This episode returns to previous explorations of various force traditions to explore the concept, popular in the Star Wars community, of the ‘Gray Jedi.’ Looking through the lens of canon characters who profess various degrees of neutrality or differences of opinion with the Jedi Order, the hosts examine what being neutral towards The Force in the Star Wars universe truly means. Is it possible to dabble in the Dark Side without corruption, or are you always riding a tiger than will eventually turn on you? Does disagreement with the Jedi Order itself make you a Gray Jedi, or should this label depend more on the individual’s own relationship with The Force? Assessing characters as diverse as The Bendu, Ahsoka Tano, Baylan Skoll, and Qui-Gon Jinn, the hosts lay out their individual assessment of the concept of a Gray Jedi.This episode mentions content from and contains potential spoilers for: Episodes 1 through 9, Rebels, Ahsoka (show), The Clone Wars, Dooku: Jedi Lost, Tales of the Jedi, Andor, Rogue One, Fallen Order, Jedi Survivor, Dark Disciple, Master and Apprentice, Guardians of the Whills, Darth Vader: Dark Lord of the Sith (comic), and The High Republic (Phase 1).Thank you for listening to Talking Star Wars with Connor and Alex!Check us out on Reddit here:https://www.reddit.com/r/TalkingStarWars/

In this episode, Connor and Alex resume their survey and discussion of each work in the current Star Wars canon by going over the next group of novels in release order. This episode discusses the works released in the leadup to Solo: A Star Wars Story, the first book of the Queen’s Shadow Trilogy, and the second two books of the Thrawn trilogy. These works consist of: Last Shot, Most Wanted, Mighty Chewbacca in the Forest of Fear!, Thrawn: Alliances, Queen’s Shadow, Master and Apprentice, and Thrawn: Treason. For each work, the hosts provide an overview of the plot and discuss the quality of the novel both as a piece of fiction and as a part of the larger Star Wars universe.This episode mentions content from and contains potential spoilers for: Last Shot, Most Wanted, Mighty Chewbacca in the Forest of Fear!, Thrawn: Alliances, Queen’s Shadow, Master and Apprentice, Thrawn: Treason, Solo: A Star Wars Story, Rebels, Doctor Aphra, Knights of the Old Republic, Thrawn, Dooku: Jedi Lost, and Ahsoka.Thank you for listening to Talking Star Wars with Connor and Alex!Check us out on Reddit here:https://www.reddit.com/r/TalkingStarWars/

In this episode, Alex and Connor explore the factors that led to both the downfall of the Jedi Order at the hands of Emperor Palpatine and the destruction of Luke’s Jedi Order after his attempt to directly resurrect their practices and beliefs. This episode traces the increasingly strict dogma of the Jedi Order from the first attacks of the Nihil in the High Republic Period, which sets the precedent for the Jedi becoming Generals of the Grand Army of the Republic during The Clone Wars. Other key factors explored include the complacency of the Jedi Order, the inflexibility of the Jedi Council, and the overwhelming nature of outside threats that made the Order uniquely vulnerable. Listen today to hear a detailed analysis about the fall of the Jedi Order.This episode mentions content from and contains potential spoilers for: Episodes 1 through 9, The Rise of Kylo Ren, The High Republic Phase 1, The Clone Wars, Rebels, Fallen Order, Jedi Survivor, Knights of the Old Republic, and The Mandalorian.Thank you for listening to Talking Star Wars with Connor and Alex!Check us out on Reddit here:https://www.reddit.com/r/TalkingStarWars/

In this episode, the hosts provide an overview of The High Republic, with a particular focus on the characters and factions introduced in Phase 1: the Supreme Chancellor Lina Soh and her Great Works; the growing threat of the Nihil marauders; the establishment of the Republic Defense Force; and a huge array of Jedi Knights, Masters, and Padawans with the Order itself at the zenith of its power. The episode also touches on the portrayal of Jedi as being more flexible in this era, but starting to adopt a more consistent (and stringent) dogma - while their portrayal still remains more hopeful and optimistic compared to the darkness of Anakin Skywalker. The hosts also touch on Phase 2, which is a prequel phase that focuses on the origins of the Nihil and the Forever War between two Outer Rim worlds. Listen now to hear all about The High Republic and this newest period explored in the Star Wars universe.This episodes mentions content from and contains potential spoilers for: The Light of the Jedi, Into the Dark, The Rising Storm, The High Republic comic (2021 series), Midnight Horizon, Jedi Survivor, Out of the Shadows, Tempest Runner, and Eye of the Storm.Thank you for listening to Talking Star Wars with Connor and Alex!Check us out on Reddit here:https://www.reddit.com/r/TalkingStarWars/

In this episode, Connor and Alex conclude their first miniseries exploring varoius ‘What If?’ scenarios in The Skywalker Saga by taking a pass at Episodes VII, VIII, and IX. For each of the sequel trilogy films, each host picks one key change to make, and together they discuss the effects this alteration would have on the Star Wars galaxy. If you’ve ever wondered what would happen if Finn was also openly Force Sensitive, if Rey joined Kylo Ren, or Ben Solo survived and became a tortured wandering Ronin, give this episode a listen!This episode contains spoilers for: Episodes 1 through 9, Ahsoka, and Before the Awakening.Thank you for listening to Talking Star Wars with Connor and Alex!Check us out on Reddit here:https://www.reddit.com/r/TalkingStarWars/

In this episode, Connor and Alex continue their miniseries on ‘What If?’ scenarios throughout the Star Wars universe, with a specific focus on the prequel films. For each of the prequel trilogy films, the hosts pick one key change to make, and discuss the effects this shift would have on the story as a whole. If you’d like to hear an exploration of a possible universe where Anakin never becomes a Jedi, or a galaxy where Obi-Wan and Padme fall in love instead, listen now!This episode contains spoilers for: Episodes 1 through 9, Brotherhood, The Clone Wars, Tales of the Jedi, Ahsoka, Rebels, The Mandalorian, and brief mentions of The Thrawn Trilogy and The Thrawn: Ascendancy Trilogy.Thank you for listening to Talking Star Wars with Connor and Alex!Check us out on Reddit here:https://www.reddit.com/r/TalkingStarWars/

In this episode, Connor and Alex begin a new miniseries where they discuss ‘What If?’ scenarios through a Star Wars lens. For each of the original trilogy films, the hosts pick one key difference or inflection point to change, and discuss the ramifications and implications of these changes, such as: What If Luke lost to Vader on Cloud City?, or What If Leia also studied with Yoda? Please join us for potential changes to A New Hope, The Empire Strikes Back, and Return of the Jedi and hear about different possible futures, from dark and bleak to wild divergence.This episode contains spoilers for: Episodes 1 through 9, Ahsoka, Kenobi, The Clone Wars, Rebels, Dark Vader comic (2015 series), The Mandalorian, Bloodline, The Princess and the Scoundrel, and The Rise of Kylo Ren.Thank you for listening to Talking Star Wars with Connor and Alex!Check us out on Reddit here:https://www.reddit.com/r/TalkingStarWars/

As a follow up to earlier episodes 4, 5, and 6 exploring various Force traditions in the Star Wars universe, the hosts take this episode to discuss the figure of the Dark Jedi - a former Jedi who has fallen to the Dark Side, but who has not become a Sith or entirely abandoned their original teachings. From the principled-but-murderous Baylan Skoll, to the sneering and brutal Pong Krell, to the desperate and fanatical Barriss Offee, join Alex and Connor as they review all Dark Jedi known to the current canon and find commonalities and differences in their characterization - and how Dark Jedi serve as a mirror to the rigid strictures of the ready-to-fall pre-Order-66 Order itself. They also discuss how brushes with darkness are handled by the Jedi in the era of The High Republic, and how the stresses of The Clone Wars leave Jedi increasingly vulnerable to falling in comparison to earlier, more flexible, times.This episode contains spoilers for: Episodes 1 through 9, Ahsoka, The Clone Wars, Fallen Order, Jedi Survivor, Dooku: Jedi Lost, Tales of Jedi, Rebels, The High Republic: The Rising Storm, and The High Republic (2021 comic).Thank you for listening to Talking Star Wars with Connor and Alex!Check us out on Reddit here:https://www.reddit.com/r/TalkingStarWars/

Welcome to Season 2 of Talking Star Wars! Our first Star Wars-focused episode of 2024 dives right into another character spotlight by focusing on the backstory, deeds, and personality of none other than Grand Admiral Thrawn. The original brandchild of Timothy Zahn in Legends, who has also had great influence on his current-canon incarnation, Thrawn stalks the high orbits of our hero’s planets with organ music at his back and competence dripping from every carefully-chosen syllable. Sometimes defeated but never daunted and hoarding every speck of competence in the Imperial Navy not already claimed by Tarkin or Piett, Thrawn (Mitth'raw'nuruodo in his homeland, the Chiss Ascendancy) invites the viewer and reader to root for him with clever tactics and respect for his adversaries, before reminding everyone that being polite does not mean he won’t bombard a civilian population into submission if he feels he must. Join our hosts for our deep dive into this fascinating, evolving character currently playing center stage as the villain bridging the gap between The Empire and The First Order.This episode contains spoilers for: Episodes 1 through 9, Rebels, Thrawn, Thrawn: Alliances, Thrawn: Treason, the Thrawn Ascendancy Trilogy, Ahsoka, The Clone Wars, and The Mandalorian.Thank you for listening to Talking Star Wars with Connor and Alex!Check us out on Reddit here:https://www.reddit.com/r/TalkingStarWars/

This episode continues Alex and Connor’s review of the expanded universe content set in the world of Avatar: The Last Airbender and The Legend of Korra. After reviewing the initial arc of six graphic novels that continued the story of the original Team Avatar, the hosts explore the shorter, character-focused, standalone comics that expand on specific characters centered around Avatar: The Last Avatar before diving into the two primary volumes that continue the story of Korra and her friends: Turf Wars and Ruins of the Empire, As before, the hosts explore the themes, worldbuild, and character work in each volume and discuss how each volume fits into the overall Avatar world.Avatar: The Last Airbender SpoilersATLA Seasons 1 through 3, The Legend of Korra season 1 through 4, Suki Alone, Toph Beifong’s Metalbending Academy, Katara and the Pirate’s Silver, Azula in the Spirit Temple, Turf Wars, and Ruins of the EmpireThank you for listening to Talking Star Wars with Connor and Alex!Check us out on Reddit here:https://www.reddit.com/r/TalkingStarWars/

This episode begins Connor and Alex’s review of the expanded universe content set in the Avatar universe that continues and expands on the stories of both Team Avatar and the world at large. In this first episode, the hosts review the primary six graphic novels that continue the story of Aang, Katara, Sokka, Toph, Zuko, Suki, and others - from The Promise that is set immediately following season 3, to Imbalance that takes place more than a year afterwards. The hosts discuss the merits of each graphic novel series, the themes explored, and how each work fits into the overall Avatar universe.Avatar: The Last Airbender SpoilersATLA Seasons 1 through 3, The Legend of Korra season 1 through 4, The Promise, The Search, The Rift, Smoke and Shadow, North and South, and ImbalanceThank you for listening to Talking Star Wars with Connor and Alex!Check us out on Reddit here:https://www.reddit.com/r/TalkingStarWars/

In this episode, Connor and Alex delve into the nature of the eponymous Avatar that gives the setting of Avatar: The Last Airbender and The Legend of Korra their names and primary characters.The hosts explore the figure of the Avatar both through the lens of an in-universe figure of awe, power, mystery, and hope as well as from a storytelling perspective and what having an Avatar present in the setting does to focus the narratives set in the universe. Additionally, this episode provides a survey and exploration of all known Avatars, their unique traits, and what their character says about the world in which they lived.Avatar: The Last Airbender SpoilersATLA Seasons 1 through 3, The Legend of Korra season 1 through 4, The Rise of Kyoshi, The Shadow of Kyoshi, The Dawn of Yangchen, The Legacy of Yangchen, and The PromiseThank you for listening to Talking Star Wars with Connor and Alex!Check us out on Reddit here:https://www.reddit.com/r/TalkingStarWars/

This episode dives into the more mystical side of the Avatar universe by examining spirits and the spirit world. Connor and Alex explore both the spirit world itself, including the ways that humans are able to journey spiritually and physically to and from this separate land, as well as surveying the unique denizens of that strange and emotionally-reactive land. From the terrifying lair of Koh the Face-Stealer to the sacred and dangerous library of Wan Shi Tong, learn about both the full range of named spirits that appear in the world and the more generic spirits that fill in the background while the hosts examine the spiritual roles they fill in the setting. The episode also delves into the narrative role of Raava and Vaatu, the ancient spirits of light and dark, and what “balance” means in the constant conflict between them.Avatar: The Last Airbender SpoilersATLA Seasons 1 through 3, The Legend of Korra seasons 1 through 4, The Rise of Kyoshi, The Shadow of Kyoshi, The Search, The Rift, The Dawn of Yangchen, and The Legacy of YangchenThank you for listening to Talking Star Wars with Connor and Alex!Check us out on Reddit here:https://www.reddit.com/r/TalkingStarWars/

This episode explores the various political systems in place in the Avatar universe, from the tribal relationship of the Water Tribes, to the feudal monarchies and lordships of the Earth Kingdom, to the absolute monarchy of the Fire Lord. The hosts also explore how the political landscape changes between the time of Aang and Korra’s day, including the eventual rise of the first democracy (and the mixed feelings about the first President), the fragility of the Water Tribes’ system of government in a more modern setting, and how the Earth Kingdom falls to fascism by season 4. This episode also explores the rise of the modern-style nation-state in the Avatar universe and the factors that influence national identity and development.Avatar: The Last Airbender SpoilersATLA seasons 1 through 3, The Legend of Korra seasons 1 through 4, Imbalance, Turf Wars, The Rise of Kyoshi, The Shadow of Kyoshi, The Dawn of Yangchen, and the Legacy of Yangchen.Thank you for listening to Talking Star Wars with Connor and Alex!Check us out on Reddit here:https://www.reddit.com/r/TalkingStarWars/

In this episode, Connor and Alex continue their ongoing miniseries about Avatar: The Last Airbender to discuss the role of technology in the Avatar universe.The hosts review how the world has largely organized society and what technology exists around bending and manipulation of the elements until the Hundred Years War, which involves a rapid industrial revolution that spreads to the entire world.The episode explores the role of technology in a world that focuses so heavily on mystical and spiritual arts, and how the supernatural and mundane both contrast and coexist in each nation. Connor and Alex also review the use of technology by each of the Four Nations as well as the use of giant mechanical devices and weapons as an ongoing plot point through Avatar and Korra.Avatar: The Last Airbender SpoilersATLA seasons 1 through 3, The Legend of Korra seasons 1 through 4, The Rise of Kyoshi, The Shadow of Kyoshi, The Dawn of Yangchen, and the Legacy of YangchenThank you for listening to Talking Star Wars with Connor and Alex!Check us out on Reddit here:https://www.reddit.com/r/TalkingStarWars/

In this episode, the hosts review the primary protagonists of Avatar: The Last Airbender and The Legend of Korra (Aang, Korra, and Zuko as a bonus deuteragonist) through the lens of The Hero’s Journey as popularized and codified by Joseph Campbell’s seminal work. Here, we see the patterns of the mythic hero play out in the lives of both Avatars, from the call to adventure, to the ordeal they must overcome, to the change they bring to the world.Follow along with the steps of the Hero’s Journey here: https://www.imagineforest.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2022/12/The-heros-journey-cycle-stages.pngThe 12 Steps:The Ordinary WorldCall of AdventureRefusal of the CallMeeting the MentorCrossing the ThresholdTests, Allies, EnemiesThe ApproachThe OrdealRewardThe Road BackResurrectionReturn with the ElixerAvatar: The Last Airbender SpoilersATLA seasons 1 through 3, The Legend of Korra seasons 1 through 4Star Wars SpoilersEpisodes IV through VIThank you for listening to Talking Star Wars with Connor and Alex!Check us out on Reddit here:https://www.reddit.com/r/TalkingStarWars/

This episode explores a specific variance in the way that parental figures are portrayed in the Avatar world: one where this is a complex and distant father with a fraught relationship with his children; and where the mother is dead or otherwise entirely absent from the story, and characterized more by her absence than her ongoing agency. The hosts explore why this trope might exist, the ways in which parental roles evolve between Avatar: The Last Airbender and The Legend of Korra, and what role gender roles play in this difference between how motherhood and fatherhood are portrayed. From the heinous and abusive Fire Lord Ozai compared to his vanished wife Ursa, to the tragically slain Kya (mother of Katara and Sokka) and off-at-war Hakoda, this episode dives into all maternal and paternal figures, how they are depicted, and explores why this dichotomy might exist.Discussed content includes potential spoilers from the items listed below.Avatar: The Last Airbender SpoilersATLA seasons 1 through 3, The Legend of Korra seasons 1 through 4, The Search, Imbalance, and Patterns in Time.Star Wars SpoilersEpisodes I through VIThank you for listening to Talking Star Wars with Connor and Alex!Check us out on Reddit here:https://www.reddit.com/r/TalkingStarWars/

This episode spotlights one of the most wholesome characters in popular fiction: Uncle Iroh, the Dragon of the West, and surrogate father figure to Prince Zuko. Known for his wisdom, his hidden depths, and his love of tea, Iroh also serves as an example of redemption and forgiveness for the entire cast. The hosts trace the trajectory of Iroh’s life, from his time as a ruthless General, to his secret life as Grand Lotus of the Order of the White Lotus, to his adventures with Prince Zuko and his attempts to keep his nephew both alive and pointed on a path towards good.Discussed content includes potential spoilers from the items listed below.Avatar: The Last Airbender SpoilersATLA seasons 1 through 3; The Legend of Korra seasons 1 through 4, and The Legacy of the Fire NationThank you for listening to Talking Star Wars with Connor and Alex!Check us out on Reddit here:https://www.reddit.com/r/TalkingStarWars/

This week, Connor and Alex examine the concept of bending in the Avatar universe: the ability to manipulate the four elements of air, water, earth, and fire. They survey the origins of bending in the setting, discuss the power as a worldbuilding element, and review each type of bending. This episode also explores how use of each element shapes Avatar societies and impacts their spiritual practices while surveying the unique special techniques and powers developed within each bending discipline, from bloodbending, metalbending, and lavabending to combustion bending, healing, and flight.Discussed content includes potential spoilers from the items listed below.Avatar: The Last Airbender SpoilersATLA seasons 1 through 3; The Legend of Korra seasons 1 through 4, The Rise of Kyoshi, The Shadow of Kyoshi, The Dawn of YangchenThank you for listening to Talking Star Wars with Connor and Alex!Check us out on Reddit here:https://www.reddit.com/r/TalkingStarWars/

In this episode, Alex and Connor explore the varied antagonists throughout the world of Avatar: The Last Airbender, from Aang’s initial rivalry with the brutal Admiral Zhao, to Zuko’s inter-family conflict with his sister and father, to the many philosophical questions posed by Amon and Zaheer in Korra’s day. The hosts compare the role of Admiral Zhao and Grand Moff Tarkin in their role as the initial powerful villain to challenge our heroes, as well as that of Fire Lord Ozai and Emperor Palpatin as the greater context villain who remains offscreen until Act 3. Additionally, this episode surveys antagonists from the expanded universe of Avatar novels and comics, from Lilling the bending supremacist to the absolutely chilling and compelling Jianzhu. Join us today to hear all about the villains of the Avatar universe!Note: Talking Avatar, as presented by Talking Star Wars, is an interlude series taking place in-between Season 1 and Season 2 of the primary Talking Star Wars podcast. Please feel free to listen if you are interested, or wait until early 2024 for the next full season focusing exclusively on Star Wars to begin.Discussed content includes potential spoilers from the items listed below.Avatar: The Last Airbender SpoilersATLA seasons 1 through 3; The Legend of Korra seasons 1 through 4; The Promise, Imbalance, North and South, The Rise of Kyoshi, and The Shadow of KyoshiStar Wars SpoilersEpisodes 1 through 9Thank you for listening to Talking Star Wars with Connor and Alex!Check us out on Reddit here:https://www.reddit.com/r/TalkingStarWars/