The Acolyte approaches. We’re getting official clips and behind the scenes videos and there was even an LA premiere. We’re starting to see early reactions on social media (nope, not going there, leave me in peace spoilers, also, in case this isn’t obvious, opinions are spoilers!). The wait is almost over, and in only a few days, we’ll have another Star Wars television show in our eyeballs.
Star Wars television has been a revelation, pushing the boundaries of what Star Wars can be, and what technology can now do on a television schedule. It’s given fans a lot to chew over, from the ins-and-outs of a particular series, to debating creative choices, to the question of how much is too much when it comes to Star Wars (and Marvel, and everything else for that matter).
For me, I’m still firmly in “holy shit” mode about how much fantastic Star Wars has been produced, giving us moments we’ve always imagined, and telling stories we never imagined too. It’s been a great mix of wish fulflillment and expectation defying. To me, a new series is still an event.
So, to honor how far we’ve come, and maybe just to get myself excited, here are my five favorite episodes of Star Wars TV so far.
A guide to methodology: there is none. This isn’t about quality or any objective measure, it’s not a best-of list. I don’t really believe in best-ofs. This is just five episodes I particularly enjoyed and a few thoughts about why.
Obi-Wan Kenobi Part I
I loved the Obi-Wan Kenobi series and the first episode gave me, as they say, The Feels. It felt like it lived alongside the films, from the new John Williams theme to the fonts they used for the credits. I’m a sentimental man at heart. Seeing Ewan McGregor, Jimmy Smits, and Joel Edgerton all return to their roles in what was essentially an epilogue to Revenge of the Sith had me smiling from ear-to-ear. Plus, it’s a beautiful-looking episode, really capturing the wide open expanses of Tatooine, giving Ben some fresh looks too. The series is literally the reason I started this newsletter, I bought a new TV to watch it. You can read about that here.
The Book of Boba Fett Finale
Say what you will about The Book of Boba Fett, it had a beat ‘em up super-sized finale that I’ve rewatched several times. It feels like if someone got all their toys out and just went kkksshh and pow and pewpew! It’s just so damn fun. From Boba and Mando in a duet posedown made for posters, to the Kaiju Big Battel showdown with the Rancor, to Amy Sedaris flirting outrageously as she avoids being killed, to the reunion of Grogu and Mando, the whole thing is just filled with goofy action to turn off your brain and cheer for.
The Mandalorian Season 2 Chapter 16 “The Rescue”
My jaw was on the floor watching this episode. I love Luke Skywalker, and to be given our first look at him in live-action as a Jedi Master in his prime felt revalatory. It almost like getting too many scoops of ice cream, just so rich and over-indulgent. I’ll never forget watching this episode for the first time, literally saying under my breath “I can’t believe they’re doing this.” Plus, it showed us all just how far Lucasfilm was willing to go on the small screen. Big canonical characters were not off limits, which meant the sky(walker) was also the limit.
Obi-Wan Kenobi Part V
Of the many showdowns between Ben and Vader, this one was the most surprising to me. It had real echoes of The Last Jedi (always a plus), and it also expertly laid out how Obi-Wan’s relationship with Anakin/Vader gave him the upper hand in their poker game. Obi-Wan was able to defeat Vader, in Part V, because of his insight, not his raw strength. It’s a perfect example of their dynamic and also why Obi-Wan is the ultimate example of a Jedi: using the Force, having faith, helping those in need, and seeking ways to fight without relying on passion and power. The episode also had an absolutely awesome duel between Ewan and Hayden in a memorable Attack of the Clones flashback; and a Dark Side lightsaber duel between Reva and Vader that I think is unsung in its execution and creativity. The finale episode sparked the most conversation, but this episode was elegant, epic, and full of artfully employed nostalgia. My original write-up is here.
The Mandalorian Season 1 Chapter 3 “The Sin”
This was Deborah Chow’s first episode of The Mandalorian. There’s a reason she was handed Obi-Wan Kenobi not long after. This episode looks and feels like a movie, marrying emotional stakes with fan-service action and an ending that sets the tone for the whole series to come. If you had to watch just one episode of The Mandalorian to understand it, it would be this one.
That’s my fave five! My five faves! One of those! Runners-up: everything else!
Let me know if there are particular episodes you’ve loved since Star Wars started streaming! And I’ll see you all on June 4th to talk about The Acolyte! (And if you’re in the US, have a wonderful Memorial Day weekend!)
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The Rescue is definitely my favorite. Everyone knew Skywalker was coming. But when his saber turned up, it doesn't make it any less exciting. Hope you're well, Matt- :)