Rando Calrissian #38

Space Debris But A Newsletter

Been a little remiss in updating lately, because I’ve been busy with a couple of new projects (I’m directing and co-write this) and also, honestly, because I’ve been a little overwhelmed trying to write lots of longer form pieces about things that are floating around my head, that feel wispy and hard to catch. So, I’m going to give up trying to be profound and just share a few quick thoughts.

The first of which is that if you liked Andor, and you’re watching what’s going on in California right now, then, maybe send a prayer for our fair Republic. The only difference between ISB's plan for Ghorman and how Trump treats immigrants and Californians is that The Empire had a brilliant plan, and I simply cannot in good conscience accuse the Trump Administration of being run by anyone brilliant.

The most embarrassing thing about being from the US right now is being taken over by the dunce-cap brigade, acting with such obviousness and stupidity that it might be our best defense against them. They really are morons who are going to get people killed, because they think this is a big TV show, and they can’t read.

So, if you’re going to protest, Know Your Rights out there. Because they aren’t ignoring your rights, they literally don’t know what they are.

Speaking of Andor, I’m just going to put out there that I think we need to banish the entire idea that something is The Best. It’s why you’re never going to hear me say “Andor is the best Star Wars in years!” because I neither believe that, nor do I know what it means. It sounds, most of the time, like light derision, and it implies that there’s some objective measure of artistry. Andor is entirely unlike other kinds of Star Wars. It’s not trying to be comparable, so comparing it to, say The Mandalorian? It is missing the point. They’re a difference of kind, not quality. The Mandalorian inspired incredible joy and a thousand lunchboxes. Andor inspired a lot of think pieces. They’re both wonderful, in their difference.

Skeleton Crew has scenes that move me to tears; for example, but that’s because of who I am and what moves me, not because of some objective measure of quality. What makes me stand up and shout, or sit down and cry, says more about me than it does about what I’m watching. ‘Best’ has pretty much nothing to do with it. But the more voices, more ideas, more ways that Star Wars is expressed, the more durable and expansive it is, the more people it can reach, help, inspire, and entertain.

Basically, diversity is good, in art and life; and purity tests are not, in art and life.

I read that Star Wars: Starfighter cast Mia Goth, and that’s awesome because she’s so good in X and Pearl. Especially Pearl. Although, if you have not seen X or Pearl, and you’re squeamish, do not see X or Pearl. Because My God They Are A Lot. (I haven’t seen Maxxxine yet, but it’s on the list.)

I would like to report that I finally finished the main quest of Star Wars Outlaws (I’m slow, okay, okay) and I really dug it. I even played The Wild Card DLC, which was short and fun, with lots of Sabacc, which is very fun in-game. I really enjoyed the Mother-Daughter elements, the growing friendship between the characters, and the twists and turns of the plot. Also, fun to play, if you’re into stealth, which I am. Recommended, my nerds! Fly to it!

And that’s it! Just some quick thoughts, as I gather my focus and strength for more. Thanks for reading! Be safe out there!

Oh and of course, fuck fascism!