A More Civilized Age: A Star Wars Podcast
A More Civilized Age
Join Rob Zacny, Natalie Watson, Ali Acampora, and Austin Walker as they dive headfirst into the fall of the Galactic Republic, debate which Jedi is messiest, and dig into the themes and politics of The Clone Wars. Cover Art by @XeeceeVEVO on Twitter. Email us questions for our Patreon Q&As at: amorecivilizedage@gmail.com!
105: Twin Suns and Zero Hour (Rebels 57 - 59)
Rebels Season 3 comes to a close with a trio of episodes that demonstrates just how far the Star Wars Animation team has come as a group of visual storytellers. Twin Suns brings us to Tatooine as hostile and hopeless as its ever been seen for a final confrontation between two series standbys (and a totally fine Ezra arc about family and fate). Zero Hour gives us Thrawn at the height of victory and vulnerability. The stage is set for the final season... which we'll be bringing to you over the nex
Feb 26, • 3:08:13
104: Through Imperial Eyes, Secret Cargo, and Double Agent Droid (Rebels 54 - 56)
After finally giving us some solid Sabine time, Rebels is now zooming back out to get a broader view of the ongoing conflict--and, of course, a one off comedy episode about a droid. And hey, good news, not only do these episodes manage to deliver some great character beats, not only do they bring us a dramatic look inside of our favorite slowly radicalizing senator, Mon Mothma, not only do they provide one of the most magical (and musical?) moments of Star Wars... they're also really good! Supp
Feb 19, • 1:53:42
103: Warhead, Trials of the Dark Saber, & Legacy of Mandalore (Rebels 51 - 53)
For three and a half seasons, Rebels has been teasing us Sabine backstory. Finally, this week, we get the details behind that backstory... at least most of them. And hey, they're pretty good! Sure would've been great if they'd gotten them to us sooner, so that we could've, you know, thought about how the events of the show intersected her history. Still, a much needed showcase for Sabine, and hopefully a good sign of things to come. Oh. And Zeb has some droid hijinks. Support the show by going
Jan 29, • 2:48:16
102: Ghosts of Geonosis
It has been nearly 5 months since we last visited the crew of the Ghost, but finally, we are back. Today, we return to Geonosis... which is.... uhhhhh.... mysteriously empty? Shouldn't there be like... millions of giant bugs here? Instead, it looks like there's only one... itty bitty Geonosian and maybe the most cartoonishly wicked version of Saw Gerrera that we've seen yet. Oh well. At least Sabine gets to do some cool jetpack tricks. Support the show by going to Patreon.com/civilized! Next Tim
Jan 15, • 1:35:20
101: The Last Command Pt. 3 (Ch. 19 - 29)
Here we are with our final episode of the Thrawn trilogy! Secrets: revealed! Clones: showing up! Devious plans: thwarted!! Support the show by going to Patreon.com/civilized! Next Time: We FINALLY return to Rebels! And a heads up next for patreons--we'll be skipping Q&A this month for holidays! But next month we'll do a Q&A AND an episode on Skeleton Crew! Send your questions about Thrawn on over to amorecivilizedage at gmail dot com :) Follow us on Bluesky Hosted by Rob Zacny (@RobZacny) Fe
Dec 18, 2024 • 2:42:53
100: The Last Command Pt. 2 (Ch. 11 - 18)
What awaits us for our one hundredth episode? Oh, the normal things: Smugglers being manipulated. Dark Jedi making power moves, and regular jedi offering therapy services. Clever tactical maneuvers using cloaked asteroids. Oh, and of course, a collection of trees that are not to be trusted. Support the show by going to Patreon.com/civilized! Next Time: We finish the Thrawn Trilogy Follow us on Bluesky Hosted by Rob Zacny (@RobZacny) Featuring Alicia Acampora (@ali_west), Austin Walker (
Dec 4, 2024 • 2:27:56
99: The Last Command Pt. 1 (Ch. 1 - 10)
This week, we crack the spine on the final book of Timothy Zahn's franchise-extending Thrawn trilogy, and wow, what a doozy it is. The Dark Force is no longer Rising, it's risen, and that means the pedal is down and the plot is going full speed. Talon Karrde is meeting with smugglers. Luke bounces all across the galaxy. Lando's walking city is in ruins. Han and Leia's kids are here, and they have visitors, invited and otherwise? And Mara Jade? Well, she's wide awake and getting ready to do the t
Nov 20, 2024 • 2:33:33
97: Dark Force Rising Pt. 3 (Ch. 22 - 29)
We return on this... historic... day... to wrap up the second entry in Timothy Zahn's franchise redefining Thrawn Trilogy. And when you hit the final third of a Star Wars story, you know what that means: Revelations! Compelling heart-to-heart confrontations! And, of course, a giant space battle to put a button on everything. Will Thrawn take another L, or have his ships finally come in? NEXT TIME: The Last Command Ch. 1 - 10 Show Notes
Nov 6, 2024 • 2:48:33
97: Dark Force Rising Pt. 2 (Ch. 11 - 21)
It is all happening this week: Han reverts to a flustered school boy in the face of Corellian local legend. Luke gets a new teacher, and the vibes are more off than ever before. Leia connects with her dad's favorite slave race. And Mara Jade finds herself compelled to help a boy she just.... GRRR... she hates him!!! Has Star Wars ever been this good? NEXT TIME: Dark Force Rising Ch. 22 - 29 Hosted by Rob Zacny (@RobZacny) Featuring Alicia Acampora (@ali_west), Austin Walker (@austin_walker), an
Oct 23, 2024 • 2:50:42
96: Dark Force Rising Pt. 1 (Ch. 1 - 10)
There's good news and then there's great news. Good news is stuff like "Within a few chapters, we meet an entirely new sort of weirdo in Dark Force Rising." Good news is "In these chapters we realize that Luke and Lando have impeccable chemistry." Good news is the phrase "Senator Palpatine's Advisor." Great news? Well. Great news is: "Natalie Watson has returned to the podcast. Next Time: Dark Force Rising (Chapters 11 - 21) Show Notes Jason Alexander Passes the Mafia Test Hosted by Rob Zac
Oct 10, 2024 • 3:01:38
95: Heir to the Empire Pt. 3 (Ch. 23 - 32)
A flailing republic. A re-emerging imperial armada. A dark jedi, eager to corrupt the next generation of force users. All of it pales in comparison to the most pressing crisis of of the year 9 ABY: The most awkward and stressful dinner party of all time. Step aside Luke and Mara. Take a pause, Han Solo. Leia, we'll come back to you and your Wookiee drama in a second. Admiral who? Coudln't care less. Because right now--and forever--it's Karrde time baby. Next time: TBD, we'll announce on socials!
Sep 18, 2024 • 2:24:01
AMCA 94 - Heir to the Empire 2
Our coverage continues on Timothy Zahn's Heir to the Empire, deeper into Thrawn's devious web of manipulation and galactic dominance. How do our trio of heroes fare, divided across the galaxy, facing down their own unique conflicts? Well, uhhh unfortunately kinda sauceless! And don't even get us started on the dinner plans!! Or, well, we do get started and talk about it at length--that's podcasting, baby!! And for those at home who hoped we'd listen to the audio books for more context: you're in
Sep 4, 2024 • 2:33:37
93: Heir to the Empire Pt. 1 (Ch. 1 - 10)
PIVOT! With Natalie on a short medical leave, the crew here at AMCA has made a decision. We've revisited your requests for what non-mainline content we could cover and decided to cover the second place candidate for what became our KOTOR series. That's right: It's THRAWN TIME baby! (That's his catchphrase, right?) So join us as we kick off our run through the Timothy Zahn trilogy that ushered in the old EU. First up: A depressed Luke, a galactic government that fits in a high school classroom, a
Aug 23, 2024 • 3:16:49
92: The Wynkahthu Job, An Inside Man, and Visions and Voices (Rebels 46 - 48)
Have three episodes ever more represented the breadth of Rebels than this set? The Wynkahthu Job is a one-off, Ohnaka-driven heist story that retreads old ground, but stuns visually. An Inside Man gives us new angles on Imperial power and control, and gives Thrawn (and Lars Mikkelsen) scene-stealing material. And Visions and Voices returns to some Clone Wars material to mixed, but intriguing, results. Hosted by Rob Zacny (@RobZacny) Featuring Alicia Acampora (@ali_west), Austin Walker (@austi
Aug 7, 2024 • 1:31:23
91: The Last Battle, Imperial Supercommandos, and Iron Squadron (Rebels 43 - 45)
You know what was great? Those battle droids. The hijinks they got up to. The little gags they'd do. Their super serious boss... Sometimes I miss those guys. What's that? You'll make me a deal? I can visit them again? But in exchange, I'll have to sit through another episode about precocious children getting up to hijinks (bad version)? Well... You drive a hard bargain, Mr. Filoni, but it's a deal. Support the show by going to Patreon.com/civilized! NEXT TIME: "The Wynkahthu Job," "An Inside M
Jul 24, 2024 • 2:00:41
90: The Holocrons of Fate, The Antilles Extraction, and Hera's Heroes (Rebels 40 - 42)
Rebels season 3 is in full swing. How can you tell? Well, first of all, Uncle Maul is back and he's leading Ezra (and his collection of holocrons) closer to the dark side. And Hera once again shows out, with a killer episode that brings us closer into contact with emerging season villain Admiral Thrawn. And... well... We've got another crack at a Sabine episode. Maybe this time we'll learn something about her, or how she relates to others, or what her past is, or... anything at all. Maybe? Pleas
Jul 10, 2024 • 3:16:09
89: Steps Into Shadow (Rebels 38 & 39)
Welcome to Star Wars: Rebels season 3! In this pair of episodes, we dig into how the ghost crew has changed after the dramatic end to last season. With Kanan absent to work through his own new reality, Ezra gets the change to lead a mission and goes through some familiar... growing pains... with a dark sided twist. But hey, Y-wings!! Freaky new force sensitive guy! It's all fun and games here! And in case you were wondering if we were going to tackle The Acolyte while it's running, we've got an
Jun 26, 2024 • 2:12:46
88: Twilight of the Apprentice (Rebels 36 & 37)
Finally, we've made it: to Malachor, to the Rebels season 2 finale, to the face-to-face showdown between... well... That's the thing, isn't it. If this had only been a faceoff between Kanan, Ezra, Ahsoka and the Inquisitors who have been pursuing them all season, it would've been a pretty great season finale. But it's more than that, much, much more. NEXT TIME: Steps into Shadow Pt. 1 & 2 Support the show by going to Patreon.com/civilized! Hosted by Rob Zacny (@RobZacny) Featuring Alicia Acampo
Jun 12, 2024 • 2:21:13
87: Shroud of Darkness, The Forgotten Droid, and The Mystery of Chopper Base (Rebels 33 - 35)
As Rebels begins its lead up to the second season finale, it's got some important work to do. First, it has to give its two Jedi protagonists (and their not-quite-a-Jedi-anymore friend) some direction and confidence. Then it has to sell the idea that they have to confront the Inquisitors directly or risk inevitably leading them (and their Dark Lord of the Sith master) to the Rebel forces. Finally, it has to tease the idea that maybe a deep darkness exists in the world--and maybe Ezra is getting
May 29, 2024 • 2:13:05
86: The Call, Homecoming, & The Honorable Ones
As we inch towards the end Rebels Season 2, some things are becoming clearer and clearer. First, Ezra's whole animal empathy thing is going to keep happening. Second, we're definitely going to get some 'different rebel cells have different goals' stories as the series continues. And third... they are definitely, absolutely going to try to redeem Kallus. It's a bold strategy. Let's see how it plays out. Support the show by going to Patreon.com/civilized! Show Notes Hosted by Rob Zacny (@RobZa
May 15, 2024 • 3:09:39
85: A Princess on Lothal, The Protector of the Concord Dawn, & Legends of the Lasat (Rebels 27 - 29)
As we return from the midseason finale, we get a trio of episodes that represent the three major emerging categories of Star Wars Rebels stories so far. One is a story driven by a cameo from the larger Star Wars universe. Another is a big swing at some brand new worldbuilding and an exploration into tone and style that is totally brand new for the show. And the third is, unfortunately (and of course), a lackluster Sabine episode that doesn't even have the decency to give her credit for her own g
May 1, 2024 • 1:56:58
84: Stealth Strike, The Future of the Force, & Legacy (Rebels 24 - 26)
Folks, we did it. After a middling pair of episodes last time and with what looked like a connected pair of stories coming up, we decided to call an audible and increase our episode count to three! So, today, join us on a journey across the galaxy: First into an experimental imperial weapon with its origin in the EU glory days of old, then on a planetary hunt for force-sensitive babies, and finally a return to Lothal where a troubled Ezra Bridger finally gets some answers about his family. Supp
Apr 17, 2024 • 2:21:47
83: Wings of the Master and Blood Sisters (Rebels 22 - 23)
After Season 2's strong start, the crew of the Ghost is finally settling into a lower key rhythm, which has both ups and its down. On the plus side this week, we get a loving look at the B-Wing (an all time great Star Wars ship design) and some more Sabine and Hera backstory! On the other... well, that backstory ain't all that great, and we're really feeling to limits of these one-off episodes. Support the show by going to Patreon.com/civilized! Next time: Rebels 24 & 25 ("Stealth Strike" and "
Apr 4, 2024 • 1:47:02
82: Always Two There Are and Brothers of the Broken Horn (Rebels 20 - 21)
This is a week for introductions and reunions. First, Rebels offers us our first real look at the Inquisitors left behind by the now fallen Grand Inquisitor. Then, as Ezra begins to doubt his place in the burgeoning rebellion, he stumbles into an old acquaintance of ours. Yes... he's back. Yes. Him. Hondo Ohnaka. And wouldn't you know it? He just happens to be looking for a new crew member, Support the show by going to Patreon.com/civilized! Next time: Rebels 22 & 23 ("Wings of the Master" and
Mar 20, 2024 • 1:55:30
81: The Lost Commanders and Relics of the Old Republic (Rebels 18 and 19)
We were pretty high on our return to Rebels last episode, and for good reason. This time the mood continues to improve with the return of some familiar faces. Come on in, grab a cold one, and kick your feet up... because the boys... ARE BACK!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Support the show by going to Patreon.com/civilized! Next time: Rebels 20 & 21 ("Always Two There Are" and "Brothers of the Broken Horn") Show Notes Hosted by Rob Zacny (@RobZacny) Featuring Alicia Acampora (@ali_west), Austin Wal
Mar 6, 2024 • 1:49:39
80: The Siege of Lothal Pt. 1 and Pt. 2 (Rebels 16 and 17)
After months spent bouncing around the galaxy of the Old Republic, we are finally back to the wonders of the... lemme just check my notes... the era of the Empire! That's right, folks, the Emperor, Governor Tarkin, and Darth Vader are at it again, expanding their control over the galaxy and squeezing out any attempt at resistance. And you know what? It's good to be back. Support the show by going to Patreon.com/civilized! Next time: Rebels 18 & 19 ("The Lost Commanders" and "Relics of the Old Re
Feb 21, 2024 • 2:23:46
79: The Nameless World and the Star Forge (Knights of the Old Republic 10)
In only ten episodes, we've traveled from the comfortable military quarters of the Ender Spire to the viewing platform of an ancient alien species' life-devouring shipyard. Finally, it's time to face our destinies: Some of us must overcome the sudden separation from our companions and the limits of our support-focused character builds. Others must commit to doing absolutely cartoonishly evil things to our erstwhile allies. But all of us have to dig deep... deep into our inventories, and finally
Feb 7, 2024 • 2:26:35
78: Korriban (Knights of the Old Republic 09)
After last episode's grand "reveal," we're left with only a few goals remaining: one star map, a handful of side quests, and the grand finale. And hey, next up is Korriban, home of the Sith Academy and many of the events we've recently covered in our comic episodes over on our Patreon! Join us as we finally meet a character willing to explain what the Sith believe, delve into a bunch of tombs, meet Carth's son, and try to lord our newly (re)discovered status as [static sound] over the pitiful Si
Jan 24, 2024 • 2:34:00
77: The Leviathan (Knights of the Old Republic 08)
FINALLY! After months of careful (if fundamentally futile) spoiler avoidance, we can can finally talk about the Big Twist of KOTOR. What's that? It seems as if our duo of new players had already basically figured it out? Well, hold your tongue, because there's knowing "the twist" and then there's really understanding how (and who) exactly did the twisting. Next time: Korriban and any pre-finale side content Support the show by going to Patreon.com/civilized! Show Notes Strategy Wiki's KOTOR Gu
Jan 12, 2024 • 2:07:00
76: Manaan (Knights of the Old Republic 07)
Ah, the blue waves of Manaan, home to the galaxy's only supply of a miracle drug, the most litigious culture in the stars, and a delicately simmering cold war. Time to go knock the whole thing off balance. Next time: THE LEVIATHAN (and any non-Korriban side stuff you wanna catch up on!) Support the show by going to Patreon.com/civilized! Hosted by Rob Zacny (@RobZacny) Featuring Alicia Acampora (@ali_west), Austin Walker (@austin_walker), and Natalie Watson (@nataliewatson) Produced by Ricardo C
Dec 13, 2023 • 2:43:27
75: Kashyyyk (Knights of the Old Republic 06)
From week to week, from planet after planet, one thing has remained true about our journey through the Old Republic: Zaalbar has kept his lips sealed. Sure, he'll make you a grenade. But ask him about what he knows about a place or how he's feeling or, god forbid, what his home is like? Complete. Brick. Wall. Well that ends today, because we've landed on a little world called Kashyyyk. Time to find out if the saying is true: A Wookie can never really go home again. Next time: We head to the sea
Nov 29, 2023 • 2:51:15
74: Tatooine (Knights of the Old Republic 05)
We're back with more KOTOR! And wouldn't you know it, we're also back once again to Tatooine, the planet Star Wars just can't stay away from. What's up with this desert world some 4,000 years before Luke ever farmed a single drop of moisture? Well, would you believe a Hutt is running swoop bike races? Or that there are tensions between the indigenous population of the planet and human colonizers? What if I told you that a giant desert creature was a major threat? Grimy cantina with weirdos in it
Nov 15, 2023 • 2:17:40
73: Dantooine (Knights of the Old Republic 04)
The unlikely crew of the Ebon Hawk has ESCAPED Taris and set their sights for Dantooine, where TRUTHS and MYSTERIES await. We've got Jedi temples! We got mysterious ruins! We got beasts upset by a disturbance in the force! We got decades long feuds! We got droids! ....eugh, we certainly have droids, don't we.... Last time, we said we'd only do half of Dantooine but right here, we're covering the whole thing, baby! Next time: ALL of Tatooine! Let's hit these sands!! Hosted by Rob Zacny (@RobZacn
Oct 25, 2023 • 2:36:56
72: Taris Pt. 3 (Knights of the Old Republic 03)
Oh Taris, how we've missed you! Your glittering towers, so cleanly representing the world's heavily stratified racialized class divide. The smell of swoop fuel in the air, the distinctive odor of underworld betrayal. The wildlife! You know, Rakghouls and death droids and the slimiest crime lords this side of Nar Shadaa. Ah, Taris, it's good to be back! Oh. I've just been handed a note about the fate of Taris. Next Time: First 3 parts of the Trials on Dantooine (through the Corruption in the Grov
Oct 11, 2023 • 1:54:41
71: Back Up On These Corners, Yoda Is (ACMA Goes to the Galactic Starcrusier)
Welp. We did it. We went to space. Thanks to your support, a favor from a friend in Disney's gaming department, and our realization that our rainy day fund had finally found a storm worth being spent on, we flew down to Orlando and took in the sights, sounds, tastes, smells and stories of the Galactic Starcruiser. This episode, recorded about a week after our visit to the Halcyon, is just one of two episodes we're releasing on our experience. The other will be a combined episode, exclusive for
Sep 20, 2023 • 2:47:44
70: Taris Pt. 2 (Knights of the Old Republic 02)
Join us as we continue our journey down into the depths of Taris, a city so bad that it hasn't really gotten that much worse under Sith occupation! Sure, there's a rampant plague of not-zombies spreading through the dark fantasy undercity. And a traitorous swoop racing gang has started killing people in the streets. And, well, I guess there's the matter of the Rancor. But somehow, most of that would've happened even without Sith influence. As the wisest Jedi master of our times, bowing his head
Sep 14, 2023 • 1:51:11
69: Taris Pt. 1 (Knights of the Old Republic 01)
An even longer time ago, in a galaxy approximately the same level of far, far away, there was Knights of the Old Republic, a Computer Role-Playing Game based on D&D's D20 system. Natalie and Rob never heard the story of Darth Malak, probably because it is not a story the Jedi would tell you. But Bioware, back in 2003, told everyone this story and along the way invented the kind of RPG the game studio would be known and renowned for across the next two decades. It is unintentionally sad but unsur
Aug 24, 2023 • 1:48:25
Announcement: What's Next for AMCA
Hey everyone! As promised, we took some time to discuss and consider what we'll be doing for the next chunk of AMCA during the ongoing SAG-AFTRA and WGA strikes. And we've reached a determination. As highly, overwhelmingly requested, we will be playing Knights of the Old Republic. Ali and I get into it a little on this short announcement episode, but we're both very excited for Rob and Natalie to play through this game that was so foundational for us as young Star Wars fans. Ali and I have basic
Aug 17, 2023 • 11:41
68: The Office Next to the Buffalo Wild Wings ft. Adam Conover
In case you haven't heard via our Patreon or various social feeds: AMCA is about to PIVOT. SAG-AFTRA recently released new guidelines for podcasters. Though Rebels is not a guild production, it is hosted on Disney+ and tied closely to the ongoing promotion of Ahsoka. As such, we've been figuring out how to best continue the podcast without crossing the picket lines or promoting struck material, which we feel covering Rebels does. To help us unpack some of the background of these strikes, we
Aug 9, 2023 • 2:08:48
67: Call to Action, Rebel Resolve, and Fire Across the Galaxy (Rebels 13-15)
Finally, we've hit our first big Rebels milestone: the finale of season 1. With Gall Trayvis revealed to be an Imperial operative, the crew of the Ghost takes his supposed mission (getting the word out about how people should fight back) into their own hands. The result: A series of episodes that cements the first season of Rebels as better than we could've anticipated. We get answers to lingering questions. We get a well earned farewell to few characters and a (re-)introduction to a trio of new
Jul 19, 2023 • 2:25:10
66: Path of the Jedi, Idiot's Array, and Vision of Hope (Rebels 10 - 12)
The first season of Rebels has come around the turn of the midseason and is headed directly towards a dramatic conclusion. But before it gets there, we have some business to take care of. First of all, Ezra's gonna need to get a lightsaber. Second, we gotta get to the bottom of this "senator-in-exile" business. And of course, it wouldn't be a Filoni-helmed Star Wars product without a few special guest cameos. And hey, somehow, we're not even that mad about them. Next Time: Rebels 13 - 15 ("Call
Jul 5, 2023 • 2:05:42
65: Empire Day and Gathering Forces (Rebels 08 and 09)
For the last few months, we've been getting to know the crew of the Ghost. But how much have we learned about them really? Sure, we know that Zeb's people suffered occupation and (apparently) genocide, or that Hera is able to make hard decisions for the greater good. But give it some thought: What do we really know about these folks? What's Sabine situation, besides paint and high explosives? How much training did Kanan really get? How did Ezra come to be everyone's favorite force sensitive stre
Jun 21, 2023 • 1:53:53
64: Breaking Ranks and Out of Darkness (Rebels 06 and 07)
With this pair of episodes, it seems accurate to say we've truly entered Rebels proper. Not because some production technique has finally hit its stride, or because we've reached some grand revelation, or seen a major swing in character development. Instead, it's because these are just two totally familiar, stock procedural episode formats: "Kid goes undercover" and "two people argue and bond in the wilderness." And good news: They're pretty good episodes! Not quite season finale level material
Jun 7, 2023 • 1:37:35
63: Droids in Distress, Fighter Flight, and Rise of the Old Masters (Rebels 03 - 05)
Dedicated television watchers know that you can only learn so much from a show's pilot episode. Performances might not be dialed all the way in yet. The show's style of composition, blocking, editing, and other cinematic elements is still under construction. Hell, even the tone and attitude might be up in the air. But by episode 5, all that wet cement has started to set into a more final shape. And it is exactly here, at episode 5 of Rebels, that we learn just how hard this show is going to go..
May 24, 2023 • 2:14:11
62: Shorts and Spark of the Rebellion (Star Wars Rebels 01 & 02)
We did it! We made it through the Clone Wars Legacy materials, past Solo (for some reason), and into the heart of the show that is going to take over our lives for the next year plus—or at least until Andor season 2 starts. Today we kick off Star Wars: Rebels, meeting the crew in a series of four, hijinks-laden shorts and then moving on to the two part intro that sets Ezra Bridger on a journey to... well, that's the thing, we have no idea where his journey will take him! Isn't that exciting? Pl
May 10, 2023 • 3:15:32
61: Solo: A Star Wars Story
Here we are. Our final diversion before we finally arrive at Rebels. And what a diversion it is. A couple of really good heists. A couple of great performances. Solid props and sets. An incredibly paced, 60 minute film. I'm sorry. Huh? You're telling me... you're saying that's not even half the movie? It what? It botches a droid liberation arc? They do what with the droid freedom fighter's still living mind? Who shows up???? Oh, right. That one we knew already. Next Time: Star Wars Rebels Shorts
Apr 26, 2023 • 3:36:46
60: Dark Disciple
60 episodes. Minus like, a dozen Andor eps. Plus a bunch of Patreon bonus Q&As. That's how long it's taken us to get through the original run of Clone Wars, plus the Legacy materials released soon after the end of its 6th season—culminating with today's episode on the Asajj Ventress/Quinlan Vos romantic adventure Dark Disciple. It's truly all come down to this... Which means, of course, that we spend nearly the entire first hour of this episode talking instead about Star Wars Celebration 2023, o
Apr 12, 2023 • 3:48:03
59: Son of Dathomir and Crystal Crisis on Utapau
Before we complete our journey out of the Clone Wars and into Rebels, we have a few final stops to make. First, we find out what ever happened to Darth Maul after the events of the Shadow Collective Arc. Then we get an absolute banger in the unfinished story reel version of The Crystal Crisis of Utapau, an arc too good to have been left in this state indefinitely. Just one more stop to go before we get to Rebels. Right? That's right, right? There's definitely no big, stupid curveball on its way
Mar 28, 2023 • 2:28:22
58: The Yoda Arc (Clone Wars 119 - 121)
Come to the end of Clone Wars' original run, we have. No. No I won't do it. You can't make me write in Yoda. Yoda doesn't even write in Yoda, I bet. Lie, Yoda does n- No. No I'm not going to have a big, Gollum-like argument with myself either. This arc already did that and it wasn't good then, so why would it be now? In any case. This is it: The end of Season 6. For millions of fans, it served as a finale for The Clone Wars for six years. A deep dive about some basics of the force. A return
Mar 16, 2023 • 2:08:05
57: The Disappeared and the Lost One (Clone Wars 116 - 118)
After a brief hiatus due to health, travel, and a half dozen other delays, we are back to the Clone Wars. And what a return it is. We begin on the world of Bardotta, where a culture of force sensitives (and Jedi haters) are led by a queen with the best taste in men we've seen so far in this series. Then, finally (well...), we (sort of) learn the (tentative) truth about a mystery we've long been driven to understand. NEXT TIME: Episodes 119 - 121 ("Voices," "Destiny," and "Sacrifice) Show Notes
Mar 1, 2023 • 2:31:52
57: The Disappeared and the Lost One (Clone Wars 116 - 118)
After a brief hiatus due to health, travel, and a half dozen other delays, we are back to the Clone Wars. And what a return it is. We begin on the world of Bardotta, where a culture of force sensitives (and Jedi haters) are led by a queen with the best taste in men we've seen so far in this series. Then, finally (well...), we (sort of) learn the (tentative) truth about a mystery we've long been driven to understand. NEXT TIME: Episodes 119 - 121 ("Voices," "Destiny," and "Sacrifice) Show Notes
Mar 1, 2023 • 2:31:52
Bonus: AMCA Plays Going Rogue with Jess Levine
Today on AMCA, we're teeing up something special for those of you who love it when we go wild creating our own AUs and OCs! About six months ago, Ali and Austin of AMCA joined the rest of the cast of our sister podcast, Friends at the Table, to do a two day charity marathon raising money for the National Network of Abortion Funds. As part of that effort, we set a bunch of stretch goals, including the promise that we'd play a Star Wars TTRPG one shot over here on AMCA. Today we make good on tha
Feb 1, 2023 • 4:58:12
56: The Clovis Arc (Clone Wars 113-115)
Have there been better arcs of Clone Wars? Absolutely. Have there been arcs that more cleverly dissect the hypocrisy of the Jedi or Anakin's fall to the dark side? Undoubtedly. Are there better duels, dogfights, and tests of will? Of course. But has there ever been a Clone Wars arc as toxic as this one? Oh, no my friends, in that regard we have absolutely peaked. NEXT TIME: Episodes 116 - 118 ("The Disappeared, Part I," "The Disappeared, Part II," "The Lost One") Show Notes Major Deaths (RIP to
Jan 18, 2023 • 2:32:14
55: The Clone Protocol 66 Arc (Clone Wars 109-113)
Happy New Year! As everyone moves into the new year, we're moving both backwards and forwards at the same time. With the Autumn of Andor (mostly) behind us, we return to our ongoing Clone Wars rewatch. But we also move forward into a new season, picking up with Anakin Skywalker feeling a little more dour than usual as he leads a tired clone force in a circular battle against a foe he thought was long since vanquished. The already troubled situation slips into crisis when... well, you should real
Jan 4, 2023 • 2:29:55
54: Exploring the Music of 'Andor' with Kirk Hamilton
In our final episode of the year, we're joined by Kirk Hamilton of Strong Songs, Triple Click, and the Kotaku review of Destiny 2 fame. (No, really, it's one of my all time favorite reviews. Go read it!) Over on Strong Songs, Kirk recently dove headfirst into Nicholas Britell's excellent Andor score. Today, he's joining us to talk through music's place in the show and in Star Wars in general. Join us as we unpack the differences between Britell, John Williams, and the other musicians who've wor
Dec 23, 2022 • 1:51:18
53: Swapping Feelings, Theories, and Hats with Adam Serwer
As promised, the Autumn of Andor continues! Today, we've got the first of three guest-filled episodes coming to you this December. We are joined by Adam Serwer, author of The Cruelty Is the Point: The Past, Present, and Future of Trump's America, staff writer at The Atlantic, and life long Star Wars fan. We share and contextualize our final feelings on Andor, explore the tensions and consonances between the Lucas, Filoni, and Gilroy visions of the franchise, and (if you are very patient) try to
Dec 7, 2022 • 1:38:02
52: "Rix Road" (Andor 12)
Surprise! Thanks to a very kind mystery contact with their own very kind mystery contacts inside of Lucasfilm (and/or Disney Plus), we were given last minute screener access to the Andor finale. And you better believe we hustled to watch it, prep our notes, and deliver the longest episode of our Andor season and one of the longest episodes we've ever recorded. Come for our emotional reactions to the return of voices we'd thought we'd heard the last of. Stay for our dive into 2000s-era anarchist
Nov 23, 2022 • 3:31:12
51: "Daughter of Ferrix" (Andor 11)
As Cassian and Melshi put distance between themselves and Narkina 5, the rest of the galaxy spins just thus, aligning such that many of our principal players will wind up together on Ferrix. And those that won't, well, they're busy uh... talking about Trad Chandrillan customs, so, you know, equally as exciting. Like many of you, we have spent the last ten episodes on the edge of our seats, eager to know what comes next. But with today's episode, written by Tony Gilory and directed by Benjamin C
Nov 21, 2022 • 2:36:22
50: "One Way Out" (Andor 10)
If you rewind the clock by two years, it was today, November 14th, that Ali, Rob, Natalie, and I got in the same group DM and made a decision: Let's do a Clone Wars podcast. Today, our 50th episode releases, and let me tell you: On that day, we could not BEGIN to imagine how much we would be feasting. Today's episode of Andor is a tight, focused 43 minute exploration of revolutionary sacrifice in its many forms. And while I could not call this nearly three hour long episode of our show anything
Nov 14, 2022 • 2:50:34
49: "Nobody's Listening!" (Andor 09)
There are many things about Andor that, push come to shove, I think we could have predicted. Self-sufficient (if selfish) rogue slowly warms to a rebellion? Sure. Imperial bureaucracy tightens its snare around the revolutionary and the uninvolved alike? Definitely. Coruscanti political drama? Probably, hell, they had that in Clone Wars. But there are scenes in this week's Andor that never in one hundred years would we have imagined to have shown up. Here? In Star Wars? No. Couldn't be. Disney wo
Nov 7, 2022 • 2:21:07
48: "Narkina 5" (Andor 08)
If you made fun of us for going long on a previous Andor episode, well the joke is on you, because you should've waited for this week. In what can only be described as (minute-for-minute and pound-for-pound) our MOST five star runtime episode yet, we delve into all manner of bleak material. There's prison labor. There's a bitter-yet-functional marriage. There's a snare slowly tightening around a rebellion so nascent that even two of its most important leaders can't come to terms about working to
Oct 31, 2022 • 3:19:26
47: "Announcement" (Andor 07)
After a nail-biting heist, what could follow for Andor? Unsurprisingly, a talky episode all about the Empire's response to the fledgling rebellion, filled with juicy details about galactic policy decisions, intelligence agency maneuvering, and a bunch of difficult emotional conversations. And, of course... Space Miami. NEXT TIME: Andor Episode 08 Show Notes Hosted by Rob Zacny (@RobZacny) Featuring Alicia Acampora (@ali_west), Austin Walker (@austin_walker), and Natalie Watson (@nataliewatson
Oct 24, 2022 • 2:31:14
46: "The Eye" (Andor 06)
Wow, what a season. From the opening at the rainy PreMor leisure district to the climactic conclusion in highlands of Aldh- What's that? You're saying this is only the halfway point of the series? The halfway point of the first season of the series? No, that can't be right. You're saying that after this—perhaps the best pound-for-pound filmmaking we've covered on the podcast—we get... more? Wow. A better world really is possible. NEXT TIME: Andor Episode 07 Show Notes Heads up that next episo
Oct 17, 2022 • 2:30:40
45: "The Axe Forgets" (Andor 05)
We finished last episode with two desires: To sit in on an absolutely terrible dinner evening and to watch the beginning of a high intensity heist. We got neither, and instead have received a feast unlike any we could've hoped for. From Coruscant to Aldhani, we trace four stories about families bickering. A mother dressing up insults in the language of care. A father leaning back and watching in glee as his daughter tears into her mother. Brothers-in-arms at each other's throats. It's drama time
Oct 10, 2022 • 1:56:49
44: "Aldhani" (Andor 04)
Three episodes can trick you. It's enough that you think: Okay, I have the gist of the show. I understand what's going on here. I get the moves the filmmakers like to make, I understand tone and theme. I get what the actors have at their disposal. But three episodes is nothing. Sometimes a showrunner handles the introductory arc themself, only to step back afterwards. Budgets dip. The relationship between actors, directors, and others on set can sour. Three episodes can trick you. But Andor firs
Oct 3, 2022 • 2:06:31
43: "Kassa," "That Would Be Me," & "Reckoning" (Andor 01 - 03)
A More Civilized Age has never been a show with a plan so much as a set of interests. We’ve never even really known what is coming in the primary topic for our show, The Clone Wars, and that’s allowed us to have some incredible experiences and, we hope, some fun surprises to share with you that compensates for the fact that we can’t analyze this with a complete knowledge of the text. That also meant that we never really had a plan for “what happens after we watch The Clone Wars?” That was a conv
Sep 28, 2022 • 3:17:24
42: The Rogue Jedi Arc (Clone Wars 105-108)
Do you remember when, in one of last arc's Filoni Zones, Dave said something like "...it's the best fight that we've ever done... until next episode's." Well, that might be true for in a broader sense for this arc, too. Somehow, after the low lows of the middle of this season, we've hit an absolute golden pair of arcs to close it out. This week's material isn't perfect—the mystery has an unfortunate Scooby Doo quality, for one—but it's damn close. And remember what Star Wars Dot Com said: [REDA
Sep 14, 2022 • 3:48:57
41: The Shadow Collective Arc (Clone Wars 102-104)
We've had some hard times here, haven't we gang? Aspirin defending bounty hunters. Bogan fruit. Juggling Jar-Jar. Lux Bonteri, heartthrob and super soldier. Younglings. Droids in voids. Well. You know what? For the string of episodes we're kicking off today, it was worth it. All of it. If you haven't watched the last few arcs, take our recommendation and go watch this one before listening. You owe it to yourself. Then come back and get ready for what might be the most high energy 3+ hours we'v
Aug 31, 2022 • 3:21:13
40: The D-Squad Arc (Clone Wars 98-101)
Close your eyes and imagine this: A Clone Wars arc about the intricacies of droid personhood and cultural hierarchy, partially taking place in an existentialist void, and crossing paths with a story about an amnesiac Clone who's escaped the war just to find himself another harsh master. Oh, and the best explosion in the series to date. Now open your eyes and face the cold hard reality: This is one of the worst arcs we've seen yet. Hope yet lives, though. Why? Because we've made it through 100 ep
Aug 17, 2022 • 1:58:05
39: The Youngling Arc (Clone Wars 94-97)
For nearly two years now, we've had a number of questions about what it means to be a so-called Youngling in the Jedi Order. What's it like to be separated from your family and culture? How are they taught to live a life without attachment, yet one still devoted to service? How are classes structured? How's the food in the cafeteria? Well, finally we get an arc all about Younglings. Only we don't get many answers, because no matter how much the crew behind Clone Wars says that lightsabers aren'
Aug 3, 2022 • 2:40:22
38: The Onderon Arc (Clone Wars 90-93)
After some time away, we're back to our old tricks. And hey, so are the Jedi, if by "up to their old tricks" we mean "refusing to help people in need because they prioritize an abstract code over lives." Watch as Anakin invents the Rebellion and the CIA in the same fell swoop. Cheer as a future revolutionary makes his (admittedly mixed) first appearance. Shrug as Ahsoka and Lux Bonteri continue to vaguely orbit one another. Clone Wars is back baby! NEXT TIME: Episodes 94 - 97 ("The Gathering, "A
Jul 20, 2022 • 2:29:26
Bonus: The Kaiburr Conspiracy (feat. Keith J. Carberry)
A quick note: This ep contains very minor spoilers for Season 5 Episode 7. As we said in the last few episodes, because of travel and other delays, we're not quite ready to jump into Season 5 headfirst yet. But tonight, we saw an opportunity to keep the feed moving, and we took that opportunity by the horns. Noted Star Wars fan Keith J. Carberry (of Run Button and Friends at the Table) joins Austin to talk about his ongoing crusade on Wookiepedia. And hey, before we begin, close your eyes and an
Jul 2, 2022 • 34:48
37: Brothers, Revenge, and Revival (Clone Wars 87-89)
With today's episode, we bring The Clone Wars Season 4 to an end and kick Season 5 off with, if not a bang, then at least the death of a somewhat major Jedi. Our Favorite Zabrak, Savage Opress (ugh) is back! And this time, he's got a brother turned partner in crime turned abusive boss. While these eps do have some low lows, they also have a few extremely high highs: A diner, a warehouse worker who steals our heart, an Obi-Wan/Ventress flirt-a-thon, and... finally... at least some of our hearts m
Jun 15, 2022 • 2:16:23
36: Massacre and Bounty (Clone Wars 85-86)
As we head into the final arcs of Season 4, we finally reunite with long lost Sith(-leaning) assassin, Asajj Ventress. How's she been? Well, you know how things go. Lose your job and your social circle and you start looking for a new place. Make some new friends. Find a new mentor. Maybe reconnect with your hometown. Great ideas. Unless, of course, you're a walking target. NEXT TIME: Episodes 87-89 ("Brothers," "Revenge," and "Survival") You can support the show and gain access to a monthly Q&A
Jun 1, 2022 • 1:54:20
35: The Obi-Wan Undercover Arc Pt. 2 (Clone Wars 83-84)
Everything is going swimmingly for Moralo Eval's dastardly plan. Along with certified killers Cad Bane and Rako Hardeen (shh), he's escaped Coruscant, evaded his Jedi pursuers, and arrived on Count Dooku's homeworld of Serenno. Now it's time for the real plan to begin: Everybody get into the box! What? Did you not imagine that the remainder of this arc hinged on a callback to a 1997 indie horror premise? Well don't worry, it doesn't. It was all a fifth dimensional chess ploy anyway. All accordin
May 18, 2022 • 1:39:43
34: A Friend in Need and the Obi-Wan Undercover Arc Pt. 1 (Clone Wars 80-82)
As The Clone Wars begins to lean into heftier, multi-episode arcs, we're hit with the first one we've been forced to break up due to scheduling and length issues. Which means that, yes, we will get to half of an arc about Obi-Wan going to undercover a la John Travolta in Face Off. But first we need to tackle the stand alone return of Pre Vizsla, Deathwatch, and... Lux Bonteri. NEXT TIME: Episodes 83 & 84 ("The Box" and "Crisis on Naboo") You can support the show and gain access to a monthly Q&A
May 4, 2022 • 2:27:33
33: The Zygerria Arc (Clone Wars 77 - 79)
We've made it to the heart of Season 4. Well, in the specific figurative sense meaning "the middle," not the other figurative sense meaning "the thematic core, emblematic of the whole." At least we hope not, since this trio of eps walks right up to a bunch of very interesting ideas and whiffs on basically all of them. This is, seriously, an arc about slavery that barely lets Anakin address his feelings on the practice, and spares literally no time for broader conversation around Clones- or Droid
Apr 20, 2022 • 1:46:16
32: The Umbara Arc (Clone Wars 73 - 76)
Finally we have escaped the desert that was the beginning of Season 4, and we arrive at what is one of the best arcs of the show to date. The Republic sees the seceded world of Umbara as a strategic stepping stone to the Mid Rim, but for the clones assigned under the ruthless (and seemingly inept) Jedi General Pong Krell, it's a more like one big gravestone. Join us as we gleefully talk about clone feelings, Jedi indifference, our headcanon bonus episodes, and, admittedly, the arc's small handf
Apr 7, 2022 • 2:40:00
31: Shadow Warrior & the C-3PO and R2-D2 Arc (Clone Wars 70 - 72)
You know. It happens, right? We've all had a few bad misses in a row, haven't we? And I know what you're thinking, "hey, are you talking about the quality of the show or the misadventures of C-3PO and R2-D2?" And obviously the answer is both. The good news is that we have a lot of fun talking through our issues with these episodes. And we think (or at least we hope) that the coming arc is going to turn things around. NEXT TIME: Episodes 73 - 74 ("Darkness on Umbara" and "The General") You can su
Mar 16, 2022 • 1:47:48
30: The Battle of Mon Cala Arc (Clone Wars 67 - 69)
The fourth season of Clone Wars is here, and unfortunately, it kicks off with a bubbling whimper. On the watery world of Mon Cala, the already fraught relationship between its two key cultures is in crisis when the planet's king dies. Now, his son, a child with no skill in command, leadership, or much of anything, is due to inherit the throne despite the anti-monarchist protestations of many of his subjects. Where do the Jedi fit into this? Well, they're on Mon Cala to protect the monarchy of co
Mar 2, 2022 • 1:58:42
29: Padawan Lost & Wookie Hunt (Clone Wars 65 - 66)
We have finally, actually come to the end of Clone Wars' third season, and we've been met with a pair of enjoyable, if straight forward, episodes. As has been a running theme throughout the season, today's journey focuses on Ahsoka's growing sense of independence and reliability, casting her as the protector of a group of lost Jedi younglings who've been caught up in a real Most Dangerous Game situation. And I know what you're wondering: Are some of these Younglings 57 years old? Yes. Okay, well
Feb 16, 2022 • 1:59:00
28: The Citadel Arc (Clone Wars 62 - 64)
Phew, we've finally made it to the big Season 3 finale arc. Nearly all of our main characters are here, facing down the very Citadel we first heard about in the season opener--and some snarky commentary from a future Star Wars villain. How will- Huh? What's that? You're saying this isn't the end of the season? There's two more episodes following this? Sure buddy. Sure. Whatever you say. But don't be surprised when we divert from the main topic of this episode multiple times to dig into end-of-se
Feb 2, 2022 • 2:34:10
27: The Mortis Arc (Clone Wars 59 - 61)
Here it is, finally, the episode the Jedi Council didn't want you to hear! After a bout of illness and other scheduling hurdles (you might notice Austin isn't recording with this usual mic - sorry!), we have finally sat down to talk through the Mortis arc. You can support the show and gain access to a monthly Q&A cast by going to patreon.com/civilized NEXT TIME: Episodes 62 - 64 ("The Citadel," "Counter Attack," & "Citadel Rescue") Show Notes Major Deaths: The Daugther? The Son?? The Father????
Jan 19, 2022 • 2:04:59
26: Witches and Monsters Arc (Clone Wars 56 - 58)
Week after week, we return to the same conversation: What if, instead of focusing only on known characters and therefore being boxed in by the events of the Prequel Trilogy, Clone Wars could spread its wings and spend time developing new characters with yet unwritten endings. Finally, with the arrival of a character really, genuinely named Savage, our prayers are answered, even if the monkey's paw does curl... You can support the show and gain access to a monthly Q&A cast by going to patreon.com
Dec 15, 2021 • 2:01:39
25: Heroes on Both Sides & Pursuit of Peace (Clone Wars 54 - 55)
There is an energy today. Can you feel it? Can you anticipate the shouting? The laughter? The grinding of teeth? The discussion of interest rates, privatization of public goods and services, and the strategic neoliberal moving of goal posts? All of this, plus Star Wars continues to dip its toe into antisemitic caricature, and our last real confrontation with Clone Wars' chopped up timeline. Oh, and I guess Anakin says some fashy stuff too. It's a big one. Enjoy? You can support the show and ga
Dec 1, 2021 • 2:15:02
24: Hutts and the Underworld Arc (Clone Wars 51 - 53)
If you only knew where this series of episodes began, you might expect quite a different podcast than what we deliver to you today. What begins as an arc about the power (and limit) of prophecy quickly turns into something else. Sure, we get to debate the limits of Padme's boilerplate political rhetoric for a bit, but before long there's a the return of an old antagonist. The only question is, who hates this guy more: us or the people who came up with him in the first place. You can support the
Nov 17, 2021 • 2:16:32
23: Corruption & The Academy (Clone Wars 49 - 50)
I will not lie to you, friends. On paper, this is a hell of an arc. A return to Mandalore, now starving because of Separatist pressure and Republic failure? Duchess Satine and Senator Amidala as confidants and heroines? Ahsoka, sent to ferret out a secretive black market? How could anyone possibly be left unsatisfied? Well... NEXT TIME: Episodes 51 - 53 ("Assassin," "Evil Plans," and "Hunt for Ziro") Show Notes Clone Deaths: None, for once? Tummy Aches: Many. Hosted by Rob Zacny (@RobZacny) Fe
Nov 3, 2021 • 1:52:16
22: Supply Lines & Sphere of Influence (Clone Wars 47- 48)
Sometimes on this show, we (Natalie especially) will talk about the "morsels" of world building that are delivered to us. Deep inside an episode about an evil Hutt lord or a lost lightsaber, maybe there's a brief mention of some aspect of the socio-political reality of the Star Wars world. And, things being what they are, we have found ourselves content with these morsels. But today? Today we feast. Neither of these episodes is a stone cold classic, don't get us wrong. But both shine lights into
Oct 20, 2021 • 2:01:55
21: The Kamino Arc (Clone Wars 45 - 46)
We return from hiatus to find a pair of episodes built to answer some of our most potent and long running questions about the clones and their war: How are they trained? ? What's their relationship to Kamino? How soon can they start getting sick haircuts? Where's the Jango Juice kept? What? Don't say you didn't miss us. NEXT TIME: Episodes 47 - 48 ("Supply Lines" and "Sphere of Influence") Show Notes Fallen Clones: Havoc, Colt, and 99 Hosted by Rob Zacny (@RobZacny) Featuring Alicia Acampora
Oct 6, 2021 • 2:04:09
20: The Boba Fett Arc (Clone Wars 42-44)
Finally, we've come to the end of The Clone Wars Season 2. And, appropriate for a season subtitled "Rise of the Bounty Hunters," we do so with a trio of episodes about future fan favorite hunter Boba Fett (co-starring Aurra Sing and Bossk, two other fan favorite mercs). It's an imperfect arc in many ways, but it succeeds in at least one important metric: getting us to talk for too damned long about them. In any case, some news before you get to the episode: We'll be taking a break for our next s
Sep 8, 2021 • 3:29:47
19: The Zillo Beast (Clone Wars 40-41)
A two episode Godzilla and King Kong inspired arc? Certainly that couldn't leave us with enough material to go for more than 70, 80 minutes tops. Talk about the monster design, the War on Terror allegory, maybe even sneak in a conversation about the ongoing pacing and structure of the series? In an out, righ- I'm being handed a piece of paper. It says "they went for two hours." Ah. Well, nevertheless. NEXT TIME: Episodes 42 - 44 ( "Death Trap," "R2 Come Home," and "Lethal Trackdown") Show Notes
Aug 25, 2021 • 1:51:55
18: Senate Murders, Cat and Mouse, and Bounty Hunters (Clone Wars 37-39)
After last episode's cohesive and sumptuous Mandalore Arc, today's follow up was going to have a high bar to clear. And, unfortunately, all three of today's episodes come up short. That's not to say there's nothing of note here: the opening "Senate Murders" gives us some back room politicking and a little extra insight into senatorial processes, but it raises more questions than it answers. The other two episodes of the bunch have their charms too--especially if you're a sucker for tense submari
Aug 11, 2021 • 2:37:03
17: The Mandalore Arc (Clone Wars 34 - 36)
As far back as the Clone Wars movie, when Obi-Wan Kenobi first bantered with Asajj Ventress, we knew that the bearded Jedi Master had a romantic side. Today, we see that part of him in full bloom--and perhaps in full wither--as he reconnects with the Duchess Satine Kryze. To say there are fireworks is an understatement. We've got a whole damned powder keg here. There's bickering. There's flirting. There's face touching. And at the heart of it, there's a debate about pacifism, sovereignty, and du
Jul 28, 2021 • 3:16:19
16: The Saleucami Arc & Lightsaber Lost (Clone Wars 31 - 33)
Let's not beat around the bush: We have three episodes today, but one of them towers over the others. It's great to see our favorite Separatist general in "Grievous Intrigue" and it's fun to meet a new, Columbo-esque Jedi elder in "Lightsaber Lost," but over a year ago, it was "The Deserter" that confirmed just how fun doing a Clone Wars podcast might be. And boy, were we ever right. NEXT TIME: Episodes 34 - 36 ("The Mandalore Plot," "Voyage of Temptation," "Duchess of Mandalore") Show Notes Fa
Jul 14, 2021 • 2:45:29
15: Return to Geonosis Arc Pt. 2 (Clone Wars 28 - 30)
There are many reasons to be excited for this trio of episodes. There's the way the arc slides effortlessly from genre to genre, all while maintaining an overall sense of narrative continuity. There's the way that the lighting and effects work in these episodes show how far the production team have come since season one. There's the further development of characters like Luminara Unduli and Barris Offee, quickly becoming some of our favorites. But maybe more than anything, there is for the first
Jun 30, 2021 • 2:35:54
14: Return to Geonosis Arc Pt. 1 (Clone Wars 26 - 27)
Today we begin our first multi-part arc, starting with the series' first attempt at a cloak-and-dagger romantic thriller, "Senate Spy" (an episode which unfortunately lives up to neither "cloak-and-dagger" nor "romantic thriller.") Then, we head to Geonosis for the war film inspired "Landing at Point Rain," where clones die by the dropship-load, Geonosians face the wrath of Republic flamethrowers, and Jedi once again serve less as generals and more as ego-driven quarterbacks. NEXT TIME: Episode
Jun 16, 2021 • 1:50:28
13: Hostage Crisis & The Children of the Force Arc (Clone Wars 22 - 25)
Nope, you're not wrong. That guy in the hat? He is extremely cool. And extremely evil. We've finally reached one of Clone Wars great, break out original characters: Cad Bane. He's here to remind us that villains can be extremely competent, Jedi can be entirely too confident, and plot arcs absolutely coherent. Yup. It's a good day to be a Civilian. Well... except for the audio issues. NEXT TIME: Episodes 26 & 27 (Senate Spy & Landing at Point Rain) Show Notes Fallen Clones: Todo 360 (Honorary)
Jun 3, 2021 • 2:35:03
12: The Ryloth Arc (Clone Wars 19 - 21)
“Another armed occupation is not a free Ryloth. How long before I am fighting you, master Jedi?” -Cham Syndulla On and above the Twi'lek homeworld of Ryloth, battles rage between Separatist and Republic forces. This three part, anthology-style arc gives us different perspectives on the conflict, and that's true in more ways than one. These episodes offer us both our most paternalistic, simple minded vision of racial harmony yet and our first de facto "radical" figure. Oh, and no, before you writ
May 19, 2021 • 2:10:03
11: The Blue Shadow Virus Arc (Clone Wars 17 & 18)
After the highs and lows of Revenge of the Sith, it felt like we were due to even back out with some mid-tier content. And hey, good news, the Blue Shadow Virus is nothing if not mid. One one hand, it spends some solid time characterizing nearly every one of our leads. On the other, its combination of mad scientist stock villain, half-developed Bermuda Triangle planet, and bio-terror plot just don't mesh together into anything especially elevated or memorable. But with just one more arc to go in
May 5, 2021 • 1:44:19
10: Star Wars Episode III: Revenge of the Sith
With what can only be described as "season finale energy," today we detour from our Clone Wars journey in order to (re)visit the final film in George Lucas' much derided Prequel Trilogy: Revenge of the Sith. Do we debate at length where the final blame for Anakin's downfall lies? Yes. Do we dream up ways that things could have gone differently? Absolutely. Do we find ways to talk ourselves into circles? Oh, without a doubt. Join us for this four and a half our dive into Revenge of the Sith. If
Apr 21, 2021 • 4:30:01
09: Trespass and The Hidden Enemy (Clone Wars 15 & 16)
Content warnings: Discussion of sex and drug use. It should've been a simple episode. Two stand alone stories, each filled to the brim with the sort of political world building and philosophical question raising content that we thrive on. And, for what it's worth, we roll right into all of that. But then, perhaps because the tracks had been greased a little too well, perhaps because of hubris, or perhaps because of the ever-present will of the force, we go way off the rails. And frankly, we wer
Apr 7, 2021 • 2:25:16
08: The Lurmen Arc (Clone Wars 13 & 14)
If there is one leading question this podcast has raised so far, it's "What role do the Jedi really serve in the Galactic Republic?" It's fair to say that we've been pretty critical of this ancient order of religious space cops, and fortunately, the writers of Clone Wars have decided to bring our skeptical perspective into the show directly. Someone who can speak truth to power. Someone who can confront the hypocrit- Sorry, sorry. One second. I'm being handed a note. Ah! Well. Nevertheless, N
Mar 24, 2021 • 1:35:13
07: The Florrum Arc (Clone Wars 11 & 12)
"Maybe there's a lesson to be learned here..." -Obi-Wan Kenobi What are some things you'd love to see in a Clone Wars arc? Obi-Wan, Anakin, and Count Dooku forced to work together? Check. The introduction of a new, series regular space pirate? Yup. A lot of people getting absolutely roasted? Absolutely. This week's episode pairing has all the ingredients to be a delicious dish. And yet... Next time: Episodes 13-14 Show Notes Fallen Clones: Mack Hosted by Rob Zacny (@RobZacny) Featuring Alicia A
Mar 10, 2021 • 1:45:28
06: The Nute Gunray Arc (Clone Wars 08-10)
"This is a mission of peace. I put my faith in diplomacy. We can't solve all of our problems by throwing troops at them." -Padmé Amidala Before we get into the episode today, big news: We've launched our Patreon! Just go over to patreon.com/civilized (lol) to support us and gain access to our monthly Q&A podcast. We're keeping it super simple for now. A single tier, a single reward. We don't want to bury ourselves in work. But we also have some ideas for how we'd want to expand this down the ro
Feb 24, 2021 • 2:55:20
05: Rookies and the R3-S6 Arc (Clone Wars 05-07)
"I have a bad feeling about this." - Commander Cody, Rookies "I have a bad feeling about this." - Anakin Skywalker, Downfall of a Droid "I have a bad feeling about this." - Captain Rex: Duel of the Droids This week, we've finally hit a truly solid episode in our first Clone-focused romp, "Rookies," which raises questions not only about Clone individuality but also the Republic's handle on... everything. We also delve into Droid personhood (and beef) in a two parter that separates Anakin from
Feb 10, 2021 • 1:52:32
04: Ambush and the Malevolence Arc (Clone Wars 01-04)
“My lady, are you sure the information from Chancellor Palpatine is… reliable?” - C-3P0 After weeks of build up, we've finally made it to the Clone Wars series proper. Join us as we take our first dive into questions of Clone individuality, meet the polarizing Separatist commander General Grievous, and return to the eternal question: How does no one find out about Padme and Anakin when they're barely hiding their relationship. Next Time: Episodes 05 - 07 Show Notes Fallen Clones: Matchstick and
Jan 27, 2021 • 2:04:06
03: Star Wars: The Clone Wars (2008)
"You'll have to do better than that, my darling." - Obi-Wan Kenobi Finally, we have arrived to the Clone Wars. At least, sort of. Today, we tackle 2008's The Clone Wars, a prelude meant to introduce the audience to the then-upcoming TV series. Join us as we meet overeager Padawan Ahsoka Tano, ambitious Sith apprentice Asajj Ventress, and a pair of Hutts who've left us with... mixed feelings. Next Time: Episodes 1-4 of The Clone Wars. Show Notes Star Wars The Clone Wars: Producer Catherine Winde
Jan 13, 2021 • 3:17:01
Bonus: A More Civlized Q&A
Later this month, the crew here at A More Civilized Age will be launching a humble Patreon, with a monthly Q&A podcast as a bonus to our supporters. But since that Patreon isn't up yet, and because wanted to give folks a taste of what's to come, we wanted to do a free bonus episode for y'all this week. So, enjoy, and thank you all for sending in your questions! If YOU would like your questions considered for a future episode, you can send it to amorecivilizedage@gmail.com! And as a final reminde
Jan 6, 2021 • 1:31:08
02: Star Wars Episode II: Attack of the Clones
"We need a system where the politicians sit down and discuss the problem, agree what’s in the best interest of all the people, and then do it.” “That’s exactly what we do. The trouble is that people don’t always agree.” “Well then they should be be made to.” The Phantom Menace raised questions. Perhaps, you hoped, Attack of the Clones might answer them. Unfortunately, Episode II itself only offers a litany of new lines of inquiry. How many nations are part of the Galactic Republic? Why does Pa
Dec 30, 2020 • 3:23:01
01: Star Wars Episode I: The Phantom Menace
"It's like poetry. They rhyme." What ever happened to the glory days of the Galactic Republic? Did it all fall apart because of the masterful manipulations of a dark lord of the Sith? Or may there have been some cracks in the foundation already? Join Rob Zacny, Alicia Acampora, Natalie Watson, and Austin Walker as they try to answer those questions, kicking off their journey into the Clone Wars by first revisiting Star Wars: Episode I: The Phantom Menace. Show Notes The Beginning: Making Star
Dec 23, 2020 • 2:32:56
