A More Civilized Age: A Star Wars Podcast

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 melting for a fan favorite character we have really hated up until now.

NEXT TIME: Episodes 91- 94 ("A War on Two Fronts," "Front Runners," "The Soft War," and "Tipping Points")

You can support the show and gain access to a monthly Q&A cast by going to patreon.com/civilized

Show Notes

Deaths: Morley the Disney Snake, Too-Loyal Pirate Sabo, Jedi Master Adi Gallia

Hosted by Rob Zacny (@RobZacny)

Featuring Alicia Acampora (@ali_west), Austin Walker (@austin_walker), and Natalie Watson (@nataliewatson)

Produced by Austin Walker

Music by Jack de Quidt (@notquitereal)

Cover art by Xeecee (@xeeceevevo)

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 cast by going to patreon.com/civilized

Show Notes

Deaths: All of the Nightsisters!!!!!!!!!!!

Hosted by Rob Zacny (@RobZacny)

Featuring Alicia Acampora (@ali_west), Austin Walker (@austin_walker), and Natalie Watson (@nataliewatson)

Produced by Austin Walker

Music by Jack de Quidt (@notquitereal)

Cover art by Xeecee (@xeeceevevo)

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 according to plan.

NEXT TIME: Episodes 85 & 86 ("Massacre" & "Bounty")

You can support the show and gain access to a monthly Q&A cast by going to patreon.com/civilized

Show Notes

Bounty Hunter Deaths: Bulduga, Onca, Kiera Swan, Sinrich, Jakoli, Mantu, Sixtat

The Cube Trailer

Cad Bane Fancam

Hosted by Rob Zacny (@RobZacny)

Featuring Alicia Acampora (@ali_west), Austin Walker (@austin_walker), and Natalie Watson (@nataliewatson)

Produced by Austin Walker

Music by Jack de Quidt (@notquitereal)

Cover art by Xeecee (@xeeceevevo)

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 cast by going to patreon.com/civilized

Show Notes

Deaths: Tryla, Obi-Wan Kenobi (Faked)

Hosted by Rob Zacny (@RobZacny)

Featuring Alicia Acampora (@ali_west), Austin Walker (@austin_walker), and Natalie Watson (@nataliewatson)

Produced by Austin Walker

Music by Jack de Quidt (@notquitereal)

Cover art by Xeecee (@xeeceevevo)

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 Droids-as-slaves, and finds the time to do Ahsoka (whose people are the ones enslaved in these episodes) dirty too! Ah well. At least we'll always have the uncomfortable sexual tension of the Zygerrian Slave Queen's Bedchambers.

NEXT TIME: Episodes 80 - 82 ("Friend in Need," "Deception," "Friends and Enemies")

You can support the show and gain access to a monthly Q&A cast by going to patreon.com/civilized

Show Notes

Deaths: Some slavers, idk, fuck em

Hosted by Rob Zacny (@RobZacny)

Featuring Alicia Acampora (@ali_west), Austin Walker (@austin_walker), and Natalie Watson (@nataliewatson)

Produced by Austin Walker

Music by Jack de Quidt (@notquitereal)

Cover art by Xeecee (@xeeceevevo)

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 handful of missteps and missed opportunities.

NEXT TIME: Episodes 77 - 79 ("Kidnapped," "Slaves of the Republic," "Escape from Kadavo")

You can support the show and gain access to a monthly Q&A cast by going to patreon.com/civilized

Show Notes

Deaths: Oz, Ringo, Hardcase, Waxer, Pong Krell, more unnamed clones than we can count

Walter Murch - 'Clone Wars' and learning Maya

Hosted by Rob Zacny (@RobZacny)

Featuring Alicia Acampora (@ali_west), Austin Walker (@austin_walker), and Natalie Watson (@nataliewatson)

Produced by Alicia Acampora

Music by Jack de Quidt (@notquitereal)

Cover art by Xeecee (@xeeceevevo)

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 support the show and gain access to a monthly Q&A cast by going to patreon.com/civilized

Show Notes

Hosted by Rob Zacny (@RobZacny)

Featuring Alicia Acampora (@ali_west), Austin Walker (@austin_walker), and Natalie Watson (@nataliewatson)

Produced by Alicia Acampora

Music by Jack de Quidt (@notquitereal)

Cover art by Xeecee (@xeeceevevo)

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 course.

NEXT TIME: Episodes 70 - 72 ("Shadow Warrior," "Mercy Mission," and "Nomad Droids)

You can support the show and gain access to a monthly Q&A cast by going to patreon.com/civilized

Show Notes

Ahsokaverse AU by @Letoscrawls

Hosted by Rob Zacny (@RobZacny)

Featuring Alicia Acampora (@ali_west), Austin Walker (@austin_walker), and Natalie Watson (@nataliewatson)

Produced by Alicia Acampora

Music by Jack de Quidt (@notquitereal)

Cover art by Xeecee (@xeeceevevo)

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, does Ahsoka moralize to them in the same ineffectual ways that the Jedi always do? Also yes.

NEXT TIME: Episodes 67 - 69 ("Water War," "Gungan Attack," and "Prisoners")

You can support the show and gain access to a monthly Q&A cast by going to patreon.com/civilized

Show Notes

Trandoshan Kills: Morgo, Vadoo, Katt Mol, Lika, Khalifa

Trandoshan Deaths: Dar, Clutch, Goron, Lagon, Gilas, Ratter, Lo-Taren, Socheck, Garnac

Trandoshan K/D Ratio: 0.555

Hosted by Rob Zacny (@RobZacny)

Featuring Alicia Acampora (@ali_west), Austin Walker (@austin_walker), and Natalie Watson (@nataliewatson)

Produced by Alicia Acampora

Music by Jack de Quidt (@notquitereal)

Cover art by Xeecee (@xeeceevevo)

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-season retrospective thoughts and hopes for the future anyway. We gotta hit those five star runtimes somehow.

You can support the show and gain access to a monthly Q&A cast by going to patreon.com/civilized

NEXT TIME: Episodes 65 - 66 ("Padawan Lost" and "Wookie Hunt")

Show Notes

Major Deaths: Charger, Longshot, Echo, Even Piell, Osi Sobeck, OOM-10 AND HIS BUDS ;_; o7

Hosted by Rob Zacny (@RobZacny)

Featuring Alicia Acampora (@ali_west), Austin Walker (@austin_walker), and Natalie Watson (@nataliewatson)

Produced by Alicia Acampora

Music by Jack de Quidt (@notquitereal)

Cover art by Xeecee (@xeeceevevo)

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???? Is any of this real?????????

The Son Talks to Darth Revan and Bane

Hosted by Rob Zacny (@RobZacny)

Featuring Alicia Acampora (@ali_west), Austin Walker (@austin_walker), and Natalie Watson (@nataliewatson)

Produced by Alicia Acampora

Music by Jack de Quidt (@notquitereal)

Cover art by Xeecee (@xeeceevevo)

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/civilized

NEXT TIME: Episodes 59 - 61 ("Overlords," "Altar of Mortis," & "Ghosts of Mortis")

Show Notes

Shout outs to Mat Jones, @pillowfort on Twitter, for producing this episode!

Fallen Clones: "Trauma"

Fallen Zabrak: Feral, many unnamed others

Fallen Jedi: Halsey, Knox

Fallen Kings: Katuunko

Hosted by Rob Zacny (@RobZacny)

Featuring Alicia Acampora (@ali_west), Austin Walker (@austin_walker), and Natalie Watson (@nataliewatson)

Produced by Mat Jones (@pillowfort)

Music by Jack de Quidt (@notquitereal)

Cover art by Xeecee (@xeeceevevo)

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 gain access to a monthly Q&A cast by going to patreon.com/civilized

NEXT TIME: Episodes 56 - 58 ("Nightsisters," "Monster," "Witches in the Mist")

Show Notes

Clone Deaths: Innumerable off screen, which no one cares about

Senator Deaths: None yet, except for the ones that already happened in the episode that follows these, which also released a year prior.

Hosted by Rob Zacny (@RobZacny)

Featuring Alicia Acampora (@ali_west), Austin Walker (@austin_walker), and Natalie Watson (@nataliewatson)

Produced by Austin Walker

Music by Jack de Quidt (@notquitereal)

Cover art by Xeecee (@xeeceevevo)

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 show and gain access to a monthly Q&A cast by going to patreon.com/civilized

NEXT TIME: Episodes 54 - 55 ("Heroes on Both Sides" and "The Pursuit of Peace")

Show Notes

Hosted by Rob Zacny (@RobZacny)

Featuring Alicia Acampora (@ali_west), Austin Walker (@austin_walker), and Natalie Watson (@nataliewatson)

Produced by Austin Walker

Music by Jack de Quidt (@notquitereal)

Cover art by Xeecee (@xeeceevevo)

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)

Featuring Alicia Acampora (@ali_west), Austin Walker (@austin_walker), and Natalie Watson (@nataliewatson)

Produced by Austin Walker

Music by Jack de Quidt (@notquitereal)

Cover art by Xeecee (@xeeceevevo)

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 the realities of the Trade Federation, the Separatist movement, and the entropic nature of the Republic's internal situation. So, do you like blockades? Are you hungry for embargoes? You wanna hear a bureaucrat spin a tale of broken neutrality so outlandish that it'll make your head spin? Then buckle up, baby, because it's time for a war in the shipping lanes.

Show Notes

Fallen Clones: Keeli

Fallen Jedi: Ima-Gun Di (*groan*)

Dinner in the Sky

Greedo Attacks First - Episode 1 Deleted Scene

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 (@ali_west), Austin Walker (@austin_walker), and Natalie Watson (@nataliewatson)

Produced by Austin Walker

Music by Jack de Quidt (@notquitereal)

Cover art by Xeecee (@xeeceevevo)

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 scheduled episode and returning on October 6th, with our normal monthly Patreon episode going live on September 29th (so get your questions in to amorecivilizedage@gmail.com).

NEXT TIME: Episodes 45 - 46 ("Clone Cadets" and "Arc Troopers"

Show Notes

Fallen Clones: CT-411 a.k.a. "Ponds"

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

Fallen Clones: Hawkeye, Kosmos,

Fallen Comrades: THE MOTHERFUCKIN ZILLO BEAST

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 submarine duels or stylized bounty hunter designs. But all in all, it's just as Rob says in today's intro: They cannot all be winners. Thankfully, that won't stop us from having our own brand of incredibly punchy fun with what they offer us anyway.

NEXT TIME: Episodes 40 & 41 ( "The Zillo Beast" & "The Zillo Beast Strikes Back")

Show Notes

Fallen Clones: None??? Fallen Senators: Onaconda Farr, Mee Deechi Fallen Bounty Hunters: Rumi Paramita Fallen Cool As Hell Separatist Officers: No one, because we believe Trench lived somehow.

Tera Sinube vs Tan Divo Epic Rap Battle (Oh my god, I'm just realizing that this is just clips edited over a Bob Ross vs Pablo Picasso battle oh no.)

Hosted by Rob Zacny (@RobZacny)

Featuring Alicia Acampora (@ali_west), Austin Walker (@austin_walker), and Natalie Watson (@nataliewatson)

Produced by Austin Walker

Music by Jack de Quidt (@notquitereal)

Cover art by Xeecee (@xeeceevevo)

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 duty.

Oh, and some Mandalorians show up too.

NEXT TIME: Episodes 37-39 ("Senate Murders," "Cat and Mouse," "Bounty Hunters")

Show Notes

Fallen Clones: Redeye, Mixer

"Concordian Mando'a in TCW"

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

Fallen Clones: Too many to count. Special honors for "Front Door"

"Grievous Intrigue" Featurette

Hosted by Rob Zacny (@RobZacny)

Featuring Alicia Acampora (@ali_west), Austin Walker (@austin_walker), and Natalie Watson (@nataliewatson)

Produced by Austin Walker

Music by Jack de Quidt (@notquitereal)

Cover art by Xeecee (@xeeceevevo)

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 time a long dark hallway, the baleful hum of brass, and a man walking slowly towards his future...

NEXT TIME: Episodes 31 - 33 (Grievous Intrigue, The Deserter, Lightsaber Lost)

Show Notes

Fallen Clones: Buzz, Gearshift, Trap, OM-5 (Honorary)

Hosted by Rob Zacny (@RobZacny)

Featuring Alicia Acampora (@ali_west), Austin Walker (@austin_walker), and Natalie Watson (@nataliewatson)

Produced by Austin Walker

Music by Jack de Quidt (@notquitereal)

Cover art by Xeecee (@xeeceevevo)

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: Episodes 28 - 30 (Weapons Factory, Legacy of Terror, and Brain Invaders)

Show Notes

Fallen Clones: Innumerable (but unnamed)

Hosted by Rob Zacny (@RobZacny)

Featuring Alicia Acampora (@ali_west), Austin Walker (@austin_walker), and Natalie Watson (@nataliewatson)

Produced by Austin Walker

Music by Jack de Quidt (@notquitereal)

Cover art by Xeecee (@xeeceevevo)

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)

Hosted by Rob Zacny (@RobZacny)

Featuring Alicia Acampora (@ali_west), Austin Walker (@austin_walker), and Natalie Watson (@nataliewatson)

Produced by Austin Walker

Music by Jack de Quidt (@notquitereal)

Cover art by Xeecee (@xeeceevevo)

"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 write in: They are not French.

Next time: Episodes 22-25 (S1E22-S2E3), Hostage Crisis + Magic of the Holocron Arc

Show Notes

Fallen Clones: Slammer, Tucker, Axe

Barthes on the cover of Paris Match

Hosted by Rob Zacny (@RobZacny)

Featuring Alicia Acampora (@ali_west), Austin Walker (@austin_walker), and Natalie Watson (@nataliewatson)

Produced by Austin Walker

Music by Jack de Quidt (@notquitereal)

Cover art by Xeecee (@xeeceevevo)

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 the season, and with some clear signs that the production team is perfecting their technical processes, it does feel like maybe we're nearing the light at the end of the tunnel of mediocrity...

Next Time: The Ryloth Arc (The Clone Wars: Episodes 19-21)

Show Notes

Not a clone, but still: RIP to Taquito.

Padme Holding Knives:

Hosted by Rob Zacny (@RobZacny)

Featuring Alicia Acampora (@ali_west), Austin Walker (@austin_walker), and Natalie Watson (@nataliewatson)

Produced by Austin Walker

Music by Jack de Quidt (@notquitereal)

Cover art by Xeecee (@xeeceevevo)

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 you (and we) can make it through this, then the rest of Clone Wars will be nothing.

(Also, if you enjoy this, reminder that you can support the show and listen to a monthly Q&A by going to patreon.com/civilized. Oh and be sure to check the show notes on the site to get all the Important Secondary Material we'll reference throughout this pod.)

Next time: Clone Wars Episode 17-18 (The Blue Shadow Virus Arc)

Show Notes

Sheev's Gamer Chair (With Cat Ears)

Hosted by Rob Zacny (@RobZacny)

Featuring Alicia Acampora (@ali_west), Austin Walker (@austin_walker), and Natalie Watson (@nataliewatson)

Produced by Austin Walker

Music by Jack de Quidt (@notquitereal)

Cover art by Xeecee (@xeeceevevo)

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 were due.

Next time: Revenge of the Sith

Show Notes

Hosted by Rob Zacny (@RobZacny)

Featuring Alicia Acampora (@ali_west), Austin Walker (@austin_walker), and Natalie Watson (@nataliewatson)

Produced by Austin Walker

Music by Jack de Quidt (@notquitereal)

Cover art by Xeecee (@xeeceevevo)

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,

Next time: Episodes 15-16

Show Notes

Fallen Clones: Flash (not FLESH as we thought), Lucky, and Cameron

Hosted by Rob Zacny (@RobZacny)

Featuring Alicia Acampora (@ali_west), Austin Walker (@austin_walker), and Natalie Watson (@nataliewatson)

Produced by Austin Walker

Music by Jack de Quidt (@notquitereal)

Cover art by Xeecee (@xeeceevevo)

"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 Acampora (@ali_west), Austin Walker (@austin_walker), and Natalie Watson (@nataliewatson)

Produced by Austin Walker

Music by Jack de Quidt (@notquitereal)

Cover art by Xeecee (@xeeceevevo)

"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 road, and we'd love to hear ideas from you too, so let us know!

Given the extra work of launching the Patreon this week, we'd love to say that this week's episode is a light one. And on paper, it should be. These episodes cover three distinct stories, with marginal narrative overlap, each tackling a different genre and theme. Unfortunately for us and our runtime, even the worst of these episodes (the Jar Jar vehicle "Bombad Jedi") has enough to chew on for damn near fort minutes. And if that was the case for the comic relief episode, then what could we have expected from our conversation about the one-two punch of "Cloak of Darkness," perhaps our best episode yet, and "Lair of Grievous," which gives us a small taste for the Separatist Supreme Commander's backstory that we've been so thirsty for?

Next time: Episodes 11-12

Show Notes

Fallen Clones: Green Leader, Bel, Niner, Commander Fil

Hosted by Rob Zacny (@RobZacny)

Featuring Alicia Acampora (@ali_west), Austin Walker (@austin_walker), and Natalie Watson (@nataliewatson)

Produced by Austin Walker

Music by Jack de Quidt (@notquitereal)

Cover art by Xeecee (@xeeceevevo)

"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 true series protagonist, R2-D2. It's a story that has one real lesson: Do not fuck with R2-D2.

Next time: Episodes 8-10

Show Notes

Fallen Clones: Cutup, Hevy, O'Niner, Droidbait, Nub, CT-327 ("sentry")

Hosted by Rob Zacny (@RobZacny)

Featuring Alicia Acampora (@ali_west), Austin Walker (@austin_walker), and Natalie Watson (@nataliewatson)

Produced by Austin Walker

Music by Jack de Quidt (@notquitereal)

Cover art by Xeecee (@xeeceevevo)

"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 Tag

How Tall is General Grievous?

Hosted by Rob Zacny (@RobZacny)

Featuring Alicia Acampora (@ali_west), Austin Walker (@austin_walker), and Natalie Watson (@nataliewatson)

Produced by Austin Walker

Music by Jack de Quidt (@notquitereal)

Cover art by Xeecee (@xeeceevevo)

"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 Winder Interview

Clone Wars proved a galactic task for production team

Early designs that would lead to Ventress

Hosted by Rob Zacny (@RobZacny)

Featuring Alicia Acampora (@ali_west), Austin Walker (@austin_walker), and Natalie Watson (@nataliewatson)

Produced by Austin Walker

Music by Jack de Quidt (@notquitereal)

Cover art by Xeecee (@xeeceevevo)

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 reminder, we'll be back next week with The Clone Wars (2008). See you then!

Hosted by Rob Zacny (@RobZacny)

Featuring Alicia Acampora (@ali_west), Austin Walker (@austin_walker), and Natalie Watson (@nataliewatson)

Produced by Austin Walker

Music by Jack de Quidt (@notquitereal)

Cover art by Xeecee (@xeeceevevo)

"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 Padme ever give Anakin the time of day? Who the hell is Sifo-Dyas? Why don't the Jedi ever seem to help people? Why, oh why, do we spend so long in this terrible droid factory? And has anyone ever apologized to Frank Oz?

Join us as we breach the horizon of these questions and more. Begun, the Clone War has.

Show Notes

The Attempted Assassination of Padme TikTok

From Puppets to Pixels: Digital Characters in Episode II

The Art of Pre-Visualization of Episode II

The Sound Design of Episode II

Hosted by Rob Zacny (@RobZacny)

Featuring Alicia Acampora (@ali_west), Austin Walker (@austin_walker), and Natalie Watson (@nataliewatson)

Produced by Austin Walker

Music by Jack de Quidt (@notquitereal)

Cover art by Xeecee (@xeeceevevo)

anakin's trick

"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 Wars: Episode I The Phantom Menace

Hosted by Rob Zacny (@RobZacny)

Featuring Alicia Acampora (@ali_west), Austin Walker (@austin_walker), and Natalie Watson (@nataliewatson)

Produced by Austin Walker

Cover art by Xeecee (@xeeceevevo)

Hey everyone! This is just a brief placeholder episode meant to seed the feed over on the various podcast services. Stay tuned for our first full ep on December 23rd!