This is the Way

02/07/2025

Ever since Andor finished streaming, there isn't much urgency for Star Wars news because the next projects won't be available until next year. Live action movies and shows will eventually start promotional campaigns, but we're still living in a "post-Andor" world and the show is advertising itself for awards.

There's still news for collectors, gamers, and Disney park fans, but there's certainly a summer lull, especially since we just had a Star Wars Celebration in April and comic cons won't have much news to reveal, unless it concerns the animated series, comics, novels, or collectibles and maybe, just maybe, new video games.

Andor is done, but maybe shouldn't be, Ahsoka is shooting, but a long time coming, and there's finally a map to help you "astrogate" the galaxy. Listen or watch the audio visualization if you want to find out how to contact the podcast to tell us how great we are or how much you like to hate listen/watch. Feel free to take part in contributing ideas and commenting on our podcasts, here on Facebook, on YouTube, on Spotify, onAmazon's podcast portal, or even Discord. May the Force be with us!

Ever since Andor finished streaming, there isn't much urgency for Star Wars news because the next projects won't be available until next year. Live action mo...

29/06/2025

The finale of Andor streamed more than a month before this podcast. Why? Well, it's not because this episode was too confusing or too long. "Jedha, Kyber, Erso" is a fitting season and series finale and doesn't botch the landing. It starts off with the action that was promised at the end of episode 11 and finishes with a surprise in a field of gold.

Kleya is not welcomed with open arms on Yavin, but she should be. Her name hasn't been thrown about as a hero of the rebellion, maybe only because she seemed to outlive many of the ones who knew her true contributions. A model spy, was she. Cassian and Melshi (and K-2SO, of course) saved her in the nick of time, not just for her safety, but the freedom of the galaxy. It's nice to see so many Imperials frustrated instead of reframing them as misunderstood. They're the villains. We understand they're evil.

Not every story thread gets answered. Not every character gets a happy ending. The show has done more for Star Wars than I think Lucasfilm and Disney would care to admit, since it didn't fall prey to any of the agenda as Tony Gilroy steered his own series almost completely without critique. I don't consider this a model to follow, unless you have a mind like Gilroy who can assemble the right team.

The show is over and so is the coverage, but you can always send in a comment to the email address we reveal in our podcasts. A good subject line will help set you apart from spam. There are other ways to interact with This is the Way Podcast, like via ⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠ or 'X' ( is the Way Podcast) or on Spotify, YouTube, or Facebook, but we also have a Discord channel. May Disney and Lucasfilm see the light and figure out a way to bring us more stories with Kleya, Vel, Wil, and the growing gang of rebels, and of course, May the Force be with us!

The finale of Andor streamed more than a month before this podcast. Why/ Well, it's not because this episode was too confusing or too long. "Jedha, Kyber, Er...

06/06/2025

There's not much Andor left for our podcast to review and "Who Else Knows?" fits snugly in the middle of the final story arc before we get to Rogue One. Episode 10 had emotion, flashbacks, and the death of Luthen Rael. Episode 11 is all ticking clock and pulse codes.

Kleya has become a favorite character and seeing her at risk made every moment feel more stressful. Meero's reaching the end of her rope. Heert seems ineffectual, but who else do you get to do the job? Krennic is on the verge of panic. Partagaz is already there. The adminstration on Yavin wants to prevent a mission for safety's sake, but completing the mission quickly might be the only thing that KEEPS them safe. Not much happens, if you think about it, but since three episodes dropped at once, the episode works well as a bridge to the finale.

It might not be memorable, but after finishing episode 11 of season two, we STILL weren't sure Kleya would make it. Oh, we knew Andor, Melshi, and K-2SO were going to be fine, but killing Luthen meant Kleya was VERY MUCH at risk. Having Rogue One just an episode of streaming television away felt like watching a magic trick get explained after you've already seen the prestige. Actually, that's a good description: we've seen the pledge and know the prestige, so the turn is coming.

There's still a chance to send in a comment to the email address we reveal in our podcasts. A good subject line helps us know what episode you're referencing. There are other ways to interact with This is the Way Podcast, like via ⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠ or 'X' is the Way Podcast or on Spotify, YouTube, or Facebook, but we also added a Discord channel recently! May the Force be with us!

There's not much Andor left to review and "Who Else Knows?" fits snugly in the middle of the final story arc before we get to Rogue One. Episode 10 had emoti...

01/06/2025

Andor is some of the best television Disney Plus has produced and is almost assuredly the best Star Wars product on the platform. Ahsoka is up next, but is easily a year away. Jake Tropper is probably hard at work on the Star Wars: Starfighter movie now that Your Friends & Neighbors has concluded a first season on Apple TV Plus. Rian Johnson said he wants to revisit Star Wars (Nooooo!). Popcorn buckets came to Florida's Disney Parks. Collectibles are still being announced almost a month after Star Wars Day. Fortnite has one more week of content from a galaxy far, far away, and there's a new VR game coming...eventually.

May sometimes has a bit more in store for our news updates, but every now and then all the big news comes out in April, as it seemed to do this year. If you want to take part in contributing ideas and commenting on our podcasts, you can do so here on Facebook, YouTube, on Spotify, or Amazon's podcast portal, and you can listen to this podcast for our This is the Way Podcast HQ email address. May the Force be with us!

Andor is some of the best television Disney Plus has produced and is almost assuredly the best Star Wars product on the platform. Ahsoka is up next, but is e...

26/05/2025

It's a milestone for any podcast to reach 100 episodes. This is the Way Podcast now has 200. Getting one podcast isn't that difficult in the grand scheme. It's when life comes at you and this isn't for your livelihood that the real tests come.

Watching "Make It Stop" with my father in the hospital, just after lung surgery and about to undergo heart catheterization, well, you'll forgive me for admitting this was a hard episode to get through. Emotionally. As far as fictional entertainment goes, sign me up for the Tom Bissell Fan Club newsletters.

Flashbacks including a visit to Naboo? Check. Learning how Kleya came to be in Luthen's service? Check. Resolution for Dedra AND Luthen tying back into some of the very first episodes of the series? Check and check. Feels like Star Wars? Check. Feels brand new at the same time? CHECK.

I hesitate calling this show one of the best ever, but it's certainly the best made Star Wars show on Disney Plus. I LOVE The Mandalorian. I'm just saying that I might have felt differently if THIS was the first show to debut on Disney Plus and The Mandalorian took 2-5 years to come out. I'm glad I don't have to find out.

Kleya might be one of the best characters in Star Wars. I don't mean "female" characters. I mean character...period. She's definitely my favorite of the show and more than any other character, I find it uplifting that she made it and heartbroken that she had to do for her father figure what he'd have done for anyone else...kill. Rest in peace, Luthen Lear. You've served the galaxy well.

If you have an episode specific comment, send it in to the email address we reveal in our podcasts. Make sure to leave a good subject line for us so we know what episode you're referencing and let us know what you'd like us to call you if we mention your message. There are other ways to interact with This is the Way Podcast, like via ⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠ or 'X' or on Spotify, YouTube and Facebook! May the Force be with us!

16/05/2025

Andor's second wraps up with some emotional moments in the final three episodes that make up the BBY 1 story arc. Episode 10 ("Make It Stop") was not something a child wants to watch when their loved one is undergoing heart and lung surgeries. Seeing Luthen, a father figure, on the bed like that and hearing and seeing the breathing apparatus move until Kleya releases him from his future of pain and suffering...

Episode 11 was the response to the spy game Kleya just pulled off and the Empire wasn't far enough behind for her to get comfortable. The action wasn't as incredible as the Ghorman Massacre, but it didn't have to be. K-2SO got to be a hero for the rebellion for the first time and Melshi earned his keep as well. It's good to see some Imperials fell along the way because the ones we're seeing here had passed the point of an easy redemption.

Episode 12 bridged the gap to Rogue One and despite what was being sold for weeks, a rewatch of the movie right after finishing the show didn't enhance or recontextualize things, at least for This is the Way Podcast's sensibilities. Rogue One is still more close to A New Hope than it is Andor...and there's more characters and story shared in the show. Why does it feel that way?

There's room for another season or two or three. A lot happened while Luke, Leia, and Han were at the forefront of that story. Tony Gilroy might be the one to tell those side stories of the rebels behind the scenes setting the stage for the Force to be used in mighty ways. Could we sneak in Wilmon to the Endor assault team? Would Kleya and Vel be tasked to recruit some Bothans? Who might find out where Han was taken by Boba Fett? Would someone have to recruit more star systems to the rebellion? Does anyone discover, too late, that the Milllenium Falcon has a tracking device on it on arrival at Yavin? How about the move from Yavin to Hoth and the scouting and secrecy in constantly moving from base to base?

None of that may ever come to fruition. Tony Gilroy has said he's done. The only way I think I'd be interested in hearing those stories is if someone took the care and time he did with Andor and only if they keep Luke, Leia, and Han out of the story completely or relegated to out of focus background. You can do Chewbacca, that's it. I've gotten a hug at Disney Hollywood Studios. That works. I don't want to see fake Lukes and Leias, though. R2-D2, C-3PO, Chewbacca, and our Andor characters. Want me to work on it Lucasfilm? I will. I'll put every ounce of my being into it.

The full recap and discussion episodes will come later. Life events continue to wreak havoc on the This is the Way Podcast schedule. I will not guarantee that we'll finish with Andor in May. There's nothing new coming anyway. It's just news updates, Mandalorian and Grogu movie leaks, and Ahsoka season two production notes for the foreseeable future.

If you have an episode specific comment, email it to the address we reveal in our podcasts. You've got time to interact with This is the Way Podcast via ⁠⁠⁠'X'⁠⁠⁠ and ⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠ or on Spotify, YouTube, or Facebook⁠⁠⁠! May the Force be with us!

Andor's second wraps up with some emotional moments in the final three episodes that make up the BBY 1 story arc. Episode 10 ("Make It Stop") was not somethi...

13/05/2025

Don't you love algorithms? Video sharing sites are run by absolute monsters. Evil humans creating new algorithms to wreak havoc on creators just because they can. We are powerless to stop them. Don't like it? Go to the other site that no one uses ever. Has your work been passing for more than four years without incident? Not today. It's almost like they WANT you to hate them.

Don't call Palpatine a monster. He hates that. The Emperor doesn't make an appearance in episode 9, but his presence is felt in every lackey and underling and the stresses that Imperial officers go through to prevent his displeasure. The ISB thinks it set up Ghorman for a fall, but they didn't realized that seeing the fall coming was the only way the rebellion could salvage a tragedy and inspire courage and hope.

Mon Mothma's path seemed set by Rebels years ago, but Tony and Dan Gilroy manage to throw some curveballs without retroactively changing continuity in such a drastic way that longtime fans revolt. Is the key just "do it better" when making those tweaks? It feels so, because K-2SO's origins are much different than they are in a comic book. Aren't we glad they didn't have to stick to something like that?

If you're not, that's okay. Your opinion is your own. You can have terrible opinions and still be a fan. Some people, for instance, don't think Andor is any good. I don't know if I'd share a meal with that kind of person, but I'm not going to argue. The show has spoken for itself. The writing and the action have been "movie quality" for weeks now and episode 9 of season 2 feels like a terrific third act of the third act.

This is the Way Podcast HQ has been under immense stress getting out new podcasts each week with personal issues weighing heavily. With just one week left, it's strange to realize that there won't be another high quality show coming to Star Wars for quite some time. There's content that CAN be covered, but there's also content that should be removed from the streaming site.

If you have an episode specific comment, send it in to the email address we reveal in our podcasts. Make sure to leave a good subject line for us so we know what episode and let us know what you'd like us to call you if we mention your message. There are other ways to interact with This is the Way Podcast, like via ⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠ or 'X' or on Spotify, YouTube, and Facebook! May the Force be with us!

Don't call him a monster. He hates that. Palpatine doesn't make an appearance in episode 9, but his presence is felt in every lackey and underling and the st...

13/05/2025

The stage was set in Palmo and it's time for the trap to be sprung. Ghorman's sacrifice is one of heartbreak for the galaxy because little did the citizenry know it never had a chance. One thing is left unexplained: just how did the Empire find out this kalkite was there and how did they know it was needed for the Death Star?

This is the Way Podcast HQ is working hard to get these recap and discussion podcasts out before next week's episodes air. Once those hit the internet, there's no turning back. Andor's story will be complete. Is that sad? It's a great show, but there will be no season three, no matter how high the ratings climb.

If you have an episode specific comment, send it in to the email address we reveal in our podcasts. Make sure to leave a good subject line for us so we know what episode and let us know what you'd like us to call you if we mention your message. There are other ways to interact with This is the Way Podcast, like via ⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠ or 'X' or on Spotify, YouTube, or Facebook! May the Force be with us!

The stage was set in Palmo and it's time for the trap to be sprung. Ghorman's sacrifice is one of heartbreak for the galaxy because little did the citizenry ...

09/05/2025

The third act of Andor's second season begins with a sight for sore eyes--the base on Yavin 4! We're even closer to the rebellion as we know it in the original trilogy. It wasn't sad to rewatch A New Hope knowing how many sacrifices were made to get Luke and Leia (and Han) into the fray. Rogue One will also have new layers.

The stage is being set in Palmo, as is the trap. The Ghorman aren't even aware of the intricate web of lies woven in their midst, but the threads have been plucked and the town square will soon be vibrating with action. Dedra Meero is bucking for a promotion. Syril doesn't want to believe the rumors but can't help but believe his own eyes. Cassian gets pulled back in by Wilmon. The Force awakens on Yavin. What a ride we've been on to get to "Messenger" and we're close to a pivotal moment in rebel history.

This is the Way Podcast HQ is working hard to get these recap and discussion podcasts out before next week because there are some events taking place Tuesday that may forever alter a family in Florida. There's a lot of sadness and a lot of fear. The dark side cannot win the war. It's winning far too many battles lately.

If you have an episode specific comment, send it in to the email address we reveal in our podcasts. Make sure to leave a good subject line for us so we know what episode and let us know what you'd like us to call you if we mention your message. There are other ways to interact with This is the Way Podcast, like via ⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠ or 'X' or on Spotify, YouTube, and Facebook! May the Force be with us!

The third act of Andor's second season begins with a sight for sore eyes--the base on Yavin 4! We're even closer to the rebellion as we know it in the origin...

08/05/2025

Andor's second season BBY 2 story arc is the best "movie" of the three arcs so far. No controversies, unless you think gently altering the way episodes of animated TV and a one-shot comic told the Star Wars story is something about which to get upset. It's always better to see the live action events unfold, at least according to This is the Way Podcast.

Today's episode includes first impressions of the stories told in episodes 7, 8, and 9 and the closer we get to Rogue One and A New Hope, the more at stake. It's not a surprise that Cassian Andor is getting out of this show alive. He has a date with destiny on Scariff. This podcast may appear here on YouTube, but it's an audio form for a YouTube audience. I know others provide video clips of the show, but "the Mouse" and Lucasfilm are very proactive in the way they copyright strike and we don't have the time to work by trial and error until we hit on the right formula.

The full recap and discussion episodes will come later. Life events have their way of altering schedules, but even with so much going on last week, the episodes were finished before new Andor started streaming on Tuesday night. The hope, dear listeners, is that we can continue to make that happen.

If you have an episode specific comment, email it to the address we reveal in our podcasts, but you can interact with This is the Way Podcast via ⁠⁠⁠'X'⁠⁠⁠ and ⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠ or on Spotify, YouTube, and also on ⁠⁠⁠Facebook⁠⁠⁠! May the Force be with us!

Andor's second season BBY 2 story arc is the best "movie" of the three arcs so far. No controversies, unless you think gently altering the way episodes of an...

07/05/2025

Andor's second season is halfway done and we're so close to tragedy on Ghorman. They've had their share in the past, but we're on the brink of THE spark for the rebellion. Mon Mothma can't stay in the Senate forever. When will she speak out on the atrocities of the Empire?

It's not in this arc. Sorry. No, this week Mon Mothma has a ton of parties to go to and it's all political. Even her daughter's in-laws are throwing shindigs and guess who's invited? Krennic loves to schmooze and spar with politicians who are dirty but don't want to get their HANDS dirty...or bloody, like Kleya.

Lonni saves the day by talking braile. Partagaz oversees while Syril is on overwatch. Vel loses Cinta. Gorst loses his mind and his body. Cassian loses his cool. Luthen wins by losing chess pieces. Ghorman loses by winning at a heist. It's all relative. Including Vel and Mon...you know, cousin Aunt Vel.

This is the Way Podcast HQ is having a rough week, personally speaking. New episodes of Andor are imminent, so we'll be back at the grind soon enough. Two straight episodes with listener feedback? Wow!

If you have an episode specific comment, email it to the address we reveal in our podcasts and put the particular episode in the subject line. If you just want to interact with This is the Way Podcast, you can do so via ⁠⁠⁠'X'⁠⁠⁠ and ⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠ or on Spotify, YouTube, and Facebook! May the Force be with us!

Andor's second season is halfway done and we're so close to tragedy on Ghorman. They've had their share in the past, but we're on the brink of THE spark for ...

06/05/2025

I'm much more forgiving of Tony Gilroy than of Beau Willimon. The writing this week is...weaker by far. Perhaps it's the increased drug use in Star Wars that I'm not appreciating.

I'm a big fan of "show don't tell" but sometimes the "show" part is unnecessary and even the "tell" part doesn't make sense. I won't comment specifically, but there were too many times in episode five where I felt there was an obvious way to do something better. I shouldn't be better. I don't want to be better at it. I want to be amazed and amused. I was neither this time.

"I Have Friends Everywhere" does everything it can to prove that phrase wrong. It's by design! Varian Skye...walking and talking? Ghorman Massacre...part one? A traitor that isn't Finn? D'Qar noire? My Sister Rhydo?

The less I discuss episode five, the quicker I can get back to editing episode six's recap and discussion. In case you haven't noticed, this is late in the BBY3 week. This is the Way Podcast HQ is having a heck of a time, personally speaking. There are more podcasts to listen to including a first impressions podcast already out for the BBY 3 story arc and and recaps and discussions for the first five episodes of season two, with one in the hopper. If you have an episode specific comment, email it to the address we reveal in our podcasts and put the particular episode in the subject line. If you just want to interact with This is the Way Podcast, you can do so via ⁠⁠⁠'X'⁠⁠⁠ and ⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠ or on Spotify, YouTube and Facebook! May the Force be with us!

I'm much more forgiving of Tony Gilroy than of Beau Willimon. The writing this week is...weaker by far. Perhaps it's the increased drug use in Star Wars that...