For new readers

Lots of new readers to Ahch-To Baby! Welcome!

May 23, 2025

Hello there!

Ahch-To Baby has had a healthy influx of new readers (welcome!) and so I thought it might be worthwhile to provide a quick introduction to this newsletter, to the intention of this space, and some quick links to past pieces.

First of all, Ahch-To Baby is just a way for me, Matt, to write about what I think, personally, about Star Wars, because I enjoy it. I’m a playwright, I live in Brooklyn with my wife, magical author Pam, and I’ve been a fan since as long as I could create memories. I’m basically just about as old as Star Wars. I’ll be fifty at year end.

What I like to focus on here may not sound all that revolutionary: it’s just how much I enjoy Star Wars as a whole. As such, I don’t review or rank (most of the time), because I just think 1) there’s plenty of that to be found elsewhere and 2) I’d much rather talk about themes, inspirations, and appreciations.

So, you’ll find me talking about details I notice, or what was happening in my life when I first saw a movie, or gut responses: it’s that kind of party. My general belief is that a lot of people work very hard to make things for me enjoy. Sometimes it takes them years to make those things. So, I appreciate all that effort, assume good faith, and try to respond with generosity of spirit.

There is an incentive structure in the way we communicate now that raises up the most negative voices, which amounts to a kind of noise pollution that makes all conversations feel a lot less fun. Even the people who are being loudly, demonstrably negative seem to be ruining their own good time. So, I’m here to stubbornly and happily enjoy the things I like. I know it doesn’t seem like a lot, but it’s what I’ve got! I hope that connects with you!

In addition to responses to new episodes of Star Wars television, or responses to movies, sometimes I’ll toss in some random thoughts (those posts are called Rando Calrissian), or just write a piece about a theme that’s activating me. I don’t keep this on a hard schedule, as it’s not my job. So, please forgive typos (they happen) and expect that I’ll publish about one or two times a week, with the occasional paywalled post to make sure that those of you who support the newsletter are getting something extra for that support.

Speaking of which, feel free to support!

And that’s most of it! Welcome! Here are some pieces you might enjoy, as a jumping off point! Sampler Style. Dig around the archives for full responses to Obi-Wan Kenobi, The Acolyte, Mandalorian Season 3, Ahsoka and more.