The Incomparable Star Wars (franchise) feed

Though Disney’s purchase of Fox clears all final hurdles in terms of rights to the original “Star Wars”, there’s still no way for anyone to watch the historic theatrical cuts of any of the original films. Instead, the new Disney+ streaming service now offers a 4K Special Edition with even more changes to the beloved classic. Is this the definitive version of “Star Wars” for the rest of eternity? D...

This week, on A Complicated Profession, host Dan Moren is joined by special guest Tony Sindelar to discuss the most recent episode of The Mandalorian, including how much fan service is just the right amount, droid-related head-canon, and the premature(?) fate of an anticipated character. Host Dan Moren with Tony Sindelar.

A Complicated Profession returns with Chapter 4 of The Mandalorian. Host Dan Moren is joined by special guest Kathy Campbell to discuss a compelling new ally for Mando, reinforcing the essential nature of our characters, and homages to a favorite Western trope. Host Dan Moren with Kathy Campbell.

We’re back for the third episode of A Complicated Profession and your host Dan Moren is joined by special guest and network head honcho Jason Snell to discuss chapter 3 of The Mandalorian. Our discussion covers the many possible interpretations of sin, what exactly happened to the Empire, and how this show paves the way for future Star Wars series. Host Dan Moren with Jason Snell.

In the second episode of A Complicated Profession, Dan Moren is joined by Aleen Simms to discuss the second chapter of The Mandalorian, including how an episode can succeed without using a lot of dialogue, ants at picnics, the unpredictability of characters that live in the gray areas, and whether or not the Mandalorian should take off his helmet. Host Dan Moren with Aleen Simms.

In the inaugural episode of A Complicated Profession, host Dan Moren is joined by fellow Star Wars aficionado John Siracusa to discuss the debut of The Mandalorian, the first live-action Star Wars series. We talk about the heritage of Star Wars on TV, Werner Herzog as Werner Herzog, and exactly what kind of show this is. Host Dan Moren with John Siracusa.

We break down the “Star Wars: Episode IX - The Rise of Skywalker” teaser trailer scene by scene, speculate about what the title means, question how to balance the closure of the classic saga without straying too far into nostalgia trips, and offer some wild speculation. Then we wrap things up with a discussion of the future of the franchise now that it’s moving (at least temporarily) to the forthc...

We’ve got a good feeling about this. It’s member season around these parts, and Lex and Dan are back to their old Star Wars tricks, especially for you. Join daredevil pilot Dan Moren and charming gambler Lex Friedman as they steal away with 2018’s Solo: A Star Wars Story. Hot topics include whoever the hell Laredo is, speaking the Wookiee language, the somewhat mystifying fate of Qi’ra, and why Wo...

You don’t understand the sincerity of a hug. Host Joe Rosensteel and Dan Sturm.

Fresh from the movie theaters, here’s our flash review of “Solo: A Star Wars Story.” In a world where there’s a new “Star Wars” movie every year, sometimes it’s a relief not to have the fate of the galaxy at stake. What are the rules of Sabacc? Are references the lowest form of fan service? Will casual fans be more enthusiastic than hard-core ones? Why watch droids fighting for entertainment when...

This is not going to go the way you think. Or will it? For this special bonus episode, we watch the most recent movie ever to appear on the show, and round out our viewing of one of the world’s biggest franchises. Join grumpy sequestered Jedi Master Dan Moren and enthusiastic would-be trainee Lex Friedman as they team up to check out 2017’s Star Wars: The Last Jedi. Hot topics include “how do you...

Myke and Jason watch “Star Wars: The Last Jedi.” Host Myke Hurley with Jason Snell.

Our (increasingly inaccurately named) team of rebel UK podcasters takes on “Star Wars: The Last Jedi.” Join us for another deep dive into the themes, performances, and surprises of the latest “Star Wars movie.” We promise not to mention Porgs until the very end! Host Antony Johnston with Serenity Caldwell, James Thomson and Moisés Chiullán.

“Time and Relative Dimension in Space” meets “A long time ago in a galaxy far, far away…” as a hardy rebel band of podcasters who are “Doctor Who” fans form The Incomparable’s second panel about “Star Wars: The Last Jedi”. We take on the themes of failure and redemption, the unexpected fan reactions, and specious comparisons between “Doctor Who” showrunners and Star Wars directors. And porgs. Alwa...

Kids explode the darnedest things. Star Wars: The Last Jedi (2017) Host Joe Rosensteel and Dan Sturm.

Phil and Lisa take on “Star Wars: The Last Jedi” in a spoilerific episode filled with your daily recommended allowance of Porgs. They also discuss popular blockbusters “Film Stars Don’t Die in Liverpool” and “Death of Stalin”, while shining some light on obscure cult favorites “Ready Player One” and “Avengers: Infinity War.” Host Lisa Schmeiser and Philip Michaels.

Grab a porg, put on your matching necklaces, and get out your ancient Jedi texts—it’s time to discuss “The Last Jedi,” episode VIII of the “Star Wars” saga. (And if we missed something, please understand that we’ve only seen it once so far!) Host Jason Snell with John Siracusa, Dan Moren, Kelly Guimont, Aleen Simms and Tony Sindelar.

With Jason away “on assignment,” a Rebel force of podcasters takes over The Incomparable’s transmission tower to celebrate (and introduce you to, if you haven’t watched them yet) Lucasfilm’s animated extensions to the Star Wars canon: the six-season Star Wars: The Clone Wars and Star Wars Rebels, which is entering its fourth and final season. Why do adult fans love them? Did they actually redeem t...

This week we learned that Lucasfilm has parted ways with Colin Trevorrow, who was previously slated to write and direct 2019’s installment in the “Star Wars” saga, and realized that the absolutely dumbest way to react to the news would be to draft a bunch of possible replacements. So in this episode we present our suggestions to fill that director’s chair, from the real to the ridiculous to the on...

The circle is now complete. We conclude our viewing of the Star Wars saga—for now, anyway—with the most recent installment in the main sequence of movies. Grizzled smuggler Dan Moren teams up with desert scavenger Lex Friedman to take in the spectacle that is 2015’s Star Wars: The Force Awakens. Hot topics include Kylo Ren as a Vader wannabe, how to get just the right amount of C-3PO, and, of cour...

In our penultimate episode, we close out the original trilogy with the movie that began a sixteen year hiatus of the Star Wars franchise. Lovable Ewok Dan Moren leads rebel commando Lex Friedman through the 1983 version of Return of the Jedi. Hot topics include distracting alien effects, much ado about Admiral Ackbar’s famous line, what the heck the deal with Force ghosts is, and, of course, wheth...

We return to season 3 of Not Playing with the rare sequel that arguably surpasses its predecessor—at least as far as one of our panelists is concerned. Roguish smuggler Lex Friedman puts his trust in card player, gambler, and scoundrel Dan Moren to lead him through the 1980 masterpiece The Empire Strikes Back. Hot topics include the most awkward dinner ever, disconcerting tauntaun animations, and,...

On to the main course. It’s the 1977 classic that started this whole thing: Star Wars. (And not with any of that “Episode IV” jazz or anything.) Crazy old wizard Dan Moren and whiny farm boy Lex Friedman embark upon the epic beginning of the franchise as season 3 of Not Playing passes the mid-point. Hot topics include the names of Tatooine’s two suns, the weird slightly retconnings of Rogue One, w...

And now for something completely different. Rebel spy Dan Moren and reckless criminal-turned-freedom-fighter Lex Friedman take a break from the story of the Skywalker clan to watch 2016’s Rogue One, the first of the standalone anthology movies set in the Star Wars universe. Hot topics include why droids are programmed with people-like personalities, why the Death Star flaws come in two separate pa...

And with this, we conclude eating our vegetables for this special third of Not Playing covering the Star Wars saga. Dark Lord of the Sith Dan Moren and his apprentice Lex Friedman watch the final installment of the prequels, 2005’s Revenge of the Sith, allowing them to at last move onward and upward. Hot topics include the complete absurdity of Anakin’s fall to the dark side, the frustrating natur...