#filoni in my walls: ‘want me to try?’

[kenobi]

i will resist the doom posting. i will resist the spiraling. barriss won’t be evil barriss won’t be a legitimate inquisitor barriss will maintain her og chacterization barriss will

just kidding if they butcher this i will kms and then her because then can’t possibly ruin her character further

[captaineyayah]

Happy Bad Batch eve, y’all ! Who else is absolutely terrified, excited, and ready to accept that they’re going to spend most of tomorrow in some sort of haze! I still don’t think I’ve truly processed that this is the final episode, but to help me cope I thought I’d share some of my anxiety riddled (probably delusional) theories about what the finale will bring.

First of all, I don’t think that this show will end like Rogue One did. I have seen people theorize that only Omega and the other kids will be the ones to successfully make it off of Tantiss, but this series has had such a focus on family that I can’t imagine that they would leave Omega on her own without any of her brothers. I also want to say that I don’t think that it will only be Omega and one other member of the Bad Batch who survives. I don’t think that they would kill off 4/6 of the main characters. Star Wars has always been about hope, even in the moments that seem hopeless, and I think that killing off over half of the characters would make this ending way more bitter than the bittersweet people keep talking about.

Secondly, for whoever does die (hopefully no one – except Hemlock), I cannot see any of these characters going out in any other way aside from self-sacrifice or as a catalyst for something. At this point, there is no way they would just randomly kill off one of these characters without it meaning something.

Moving onto the individual characters:

Wrecker is who I am honestly the least worried about. Do I think there is a 100% guarantee that he’ll live – no – but I do think that if they were going to pick one or two Bad Batch members to sacrifice themselves, I don’t think Wrecker would be their first choice.

Next up is Hunter and, honestly, I think I might be in the minority thinking that he might make it out of everything alive. I definitely wouldn’t put money on it, but his and Omega’s relationship has been a focal point of the show since day one, so I think that there is a chance that that’ll be how it ends. Now, can I also definitely see Hunter doing the sacrificial play or pulling an Uno reverse card on one of his siblings who tries to sacrifice themselves, putting himself in their place instead – yes…

This one might be a little more delusional than some of the others, and I have way more thoughts on him that I didn't include cause he's my favorite and this is long enough already, but there are basically two ways I can logically see Echo’s fate ending. Either he is the one to sacrifice himself (Filoni, I am in your fucking walls if you do anything to my boy!) or he is one of the ones to make it out, maybe not unscathed but alive. Midway through the season, I had started thinking that Echo wasn’t in enough of the episodes to make his death impactful, but with how competent he has shown to be in the past couple of episodes I’m starting to get worried. I do not know what they are setting up with his scomp getting stuck and I do not like it. There are also the parallels that everyone keeps pointing out between him and Fives in the stolen, blank armor and that does significantly scare me, but maybe this time he is successful in saving his brothers where Fives failed. Emotionally speaking, please, my boy has been through enough, let him live a happy little life after all the turmoil he’s been through! Please, I am begging you!

Finally, Crosshair is the one that if you had asked me when season 2 started coming out who I thought wouldn’t make it to the end of the series, I would have said him. Something about the line Rampart says about seeing how much Crosshair has actually changed from being just loyal to himself to being loyal to more than that makes me think that he’s going to sacrifice himself for his family, for the other kids, for the other clones. I can totally see Hunter trying to pull the sacrifice play, then Crosshair shoving him out of the way at the last second and doing it himself. I’ve seen people talk about how it would be a waste of his redemption arc that they’ve been building over the past two seasons, but this is also such a common trope that I can’t help but think it is a possibility.

Or maybe everybody survives and goes to live happily ever after on Pabu, and we're all stressed for absolutely nothing! (*muffled sobbing in the distance*)

[i-dont-know-how-this-site-works]

Tipping Point thoughts and commentary!

This episode gave me emotional whiplash, I was smiling, I was laughing, I was crying and concerned.

-HOWZER!!! It's been 84 years, buddy!

-Echo!!! It's been 84 years, my love!

-Damn, you can really see how superior clones are to normal recruits. A tiny bunch of them managed to infiltrate a ship full of regular troopers and didn't even break a sweat.

-Echo, Tech rubbed off on you too much. When the empire is showing up, you don't dilly dally with the data terminal, you dally your ass out of there.

-Crosshair! It's been like, 2 weeks.

-That music was eerie as hell

-You are a smart cookie, Cross.

-He's been a real asshole, but please, don't hurt him!

-"You know how they operate", bitch, the last time Cross saw them they were dead set on being soldiers, now they are chilling on a Mediterranean island and eating sushi, he doesn't know anything

-Why did they have to include that meaty sound when they stabbed Cross with the needle

-Coruscant! It's been 84 years, you beautiful, filthy thing!

-Ryo Chuchi! It's been 84 years, my queen!

-"I know someone who can crack it" Yeeees, the reunion!!!

-Why would you lay your weapon by the prisoner's hand. Why. God, you stormtroopers are so useless.

-Lay your ass down Cross, a shitface-drunk British tourist would outperform you

-Cross, no. Just no. Listen to her! You are walking straight into walls, how are you going to get out of there

-He is warning them, my heart T_T he wasn't trying to escape at all

-What it feels like to walk be a group of smokers

-Wrecker fishing! Forget what happened, I am happy now

-"Is that all you are? A soldier?" yeeess, Shep, you tell him!

-Ohh, Tech, my poor boy. Do you need a barf bag?

-"The collision alarms haven't gone off once" Omega, you pure, innocent thing

-Tech has really been stroking his ego lately, I love a confident king

-Tech screaming in terror

-I don't think the ship was designed to bear this much g-force

-Aww, she is so happy to hear him <3 I can't deal with it

-Echo definitely told Omega to race him just so he can mess with Tech

-dazed Tech stumbling off the ship

-Awww, she launched herself at Echo!!! She loves him so much <3

-Shit, we are back at Tantiss. Happy times with episode 14 are over

-"Hunter, look at them playing together! Your kid must be so happy here!"

"Yeah, Wrecker is really enjoying the island."

-Echo wants them to engage more, while Hunter is just concerned about his squadmates. The way Hunter asked what will be Echo's final line. He is worried about Echo, and rightfully so.

-Tech's face when he told them Cross was on the transport :(

-Hunter doesn't trust him. Not entirely unwarranted, considering what happened the last time they were all together, but knowing what's happening to Cross, that hurts.

-"How do we find out" Hunter looking at the pic of Dr.Hemlock with that look in his eyes...you are not suggesting actually going there, are you?

-"She means nothing to you." Knowing he saved her life last season and sent out a transmission to get them to hide Omega, I think he does care in some way.

Hooo boy, what a great episode! I just want all of them back together and feeling fine, is that too much to ask, Filoni and co??

[bitchin-beskar]

you’re safe in his arms

Rating: M

Warnings: Mentions of death, physical violence, more panic attacks. But also kisses.

Pairing: Din Djarin x Reader (no use of y/n)

Word Count: 2.7k

A/N: SO IM FEELING A LOT OF THINGS ABOUT THE FINALE. THIS IS ME ATTEMPTING TO FIX WHAT FILONI AND FAVREAU BROKE. ENJOY. (ALSO MAJOR SPOILERS FOR SEASON 2 EPISODE 16: THE RESCUE. READ AT YOUR OWN RISK)

THIS IS A SEQUEL TO A PREVIOUS STORY, YOU CAN READ PART ONE HERE!

Please consider reblogging and leaving a comment!!! I love hearing what you guys think!!!

“Master Skywalker, there are too many of them! What are we going to do?”

You watched in horror as Master Skywalker ignited his lightsaber, the blue blade glowing in the darkened room. You were hidden in one of the vents. You’d gone to the nursery to try and rescue some of the younglings from the blasters of the clones. When you’d seen Master Skywalker, you’d felt relief, hope, only for it to die a violent death as he began to slaughter the younglings right in front of your eyes.

You clasped a hand over your mouth, trying not to scream as he murdered the children one by one, each of them too young to defend themselves. When he struck down the last of them, he paused, and you held your breath as he turned towards the wall where you were hidden. His eyes were a violent, malevolent yellow, red-rimmed and angry as he seemed to pin you with his stare. 

You were growing lightheaded from holding your breath, but you knew if you dared take a breath now it would be your last. He took a step forward, and–

“Wake up, prisoner!”

You jolted upright, scooting backwards until you were pressed tight into the corner of your cell, as far from the guards as you could get. You were panting, chest heaving as you tried to breathe through your lingering panic. There were two stormtroopers in front of you, blasters at the ready. 

“Get up.”

You shakily tried to get to your feet, still off-balance from your vivid nightmare, and apparently you weren’t fast enough, because one of them marched forward and gripped your arm, yanking you to your feet roughly, jerking your shoulder and causing you to cry out. 

“Shut up, prisoner,” one of the troopers sneered, the back of his hand snapping against the skin of your cheek, your head jerking sideways with the force of it. The other trooper jabbed you in the back with the barrel of his blaster, shoving you forward. “Move it. The Moff wants to see you.”

The walk through the corridors of the ship was silent, with the occasional muzzle being shoved into your back as you stumbled along. As you rounded a corner, you watched as Mando stumbled back out of a room, with Moff Gideon furiously attacking him with what looked to be a black lightsaber of all things. You stumbled to a halt, in shock. 

“What the–”

You immediately turned, grabbing the blaster that was still pressed into the small of your back with your bound hands, using it as a club to bash one of the stormtroopers before flipping it around and shooting the other one. The one you bashed tried to get back up but you quickly shot him too, waiting to see if he’d get back up. He didn’t. 

You turned again, just as Mando used his beskar spear to disarm the Moff, the saber flying towards you as he pointed the spear directly at the Moff’s throat. You dropped the blaster, catching the saber in your hands as Mando’s head jerked around to see you standing there, hands cuffed, eyes wide, with two dead troopers behind you. 

“The kid’s in there,” he mutters, and you immediately dash for the door, needing to see Grogu with your own eyes. He’s perched on a small bunk, his tiny hands cuffed in front of him the same as yours. Tears fill your eyes as you fall to your knees in front of him, hands trembling. You’re afraid to reach for him, the last time he’d seen you, he’d been snatched from your arms, what if he thinks you let him go on purpose–

A soft coo reaches your ears, and you refocus to see Grogu with his little hands outstretched, just like every other time he’s asked to be held. There’s such love and trust in his eyes, it takes your breath away, and immediately you scoop him up into your arms as best you can with your hands still bound. Grogu clutches at the fabric of your shirt, burying his face into your neck with a soft sigh. 

You press your lips firmly against his little head, thanking the Maker that he’s unharmed. You hear footsteps behind you, but you recognize the sound of Mando’s boots. He kneels next to you, and you turn your head towards him, tears finally falling.

He reaches out to cup the back of your neck, pressing his head to yours, the same way he did the last time you saw him. You can feel his fingers trembling on your neck, and his other hand comes up to rest on Grogu’s head, as though reassuring himself that you’re both here and alive. 

“Let’s get you out of these,” he whispers, tugging gently at the cuffs encircling your wrists. You nod, watching as he works a small blade into the locking mechanism, the cuffs popping open only seconds later. He does the same for Grogu, and helps you stand. His hands encircle your arms, and for a moment he just stares at you, before slowly reaching up to cup your cheek, his touch gentle as he wipes away your tears. His palm rests over where you’re sure you’re already developing a bruise, but you refuse to flinch. 

“Come on,” he murmurs, tugging on your arm gently. “The others are on the bridge.”

***

You officially hate Moff Gideon.

It’s an odd realization to have, especially as you’re falling to your knees next to Mando, where he’s laying after taking multiple blaster hits trying to protect Grogu. The others on the bridge are taking care of Gideon, he’s not the one you’re worried about at the moment.

You help Mando sit up, even as Cara is smashing the butt of her rifle into Gideon’s jaw, knocking him down. Your hands flit nervously over Mando’s armour, trying to make sure he’s okay, that he wasn’t shot somewhere that’s only protected by thick layers of fabric. 

His hands grasp yours, stopping your jerking movements. He slowly stands, helping you up as he does so. He bends to grab Grogu, handing him to you as he looks at the security holos. You watch as well, feeling an odd mix of emotions as you watch the figure fighting with a lightsaber. You know that Grogu needs a Jedi to train him, but you can’t help but feel sick at the idea of him being taken from you. 

Mando orders the others to open the doors as you watch the Jedi take down the last of the Dark Troopers. None of them quite seem to understand, so he does it himself, and you move to stand just slightly behind him as the doors slide open, revealing a figure in a black cloak with a green lightsaber clutched in his grasp.

He sheathes his saber and slowly lifts back his hood, and your heart plummets. You know that face. There’s blood rushing in your ears, and all you can hear is the little youngling pleading “Master Skywalker there are too many of them! What are we going to do?” over and over in your head. You don’t realize you’re hyperventilating until your vision is blocked by beskar as Mando moves in front of you. He crowds you back against one of the panels, filling your vision, his hands on your arms, fingers tightening when your breathing doesn’t slow. 

You’re shaking your head before you hear what he’s saying, desperate whispered pleas already falling from your lips. “No, nonono, Grogu can’t go with him, please, you can’t make him go with that man, please Mando, no–”

Mando barks something over his shoulder, but you can’t recognize the words. You do realize that the others are leaving the bridge, but you’re still in fight or flight mode, poised and tense, ready to fight Mando if you have to in order to keep Grogu away from the Skywalkers. 

The panic is overwhelming and the edges of your vision are starting to go dark when Mando manhandles you over to a chair, shoving you down into it and kneeling at your feet. His broad chest is cradled between your thighs, his hands gripping your waist, visor tilted up and trained on your face. You can feel his chest rumbling, and as your hearing slowly returns, you realize he’s speaking to you.

“Breathe mesh’la, just breathe, it’s okay. It’s alright, you’re safe, just breathe, please.” 

Grogu squirms in your lap, pressing his face into your stomach as he tries to calm you down too, his soft coos and whimpers muffled by the fabric of your shirt. 

Mando must see as your breathing starts to slow, because he sighs in relief. His thumbs are rubbing soothing circles on your sides, and he waits for you to speak, knowing that you’ve got to explain why you don’t want Grogu to go with the Jedi, the one you both have been searching for. 

“I can’t trust him, Mando. I just can’t,” you whimper, voice breaking. “H–His father, he was a Jedi once too, b–but he changed, he fell, he became a Sith,” you whisper, as though you’re going to be attacked just for voicing the words. “His father slaughtered children, Mando, I can’t let Grogu go with him. He may be a Jedi now, but what if he falls too? I can’t give my son to that man, please, don’t make me do this.”

Tears are streaming down your cheeks as you clutch Grogu tighter, and for a moment, there’s only silence, like Mando’s trying to process your words. He finally speaks, and it's the question you’ve been dreading. 

“How do you know?”

You close your eyes tightly, hanging your head. “Because I was there. I was a Jedi padawan. I watched as his father killed younglings in front of my eyes.” 

Your voice is a whisper, and when Mando shifts in front of you, you flinch away, terrified of his reaction. 

“You’re a Jedi?”

His voice is strained, and you let out a small sob. “I was training to be a Jedi when the Purges happened. An old friend told me to run and to never use the Force again, in order to stay alive. The first time I used the Force in over twenty years was when I was trying to get away from the Dark Troopers.” Your breath hitches, tears continuing to escape from beneath your closed eyelids. “I’m sorry.”

His hands leave your waist and you shrink back into your chair, head bowed as soft sobs wrack your frame. You’re curled up on yourself, terrified that Mando’s going to insist Grogu goes with Skywalker anyways, terrified that he’s going to hate you for keeping such a huge secret from him, when suddenly there are warm, soft, bare hands cradling your face.

“Cyar’ika, look at me. Please.” 

You shake your head, eyes staying tightly shut, and Mando sighs. His voice sounds different, and you don’t know why, but before you can ponder on it, he repeats himself.

“Please, cyar’ika. Open your eyes.”

You slowly open your lids, but when you see what’s in front of you, your eyes fly open in shock. It’s Mando in front of you, but–

“Your helmet!” 

Your gasp is loud, a hand flying over your mouth as your eyes slide shut again automatically. “Mando, your helmet, I’m not supposed to–”

“No.”

The single word stops you dead in your tracks. 

“But I want you to look.”

You shake your head again, and this time, when Mando sighs, it sounds almost amused, if slightly exasperated. 

“Cyar’ika, I had to remove my helmet in front of a room full of Imperials in order to find the two of you. I only have one regret.”

“What’s that?”

Your voice is a whisper, and when he speaks again, his voice is just as quiet. “My only regret is that my son and the one I love didn’t get to see me first.”

Well, that sure gets your eyes to open again. 

You stare at the man in front of you in shock. He’s only removed the helmet, but it somehow makes all the difference. His hair is a dark brown, his eyes even darker. He has stubble on his cheeks, a little mustache, and his nose juts out just the tiniest bit. His lips are full and pink, and they look extremely soft. He’s looking at you like you’re the most incredible being in the galaxy, and you feel your cheeks heat under his intense gaze.

Grogu coos loudly, and you’re startled out of your exploration of Mando’s features as the tiny baby in your arms wriggles, trying to get to Mando. He holds his tiny arms out, and Mando leans forward, letting Grogu pat his cheeks, Mando’s eyes slide shut, soaking in the feeling of Grogu’s touch as he does so. You watch the two of them, your heart thumping loudly in your chest.

When Mando finally looks back up at you, you’re sure you must be imagining the dark, heavy look in his eye as his gaze focuses on your lips. You bite the lower one self consciously, and immediately his thumb is there, brushing over the skin of your lip and pulling it from between your teeth.

“Can I kiss you, cyar’ika?”

His question is whispered, and your response is equally hushed. 

“Yes.”

He leans up, at the same time as he guides your head down, and he presses his lips to yours. Eyes fluttering shut, you whimper as he sucks your bottom lip into his mouth, tongue soothing over where you were gnawing at it. His hand slides from your cheek into your hair, keeping you pressed against him as he kisses you thoroughly. You’re running out of air, but this is the one time you don’t mind, because if he didn’t keep kissing you, you weren’t sure you were going to survive. 

His tongue darts into your mouth, gently brushing against your own, and you whimper quietly. For someone who’s been under a helmet their whole life, he’s surprisingly talented, although you don’t exactly have a lot of experience to compare it to. 

When he pulls away, you moan quietly at the loss. “Mando–” you start, but he cuts you off.

“Din. Call me Din.” 

You open your eyes, staring straight into his as he gives you this intimate piece of him, this secret he carries close to his chest. You cup his cheek, and he leans into your touch, eyes soft as he watches you.

“Din.” 

He sighs as you say his name, turning his head and pressing a kiss to your palm. You’re mesmerized by him, and you pray that if this is a dream, you never wake up. 

“What did you say to me before, on Tython?”

It’s a question that’s been bugging you ever since, desperate to know what he whispered to you in his native tongue when he thought one or both of you was going to die. 

“I love you.”

Your eyes widen, your heart fluttering as he utters those three little words. 

“I didn’t want to die without telling you, cyar’ika. But I do. I love you.”

You can’t resist anymore, and you lean forward to kiss him again. He lets you lead, groaning when you shyly press your tongue to the seam of his lips. He lets you in, and you fall even deeper in love with this man, this beautiful, breathtaking man, who would tear the galaxy apart to find you.

“Please, don’t give Grogu to that man, Din. I haven’t used the Force in years, but I don’t trust Skywalker. I’m willing to try and learn again, for him.” You look down at Grogu, who’s looking up at you with his big dark eyes, a sweet smile on his little face. 

“I trust you more than I would ever trust anyone else, cyar’ika.”

You feel a soft fluttering sensation that you recognize as hope. 

“He can stay with us?”

“He can stay.”

You fall forward, throwing one arm around Din’s shoulders as you hug him tightly, Grogu cradled between the two of you. As Din’s own arms come up to wrap around you, you sigh. You’re safe in his arms.

Permanent Tags: @theocatkov, @cosmicbug379, @marydjarin, @perropascal, @mxndoscyarika, @hayley-the-comet, @phoenixhalliwell, @ahopelessromanticwritersworld, @pedroepascal, @roxypeanut, @rynadjarin-reading, @anerdydragon, @justanotherblonde23, @rosiefridayrogersunday, @littlevodika, @sunsetmando

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[clonewarsarchives]

KEVIN KINER SCORE WARS (#126, JUL 2011)

Kevin Kiner creates epic, exhilarating music that plays such an integral part in Star Wars: The Clone Wars. The composer, whose career also includes Star Trek: Enterprise and the Warwick Davis horror-comedy film series Leprechaun, tells us how he set about following the footsteps of John Williams. Words: Jonathan Wilkins

How did you get the job on The Clone Wars?

I don’t know how the production team got my show reel, but they chose several people to score one act from the first show. I met with Dave Filoni (The Clone Wars’ supervising director) beforehand and he gave me his thoughts. I then went back to the studio and recorded an audition tape.

How did you approach adapting the Star Wars theme for TV?

George Lucas had quite a bit of input on that once I’d gotten the gig, but initially I was apprehensive about changing the arrangement. I think I made the comment that John Williams did it correctly the first time. It’s such a memorable piece of music—in fact, it’s probably one of the most famous pieces of music of all time! To start altering it is, I think, really dangerous especially as I’m a huge fan of Williams’ original. I think everyone on the show wanted something fresh and different —not necessarily better or worse but something that you can identify as our show. It was a tough process —probably one of the most difficult things I’ve had to do in my 25-year career. Just the thought of it would make any composer break out in a cold sweat! After I got over that, I really set about trying to do something great.

There were a couple of musical problems that I ran up against. A lot of the influences throughout our score are from ethnic percussion—big drums with big beats. John Williams originally wrote the theme as a march in the time signature of 2/2. Once you add big beats to that it starts to get all disco on you. I hit upon the idea of changing the time signature to 5/4, and that breaks it up and takes it away from disco.

That was one of the key insights for me. It was a great relief because I thought, It’s going to work. I’m not going to have to hide in Siberia for the rest of my life!

At what stage do you get involved in scoring each episode?

Sometimes I’m brought in early in the process—if a character has to sing, or if there’s a musical piece that has to be animated—but only rarely. Most of the time I see a nearly completed show, and that’s the first time that I’m exposed to it. I watch the show all the way through with a temp track [music used as a placeholder to signal the tone of each scene] on it. Sometimes it’s my music from a previous episode or music from different films; we occasionally use music from the Star Wars features. Then I react to the temp track. In Hollywood that’s generally become a very good way for a director to communicate with a composer. Talking about music can be very difficult for someone who isn’t a musician. You can talk in adjectives and say things like, “Make it dark, make it angry,” but “angry” can mean a Bach cantata or Ozzy Osbourne! Once you have the temp track it can give you a much better jumping-off point.

A temp track is even good if it’s bad. That gives you a point of conversation, and you can say, “Oh, this certainly doesn’t work!” So it doesn’t always have to be spot on. Dave Filoni is an extremely creative guy. I just received an email from him this morning about an idea for a future episode. A minor character in the episode dies, and Dave had this idea of having a solo trumpet play, which is a very lonely sound. It’s fantastic to have that kind of input from Dave.

How much music do you create for each episode?

I write the episode wall-to-wall, so that’s 22 or 23 minutes. There are places where the music features more prominently and places where it’s taken out in the final process of the mix. When we were mixing the The Clone Wars feature film, I went to Skywalker Sound and was taking out more music than anybody! Sometimes you think you need more music than you actually do. If the situation is appropriate, it’s really great to take a breath and not have any music. That really gives the music an impact when it does kick in. But just so that we’re covered, we write it all the way through. Dave can choose in the final process how prominent it will be in each situation, because by that time he’s also got all these marvelous sound effects. It takes about two weeks to complete a score.

The episodes have many different tones, from political drama to horror to non-stop action. Do you have a favorite type of episode to score?

Those different types of episodes give an indication of why the show’s so much fun to score. If it was always battles I think I’d be worn out by now. If it was always political themes I think I’d have tired of that too. So it’s really great, as in life, to have variety, and that’s one of the great things about the show.

Which composers have had the biggest influence on you?

John Williams will always be my favorite; he’s probably the reason why I’m a film composer. Jerry Goldsmith, Ennio Morricone, and John Barry are also fantastic. They were my early influences and they’re all big melody guys. In terms of modern composers, I love what Hans Zimmer is doing, and I think John Powell and Harry Gregson-Williams are enormous talents. In fact I lost out on an Annie Award to John Powell; but he’s so good I didn’t want to punch him! One of the things I have fun doing is keeping my scores modern, so I very much respect those people.

You've held back from using John Williams' themes. Is there a particular reason for that?

We’ve felt like this show should have its own identity. There are themes that I have developed, such as Ahsoka’s theme, the clones’ theme, and the battle theme that have become part of the show’s identity. The themes from the movies are iconic and wonderful, but they were part of that series of six films. We do use them occasionally, but extremely sparingly. As a result they really have an impact when they do come in every so often. But Star Wars is progressing and evolving with this show, and the music reflects that.

Of all the scores you've created for the series, do you have a particular favorite?

The themes I wrote for the Nightsisters trilogy were among my favorites. It was really great material to work with. There was another one where we used an ethnic flute: it was the episode in which they found a little girl trapped in a cave [Innocents of Ryloth]. It was a really delicate episode, and we had this fantastic musician playing a bamboo flute; I was really satisfied that we captured the innocence of the character.

Will we ever see a soundtrack album of your work from the show?

Oh, somebody else has the first say on that! I haven’t actively pursued it because I’m so busy working, but yes, I would love to see it!

[priortoallthoughts]

TBB Character Thoughts

Where do you live Filoni I just wanna talk

Why are they white Filoni

Filoni answer me

Spoilers for TBB episodes 1 & 2 under the cut 

Crosshair 

There are two distinct instances where we see Crosshair being more than just the asshole character and I’m gonna talk about them 

The first one is S7E4 of TCW when everyone is escaping Skako Minor and he and Wrecker are comparing kill counts 

don’t look at me blushing about Crosshair being a top

But just look at Crosshair’s mannerisms when he says “no he won’t~” 

Popping up right after Hunter assures Wrecker just to rub it in that he topped him killed more droids 

The little head shake and shoulder shrug he does 

And his voice 

That’s not the voice of someone saying something cruel

That’s a straight up teasing voice 

He’s teasing his vod like vode do 

The second instance is in TBB S1E1 when they’re loading the marauder for their mission to Onderon 

“He actually cried”

And ya know what?

I don’t doubt that Wrecker cried 

But “hey, we both did”

I like to think that Crosshair, seeing a fully stocked armory with force knows how many (probably new) rifles, also teared up a bit 

THAT’S the Crosshair I’m holding out hope for 

But I swear if I don’t see him trying to fight the chip’s control 

(Just like Rex tried to do)

(Just like Jesse tried to do)

If I don’t see that and he doesn’t get any character development beyond being just the bad guy 

I’m gonna go feral 

But maybe we do see it?

He still wants Hunter’s permission before pulling the trigger even with his chip half active 

And Wrecker is a big target 

Crosshair only hits his shoulder when they’re escaping Kamino

From that close range he misses a kill shot?

No sir I don’t think so

Wrecker 

There was never a doubt in my mind that Wrecker would be good with kids 

Look at him standing up behind Omega in the galley for intimidation like the ori’vod he is

And to see him interact with Shaeeah and Jek 

“Uncle Wrecker!” 

I just 🥺

Amazing 

And can I just say that when they’re locked up on Kamino and he punches the wall the first time 

He explains the sounds to the guard almost verbatim the way Tech did to him 

Had me cracking up because the way he’s written, he would never say that by himself 

He trusts Tech’s explanation so much that he parrots it back to the guards

Not to mention all the little interactions between Tech and Wrecker in both episodes 

Them arguing about the hand signals 

Him reacting to Tech’s teasing about his conditioning 

Wrecker suplexing the droid which was hot

And maybe they’ve done it before, but all Crosshair needing to say is “knife” for Wrecker to know what to do

Great moment 

And his SCAR

We get a so much more detailed image of it in the first episode 

Like, I’m of the opinion that that injury is part of the reason he acts as childish as he does 

Because are those or are those not electrical scars 

His brain was fried

Them mentioning it at all would be nice 

Give me more than big dumb guy 

I love and support the headcanon of him being emotionally intelligent 

Also, him going through the Marauder with Omega and they both fall asleep together is the sweetest 

He probably showed her everything they have while talking about it

He showed her where they hide the snacks

Lula is cute and so is Wrecker’s poncho and hat 

Tech

His confidence in everything he says is so attractive

He might be misinformed about some things, namely the inhibitor chips

But boy

Him being positive about where to hit the wall to break out of their cell

The fact that he could slice into imperial data easily even though he’s never seen those codes before 

How he didn’t tell Hunter about his plan to impound the Marauder until after the fact because he knew his plan would work

The biggest flex

Also, I want him to hear Rex explain the true purpose of the chips 

I want him to say “actually” like he’s about to say something 

I want Rex to have undeniable proof of it all

And I want Tech to become progressively more horrified about what he sees/hears

Tech is Tech

He knows technology

He trusts technology 

And look at what the Kaminoans put inside him and his vod 

He immediately starts planning on how to get the chip out of Crosshair

Also he’s a secret softie with Omega 

He probably researched everything about her right after they meet the first time 

He’s upset because she’s upset on the farm in Saleucami

The way he reaches up to catch her when she drops down from the Marauder 

“That would be dirt” 

Like he can and will happily explain anything about anything to her if she asks 

Hunter 

Guess who just made the Galaxy’s Top 10 list of best dad’s? 

Look at him trying to be a dad 

You don’t know everything yet but you’re doing great sweetie 

Immediate ride or die for Omega as soon as he finds out she’s some sorta defective like them 

Also the way he goes after Caleb to try and protect him from the other clones 

He just wants to help kids 

Probably shoulda called Crosshair out on his acting strange more/earlier 

He knows his vod, and Cross is not being Cross

The way he watches Cut and Suu to try and figure this parenting thing out because he’s just acquired a child 

The way Cut and Suu look at him when he interacts with Omega

Cut’s like, yeah vod, I’ve been there

HIS SMILE

HELLO TALK ABOUT GORGEOUS 

Also talking about gorgeous 

Hunter in civvies 

He wasn’t yelling at Omega because he was mad, he was yelling because he was scared 

He was yelling at Tech because he was mad

I knew Omega wasn’t going to leave but him suggesting it because he wants her to be safe

So good, so pure 

And he’s a great leader, honestly 

He doesn’t do anything to put them in danger if he can help it (see: Onderon)

Crosshair says he’s missing the big picture but I think he sees everything, but he also knows it’s an incomplete picture 

He just wants the best for his vode and that means getting all the facts straight before he does anything 

Echo

FOR THE LOVE OF ALL THAT IS HOLY SOMEONE TELL HIM ABOUT FIVES

My man deserves to know exactly how Fives’s actions helped saved Rex and Ahsoka and is still helping to save other vode 

He deserves to remember his last batch mate fondly

I love how he reacted to AZI-3 

The recognition of his PTSD is a good thing as much as it hurts to see 

Need more of that 

Echo using his cybernetic arm as a shank on the droids during the training simulation is peak feral fighting

Also he definitely asked to get some kamas again 

He earned his ARC status before and he’s not gonna lose that too

Plus he knows the kamas are hot

The fact that he’s complaining about the smell of their room too is just so funny?

Like it’s an offhand comment at first

But then he gripes about it again when Wrecker says it smells funny in the cell

“That’s because it’s clean”

All Echo wants is to kick everyone out of their room for the day and deep clean everything 

And the way he acts because of Omega

“Harm her and you’re a dead man”

Completely serious

He absolutely would murder someone if they so much as scratch her

I wish we got more bonding between him and the others

He probably had that awkward phase when you find a new friend group but you’re still new so you can’t just be your normal weird self

He’s gotta build up to being just bantha-shit insane

Otherwise the others would think he’s serious about the shit he says

And be worried 

But it’s actually nothing to worry about 

I just want them all showing love to him and each other 

Also, in case you were curious,

Galaxy’s Top 10 Best Dads (in no particular order):

Hunter

Din Djarin

Jango Fett

Waxer 

Boil

Plo Koon

Cut Lawquane

Kanan Jarrus

Bail Organa

Chewbacca, probably 

[poisonpeche]

Any other hyperfixations other than Levi :) ?

Levi is my one and only, but I loveee Jujutsu Kaisen. It was one of the first animes I ever watched on a whim, and got me so excited for this era of animation. I actually just got into anime on my birthday in December when my partner & I binged the entire AO T series. We instantly fell in love. I watched some animes here and there growing up, but nothing compares to the new gen shows; I’m in dEEP.

My 15 year old step son is a massive Marvel & DC fan, so he really got me into it & we’ve been taking him to every new release since he was 6. If anyone’s my hyper fixation, it’s my baby 🥺 I adore him to pieces & I’m a v v proud step mama indeed. We’ve been watching Marvel’s Moon Knight together and we love it so much.

I wanted to work in animation for the longest time, so any fantasy related movies/games I fall in love with: Lord of the Rings, Steven Universe (this was a big one for my gender identity journey - Rebecca Sugar is my hero), Bee & Puppycat, Over the Garden Wall, Studio Ghibli, HP, Star Wars, Dune, ATLA (Dave Filoni is another huge idol for me), Zelda, omg I could go on…Anything with 2D or practical effects. I’m a sucker for more tactile art forms.

Back to my boy, I just love Levi’s character design, so drawing him obsessively is helping me build my portfolio and try some new things as an artist. I really want to focus on concept art as a whole from color, character, and environment design. Eventually I want to expand to original characters (and possibly some stories too 😉). I went to art school to be a traditional artist, and very late after I graduated with painting & drawing as my focus did I realize I wish I had focused on graphic design/illustration/concept art. But it’s never too late, I tell myself! I struggle to teach myself the programs, but you gotta start somewhere.

Thank you so much for your ask! They really make my day & I love to get to know y’all better. 🖤🖤🖤

[igotswag77]

Courtly Love In Thrawnbine - My Review

This Tumblr inspired me to try again on the concept of COURTLY LOVE -- thanks for the nice art.

This is long... No tl;dr. I have been writing my THRAWNBINE fanfiction since 2014-2015. The initial transcripts were lost because my computer and the external hard drive crashed. Therefore, the research, development, key ideas, metas, etc. are gone. I have to start from scratch, hope some of them are in the cloud, and rely on my memory, which is another discussion. This piece here is not about the validity of the THRAWNBINE ship. It is a discussion of story elements I wanted to include as I write this fanfiction. It is not about me forcing any fan to accept my proposal. As a Star Wars fan, I like creativity and this piece is an example of what I think about when I develop my creative writing for fanfiction. It is what I want to do with my life right now because I can do it now.

However, a while back in one of the SWAG77 blogs here, my group discusses the idea of COURTLY LOVE: As I understand it as a beginner creative writer, it is how the COURT of the kings, queens, princes, princess, (on down) and knights in the Middle Ages and Medieval times expressed their love to each other. (x)

From my interpretation on my reading, not just Wikipedia but others, when noble single men, who were knights, often fought "religious wars" returned home to the court and would appeal to royalty to marry a certain young woman. They planned to "woo" these women with sayings, phrases, poems, etc. as an expression of their commitment and love. The issue is, most young women at a certain age (late teens, early 20s in the 13th -15th centuries) were considered "old maids" (spinsters) and they were made to marry whoever their families could get who were often older men 10+ their senior. Once married couples could not divorce, because of Church, and if caught cheating on their husband, women could be thrown away or killed. Many marriages turned loveless. When the knights returned home, they discovered the love of their lives was married, and therefore, they could not marry her because it was against the Church. Of course, back then, there were not a lot of sexual infidelities, because women could be killed for that, and any resulting child was forced into servitude, enslaved, or killed.

What couples did that time to express their love, devoid of sex to relieve that tension, the nobles created "courtly love" where the knight would serve his lady in any command and he would in turn be chivalrous along with his poems and sayings of love.

"The Lady and the Unicorn" (x), (x) tapestry art from finished in 1500 in France, is an allegory for "courtly love" by its subjects in the art, and symbols. The art comprises six tapestries that depict individual senses in each of them:

In the sixth tapestry, the words display, "À mon seul dési," while obscure in meaning it says roughly:

"To my only sole desire" "According to my desire alone" "By my will alone" "Love desires only beauty of soul" "To calm passion"

In my literature review to build the THRAWNBINE ship, I weaved the idea of "courtly love" as a plot element, in case my story hypotheses were inaccurate. That no matter what, Grand Admiral Thrawn knew he would have to serve under Countess Sabine Wren due to her royal status. By the time Thrawn meets Sabine face to face, she might be royalty with the rank of a countess, or she might be a rank higher than one because she has a direct right to Darksaber, as explained.

Sabine Wren might be a Marquise because she has an exemplary war record. I believe that Sabine Wren is the rightful heir to the Darksaber over Din Djarin because when Djarin defeated Moff Gideon, the Moff is NOT Mandalorian. All Djarin did is confiscate the Darksaber FROM Moff Gideon to give to the rightful heir. Lady Bo-Katan Kryze is not the rightful heir. She was given the Darksaber because Sabine believed in her. But the Darksaber is magical, like the Excalibur sword, and this saber did not choose Bo-Katan, and Bo-Katan never won it by ritual combat. The last Mandalorian who fought against another Mandalorian in ritual combat was Sabine Wren. Why Sabine gave it to Bo-Katan? Maybe the Sabine Wren character is like Nimue, the Lady of the Lake who gives worthy people the Excalibur, and in this case, it would be Sabine. But the Darksaber is ENTRUSTED to one that is worthy to wield it and NEVER lose it to scurrilous powers or persons. If Filoni et al. is using parts of the Arthurian Tales to explain why Sabine gave the Darksaber to Bo-Katan, then it was Bo-Katan's job not to lose the Darksaber. But she did and somehow, Moff Gideon "acquired" it -- he is definitely unworthy of it.

Maul, while he fought in ritual combat to obtain the Darksaber and killed for it, CHEATED during the fight with Pre Vizsla. Ritual Combat is a test of pure fighting skill, will, and strength. In the book, "Darth Maul: The Shadow Conspiracy", Maul has the fighting skill, a will, and the strength to fight Pre Vizsla, but there is the Force, and Maul used it to defeat Vizsla with his Force abilities in precognition. Maul knew all the moves that Vizsla would take before he made them. In my opinion, that is cheating.

While the Darksaber will work in a non-Mandalorian's hands who can wield a saber, the crystal used for plasma that Tarre Vizsla built, is responsive to the worthiness, nobleness, and chivalry of the wielder. Most stories written about enchanted swords say they do not work optimally in the wrong hands. Did it fail Maul, probably not, because Maul was so Dark Sided that he could "bleed" a lightsaber crystal for his uses. But I can imagine that a Mandalorian who uses weapons for his religion, like Tarre Vizsla who has the Force, would build his lightsaber in a way that his crystal, while it can be bled by a Dark Side user, still holds its resilience hoping for a worthy, noble and chivalrous Mandalorian to bring together the people and raise an army.

Another caveat to this story I think is Sabine Wren wielded the Darksaber while she was possessed by the Nightsisters trying to relive as Maul wanted. She almost kills Ezra Bridger, but Bridger was strong enough to pull the ghosts out of Sabine (and Kanan) in the Star Wars Rebels Episode 11, "Vision and Voices". Anyone who understands possession by spirits knows that not ALL of the spirits leave the body. Moreover, one possessed by spirits is not always evil. It is an ancient practice by those who are a part of the Vodoun culture in Western Africa, the Caribbean, Louisiana, and Gullah -- my culture (which I have some practice in it). Part of Sabine's ability to wield the Darksaber and other lightsabers come from the memories of the spirits that entered her body on Dathomir and the touch of the Daughter, which I have repeatedly written about on the Sabine Wren site (x), (x), (x).

The point is since the spirits entered Sabine Wren and not all of them left her in that SWR episode, and she picked up the Darksaber once clear of the complete possession, the Darksaber, especially the power of the crystal and the "spirit of Tarre Vizsla" encased in it, wanted Sabine to become the Mandalorian to rally all other Mandalorians together as one.

In SWR Trials of the Darksaber episodes, after Sabine defeats the Imperial Mandalorian, Gar Saxon, only to be killed by Sabine's mother, Ursa Wren, it shows that the Darksaber is rightfully hers. Why Sabine gave it away? The writers of SWR do not add scenes or dialogue meaninglessly, every piece of scenery with lighting, etc. and dialogue is added into each episode carefully to tell the story that these creatives want you to see. Sabine felt she did not have enough political skill to command Mandalorians, or better yet, military leadership to command Mandalorian -- for "you don’t tell Mandalorians what to do. You suggest it and they either heed your advice or not. (forgotten reference)"

Thrawn had to have learned that Gar Saxon died well before Season 4 Episode, "Heroes of Mandalore" part 2. Also, Thrawn knew a lot about Mandalorian culture through its history, philosophy, and art. What he did not count on is that he would find an artist -- Sabine Wren. I don't know when Thrawn discovered Sabine was an artist that painted the graffiti on the retaining wall. Through his studies, he deduced it was her by the armor she wears, the changes in her armor, and how important the armor is to the Mandalorian culture. This is why he was able to figure out that Sabine built the weapon. Her method of creating art reflects on how she builds weapons whether she knows this fact or not. But then, the Darksaber, which he has not seen, and would not really know its lore because it seems that story that Fenn Rau told Kanan is an "oral tradition" than a written one, and the fact that it was "liberated" from the Jedi seems like an embellished story -- liberated? More like "stolen" maybe? Thrawn had not heard that story. But Sabine knows it. I am not sure if Thrawn knew that Sabine is the rightful owner of the Darksaber. But during the battle sequences, he must have gotten glimpses of it and piecemealed what exactly it is as his job as a strategist to know what he is going up against. However, the Duchess Arc Reactor was not reconstructed to blast through Mandalorian Armor as the new leader of Mandalore, Tiber Saxon desired. It was a test and a chance for Thrawn to see the strength of the fight of Mandalorians (who fight each other all the time), and a chance to meet Sabine Wren in person. He had not met her. He met everyone except, her.

____________

I think that Sabine Wren would be a higher royalty if Filoni et al. were to write that Sabine is a rightful heir with a title. Therefore, she would be a Marquise who protects the frontier. In this fanfic, Thrawn would have to marry Sabine to obtain the title of Marquis to protect the border of the galaxy from the Yuuzhan Vong (lite = Grysks), and his military background fits in this fanfic story. Therefore, he will do whatever it takes to keep Sabine alive, protected under the symbol of the Darksaber and her people with his military (army). He would have to show "Courtly Love" with the addition of sex, to serve as her advisor, confidante, and supreme commander of her militaries. While he could keep his titles, they are not royal, but political, such as "Ranking Distant" or "Syndic" or "Patriarch" -- but that's the Chiss Ascendancy and he has been exiled from it (on paper: meaning officially he is exiled, unofficially he is in a black operation for an intelligence-gathering mission.)

As a separate story, he knows he really can't return under his current position back into the Chiss Ascendancy. But he can annihilate threats in the Unknown Regions using Galatic Empire resources -- of course, the Emperor nor Darth Vader like that idea. When the Deus Ex Machina scene occurred, wherever the space whales took Thrawn and Ezra, the end result should be, IMO, someone in the Chiss Ascendancy rescues them. And it can't be just two people, it has to be a group of them, mostly Imperials. And they take them to a planet, apparently under snow and ice in the Dave Filoni art.

Before I knew anything about SWR in my first fanfic, Thrawn met Sabine at an art auction.

After the Ezra Bridger Deus Ex Machina with space whales, it seems based on Dave Filoni's art of Sabine Wren and Ahsoka Tano, Thrawn officially meets Sabine. For many headcanons, metas, and short drabbles I can't get into atm, they kick off their relationship, and for Sabine, it is unexpected. And while Thrawn might strategically want Sabine to stay (to seal the deal), they have to have legacies. With legacies, Sabine would not want to leave unless she had to.

In this fanfic, any acts like these are about consent. I strive to write consent in my stories.

The conflict in this story becomes how the HAYLE did Sabine agree to all of this? She IS strong-willed like most Mandalorian women are. For Sabine to consent to this life path is:

Sabine DESIRES it; she WANTS to do a pair bond. She figures out that she is getting old and her biological clock is ticking, and perhaps she is tired of constant war and needs a break. But whoops, she did not think that her desire would overtake her and create many legacies. That does happen in real life. Therefore settles that now, this is her life. (This fanfic is the easiest one to write, but slightly dull).

From the LADY AND THE UNICORN held in Paris. Each tapestry depicts the physical senses: (1) Sight, (2) Hearing, (3) Taste, (4) Smell, (5) Touch, (6) Desire. There are allegories and symbols for each tapestry and element. The major symbols are a Lady, a young woman virgin, with a Unicorn, loyal to only her.

There is more information from this youtube: https://youtu.be/5hCWZNm3qpc. My issue about this video, while most of the information seems accurate, the poets are interpreting the tapestries with their modern experiences. In my opinion, it is difficult to understand these tapestries without historical context. To think the woman is in pain is a modern interpretation. Back then, people LIVED in real physical pain because there were no "doctors' like we have now; it is very judgy to make that assertion. Thus, the comments in the video are opinions, and the producers did not announce that opinions were going to be shared. It's kind of like the point of the tapestries was missed without the historical basis.

History for the THRAWNBINE ship is an important part of the fanfic. I am not a great writer, but I work hard to write it. I have reviewed the literature, not think up this ship out of my ass as some fans would assume. I have put a lot of work into it. Also, I am well-read on many Star Wars Legends books and the new Thrawn canon books. Therefore, it is not like I do not know much about Star Wars when I do. I have REAMS of information that I like to share with fans who ask me about it. A few fans do. Moreover, I am not so vain to think that my ideas are the ONLY point of view available. I like trying to write fanfics as close to the Star Wars canon because it is fun, and that is my thing. But there are other ideas out there. It would be wrong to say my way or the highway. Also, I am not young, and those who are asinine toward me, well, I know you're younger than me because I'm old, and I want to do this with my life, I like to do it, and I'm having fun. Some young people do not GET that idea until they fall flat HARD on their face with a lost future. But don't give up your bright-eyed and bushy-tailed aspirations -- you never know where life will take you, and you might be the one. Congrats. Believe me, life can get shitty when you're out there in the real world, like me. And when you can grab your chance at something you find fun, I say do it. Money isn't everything -- but it keeps the kids in touch. I bring up these issues because some young people take huge umbrage against the THRAWNBINE ship due to the perceived huge age difference. Okay, I can see why some young people are freaked out by that. Because someone taught them to be freaked out by the age difference. Moreover, I come from GenX, and most of us, aren't freaked out by that at all. Some of us are in that situation now. So it's no big deal to us. And any generation before ours -- THAT WAS THE WAY... I would not BE if not for huge age differences between my grandparents, great-grands, and great-great grands. Of course, for my greats- yeah, there wasn't much consent. But for my grandparents, at that time and age, there actually was consent. My grandmother was 18 years old when she married my grandfather at 26 years old. By 21, she had 3 babies. One is my father. So, I grew up not caring about age differences in relationships. But for some Millenials (not all) and GenZ (not all) and afterward (not all) -- IDK?

I guess the equivalence for some of the younger generation to understand why I am doing an age-difference story is that the younger generation demands older generation acceptance of relationships that were not allowed to exist in public because one could be killed. It was not until 1967 that people of different races could marry legally in all states. Shid, one couldn't divorce over irreconcilable differences (at will) until the 1970s. Women could not have their own bank accounts until the late 1970s, and LGBTQIA+ RECENTLY were allowed to marry legally in all states, although assholes are stopping them. Then... some of the younger generations are from IVF-assisted pregnancy situations. Some are surrogates. SHID.......... That was not allowed until the 1980s... Both 1970s and 1980s were when I grew up, when I hear younger generations wracking my brain over CONSENSUAL LEGAL age-difference, I think folks don't know the history and therefore are doomed to repeat it. It is NOT a suggestion to return back to that time where women had no choice. My fanfic is about a man falling in love from afar with a woman who actually has no clue, and he knows he is a lot older than her. Somehow, he has to tell her, and he is afraid because of rejection. Look, some Star Wars fans come from parents who have an age difference between 10+ years. If they grew up fine, and their parents are okay with their relationship, who would we judge? I am not talking about a child with a much older adult; that's not legal. I am not talking about nonconsensual (the age of consent in some states is 16-17 years old). I'm not talking about child marriage. My fanfic is about two adults making a choice to be together in an adult relationship. To say someone older can take advantage of someone younger due to experiences, well, that is a false analogy, and the opposite can be true, too. It isn't the age difference that causes bad relationships. It is the power and control, and all generations have individuals who use power and control manipulation to force and abuse another person.

Matthew Perry on that super expensive dating site was matched up with a young woman profile and wanted someone to talk to and have fun with. Not do unsavory things as the woman painted that picture. She lied about it too.

Matthew Gaetz is an asshole, and he deserves everything that the law can throw at him. I actually do not think he knew better. And as far as the young women, including the underage young lady, he manipulated them because he leveraged his power and control. This isn't because of age differences; it's about power and control by manipulation. "Oh, wow, I'm a big shot congressman; worship me." Bith, puh-leeze. You ain't shit. Look, fans teased me when I first discussed "Courtly Love," and I abandoned the idea because I could not justify it. Which is my choice; I made that choice, I chose to do it. But, some in the younger generation and nascent Star Wars fans must understand that you have no right to say who can fall in love with whom just because there a legal and consensual age difference. It is not fair. You cannot ask the older generations to accept your relationships and choose to have them if you can't accept, assuming that they are legal with consent. Because a long time ago, they were not... And when you have a longtime Star Wars fan who is older that is okay with your desires for legal and consensual relationships, killing us is not going to get these hateful toxic fans off your backs. You need longtime fans to be in your corner fighting for your cause because a lot of us have seriously fought for real shit, too. Not just protesting, but having rocks and police beatdowns and water canons, too. Blame by authorities for throwing in prison all the time. Shid...you should have seen us Spelman women rip a new asshole to fight Apartheid in South Africa against Amnesty International. We fought hard for that.

But you need to be cool with our stuff too. Just ask me. I'll tell you.

[the-beskar-alchemist]

Here we go again with my recap ramblings! Had to do a bit of nip/tuck for this one, it’s a bit lengthy.

My opinions, as I've stated before, are based on my limited knowledge of the Star Wars universe. I have NOT seen anything outside of the movie franchise, so please bear with me...

- First off I would like to express my appreciation for this episode going balls-to-the-wall with Ashoka, instead of spending an unnecessary amount of time working towards her introduction. Considering we spent two episodes just GETTING to her, the fact that it was like "BAM! There she is!" was very refreshing.

- Also I would like to thank Filoni for establishing her badassery UP FRONT, instead of having her do some sort of "Surprise! These are my special skills!" maneuver. The concept hit home on the first try, and it hit HARD.

- I know people are iffy with Rosario Dawson (I'm not that caught up on her to know the details myself), but she does bring a certain......presence, I guess......to this episode, but just as the character, not really HER specifically.  She seems more powerful when she's silent, versus when she speaks, her portrayal of the dialogue seems kinda monotone for my taste honestly. (I think it's worth mentioning that, while I understand people wish for Ashley, it would involve "black face" makeup on some levels to achieve Ashoka's skin-tone, I don't think it would've worked, no matter how skilled the makeup artists are)

- The ghastly forest makes me think of the lighting technique they used for The Half Blood Prince film

- As I've said, I have not seen the Clone Wars series, so I'm not familiar with Ashoka's animated fighting techniques, but I do love how practical she is with the lightsabers in a dark setting, turning them off to avoid too much attention, and only turning them back on right when she's ready to attack to really take her enemies off guard

- Din narrating to the baby has me in my feels a bit, this dude is really going through the motions isn't he? He's trying so hard to keep it together, acting like he's fine that his whole world is about to change in a way he's not fully prepared to handle.

- Can we take a moment to discuss how observant the baby is? He may not know about circuitry to help with ship maintenance, but he has the wherewithal to know when he's headed to a place that's potentially harmful. Episode 7 in season 1, when Din mentions going back to Nevarro? The baby immediately tries to adjust the ships trajectory to avoid going to a place of which his only memories consist of him being experimented on and possibly almost killed. And NOW? Now he recognizes that the name of the planet Din is taking him to will be where they separate, so OF COURSE his first instinct is to, not only avoid leaving Din's side at the pilot's seat, but to also seek out one of the few tangible objects that brings him comfort: THE METAL BALL FROM THE LEVER........baby boi is so smart, we do not give him enough credit

- Baby REALLY didn't want to leave his papa.......also DIN LET HIM KEEP THE BALL PLS

- Din walking through the town reminded me of the Two Towers when the party arrived at Rohan and Gimli was like "You'll find more cheer in a graveyard"

- I have to wonder what was going through Din's mind upon seeing the prisoners in the electric cages. I'm sure he was disgusted, but everything presented in this series is VERY deliberate, ergo Din was meant to see this to IMMEDIATELY establish that this magistrate was someone he wouldn't want to be allied with, a feat that could've been established with the intro into the town alone, but it seems that the best way to really drive home just how terrible these people are is voyeurism.

- The town versus inside the magistrates gated home? Night and day. The contrast is intriguing, how "dead" the town looks but inside the second gate there's life, somewhat flourishing.

- If Din KNEW that the magistrate was referring to Ashoka, than he basically tricked her into helping him find her under the guise of making a deal. If not, than he figured it out during their first fight upon seeing how she maneuvered around him. Either way, we stan one smart cookie.

- Lang reminds me of Number Two from the Austin Powers series

- BATU BATU BATU BATU

- I love the fact that Din is including the baby in his bounty hunting process, not just telling him they've reached the coordinates, but also letting him know to start looking, IT'S BRING YOUR SON TO WORK DAY......(but like EVERYday for him tho.....)

- Okay but like LOGICALLY I KNEW THAT BESKAR CANNOT BE DAMAGED BY A LIGHTSABER BUT MY HEART STOPPED FOR A SECOND

- DIN PACING LIKE A NERVOUS DAD IN THE DOCTORS OFFICE, POOR BABY

- I have to wonder how the baby "talks" via the Force, is it full "sentences"? Clipped "sentences"? Or is it kinda like Renesmee from Twilight where she "inserted" visuals into another person's head? I know they can "feel" each other's thoughts, but I've always wondered exactly HOW they "feel" them...

- I understand people are a little put-off by the lekku, and that cosplayers have done it "better", but we have to remember that cosplayers aren't doing (multiple) fight scenes, the head-piece has to be practical in its design, as well as authentic. There are stunt-doubles, and having to create multiple versions that not only can withstand constant movement, but also won't break easily. Not to mention when you try to do a live-action based off an animated series, it almost ALWAYS looks "wrong" on some levels (live-action anime? it's awkward af, no matter how hard you try...)

- About the Grogu controversy: I'm on the fence, but will most likely come to love/appreciate the name. Is it within the realm of what I was expecting? Nope. Is it possible that we are ALL projecting our own ideas of what name the baby "should" have had, so much so that almost ANY name they would've given him would've sounded "wrong"? VERY distinctive possibility......this is Star Wars after all, names are meant to sound "weird".  Grogu sounds like a Star Wars kind of name, in fact it's kinda fitting for a species that looks reptilian-ish

- THE BABY HEARING DIN SAY HIS NAME FOR THE FIRST TIME, THE WHIPLASH IN THAT HEAD-TURN, BUT LIKE.....I love the slight parallels to Grogu's and Din's name-arc: They both went DECADES without hearing their own names, and the reveal's are so contrasting, Din hears his name during a time when he's in danger, the baby hears his while having a heart-to-heart. I'm curious about how Din was feeling in this moment, thinking about how long Grogu must've gone without hearing his own name, and how Din longs to have someone say HIS name with an almost reverent tone

- YODA NAME-DROP.....but also Grogu looked at Ashoka when she said the name, I wonder if he knew Yoda

- Some people have mentioned Ashoka's lekku not being long enough for her age, I'm wondering if they compensated with the "wrinkles" in it? Can lekku have wrinkles?

- Grogu trying to be good for his papa, but also NOT wanting to use his powers because he KNOWS it would mean that papa has to leave him (and Din's little head tilt to get him to cooperate) I JUST....I CAN'T

- Ashoka telling Din to connect with Grogu, and Din shifting around all like "LOOK ITS BAD ENOUGH I HAVE TO LEAVE MY SON WITH YOU, CAN YOU NOT MAKE THIS HARDER FOR ME???"

- FATHER AND SON GAME OF CATCH AND DIN'S EXCITEMENT WHEN GROGU CAUGHT THE METAL BALL, MY OVARIES CANNOT TAKE THIS MUCH FLUFF

- Subtle Anakin reference, given what happened to the younglings after he went dark, it's a good thing Grogu was taken.......but by WHO???

- Din calling the lightsabers "laser swords" and Ashoka's little grin like, she WANTED to correct him, but she was enjoying Din's dorkyness???

- Din trusted her enough to let her borrow his pauldron??? I HAD A MOMENT

- DIN GUNSLINGER DJARIN

- Did my eyes fucking DECEIVE ME?? DID ASHOKA CUT THE SPEAR IN HALF????? Like this is the second time I'm watching this, the first time I noticed it I was like "No fucking WAY", but I'm seeing it AGAIN, IT WASN'T A TRICK OF THE EYE....so beskar is only lightsaber RESISTANT??

- Lang vs Din was like Johnny Ringo vs Doc Holliday, "You're no daisy!"

- More name-dropping. Did Ashoka kill Elsbeth? They never show her after the exchange.

- Din could've jetpacked his way back to the ship, but chose to walk instead. The way he avoids actually waking up Grogu at first, holding him for a bit, then taking the time to get him ready. Din baby who are you fooling? You're not ready, and you never will be.

- DIN STICKING HIS FINGERS OUT TO LET GROGU HOLD HIS HAND

- Ashoka knows okay?? She KNOWS that Din and Grogu are meant to stay together

- Din calling out Ashoka for trying to weasel out of the deal vs calling out Bo-Katan for changing the deal: No malice in his voice, he barely put up a fight, then sounded relieved after she gave him an alternative, one that could lead to the baby deciding NOT to become like the Jedi and instead choosing to remain with this buir

[duncan-rohanne]

*inhales* the thing is the ‘the mandalorian’ i just not that great like everyone is making it. at least not for me. when it premiered the only gifs i saw was baby yoda, it was the only thing that anyone talked about and i knew that that is gonna be the show. the child and his father ‘the mando’. which was literally the show i didn’t want. i wanted to see the mandalorias and the post-purge mandalore, the galaxy post empire, the new republic, the birth of the first order, the galaxy’s scum and villainy and the heroes. instead we’ve got baby yoda looking cute from the left and baby yoda looking cute from the right and baby yoda playing with a ball and baby yoda making baby noises *stares into a camera*... cool. 

and this is not to say that ‘the mandalorian’ isn’t a good show. it is. it’s just not  great. (yet) and it’s just not for me. the cinematography is s.t.u.n.n.i.n.g and the premise is good in it’s core and it’s clear that it’s made by people who love star wars. i find the biggest issue with the pacing, because yes, the first season is always introduction to the characters and the world, but like - nothing happens in season 1. nothing at all. you can skip from episode 3 to episode 7 and you’ll miss absolutely nothing. 4-6 are fillers. you don’t need them. at all. and technically you don’t even need 3 if you read the sentence “cara dune is ex-shock trooper and is helping mando now”. which is not to say that they are bad episodes, on contrary, they are well made, well acted, ming-na wen is super cool and so is the matt lanter and merry band of villains in episode 6. but you don’t need these eps. you would need these episodes if this was 15-20 parts series, but it’s not. why are we having fillers in 8 episodes show -

-well because it’s slow burn, zuzana, you moron. - it sure is. it’s such a slowburn that it’s worth absolutely nothing cause you still haven’t moved anywhere. you start season 1, with people trying to kill baby yoda and mando being a good dad and you keep going with it and you end with it as well. and like, i see you dave filoni, who had to tell people to wait for ahsoka to start being awesome, because that was her journey. the difference is, you had other characters to latch on, in the meantime.

- but zuzana! season 2 has cobb and bo-katan and probably ahsoka! it’s gonna be so awesome from now on! - and it looks dope, except... bo or ahsoka are not gonna stay. this is another plot that will lead to another journey plot, because of course ahsoka or bo-katan can’t stay as regulars because they would steal show. this is baby yoda series *coughs* sorry, this is mando’s show, they can’t overshadow him. this is his journey to protect baby yoda, for ever and ever. because ahsoka can’t take him and train him somwhere. no. a) she isn’t a jedi and b) imagine baby yoda not being in his own show....i mean, the mandalorian and baby yoda not being team, not realistic. so, it’s a like loop and i’m hoping it will end eventually and someone from the new republic will hire mando to do some job and there will be actually consequences and bigger stakes. cause so far there are none.

- well, if you said that you could watch obi-wan watching paint dry in his own show, this is kinda hypocritical of you. - yeah but also we know obi-wan kenobi. we’ve spend 3 and half movies, entire tv show and countless books with him, we as audience know who he is and what he has done. we already know consequences of his actions and the stakes, he is a character that can sit on the rock for 6 episodes and it will be riveting. mando in his helmet is not that and i love pedro pascal with all my heart.

what drives me on the wall is that we will never see baby yoda grow up. he is 50 and he is still a toddler, the pain of disney milking the puppet being cute will be here until the very end. maybe in season 6 he could say his first word “papa” so audience can coo and buys now talking toys. or maybe he will be fully functiong adult in season 6, anything is possible. like bo-katan haven’t aged a day last 30 years, but that’s another issue, i won’t even go there.

anyways. i want nothing more then to be wrong. i want to love this show and i still hope i will get there eventually. i hope i will be able to go one day and say “well, i didn’t like season 1 but it’s really great from there!”

[padawanlost]

“Attachment is not compassion.” What does that mean? Attachment are undoubtedly normal but I don’t get this quote

“Attachment is not compassion” Title card – TCW 02x08

Well, attachment and compassion are two different thing. The fact you’re attached to something or someone doesn’t necessarily mean you have compassion. Attachment can come from a selfish place too. That’s what Ahsoka needs to figure out by the end of the episode. Did she save Barriss out of selfish attachment (*she* didn’t want to lose a friend) or out of compassion (sympathy for Barriss and what she was facing)? Because, by choosing to save Barriss, it could’ve backfired costing thousands of lives.

On a deeper level we have to ask ourselves if it’s possible to experience real compassion without any kind of attachment. Filoni believes that the Order’s approach to compassion failed them and the galax.. you have to ask what’s compassion without action? Is it really compassion if it doesn’t translate into action? The Jedi, by becoming so focused on the greater good, failed to notice how dispassionate they had become at a personal level. They tried hard to save the galaxy but did very little to save people as individuals. We this see on multiple occasions:

Obi-wan’s initial reaction of Qui-Gon’s helping Anakin and Jar Jar;

He moved out of his seat to kneel close to Qui-Gon. “Master,” he said, unable to help himself, “why do you keep dragging these pathetic life-forms along with us when they are of so little use?” Qui-Gon Jinn smiled faintly. “He seems that way now perhaps, but you must look deeper, Obi-Wan.” [Terry Brooks. The Phantom Menace]

The Council’s reaction to Anakin:

Like Anakin, I was well past infancy when I began my training at the Jedi Temple. There was much concern about whether I was too old to learn the ways of the Force, that my Cerean childhood might cloud my judgments, but … I am not certain of how to express myself. My mind tells me I should feel empathy for Anakin, but my instinct tells me something else. [Ki-Adi-Mundi in Ryder’s Windham’s Jedi vs. Sith: The Essential Guide to the Force]

What disturbs me most of all is Anakin Skywalker himself. It is not in my nature to make assumptions about anyone based on appearance, and yet I find it almost alarming that the boy looks so entirely unremarkable. If I didn’t know better, I would have dismissed him as a harmless raga-muffin. [Ki-Adi-Mundi in Ryder’s Windham’s Jedi vs. Sith: The Essential Guide to the Force]

Their usual reaction to slavery:

The pirate spoke in a hushed tone. "I am Condi, from the planet Zoraster. I am not a pirate. I am a slave. As are my companions. Stolen from our home worlds by Krayn. Under penalty of death, we have been assigned guard duty aboard the ship." Condi looked at him eagerly. "Thank the moons and stars, we have rescue in our grasp at last." Obi-Wan deactivated his lightsaber. The naked desperation on Condi's face unnerved him. It was mirrored in the faces of his companions. All of them had obviously suffered great deprivations. "I am sorry," he said. "I have not come on a rescue mission." [Jude Watson. Path to Truth]

Can you help him? He did not know how that was possible. “I don’t know,” he told her, keeping his voice gentle, but firm. “I didn’t come here to free slaves.” [Terry Brooks. The Phantom Menace]

And, our most recent example, the Martez sisters.

A couple of years ago, there was a prison break on the surface of Coruscant, where you live, some gangster named Ziro. Then came the Jedi.  We watched, like so many others, as they chased Ziro and his gang down the portal, leaping from speeder to speeder as they went. Finally, some red-eyed alien protecting Ziro blasted the engine of an ascending cargo transport. The ship went spiraling out of control. The Jedi went into action, tried to gain control of the ship. There was a populated landing platform right in the path of the ship, but the Jedi steered it clear of that, right into the portal wall. And on the other side of that wall was our home. Mom and Dad saw it coming. They got Rafa and I out. But they weren't so lucky. The Jedi didn't even capture Ziro. The "distraction" of the ship helped him get away. Afterward, the Jedi came back, and one of them came over to me. I'll never forget it. She was beautiful, dark robes contrasting against her light green skin. Penetrating eyes. She looked at me, and you know what she said? She said, "I had to make a choice, but not to worry, the Force will be with you." That's it. Then she was off. And Trace and I were left without parents, without a home, just left there to find our way in their system.” TCW 07x07

Is any this compassion?

The point here is whether or not compassion means anything if you don’t act on it. You can say you love everything and everyone but if that love is not put into action is it really love?. What Ahsoka did was not the Jedi way but it’s clear she did the right thing by saving Barriss.

He looked over at Yoda. “Master Yoda, you and I have been close since I was a boy. An infant. Yet if ending this war one week sooner—one day sooner—were to require that I sacrifice your life, you know I would.” “As you should,” Yoda said. “As I would yours, young Obi-Wan. As any Jedi would any other, in the cause of peace.” “Any Jedi,” Obi-Wan said, “except Anakin.” Yoda and Mace exchanged glances, both thoughtfully grim. Obi-Wan guessed they were remembering the times Anakin had violated orders—the times he had put at risk entire operations, the lives of thousands, the control of whole planetary systems—to save a friend. [Matthew Stover. Revenge of the Sith]

Ahsoka, like Anakin, doesn’t take things that far. Her compassion is translated into actions. and that’s a result of Anakin’s training. Her desire to get involved and help individuals with their personal problems is a trait she got from Anakin, not from the Jedi.

“Not that Luminara is indifferent, but that Luminara is detached. It’s not that she doesn’t care, but she’s not attached to her emotionally. And at the end of the day, one of the questions that I guess I pose is, is that really a good thing? Is Anakin’s way of being so compassionate wrong? Because on a certain level, you have to accept that the Jedi lose the Clone War. So there is something that they’re doing that’s wrong.” Dave Filoni

“I’ve always felt that one of Anakin’s downfalls, like it’s never that Anakin was innately going to be evil, but the people around him, the Jedi, in their lack of compassion, in being so selfless that they almost forgot to care.”— Dave Filoni

“So as far back as Anakin, there is a seed of an idea of love and compassion, which admittedly in Attack of the Clones, the Jedi say they’re lacking because they’ve become arrogant and very sure of themselves. As Ahsoka gets older, her first big challenge comes when she’s abducted by Trandoshans and put an island [to be hunted for sport]. Anakin is put in a position where he can’t help her, and he obsesses over trying to find her, and there’s nothing he can do. But she survives anyway, and at the end of that she says, “I was only able to do this because of your teachings. Because the other Padawans I was with, boy, they were completely messed up. They were cracking.” So again we see this comparison of where Ahsoka is at because of Anakin, and where these other Padawans, which represent the other Jedi, are at.” Dave Filoni 

In the end, the message is attachment is not compassion but neither is detachment. Both extremes are wrong. Complete detachment and obsessive attachment are wrong. Ahsoka’s balanced approach to compassion is the best way.

[the-fanciful-fangirl]

In Which Qui-Gon Lives

So I saw this lovely piece of art by the super talented @suja-janee (like seriously check out her fanarts they’re great) and my muse kind of went way too far with trying to figure out a scenario where baby Rex would have been at the Jedi Temple with tiny Anakin and little Ahsoka. And poof I think I created a new AU verse. 

This was also inspired by Dave Filoni’s recent Duel of the Fates discussion where he talked about Qui-Gon’s importance in the saga as a whole and how he was this tragic father figure to Anakin. So that’s in here too.  

Without further ado:

Nine year-old Anakin Skywalker was dissimilar to a young Obi-Wan Kenobi in almost every way. Where Obi-Wan had been excited to attend medication classes and patiently practice his lightsaber katas, Anakin was a ball of eternal energy that rarely wanted to be still for anything. 

When Master Qui-Gon Jinn, finally woke up after weeks of being unconscious from his near fatal duel on Naboo, he had not expected to return and find his shared quarters with Obi-Wan in such disarray. The couch in the sitting room had a haphazard sheet strewn across it and had clearly been slept on. A small pile of clothes sat under a low table in a poor attempt to hide them. Qui-Gon had been looking forward to checking in on his Pada- on Obi-Wan, who was a knight now. Stars above Qui-Gon felt old, and it wasn’t just from the presence of the cane the Healers had insisted he use for the time being. He felt considerably old when the main door to his apartments slid open and a wall of two-sided bickering pushed into the room. 

“All Jedi have to meditate Anakin. It keeps us centered.” 

“Well, I don’t like it, it’s-” The boy’s words stopped the moment he noticed Qui-Gon. Obi-Wan’s subsequent smile was tired at best despite the happiness Qui-Gon could feel bleeding across their still intact bond.

“Master, I didn’t know you were up and about.” Obi-Wan said, even as Qui-Gon noticed Anakin flinch at the word Master.

“Neither do the Head Healers, so we best keep the news to ourselves.” The look of relief that passed over Anakin’s face brought far more comfort to Qui-Gon’s soul than his time in the Halls of Healing, even though he’d spent three weeks of that time unconscious. The other weeks he’d spent arguing with the Healers and trying to wrap his mind around Obi-Wan not only being given the rank of Knight but being assigned Anakin as a Padawan as well. At first Qui-Gon had meant to protest, he’d even planned an imaginary argument to have with Yoda and Mace but then he’d actually reached out through the Force. And the Force was thrumming happily around the pair of boys (Obi-Wan might have been almost twenty-five standard but the term still felt right). Qui-Gon was never one to ignore the whims of the Force and he’d make no exceptions, especially where Anakin was concerned.  

The boy might have by now looked like any other Initiate in the Temple but Qui-Gon could plainly sense that Obi-Wan was going to have his work cut out for him.

“Perhaps, Anakin we could mediate together this evening. Obi-Wan if you recall, you often mediated with Master Yoda when we first started together. Working together as a Master and a Padawn does not always mean you will learn the same way.” 

Obi-Wan nodded in relief and Anakin’s face brightened.

---

“Qui-Gon?” Anakin’s voice outside his door was becoming something of a daily occurrence and the aging Jedi Master could only smile. It had been nearly six months since Anakin and Obi-Wan had moved into their own set of Master and Padawan apartments and had left Qui-Gon to feel lonely in his quieter quarters. A lively Padawan to brighten his spirits however, was not what awaited Qui-Gon when he padded the door release. It wasn’t that anything looked wrong with Anakin, it was that… well his presence in the Force was utterly a mess. 

“You seem a little worse for wear young one.” Qui-Gon said. Anakin’s eyes fell to the floor.

“Sorry Mast-”

“Now what did I saw about that word?” 

“That, I don’t have to use it when other people aren’t around.” Anakin said, a little happier.  

“Yes.” Qui-Gon placed a broad hand on Anakin’s too skinny shoulder. “You are not like the other initiates or padawans Anakin.” The boy’s face fell and Qui-Gon shook his head. “I don’t mean that in a bad way.”

“Well the other kids seem to think so.” Anakin said sheepishly, kicking the floor absently with his booted foot.

“The other younglings have lived their entire lives in this temple and have not and likely will never suffer the hardships you have already endured.” Qui-Gon placed a careful finger on Anakin’s chin and rised his head so thier eyes met. “We Jedi are not perfect beings, we make mistakes, our young and even some of our elders can be as judgemental as children.” 

Anakin laughed a little at that. 

“We use the word Master as a term of respect.” Qui-Gon said carefully. “It’s meant to mean teacher or respected one more than anything. But that word means something very different to you, and that is perfectly alright. It is alright to feel bothered.”

“But,” Anakin said, a flare of frustration overcoming his small form, “ Obi-Wan and all my teachers say I have to release my feelings. I don- I don’t know how to do that!” The boy was shaking now. “I feel angry about the word master, I feel frustrated at the other kids, I feel, I-”

“You feel everything.” Qui-Gon provided. Anakin took a deep breath and appeared on the verge of tears. Qui-Gon pulled him into an embrace and the boy clung to him desperately, tears finally flowing freely. 

“The Force is a part of everything in the universe and your connection to it is strong, stronger than any Jedi I have every known.”

“That’s why you think I’m this Chosen One person?” Anakin said skeptically, pulling away slightly. 

“It is. But that title doesn’t define you Annie. I think perhaps I was wrong to saddle you with it.” Anakin’s head turned a little at that and his nose scrunched up. “What?” 

“I didn’t know grown ups could admit when they were wrong.”

Qui-Gon laughed heartily at that and Anakin smiled.

“Very few grown ups do Annie. Now, I think that I have taken us off track somewhat. I assume you came here with a question for me.” 

“Oh, yeah. I um, needed to ask you about… dreams.” Anakin said, his timidityreturning.

“What sort of dreams?” Qui-Gon said. 

“Well, I’ve always had them, sometimes, and I think sometimes my dreams happen. The night…” a sorrowful look fell voer the boy’s features, “the night before mom and I got sold I dreamed about it a bit, I saw pieces and then it happened. Is that a thing the Force does?” 

It was not entirely unheard of for Jedi to dream of the future. Master Yoda himself could sometimes see visions that helped inform his decisions in leading the Order. It wasn’t Qui-Gon’s style, as a philosophical adherent to the concept of the Living Force, to dwell on the future but he felt a rightness in guiding Anakin’s steps. 

“What dreams are you having now?” The Jedi Master asked tentatively. 

“Well there’s this one about a girl and me, but I’m bigger. I think we were working together or something. I didn’t think about it much but then I saw her!”

“In the Temple?” Qui-Gon questioned.

“Yes!” Anakin said excitedly. “She’s a little Togruta girl in the creche. She smiled at me too when Obi-Wan was showing me around.” 

“Then we should give you two a proper introduction, it’s never bad to have more friends here. Perhaps that will also help you understand these dreams better.” Qui-Gon said. Anakin’s face fell a little.

“Well, that’s not the only dream. That’s just the good one.” 

“So there’s a bad one then?” Qui-Gon motioned for Anakin to continue when the boy hesitated. 

The boy spoke slowly, “There’s this man, and I think he knows you, I think the Force is telling me that he knows you. But he’s not very nice, maybe he used to be if he knows you. And then I get this feeling that there are all these kids, who feel like my friends, who are in danger. And there’s a lot of them and I think they’re.. that someone owns them like I was. I think we need to help them or else something bad is going to happen.” 

--- 

“Clones?” It had been a long time since Qui-Gon had experienced the pleasure of hearing Mace Windu sound so shocked. He sensed Obi-Wan’s own attempts to hide a smile creeping into his features. It was late in the evening, especially for a meeting of the whole High Council and it seemed that Mace was not the only Master who was a little taken aback. The entire council seemed to bristle after hearing Qui-Gon and Obi-Wan’s report of their most recent mission. Not that Qui-Gon was surprised, it certainly was an insane story and if he had not seen his findings with his own eyes, he might not have believed it either.

“I simply cannot understand why Master Sifo-Dias would have been involved in something like this before he died.” Master Mundi said in his clipped Coruscanti accent.

“Strange it is that go so far as to order the creation of an army Sifo-Dias would. Plagued though he was by his so-called visions of the future.” 

“That’s what you’re worried about?” Anakin’s cry of frustration brought all eyes on the chamber to bear and the boy shrunk back towards his masters. It had been his first official mision with Obi-Wan as Master and Padawan and it had all been carried out because of his dreams. He felt quite a bit of ownership over the whole affair. The boy, perhaps emboldened by a very subtle mental encouragement from Qui-Gon, stepped forward. 

“We should be more concerned about the all the kids! That army is a bunch of babies that they’re gonna force to become soldiers!” 

“Knight Kenobi, perhaps you and your padawan need to have a conversation about respect in these chambers.” This time, Qui-Gon was unable to stop his head from shaking disapprovingly. However, Obi-Wan seemed unmoved.

“But Anakin is right Master Windu. These clones have been bred for combat. The Kaminoians weren’t shy about their process of genetic modifications. These children have been forced to grow at an accellerated rate much father than normal humans and have been-” Obi-Wan had to keep himself from shuddering at the word, “manufactured to be docile and loyal only to the Republic.”

“Yeah, they can’t make any choices.” Anakin added, folding his arms over his chest. “How is that fair?” 

The Council was silent for a long moment and all eyes eventually settled on Grandmaster Yoda who thoughtfully rubbed the top of his walking stick. 

“Up to the Senate, the clone’s fate may be. Ordered for them they were. Master Qui-Gon, Knight Kenobi, advocate for a just fate for them you shall.” 

----

As it turned out, the Senate was soon preoccupied with multiple attacks across the Core and Mid-Rim Worlds from an unknown source. Though Qui-Gon Jinn suspected the Sith master of the Zabrak who had nearly run him through might have been involved. Exiting a session of the Senate alongside Obi-Wan and Anakin, who had insisted to tag along, Qui-Gon had to marvel at the young man’s spirit. 

“I can’t believe they voted to keep the army! Those clones are kids and they want to use them as soldiers and they don’t even get a say.” 

“The Senate is worried about safety after all these attacks. Sometimes being a Jedi is frustrating Anakin,” Obi-Wan explained. “We serve the Senate and democracy, but that doesn’t mean we always get our way.”

“Obi-Wan is right young one, we should be thankful that the Senate is allowing some of the clones to grow up on Coruscant,” said Qui-Gon. Anakin still looked displeased.

“But they’re only doing that so they can study them. It’s weird and I feel like I’m supposed to help them.” The boy was stubborn, Qui-Gon had to give him that. The trio made their way through the massive Senate building, passing beings of all kinds. The Jedi continued to head towards the exit until they heard a voice call out Master Jinn’s name. 

“Chancellor Palpatine,” Qui-Gon said in greeting. The three Jedi bowed as the man walked over. 

“It is good to see you up and about Master Jinn.” Palpatine said cheerfully. “Knight Kenobi and young Skywalker, a pleasure as always. “I assume the Senate’s decision was not quite what the Jedi had in mind when they brought this matter to our attention.” 

“We are servants of the Republic, Chancellor.” Obi-Wan said. 

“Of course.” Palpatine agreed. He turned to face Anakin directly. “I hope you are adjusting to our lovely planet young one. My home planet owes a great debt to your heroics.”

“Th-thank you Chancellor Sir. I like it here.” 

“Good, good. Well you are always welcome to visit when your studies allow. Master Jinn, I thought I would discuss your request in person, if you have a moment.”

“Request?” Obi-Wan questioned. 

“Yes,” the Chancellor said in a way that seemed to Anakin far less than enthused. “Master Jinn has requested than some of the young clones that come to Coruscant live at the Jedi Temple.” 

“Really, Master?” Anakin asked, his eyes practically bulging out of his head. 

“Yes, I did. The army may have been commissioned for the Republic but it was Jedi Master Sifo-Dias who made the order. The Council members, and I as well, think having a few under Jedi observation may be helpful in their development. I do hope your office has considered our request Chancellor.” 

“That’s so wizard!” Anakin said out of turn, earning him a nudge from Obi-Wan. “Um, I mean, that’s great. Chancellor?”

“Well, I think I agree with Master Jinn’s logic. Moving forward it would be a fine idea to have a contingent of these troops integrated so closely with the Jedi at the Temple .” 

Anakin could barely hold himself back from cheering in excitement. 

-----

Obi-Wan Kenobi had always known his Master was considered something of a maverick Jedi. In his early years as a Padawan, his Qui-Gon’s way of doing things had always seemed strange to him. The young man had always tried to be a model Jedi, follow the rules and such. He’d spend many of his years as initiate learning directly from Master Yoda himself. But then Qui-Gon had come along and messed all of that order and protocol up. 

So Obi-Wan was unsurprised when his Master offered to spend much of his time in the creche caring for the clone children who come to live in the Temple. He practically became a creche Master in all but name, doting on both clone and Jedi younglings alike in a way that felt far too familial for Obi-Wan’s tastes. There were even children who started secretly calling Master Jinn ‘grandfather’ in their various native tongues. And of course Qui-Gon’s presence, as well as that of a particular Torgruta youngling, meant Anakin was almost always somewhere about the creche when he wasn’t in his training classes. It also meant that Obi-Wan spent a similar amount of time searching said creche for his errant Padawan. After a while and a great deal of incidents, Obi-Wan started telling himself to prepare for anything when he got near the creche.   

“Forward younglings!”

“Annie, I don’t think he can walk yet!!” Anakin stopped marginally and turned to face little Ahsoka who was being pulled haphazardly between holding Anakin’s hand and keeping a grip on the ankle of one of the clone younglings. The little blonde looked no worse for wear, save a mildly surprised stare on his face.

“Whoops, sorry Snips.” Anakin moved to pick up the clone and carefully cradle him in one arm before reaching back out for Ahsoka. 

“Why do you call me that?” Ahsoka asked, planting her hands on her hips. 

“Cause you’re snippy.” Anakin said smiling.

“I don’t know what that means Skyguy.” 

It’s then that Obi-Wan decided to interject in the little scene.

“Anakin, you were supposed to meet me for lightsaber training after you left your civics class.” Obi-Wan admonished. The boy’s face sank a little.

“Sorry Master.” His dolorous expressed didn’t last long, however. “It’s just that Ahsoka wanted to come watch us, so I had to come get her. But she said we had to bring Rex.” 

“Mhmm.” Ahsoka said with an assured smile. 

“Rex?” Obi-Wan asked. Anakin held up the clone youngling and the baby looked owlishly up at the young knight. 

“I had another dream with Soka in it and Rex was there too.” Anakin explained.

“But he was bigger ‘en me.” Ahsoka added. 

“Yeah, cause the clones grow double. But he was in my dream so he has to be our friend when we’re all older. Might as well start being friends now.” Anakin explained. Ahsoka nodded definitively, in the way that only a four year old can. Obi-Wan pinched the bridge of his nose and sighed. 

“Do you have permission to leave the creche little one?” He asked of Ahsoka.

“Mister Jinn says I can always leave if Annie takes me.” Ahsoka explained. Obi-Wan mentally wondered if he should keep a tally of how many times he sighed in one day.

“Come on then… all of you.” 

The sight of the four of them all together brought a smile to Qui-Gon’s face. He turned when he felt a small tug on his robes. 

“Youngling Dume.” Qui-Gon said warmly.

“Master, why are you hiding in the dororway?” Qui-Gon laughed warmly and reached down to pick the boy up.

“Because, young one, it is far more entertaining this way.”

---

Thanks for reading! I really had fun with this one and also tons of love to @suja-janee for making the art that inspired this.

Send me a prompt for something in this new budding universe and I’ll gladly continue the story. I may end up housing this on my Ao3.  

Also, I love reviews and comments!

[rangerslayer-97]

An Analysis of Ahsoka and Windu's Interaction in TCW Finale Season 7 Episode 11 - Why Windu's Comment is in the Right

It's been 28 days since the Clone Wars finale finished. It has been 31 days since Episode 11: Shattered aired. This was the infamous episode that had a good majority raging anger at Jedi Master/General and Council Member Mace Windu.

In the opening 5-6mins, we see the Jedi Council meeting via hologram, the scene we see taking place on Coruscant in Star Wars Episode 3: Revenge of the Sith. Moments after, Ahsoka walks in with Rex. Now, this opinion might put me in the crosshairs of some people who will think differently, but I have an inkling or belief some are misinterpreting this particular scene.

Let me make it clear first: I love Ahsoka. She is one of the greatest characters brought into the Star Wars mythos by George Lucas and brought to life by Dave Filoni and voiced wonderfully by the talented Ashley Eckstein. Do you want to know how much Ahsoka Tano means to me? I wouldn't have come back and embraced Star Wars again had I not discovered her character watching random Rebels clips on YouTube which led me back to the Clone Wars ~2yrs ago.

I greatly thank Ashley Eckstein for bringing me back to the fandom. Back to the main point, separating voice actor/actress from their character. In my point of view, I'm NOT directing it at EVERYONE, but some of those who love or big fans of Ahsoka so much there's no fault in her. Her character had faults in the beginning and she's still a flawed character. Ahsoka is flawed, but so well written, she is relatable and to a certain degree, perfect. That's not what I'm on about. It's about the lash and some giving Windu the slap because of how he addresses and speaks to Ahsoka post-capture and detainment of Maul.

We all know, but to refresh some, Ahsoka Tano left the Jedi Order, this effectively removing her status as a Jedi Padawan and Commander of the 501st Legion of the Grand Army of the Republic. She chose to walk away and strip herself of everything, military rank and privileges. She is essentially a standard citizen trying to survive and make ends meet of a cruel galaxy, in a dying Galactic Republic. We are well aware, the twilight of the Republic and the Jedi was near, inevitable and unavoidable. So let me reiterate Ahsoka's stance, because this is an important point. Tano is a CITIZEN. She's a CIVILIAN.

Push forward to the Siege of Mandalore, without a doubt, some time has passed and Ahsoka's walkabout took place before the Bad Batch arc, with Republic on shaky battle grounds against the Separatists on Annaxes, which it's sitting on a major hyperspace lane direct to Coruscant (way too close for comfort).

By the time Ahsoka fills in the Council about the status of Maul and Mandalore, here comes the scene that had a lot of people running up the walls of how Windu addresses and treats Ahsoka. Let's remind ourselves of some vital quotes and points. Ahsoka was not a Jedi, she gave that up. She could have chosen to enlist directly into the GAR instead as a commissioned officer or take back her position as Commander via the GAR. Positions and military rank were given to the Jedi by their own status in the Order. Knights and Masters given General, Padawans ranked Commanders (Obi-wan an exception since he had a Clone Marshal Commander).

The Siege of Mandalore was going to be a sticky one despite success because Mandalore is a neutral planet, though it had links to the Republic, but is very much neutral. I won't go into complexities, but visit the YouTube channel Generation Tech, they did a very good exploration into it. I'll avoid politics standpoints for now.

Back to the primary point. Ahsoka stated she only fought in the siege as her duty as a citizen, but as not a Jedi.

"I did my duty as a citizen." - Ahsoka Tano

She also says prior to that statement:

"I will escort Commander Rex when he delivers him to Coruscant." - Ahsoka Tano

Finished with:

"No, not yet." - Ahsoka Tano

This is the key point here. Ahsoka is a citizen. She aided as a citizen, fought as a citizen and she is taking time out to escort Commander Rex and the 332nd back to Coruscant. After that, she would have went her separate ways (but we all know disaster strikes). To make it clear: Ahsoka Tano is a citizen who freely involved herself in what would have been a campaign, part of the Outer Rim Sieges and in extension, Jedi business.

Now, the statement Windu make upon the 'wrapping up' of the meeting.

"I'm sorry, citizen, but these are matters for the Council to discuss." - Mace Windu

And this where lovers of TCW nearly flipped the table. The scenario was read and interpreted as rude and maybe even condescending on Ahsoka, despite her service in the siege. However, I think the scene is being read incorrectly.

Ahsoka openly stated before the High Jedi Council that she is a citizen, only fought as her duty as a citizen. How often in real life do you hear a citizen involving themself in a military campaign? It's almost unheard of, but this is Star Wars and it's fiction, but there is real life influences that make logical sense.

In this case, there is without a doubt somewhere in the regulation handbook of the GAR that under any circumstances are civilians NOT to be disclosed to military information. Military information and even to involved in the Council meeting, it's something not be shared with a civilian. Sharing what is classified information is a MAJOR breach in security. I'm not saying Ahsoka is a spy (though she does become a pretty badass one one in Rebels), but because of her status as a civilian, she cannot be disclosed such information. Heck, even if the boys wanted to see her again, Ahsoka cannot walk into the Clone Barracks anymore. She probably can, unless someone escorts her, people like Rex or a fellow General such as Anakin.

We already know Windu is getting stressed by the war, almost desperate to end the war and we all know the action he takes in the film. Windu does love the Republic, if I'm correct, it was quoted in Stover's ROTS novelisation, he thought he is doing best for the Republic.

Anyways, I think there are those being too harsh on Windu. Think about it again, I'd you were in Ahsoka's shoes, a citizen after fighting in a siege, essentially part of the Clone Wars, neither you would be privy to sensitive information. Windu is stoic as it is, it's not his attitude, it's his tone that came across as condescending. He was only repeating what Ahsoka stated to them, so his mindset was: "alright, you called yourself a citizen, then you shall be treated as such". Yes, his tone might not have helped much, but he is right. Ahsoka could be disclosed what is highly sensitive and classified information. If they did, just because she used to be part of the Order, it is A MAJOR BREACH in security protocol.

To repeat: Windu is correct to tell Tano that she cannot be disclosed what goes on in a Council Meeting or the situation of the war. It is all down due her status as a citizen. It would be a different story if after leaving the Jedi, she reinstated herself by enlisting with the GAR.

Just remember that despite misgivings, Windu is a highly valued member of the Jedi Order and a highly skilled one. He is also powerful in the Force. Before the war broke out in 22 BBY, he was trained as a Jedi Guardian, up to the events of TPM, he was already a Master of the Order and even one of the best swordsman of the time. He was first taught under Grand Master Yoda, then his years as Padawan up to the Jedi Knight Trials learning under Jedi Master T'ra Saa. At a very young agree too, he discovered his rare Force ability to see shatterpoints in the Force. This skill greatly aided Windu at how hissy would his future actions, along with the vulnerability of the opponents he faced. Because of his ability in shatterpoint, Windu even had glimpses into parts of the future of how he works build his lightsaber.

Windu also created one off the most difficult lightsaber forms that the Jedi Order forbade except to even and perhaps even his own student: Master Depa Billaba. Quinlan Vos is another notable practitioner. A counteract style to Form VII: Juyo. He created Vaapad, along with another Jedi Master named Sora Bulq. Quoting Windu on his description when he created the form:

"I created Vaapad to answer my weakness: it channels my own darkness into a weapon of the light." - Mace Windu

Windu had his own struggles with the Dark Side and he channelled that into a form. To use ones own inner darkness and channel it into a weapon of the light and not even fall in the process. It's an opposite of Juyo, the style being more of a 'state of mind' and not just another fighting style. To channel their own darkness and accept the fury of an opponent whereas Juyo as described by Kreia:

"Predictably, he seeks to unbalance you with his erratic attacks. His technique is called Juyo, the most chaotic of the lightsaber forms. This form sacrifices much to bolster offense, leaving one exposed to attack by the Force." - Kreia

This post had gone on long enough, all I'm saying is to maybe read the interaction between Ahsoka and Windu a little bit differently. Windu is correct not to disclose classified information, even council information especially with her status as a civilian. Perhaps don't be quick to judge Windu or even just think twice. Sorry for the long post, but I needed to get out of my head.

[bedlamsbard]

If you're tipsy, can you talk about the Rebels series finale?

I am no longer tipsy because that was almost twenty-four hours ago so even I have sobered up from my one bottle of cider by now. *g*  But here are some thoughts, I guess.

I try not to talk about the finale because I hate it, which is not something I say lightly or want to sling around, and I know a lot of people really liked it. But I hate it, and it killed a lot of my faith in Star Wars in general and Dave Filoni specifically, and anytime anyone says that they liked it or that it worked well, I lose a little bit of trust in their taste, even though there are all kinds of reasons that a piece of media will work for one person and not for another.

But here are five thoughts, some of which I’ve said before and some of which I haven’t, and then the one big thing I can’t get over.

(Under a cut for negativity!)

The purgill ex machina really, really did not work for me – I know that the official explanation from Filoni/Lucasfilm is that Ezra needed to do something that Thrawn absolutely could not predict, because Thrawn doesn’t understand the power of the Force.  The problem with the way they did it is that all through S3 Hera and Thrawn were set up against each other, so the way it comes out is that Hera was not smart enough or good enough to beat Thrawn through pure tactics.  I’m sure they didn’t do it on purpose, but as it is it’s a bad look, especially once you put “grieving widow” and “pregnant” into the equation.  Throughout the show they’ve had trouble balancing the Force and Imperial storylines; S1 did it best because they were the same story line, but S2 started to split them, S3 split them entirely, and S4 tried to cobble them back together but couldn’t pull it off.  The purgill ex machina basically tried to duct tape them together, but at the cost of fucking over literally everyone.

So, I didn’t read the Thrawn trilogy until earlier this year, so I didn’t really have any conception of the park Rukh played in the Legends mythos until recently, but in that context holy shit does Rukh’s death look and feel really weird, especially since the entire thing is played for comedy.

“we’re trying to save the environment” *blows the Imperial Complex up over the previously unused sea*  (or lake? I can��t remember whether it’s a sea or a lake, because while it’s been there since S1 it’s never used in any way)

the single character who got most screwed over by this narrative was Sabine.  I’m not really comfortable with the way that S4 tried to put Sabine and Ezra on an equal footing as the main characters of the show – yes, Sabine is a main character, yes, she’s fantastic, but prior to S4 the entire narrative revolved around Ezra. I’m not actually very keen on the “Sabine should have been Mandalore” idea, but they rushed the Mandalore plot at the end of S3/beginning of S4, and then, without any kind of explanation beyond “you guys need me,” Sabine is back with the Ghosts.  (A very good explanation would be “a lot of people think I should have been Mandalore and staying would have caused trouble with Bo-Katan, so I had to leave.”)  They start to set up her story line; they immediately drop it.  And then they subordinate it to Ezra’s by making her the ~guardian of Lothal, with the heavy implication that she stayed on Lothal after the battle and didn’t leave.  (And this is not openly implied by the narrative, but because we know Hera (along with Zeb and Rex) was off doing stuff for the Rebellion, the implication to me has also been that Sabine stayed on Lothal and raised Jacen.)

so fun fact: I kind of hate Ahsoka now.  I might have been okay with her just in the WBW, but the way her reappearance is played in the finale drives me up the wall and I absolutely despise it.  I’m genuinely not certain if it’s something that can ever be salvaged for me, and the fact that a lot of people clearly see it as a good thing makes me even crazier.

Ultimately, my biggest problem with the finale is “oh, did you like this found family? well, FUCK YOU.”  I’ve never seen a show do it so blatantly or in such a horrifying fashion.  The idea that after Ezra rockets himself into Wild Space with Thrawn that no one looks for them for 5-7 years is absolutely insane to me, especially after the show has spent four seasons (or three and a half, rather) building up how important the Ghosts are to each other and how they’ll do anything to save or protect each other, no matter how dangerous, no matter if it threatens the cause, no matter what.  The finale sends all of that out the window.  It makes it look like it was a weird fluke or worse, that it was a flaw, following up on how Kanan’s death comes as a result of rescuing Hera.  It makes it look like not only did Ezra take away from that that he had to die, or at the very least remove himself, but the lesson that the others took away was “rescuing your friends/family is not a good thing to do; it’s not worth the potential cost.”  And then they say that the potential cost was not worth paying.  It’s against everything else that they spent the previous three seasons building up; I have no idea what they think they were saying.  (And honestly, my opinion of Lucasfilm is currently so low that I’d absolutely believe that they really were openly trying to say “you shouldn’t risk The Cause for an individual,” because honestly…the way they’ve been banging self-sacrifice into our heads for the past four years…Fire Across the Galaxy is starting to look more and more like a fluke.)

[twilightofthe]

I found a totally legal way to watch The Mandalorian!!!  Gonna do one of my first live-blogs of it, here’s Chapter One! (tag is “liveblogging the mando show” if y’all wanna block it)

Ooooo I really like the helmet flashing new logo (tho still curse you Disney)

OOOOOH THERE’S BEEPING THERE HE IS HE’S HOLDING A BEEPER I CAN’T HANDLE THIS

Ew gross don’t molest the guy you’re beating up my dudes

EW GROSS LEAVE HIM ALONE

Yayyyy Mando Man’s here!  He gonna help this dude or?

Wait how’s he supposed to drink through his fancy mask

I love how they’re going back to Huttese omg the nostalgia

YUS BOI GET EM GET EM GOOD

Aaaaaand back to business as usual typical bars

This guy’s gonna get captured too lol I know it

Ahaha I knew it

Welp at least Mando Man’s gonna be probs a bit nicer about it

OOOOOHHHHHHHH I FREAKIN LOVE THE TITLE MUSIC

Wait did we even know what planet this was?

So he doesn’t like droids or they’re easily tracked or????

Can’t be the opening of a Star WArs movie without a trashy old Uber driver of some sorts

Also cannot be proper Star Wars without someone calling another person’s ship garbage ahah I love this

Oh dinosaur monster walrus worm cool

Ya know this guy is surprisingly nonchalant about being taken in for a bounty

Shock staff or bug zapper?  A two in one deal!!!

Oh NOW you like his ship

Pfft I know like exactly zilch about ships, I’m not one of those SW nerds, can someone tell me if Razor Crests or anything are supposed to be important or not?

Vac Tube?  Huh, I thought “fresher” was the word for “space potty”.  Guess there’s more than one lol

Ooooo weapons

C’mon this guy really thinks he’s getting out?  Pfff

Oh so Life Day is canonically a galactic holiday then, not just another word for “birthday”.  I mean I kinda knew cuz they use “birthday” for Ezra in Rebels but this confirms Life Day too

Ooooo new planet!  I wish they told us the names like Rogue One did

Aaaaaand yet another bar

OMG RECOGNIZABLE LUCAS ALIENS THANK YOU FAVREAU I’M GONNA CRY THANK YOU

*Pokemon theme* Catch em’ alll

heck yea boi stick it to the Empire

Omg I’m hopeless Pedro Pascal has such a nice voic aaaaaaaa.

“I’ll take them all” Cocky bastard

his VOICEEEEEEE AAAAAA.  

I’m already intrigued, but I really want to see more of his character behind just “cool armor fighter mask man mystery”.

Ik ik I’m being impatient this is only the first ep but still

Also his cloak game is On Point and I love it

HEY IT’S SOME OF THOSE TRASH CAN DROIDS I LOVE THOSE

*Obi Wan voice* Hello there stormtroopers xD

Hmm so who’s the doctor?

That metal old dude’s wearing, it’s not Rebel Alliance, is it Empire?  It makes sense if he’s hanging out with Stormtroopers

Wait shoot Old Dude could be another Mando, if he’s got beskar and all

BAHAHA ROASTED MONKEY LIZARD AND THEY’RE TRAUMATIZING THE LIVE ONE XD ANAKIN WOULD BE PLEASED HE HATES THOSE THINGS.  SO WOULD POE HAHA

I’m adoring the Western-style soundtrack

Oooo more Mandos

And color me wrong but that curvy fleur-de-lis thingy on the wall is the Mandalore symbol right?  I forget, don’t kill me

Head of his guild here I guess?

What is the Purge?  Ooo so he doesn’t have legit beskar armor cuz it’s rare, so he’s trying to build a 

new suit?

I like the design of the armorer’s mask

What’s a Foundling???

Ohhh his traumatic backstory I guess?

Bahaha I just thought he’s got the same tragic backstory as Kung Fu Panda pffffttttt

I Love The MUSIC

Another planet, this one sandy.  Tatooine?  The rocks look right and I know the show was going there 

Aight this looks right Imma say this is Tatooine for now, the planet likes to pop up in people’s scanners Tusken-style and attack you like Space Australia does

I recognize this alien guy’s (Ugnaught? Gah I can never keep species names straight ik I’m horrible) voice from somewhere

Vaporizers, another point towards Tatooine

Oooo sassy “idk if I want your help”

Omg bluurgs, those were on Rebels!!!

Bahaha animal taming time!  I’m glad they’re keeping some Star Wars Humor in here, it wouldn’t feel quite right if it was too serious

*How To Train Your Dragon theme plays*

The CGI my dudes!!!!!!!

At least Mando Man is polite

“I have spoken” That’s gonna be my new answer for whenever I don’t know anything and someone calls me on my BS

Weequays!!!!!!!

Oop now they dead

Guess someone’s got competition

He just doesn’t like droids then :(

Wait what can a droid do with credits?

I guess every SW protag needs a trusy droid sidekick lol

Bahaha “do not self destruct” me @ me

I love him he’s got that “done with everything” attitude

Wheeeeeeee spinny gun!!!!!!

Yay they’re friendly!

Aw he’s nice for a bounty hunter!

Omg old-timey door sparky explosions THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU

Another trash can lol

Omg they put the freaking Baby Yoda in the trash can pfffttt it’s a literal trash baby gremlin

Awwww he likes children!!!

Ok good he protected the baby over the droid

THAT LITTLE FINGER

AND FILONI DIRECTED IT OF COURSE HE DID

AAAAAAAAAA

STILL REALLY LOVING THE WESTERN-STYLE MUSIC

I can’t watch the next one quite yet cuz busy, but omg omg omg omg I really liked this!  I know Filoni and Favreau know probably the most about canon Mandalore between the two of them (Favreau played Pre Viszla on TCW) so I totally trust them to do this well.  I’m liking Mando Man! (I shall call him Mando Man until they give him a real name and No One Can Stop Me)  I haven’t learned much about him yet, but so far I see that he’s a dedicated hunter and kinda a crankypants, but he cares about children!  He has a moral compass!  I’ll stan for now!!!!

I’m really really happy they brought the old Star Wars aliens back into this, I haven’t seen any live-action ones for so so long now ;_;  

I’m interested about the Great Purge, but I’ll go more into that on a separate post lol

[badolmen]

A short list of my greivances and complaints abt SW:TCW before I go back to singing its and Dave Filoni’s praises bc dude seriously wtf:

“George said Jango and Boba weren’t real Mandalorians” I recognize he’s made a decision and I’m deciding to say ‘fuck u’ and ignore it. You based the ARCHITECTURE of Mandalore based on BOBA FUCKING FETT’s armor and u wanna tell me he’s not a “””real”””” Mando??? Nah.

Also in line with that (and I’ve heard some ppl say it’s bc ‘well he was in prison and didn’t see the sun for a while!’ Which ok but ??? it still rubs me the wrong way): whitewashing Boba (and the clones to an extent. Let them be TAN like their DAD whose actor is very NOT WHITE)

Still sad that the “hey lets try talking to the Separatists and see why they hate us” arc was abt. Like. Petty shit and vague “corruption” instead of like. Y’know. The whole slave army and not tackling slavery in the outer rim and using excessive force that results in civilian casualties.

WHY THE EVER LIVING FUCK DID THEY GIVE THE BANKING CLAN PROMINENT HOOKED NOSES THAT THEY DIDNT HAVE IN THE GODDAMN MOVIE??? That antisemetic bs drives me up the fucking wall. Just thinking abt it makes me mad dude what the hell. That’s borderline JKR levels of uncool fucked up shit

In the same vein BARRIS OFFEE DESERVED BETTER. Like. First of all having a hijab-equivalent wearing girl bomb the Jedi Temple is fucked up (who the hell okayed that in writing???). Second of all if you were GONNA do that (bc I get it u need Ahsoka to leave Anakin and getting her framed for a heinous crime by her best friend is a fucked up but effective method) you could’ve. Idk given us hints that Barris was being manipulated by Sidious and lured to the dark side? I get that you wanted ur “oooo big betrayal surprise” but I prefer good story telling as opposed to “character who has been shown to be nothing but selfless and caring is bad bc ??? Plot reasons!”

There’s a lot more probably but these are the worst just off the top of my head. I think Filoni’s been pretty much essential to keeping Star Wars alive after Disney and yeah there’s some really bad characterization some episodes but overall the show is awesome at expanding the universe and making you fall in love with the characters but Dave what the ever loving fuck were you/your team thinking with these ideas?