up the story with this latest season. With Ahsoka’s return to the series, she points out that the fans will finally get to see what her character has been doing since she left the Jedi Order as well as the highly anticipated Siege of Mandalore.

“This [season] picks up right where we left off,” Eckstein explains. “Ahsoka’s on her own. She’s trying to find her way in this new world, a world that she knows nothing about because all she knows is the Jedi Order. She was brought to the Jedi temple when she was a youngling. We saw how young she was when Plo Koon found her and brought her to the Jedi Temple. All she knows is being a Jedi and now, everything she knew, she walked away from and she’s questioning. She truly is lost. So, these first four episodes, we pick up with her finding her way and figuring out who she is [and] what she’s going to do next. And, without spoiling anything, adventure ensues [laughs].”

“Then, we’re finally going to get the Siege of Mandalore. That is truly Ahsoka’s finale [as well as] Clone Wars. Everyone knew when, when Clone Wars was on the air before, that we were leading up to that. So, it never felt complete when Clone Wars ended because we all knew that we were supposed to get this ending and we never got it. So, like I said, I’m so grateful to Disney, Disney+, executive Carrie Beck and Dave Filoni for giving us this opportunity to make Clone Wars again. I’m always careful to say it’s not just me. It’s a whole team of people that makes the show that brings Ahsoka to life. I’m just one member of the team and I’m so grateful that they brought the gang back together and that we could wrap it up.”

One of the more unique appearances of Ahsoka came in the form of a verbal cameo at the climax of Episode IX: The Rise of Skywalker. For Eckstein, the opportunity to be a part of the franchise’s film canon was an unexpected privilege. 

“Getting to voice of Ahsoka in Rise of Skywalker is truly one of the highlights of my entire career,” she exclaims. “It was an honor that I was shocked. I found out in April of 2019… and I was told that it might not happen. I was kind of protecting my heart a little bit because I thought they were going to change their mind… So, all of a sudden, the year came and went and here we are in mid-October and I still hadn’t heard anything. I thought it wasn’t going to happen. The next thing you know, I got a call from my agent telling me that I have a recording session at Bad Robot and I couldn’t believe it. I literally was speechless… “

“I’m forever grateful to Matthew Wood for including me in this part. JJ Abrams couldn’t have been kinder. He immediately came up to me and thanked me for being in the movie, which I immediately said, ‘Oh, JJ Abrams, thank you for having me in the movie!’ [laughs]… All the lines that you heard in that montage, I’m assuming they had us all read all the lines and then they picked and chose which ones they wanted us to say.

“It was just one of the coolest moments in my career. I will say this, one of the characters says ‘let the light guide you’ and Ahsoka says “as it guided us”. It couldn’t be more perfect because that’s what I’ve already been asking fans. That’s what I feel like Ahsoka represents. She lets the light guide her and that’s the message that I want to continue to spread to fans as I strive every day to be a real life Ahsoka. Just let the light guide you.” 

As rumors continue to circulate of the casting of Rosario Dawson to bring Ahsoka to life in the upcoming season of The Mandalorian, Eckstein admits that she continues to be out of the loop on any decisions that may (or may not) have been made. Regardless, she recognizes that the passion the fans have for the character continues to astound her.

“I’m not involved in The Mandalorian,” she clarifies, “so I can’t speak to any rumors. I can’t speak to anything that I’m not involved in but I did speak [on Instagram] to what Ahsoka means to me and to the fans. In just two hours, the response from the fans is unreal. I am speechless with the response, but it really shows what Ahsoka means to everyone. It’s really incredible.”

For full audio of our interview with Ashley Eckstein, click here.

Star Wars: The Clone Wars is wrapping up its adventure on Disney+ now.

2020 So Far: Iran, Church Shooting, Star Wars, Golden Globes

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your sunday drive

Your Sunday Drive Podcast Season 2, Episode 1.

In our first episode of 2020, we briefly refocus the goal of this podcast: seeking ways to approach current culture in a Christian/biblical way. We then ask “what’s happening so far in 2020?,” covering topics from the conflict with Iran and another recent church shooting, to some reflections on Star Wars and the Golden Globes fallout.

Come along for Your Sunday Drive – quick conversation about current events, politics, pop culture and more, from the perspective of a couple of guys trying to follow Jesus.

Hosts: Matt Hill and Nate Polzin. Presented by the Church in Drive of Saginaw, MI, as often as possible. Please visit churchindrive.com and facebook.com/thechurchindrive

6.14 Family and Fans in STAR WARS: THE RISE OF SKYWALKER

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In Star Wars: RISE OF SKYWALKER, Director JJ Abrams returns to attempt to wrap up a story 42 years in the making. As Resistance Heroes Poe Dameron and Finn attempt to wage ware agains the darkness of the First Order, young Jedi Rey ventures into the far reaches of space to face a deeper evil who has returned from the grave ready to expose secrets from her past. This week, Jedi Master Greg Banik and Mando Arnaldo Reyes return to the show to do battle about fan expectations, the nature of family and redemption from our past. 

You can also stream the episode above on podomatic, Alexa (via Stitcher), Spotify or Soundcloud! Or, you can download the ep on Apple Podcasts or Google Play!

Want to continue to conversation at home?  Click the link below to download ‘Fishing for More’ — some small group questions for you to bring to those in your area.

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Star Wars Episode IX: The Rise of Skywalker

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Daisy Ridley is Rey and Adam Driver is Kylo Ren in STAR WARS: THE RISE OF SKYWALKER

The first words in the scrolling text that opens Star Wars Episode IX: The Rise of Skywalker are “The dead speak!” It continues on with a few things to remind us where the story left off. But those first three words are all we really need, because as the film progresses, the dead will indeed speak over and over.

This is the final film of the Skywalker Saga that began in 1977 with what would become Episode IV: A New Hope and eventually restarted with Episode I: The Phantom Menace. Because it is the final film in the series (the last film in the last trilogy), its main task is to bring the story that has taken over forty years to tell to a satisfying end. Star Wars is such a cultural touchstone that opinions on how well that has been accomplished will vary. My own opinion is that the series does not go out with a bang, but rather with a sigh.

This episode continues the stories of two characters with strong connections to the Force: Kylo Ren (Adam Driver), son of Leia Organa (Carrie Fisher) and Han Solo (Harrison Ford) and grandson of Darth Vader, and Rey (Daisy Ridley) an orphan who has tried to become a Jedi by training with Luke Skywalker (Mark Hamill). Ren has chosen to follow the Dark Side and has been trying to bring Rey to join him and together rule the galaxy. They continue their dance of trying to convert each other through this film. Both are seeking a hidden planet where the real power is to be found and grasped or eliminated. While there are other characters involved in various subplots, these two are the real heart of the story.

Ren (aka Ben Solo) fashions his own version of Vader’s mask, and when wearing it has something of Vader’s ominous voice. He has taken the title Supreme Leader, and seeks to grab all power for himself, but would like Rey to join him. Together they would be a formidable power.

Rey, on the other hand, rejects the Dark Side. She trained with Luke, but still feels unworthy to carry his lightsaber. When she sets off on her mission, Leia tells her, “Never be afraid of who you are.” But who is she? That becomes a central question as the film plays out. What is it about her that has made her such a focus of the Force? (And since this is the final film, it will be revealed—but not in this review.) The knowledge of her background will be a challenge for her to accept.

There will be lightsaber duels, space fighter dogfights, explosions, and all the other accoutrements of Star Wars. There will be redemption, sacrifice, and even resurrection. Love will be declared. Loss will be devastating. And the story will be wrapped up with some tears and some celebrations. Then there will be a coda that takes us back to Tatooine, where the Saga began to bring the circle to a close. (Sigh)

But what about those first three words of the scroll? The dead speak! Initially it is because the dead Emperor Palpatine has been making a comeback. But then we get to see or hear others from the past episodes who have died as the story played out. Luke, is prominent, even though he died at the end of The Last Jedi. Now a glowing personage, he continues to teach Rey what she needs to know for her final battle. But in a decisive scene for Kylo Ren’s character, there is another visit from one who has died. Who are all these who speak from the grave? Well, they are essentially the saints of the Saga. Through their words they bring healing and they bring power. As Rey must face her final challenge, she gathers strength from many of these voices.

The scripture that comes to mind is Hebrews 12:1. After retracing the history of Israel’s heroes, the author says, “Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight and the sin that clings so closely, and let us run with perseverance the race that has been set before us.” [NRSV]

Star Wars has always attracted theological/spiritual reflection. The Rise of Skywalker gives us a chance to consider the idea of the fellowship of the saints. It is not just what we think of sitting drinking coffee in the fellowship hall after worship. It is not even just what it means to come around the Lord’s Table as God’s people. It is also an attachment to the whole history of God’s salvation. We are joined to those who have come before us. And we are joined to those who will come after us.

As we look at the end of the Skywalker Saga, we are able to see the whole arc of a story in which faith in action has been passed on from one to another. It has not always been an easy passing. There are those who have been corrupted, but also those who have found redemption and restoration. The past brings ist strength to a new day—a dawning of new life.

The Holidays & Mental Health; Star Wars

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your sunday drive podcast

It’s nearly Christmas – a joyous time, but also a difficult time for many.

In this episode of the Your Sunday Drive podcast, we welcome local family medicine physician’s assistant Dave Mulder to talk about the holidays and mental health, trying to lend a Christian perspective to an issue that many face this time of year.

With The Rise of Skywalker just days from release, we also take a quick few minutes to discuss the spiritual significance of Star Wars.

Come along for Your Sunday Drive – quick conversation about current events, politics, pop culture and more, from the perspective of a couple of guys trying to follow Jesus.

Hosts: Matt Hill and Nate Polzin. Presented by the Church in Drive of Saginaw, MI, as often as possible. Please visit churchindrive.com and facebook.com/thechurchindrive