Duel of the Ranks: A Star Wars Show

Duel of the Ranks is BACK, and we're diving straight into the two biggest Star Wars releases in years! After a two year hiatus, Brody, Amanda, and Christian return to break down The Mandalorian and Grogu on the big screen. Was it a fun popcorn flick or a shareholder pleasing flop? We talk puppetry that rivals Jim Henson, that gladiator arena callback to the Dejarik board game, Jeremy Allen Wh...

In this month's edition of Duel of the Ranks, the crew absolutely fawns over Rebels Season 2. For Amanda and Brian, it ranks amongst the best of all Star Wars content. Brody and Christian agree it may be their favorite single season of Star Wars television. But does the animation hold it back from scoring as highly as it does in our hearts?  Join us as we debate the merits of the story, chara...

Duel of the Ranks is back with a new format! With Christian returning to host, the crew discusses the entirety of Star Wars Rebels season 1. Amanda and Brian have been looking forward to discussing their favorite series of the franchise for a long time. Despite the clunky animation, the characters are relatable and enjoyable. And even as a children's show, our hosts agree that the quality of...

With The Acolyte coming to a close, our hosts debate the merits and pitfalls of the show. With nuanced characters, compelling action, and rich lore, it brings a lot to the discussion table. But is that enough to redeem it from pacing issues and muddled motivations? Brian, Brody, and Amanda are here to answer that. The finale delivered on many fronts and suffered in others. With many over-generaliz...

The Duel of the Ranks crew dives into episodes 6 and 7 of The Acolyte. Amanda finds episode 6 more engaging with its darker story elements, while Brian enjoys episode 7's exploration of Sol's perspective and the Jedi's role in their own troubles. Both agree the episodes tackle the Jedi's moral failings and develop a compelling villain.  Brody admires the action sequences and th...

Our hosts, Brian, Brandon, and Chaco, share their thoughts on the newest episode of The Acolyte: Night. Brian and Brandon are fans of the action-packed episode, praising the best choreography, music, and tension we've gotten in this season. Brian particularly likes how Sol's character is evolving, while Brandon questions whether the villain, Quimir, is a true Sith.  Brody is less impress...

On this week's episode of Duel of the Ranks, our hosts Luke, Alanis, and Choco debate the latest episode of The Acolyte. While some found the cliffhanger ending to be exciting, others were critical of the clunky dialogue, rushed character progression, and short run time. Speculation and intrigue for new characters such as Mae, Jecki, and Bassil are thriving despite recent outcry from segments...

Reviews for episode 3 of "The Acolyte" are all over the map. Brody finds the episode the weakest of all Star Wars content with a predictable plot, uninteresting characters, and being too focused on lore for die-hard fans. Luke and Choco offer a more positive take, enjoying the new information about the Force and the portrayal of the fallible Jedi. Brian agrees with the criticism of techn...

On this week's episode of Duel of the Ranks, Brody, Amanda, and Luke review the first two episodes of the new Star Wars series "The Acolyte". While all enjoy the world building and additions to the lore, disagreement ensues on the overall "television" quality of the show.  Brody enjoys the characters and action sequences but found the story predictable and the cinematograp...

In this week's episode of Duel of the Ranks, our hosts Alanis, Amanda, Brian, and Brody delve into speculative territory of the upcoming Star Wars series "The Acolyte." We expect the show to feature iconic characters like Yoda and potentially Darth Plagueis, while also venturing into uncharted territory with new Force abilities and shadowy Force cults.  The Jedi Order being at the h...

On this week's episode of Duel of the Ranks, our hosts Brody, Brian, Luke, and Alanis rank every lightsaber duel from the Star Wars TV shows. From Din Djarin facing down Moff Gideon to Maul and Obi Wan's final confrontation, we analyze the music, stakes, and choreography to determine which is truly the greatest. Join us as we debate the merits of underappreciated scenes and the weaknesse...

On this week's episode of Duel of the Ranks, our hosts Amanda, Brian, Luke, and Darth Choco rank every lightsaber duel from the nine Skywalker Saga films. From Obi Wan and Vader's confrontation on the Death Star to Rey and Kylo Ren battling through the force, we analyze the music, stakes, and choreography to determine which is truly the greatest. Join us as we debate the merits of undera...

On this week's episode of Duel of the Ranks, our hosts Amanda, Alanis, Luke, and Darth Choco analyze the best and weakest parts of "Tales of the Empire". The animation is praised, along with its focus on lesser-known corners of the Star Wars universe like the Nightsisters and the mountain clan. The exploration of Barriss Offee's story is also considered a strength. However, the...

In this week's episode of Duel of the Ranks, Brian, Amanda, Luke and Alanis tackle the finale of The Bad Batch. Some found enjoyment in the action and closure for the Bad Batch crew, while others felt the episode lacked weight in the grand Star Wars narrative. The discussion dives into unanswered questions about Cody and Ventress, the underutilized potential of elements such as Omega's c...

In this week's episode of Duel of the Ranks, Brody, Darth Choco, Luke, and Alanis debate the merits and pitfalls of The Bad Batch season 3, episode 14, titled "Flash Strike." The crew expresses both disappointment and cautious optimism. While some find the episode underwhelming, others see potential for the season finale. Echo reuniting with other clones and Omega venturing on a ris...

This episode of Duel of the Ranks delves into the latest episode of The Bad Batch Season 3, Episode 13: "Into the Breach." Amanda, Brian, Brody, and Luke explore everything from character development to narrative pacing, and express mixed sentiments about the direction of the show.  The conversation oscillates between anticipation for the finale and disappointment in the series' tra...

In this week's episode of Duel of the Ranks, Brody, Brian and Amanda dive deep into The Bad Batch Season 3, Episode 12: "Juggernaut." The hosts are joined by returning guests Luke, Alanis and Darth Choco, adding dynamic perspectives to the conversation. Our guests express disappointment in the episode's perceived lack of progression and missed opportunities for character develo...

Brian and Amanda debate the merits of episodes 8 and 9 of The Bad Batch season 3. An important discussion on what constitutes “filler” helps rationalize “Bad Territory” and helps us appreciate the details of the episode, such as the atmosphere and character design, while acknowledging the roundabout plot development. As major Asajj Ventress fans, "The Harbinger" is decidedly more engagin...

On this week's episode of Duel of the Ranks, we discuss episodes 6 and 7 of Star Wars: The Bad Batch season 3. Brian, Amanda, and Brody share their initial thoughts on the episodes, dissecting references, animation style, returning characters, plot developments, and action sequences. They also analyze how these episodes fit into the larger Star Wars saga and express their overall enjoyment.  ...

Hosts Brody and Brody  discuss the fifth episode of season 3 of "The Bad Batch" titled  "The Return." Is it filler, or does the situation advance the characters forward in a meaningful way? With Omega and Crosshair back in the batch, the conflict revolves around unresolved tension between Hunter and his "prodigal brother."  Brody argues that "The Bad Batch"...

Brian and Amanda discuss episodes 10 and 11 of The Bad Batch Season 3. Join us as we debate ranks and hot takes from "Identity Crisis" and "Point of No Return." To stay up-to-date on all things Duel of the Ranks, be sure to check out our links below! Website: www.dueloftheranks.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dueloftheranks/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/DueloftheRanks...

Brian, Amanda, and Brody dive into the  fourth episode of season 3 of "The Bad Batch," titled "A Different Approach." The episode follows Omega and Crosshair as they escape a base but crash on a perilous planet. Forced to work together, they navigate the dangers and bicker over tactics while trying to find a way off-world. The episode eventually reunites them with the Bad Batch...

Brian and Amanda discuss their initial reactions to the season 3 premiere of The Bad Batch.  They analyze how the first three episodes set the stage for the final season, focusing on Omega being experimented on at Mount Tantiss, Wrecker and Hunter finding young clones struggling to survive, and the escape attempt with Crosshair while Emperor Palpatine visits the research facility.  The hosts prais...

Brian, Amanda and Brody tackle the three-part arc concluding The Clone Wars season 2 finale. Amanda throws shade on the animation and acting, but finds herself drawn to Aurra Sing's portrayal and her connection to Hondo Ohnaka. Brody, on the other hand, is a Boba Fett champion, praising the character's development and the flicker of hope extinguished by revenge. The conversation snowball...

Brian, Amanda, and Brody delve into a two-part Clone Wars arc centered around the colossal Zillo Beast. This monstrous creature is unearthed by a new Republic weapon, sparking a debate about its fate. The ethical dilemma takes center stage as the giant escapes and wreaks havoc on Coruscant. The discussion goes beyond the monster-on-a-rampage trope, drawing comparisons to classic monster movies lik...