Discussed in these episodes

  • Not Playing with Lex and Dan cover art
    Not Playing with Lex and Dan August 24, 2017 Return of the Jedi
    3.7 Return of the Jedi

    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, whether the film is a Vader apologia.

    Programming Note: In addition to this capsule episode, which contains our discussion before and after the film, members can watch along with Lex and Dan in a full-length commentary track, available in the members-only First Class feed. If you’re not already a member, why not sign up? And if you are, now’s a great time to update your membership allocations and maybe throw a little support in the direction of Not Playing. Thanks!

  • Defocused cover art
    Defocused November 21, 2015 Star Wars: Episode VI - Return of the Jedi
    72 Then We All Shout and Throw Things at Our TV

    The droids you own end up owning you.

  • The Incomparable Mothership cover art
    The Incomparable Mothership May 6, 2012 “Return of the Jedi” (part 2)
    89 Also Known as Endor

    We wrap up our six-part series on the classic “Star Wars” movies with the climactic final half of “Return of the Jedi.” We discuss how the Empire is ahead of the rebels every step of the way, question Luke’s choice of forest camouflage, and explain why Ewoks are better unsubtitled. Also, how is Luke’s journey to being a Jedi not like what you see in most action movies? Who is more heroic in the end, Luke or Vader? Why does the Emperor wait so long to show us his lightning fingers? Why are rebel ships equipped with fireworks? And is Endor the name of the moon, or the name of the planet the moon is orbiting, or both?

  • The Incomparable Mothership cover art
    The Incomparable Mothership April 29, 2012 “Return of the Jedi” (part 1)
    88 Skywalker's Eleven

    We tackle the last of the classic “Star Wars” trilogy, “Return of the Jedi.” Why does Jabba the Hutt enjoy avant-garde wall hangings and ’80s dance moves? Isn’t it sad how Boba Fett goes out with a whimper? Are the alien languages in “Star Wars” too fake-sounding? And what’s up with Leia’s metal bikini? (Part 1 of 2.)