Jedi Squadron Podcast - [AnimeSecrets.org]

By Nathan DeSa & Rizwan Merchant The Mandalorian and Grogu brings Star Wars back to the big screen! In this episode of the Jedi Squadron Podcast, we review the new movie and break down Din Djarin and Grogu's latest adventure. We discuss the story, characters, Easter eggs, Rotta the Hutt, Embo, the future of the Mandoverse, and one of the biggest developments in the film — Grogu is finally gro...

The first Ahsoka Season 2 trailer is here, and the Jedi Squadron is breaking it all down! We react to the new trailer and dive into Thrawn's return, Hayden Christensen's Anakin Skywalker, the mysterious lightsaber-wielding character, Dathomir and the Nightsisters, massive New Republic vs. Imperial space battles, and the growing connections to Heir to the Empire. We also discuss where Luke Skywalke...

The wait is finally over… In this review of the Star Wars: Maul – Shadow Lord Season 1 Finale, we break down Episodes 9 & 10, including the shocking arrival of Darth Vader, Maul’s brutal confrontation with the Empire, Devon’s fall toward the dark side, and the future of Season 2. After the Empire locks down Janix, Maul and the crew attempt one final escape—but everything changes when Darth Va...

Maul’s story just hit a whole new level. In Episodes 7–8 of Maul: Shadow Lord, we finally see the full weight of his trauma, his past with Palpatine, and the emotional breaking point that changes everything. From intense Inquisitor fights to powerful flashbacks, this might be the darkest and most impactful Maul story we’ve ever gotten. Remember to join us on Social Media Today! Facebook: http://ww...

In this review of Star Wars: Maul – Shadow Lord Episodes 5 & 6, we break down the biggest moments from Inquisition and Night of the Hunted—including the Empire’s arrival, the Inquisitors, and Maul’s growing role as something more than just a villain. As the Empire closes in on Janx, Maul pushes harder to convince Devon that the real enemy isn’t him… it’s Palpatine. And honestly? He might not...

In this Jedi Squadron Podcast episode, we break down Star Wars: Maul Shadow Lord Episodes 3 & 4—and this is where the series takes a serious turn. From intense lightsaber duels to deeper character themes, Maul’s story is evolving in ways we didn’t expect. Episode 3 dives into Maul’s attempt to tempt Devon to the dark side, echoing classic Star Wars moments while adding a darker psychological...

Darth Maul is back—and this might be the most interesting version we’ve seen yet. In this review of Shadow Lord Episodes 1 & 2, we break down the strong start to the series, why it’s already working, and how Maul is showing a completely new side of his character. From tone to storytelling, this feels like a darker, more layered take on Maul—and we’re excited to see where it goes next. Remembe...

Sam Witwer discusses the brand new Star Wars: Maul – Shadow Lord animated series at Nostalgia Con, revealing a completely new side of Darth Maul that fans haven’t seen before. From exploring Maul’s mindset to teasing what’s coming next, this panel dives deep into the future of one of Star Wars’ most iconic characters. Recorded at Nostalgia Con Houston 2026 Featuring Sam Witwer (Voice of Darth Maul...

Relive the magic of Star Wars Rebels at Nostalgia Con Houston 2025 with an unforgettable cast reunion panel! - Vanessa Marshall (Hera Syndulla) - Taylor Gray (Ezra Bridger) - Tiya Sircar (Sabine Wren) The cast shares behind-the-scenes stories, fan-favorite memories, and insights into the legacy of Star Wars Rebels. Whether you’re a lifelong fan of the Ghost crew or new to the animated series, this...

Step into the galaxy far, far away at The Nostalgia Con Houston 2025 with the legendary cast of Star Wars: The Clone Wars! This exclusive panel features fan favorites: Ashley Eckstein (Ahsoka Tano) Catherine Taber (Padmé Amidala) James Arnold Taylor (Obi-Wan Kenobi) T.C. Carson (Mace Windu) Phil LaMarr (Kit Fisto, Bail Organa) Jim Cummings (Hondo Ohnaka) Join the stars as they share behind-the-sce...

Join Nathan and Rizwan as we return to a galaxy far, far away to explore Star Wars: Tales of the Underworld — the latest animated miniseries that dives into the lives of two legendary underworld figures: Cad Bane and Asajj Ventress. Join us as we break down the episodes and discuss the impacts of these two entries to the characterizations and the overarching stories. We also discuss ideas for what...

Join the Jedi Squadron Podcast as we celebrate Star Wars Day 2025 with exciting news, fan highlights, and updates on the future of the show. We break down the latest announcements from the Star Wars universe and share what’s coming next for our Jedi Squadron community. Remember to join us on Social Media Today! Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/AnimeSecrets Twitter: http://twitter.com/animesecrets...

In this episode, we dive into Star Wars: Aftermath, Chuck Wendig’s 2015 novel that takes place immediately after the Battle of Endor. The fall of the Empire has left the galaxy in chaos, and the story explores the aftermath of the Empire’s defeat and the uncertain future of the New Republic. Join us as we discuss the new characters, shifting alliances, and what life is like in the galaxy after the...

Join the Jedi Squadron Podcast for an in-depth review of Star Wars Episode II: Attack of the Clones! Hosted by Nathan DeSa and Rizwan Merchant, we aim to uncover the film's hidden gems while grappling with its notable shortcomings. In this episode, we discuss character arcs, plot twists, and how Attack of the Clones fits into the Star Wars saga.  Remember to join us on Social Media Today! Facebook...

The Acolyte Season 1 is now over. There has been a lot of ups and downs in this season within the fandom and our own journey here at the Squadron. Join Nathan and Rizwan for their season finale wrap up discussion of The Acolyte, and see how this season did and what could have been done better, along with what was done well. Remember to join us on Social Media Today! Facebook: http://www.facebook.c...

Nathan and Riz are back after a week off to take a look at the last two episodes of The Acolyte before the Season 1 Finale. So stay tuned for episode analysis and a deep dive into all the plot holes and story writing issues in the season. Be sure to stay until the end for a neverending rant from Riz as well! Remember to join us on Social Media Today! Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/AnimeSecrets...

Nate and Rizwan are back with episode 5 of The Acolyte, and this is by far the most action packed episode of the show so far! Also the best episode so far. Join the Squadron as we break down the big revelations, nerd over the amazing lightsaber duels and try to make sense of some continuity questions we have. The Acolyte is gearing up for an interesting ending and we're curious to see if it can st...

The Squadron is back with a review on Episodes 3 and 4 of The Acolyte! We dig into a lot of topics that came up such as how the twins are concieved by the force, the darker side of the Jedi legacy, and of course our thoughts on the story and characters so far! We also launch into a segment discussing our personal thoughts and have passionate discussions on the issues in the fandom at large. Rememb...

Get ready Padawans! The new Star Wars series, The Acolyte has landed and Squadron Leaders Nathan and Rizwan are taking flight into the High Republic! Join us as we travel back over a hundred years into the past before the Phantom Menace as we take a look at the first two episodes. So strap in and lets punch it! Remember to join us on Social Media Today! Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/AnimeSecre...

Nathan and Rizwan have concluded the Review Series of the original trilogy of Star Wars, and are setting their course back to the beginning, with a trip to the prequel trilogy. Join the Squadron Leaders as they break down Episode 1, and discuss the movie's strengths and weaknesses and determine if the fandom's hate of this movie is fully justified or not. Remember to join us on Social Media Today!...

As part of the festivities for the May the 4th celebration this year, we have a new Star Wars Animated Show, the second installment in the Star Wars Tales of series. This time we're taking a look at Tales of the Empire. Join Nathan and Rizwan as we break down the additional stories for Morgan Elsbeth and Barriss Offee. The latter of whom has not been seen in Star Wars since the 5th season finale o...

May the 4th Be With You! Welcome dear Padawans to our final review for the Star Wars Original Trilogy, and what better day to release this then May 4th? Not only is this a day for our fandom to celebrate the wondrous world of Star Wars, but it is also the Jedi Squadron Podcast's One Year Anniversary! That is right, we first took flight exactly one year ago today and we thought it would be most fit...

Originally Recorded: April 28th, 2024 As we inch closer to the release of Tales of the Empire, Nathan and Riz take a look back at Season of the Star Wars Tales series, Tales of the Jedi. Join your fearless Squadron Leaders as they break down the supplemental background stories of Ahsoka Tano and Count Dooku. There is some really good content here, dare we say some of the best in Star Wars animated...

Originally Recorded: April 2nd, 2024 With The Bad Batch ending this coming Wednesday, Nathan and Riz are taking a look back at Season 2 of the Bad Batch to set expectations for what they hope Season 3 will do. Join us as we dig deep into the character development from Season 1 and celebrate the depth some characters recieved, and lament those that still need more. We also break down all the Easter...

After a brief hiatus for personal life, the Jedi Squadron is back in action and ready to take on the Bad Batch! Join Nathan and Rizwan break down the first season of the Bad Batch. We'll be taking an in-depth look at the characters, story, easter eggs and impact of the Bad Batch on the Star Wars Universe. Remember to join us on Social Media Today! Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/AnimeSecrets Twi...