The Bad Batch — “Aftermath” (Season 1, Episode 1)

Andor’s second season is a different beast—and an absolute feast of real-world parallels.In “Sagrona Teema,” (Andor S2, E2), the differences between Andor’s seasons become clear: Season 2 is faster, more mysterious, and altogether more oblique. But the parallels to life in 2025 have become even more clear. In our recap this week, we draw the lines connecting Andor to ICE deportations, leftist infighting, and issues of consent. On a happier note, we’re giving a Chandrilan toast to the return of Syril and the hard launch of Sedra (is that their couple name??). New to Growing Up Skywalker? Come join us for non-toxic Star Wars recaps from a veteran and a new fan. New episodes every Tuesday.Want more Growing Up Skywalker? This is a great time to sign up for our Patreon for bonus audio content! Timestamps:00:00:00 Who Are We?00:04:10 Plot Summary00:14:36 Season 1 and Season 2 Distinctions00:20:58 Real-World Parallels: Deportation, Exploitation, Leftist Infighting00:43:15 Syril and Dedra 4ever00:56:23 Bae Watch01:08:14 Closing Thoughts

Fast, pointed, and irresistibly astute: Andor’s Season 2 premiere, “One Year Later,” isn’t holding any punches.In our recap this week, we discuss Andor’s magical ability to pull on both historic and modern-day threads. The super-secret Imperial summit, for instance, calls back to the World War II Wannsee Conference and its “Final Solution of the Jewish Question.” But it’s also a dead ringer for conversations about energy independence happening in the White House today.In its zippy season premiere, Andor manages to mock leftist infighting (again), stage a gloriously tense TIE Avenger heist, and throw open the Mothma estate for a splashy pre-nuptial bash. We knew Season 2 wasn’t going to disappoint—but even we weren’t expecting it to look this good while doing it.New to Growing Up Skywalker? Come join us for non-toxic Star Wars recaps from a veteran and a new fan. New episodes every Tuesday.Want more Growing Up Skywalker? This is a great time to sign up for our Patreon for bonus audio content! Timestamps:00:00:00 Who Are We?00:03:27 Andor S1 Plot Recap00:08:28 One Year Later Plot Overview00:18:53 First Impressions: Fast, Pointed, On The Nose00:40:19 Character Deep Dives: Vel and Dedra00:54:23 Bae Watch00:59:26 Closing Thoughts

With one mysterious smile, Jod’s story ends—for now—and we sweep into Skeleton Crew’s storybook ending. The real question is what happens next.This week, we talk through all the implications of Skeleton Crew’s final moments. What will happen to At Attin? And all of its meticulously trained employees? What does this mean for Jod? And the New Republic?We’re also getting HYPED (!!!) for Andor Season 2. Our recap of the first episode, “One Year Later,” will drop next week. <3Want more Growing Up Skywalker? This is a great time to sign up for our Patreon for bonus audio content! Timestamps:00:00:00 Who Are We?00:02:32 Plot Overview00:11:45 What Will Happen to At Attin?00:39:21 The End of Jod’s Story?00:43:48 Parenting00:52:06 Finals Thoughts on The Supervisor00:56:27 Bae Watch01:02:44 Closing Thoughts

Is Jod falling to the Dark Side? Or is he just full of so, so many red flags? Find out in Skeleton Crew’s “We’re Gonna Be In So Much Trouble” (S1, E7).This week, we talk through what we know about Jod’s arc—from lost boy to pirate captain to potential Dark Side Force user. We discuss Star Wars’ treatment of fallen Force users and question whether Jod still has a chance at redemption. And we take a few potshots at parenting choices, as far as our At Attin adults are concerned.Next week, it’s time for the Skeleton Crew finale—and then we’re officially traveling back in time for Andor Season 2.Want more Growing Up Skywalker? This is a great time to sign up for our Patreon for bonus audio content! Timestamps:00:00:00 Who Are We?00:07:00 Plot Overview00:16:05 Jod’s Fall To The Dark Side00:48:16 Reactions To The Communications Buoy00:55:48 Bae Watch01:04:02 Closing Thoughts

“Zero Friends Again” was such a delightful exemplar of both Skeleton Crew and Star Wars that we spent about 15 minutes singing Bryce Dallas Howard’s praises. Then we get into the REALLY good stuff: the shapes and structures of Star Wars stories, disability in Star Wars, and community-building. (Mega points to our kiddos for building community amongst themselves, and zero points for Jod Na Nawood’s community-building among pirate thieves because we’re still very upset with him.)As our various protagonists begin to finally start closing in on At Attin, the danger is escalating. Next episode, we’ll see if the kids have learned enough lessons to save their planet from being raided—or worse.PS: We have a big crossroads in front of us. Should we watch Andor S2 with the rest of the world? Or go on to watch Mando S2 as planned? Weigh in on our poll!Want more Growing Up Skywalker? This is a great time to sign up for our Patreon for bonus audio content! Timestamps:00:00:00 Who Are We?00:04:00 Plot Overview00:13:50 Unlimited Praise!!! (for Bryce Dallas Howard)00:29:06 The Shapes of Star Wars Stories00:33:58 Disability in Star Wars00:55:04 Bae Watch01:03:34 Closing Thoughts

Not even Star Wars is immune to gentrification, huh? In the most delightful Skeleton Crew episode so far (S1, E5, “You Have A Lot To Learn About Pirates”), our faves navigate the mud baths and grottos of the spa planet Lanupa. (It’s the former hideout of ferocious pirate Tak Rennod.)The spa offers a wealth of opportunities for our characters to dress up, let off steam, escape death traps, and find hidden treasure—but it’s the heel-face turn at the end of the episode that really has us blowing steam. We also explore how a parent’s love could lead to the downfall of At Attin society. (Eeep!)Fingers crossed you enjoy this episode in your very own mud bath.Want more Growing Up Skywalker? This is a great time to sign up for our Patreon for bonus audio content! Timestamps:00:00:00 Who Are We?00:03:45 Plot Overview00:23:28 Are The Parents Right To Break The Barrier?00:33:48 Jod’s Betrayal and The Redemptive Power of Love00:52:42 Bae Watch01:01:06 Closing Thoughts

What exactly went wrong on At Achrann? We have some theories…In this week’s episode, our recap of “Can’t Say I Remember No At Attin” (Skeleton Crew S1, E4) opens up a conversation that starts with the Kardashev Scale, bounces through the hypocrisy of child soldiers, and brings us around to exploring the deeper mysteries of At Attin. We also talk through the importance of great societal works, clues to Skeleton Crew’s timeline, and the uneasiness of elite combat veterans who are no more than 13 years old.Check out the extended notes for the many books and movies we referenced this episode.Want more Growing Up Skywalker? This is a great time to sign up for our Patreon for bonus audio content! Timestamps:00:00:00 Who Are We?00:03:04 Plot Overview00:12:40 The Importance of Great Societal Works00:24:34 Child Soldiers and What Went Wrong on At Achrann00:44:38 Timeline Stuff00:52:27 Bae Watch00:58:26 Closing ThoughtsBooks and Movies Mentioned This Episode:Hobbes’ and co.’s Social Contract TheoryThe Traitor Baru Cormorant (The Masquerade #1)Old Man's War SeriesBedknobs and BroomsticksStealing Worlds

Second star to the right and straight on 'til morning. That’s how you find At Attin, right?This week, we’re recapping Skeleton Crew’s second and third installments, “Way, Way Out Past The Barrier” and “Very Interesting, As An Astrogation Problem.” They’re DEEPLY Peter Pan-coded and full of classic Star Wars homages. Even more importantly, they’re full of mystery (and some really excellent grown-up role models).Want more Growing Up Skywalker? This is a great time to sign up for our Patreon for bonus audio content! Timestamps:00:00:00 Who Are We?00:03:40 Plot Overview00:17:01 Mysteries, Headcanons, and Peter Pan Allusions00:26:52 Captain Silvo Deep-Dive00:38:12 Adult Figures in Skeleton Crew00:49:10 Easter Eggs01:01:26 Bae Watch01:09:40 Closing Thoughts

This could be a real adventure—and a real vibe shift for Growing Up Skywalker.Hot off the heels of our coverage of The Mandalorian’s first season, we’re diving into a brighter side of the galaxy in Skeleton Crew.In our recap of the premiere, “This Could Be a Real Adventure,” we discuss the mysteries of At Attin, the tyranny of suburbs, and the glorification of busyness. We also cover the critical reception of the show (which contrasts heavily with the reception of The Acolyte during a similar timeframe) and continue our Mandalorian-era discussion of justice as enforced by the New Republic.Neither Sam nor Anna has ever seen Skeleton Crew before, so we’re all in this adventure together!Want more Growing Up Skywalker? This is a great time to sign up for our Patreon for bonus audio content! Timestamps:00:00:00 Who Are We?00:01:59  Plot Overview00:11:53 The Great Work 00:16:46 The Suburbs, Oppression, and Childhood Stories00:38:18 Pirates in Space00:43:23 Critical Reception00:52:25 Bae Watch01:00:38 Closing Thoughts

Callbacks to Rebels and The Clone Wars abound in The Mandalorian’s season 1 finale, but in the end, this show has always known what it’s really about.In our recap of “Redemption” (The Mandalorian Season 1, Chapter 8), we wrestle with questions of honor, if it matters, and why it’s so important to try. We also cover the chain of ownership of darksaber (and question why Lando doesn’t have it??), the importance of the Child, and the role of Moff Gideon in the somehow still-functioning Empire (???).Buckle up—this could be a real adventure! Next week, we’re shifting vibes entirely to cover the premiere of Skeleton Crew (!!!!!!!!).Want more Growing Up Skywalker? This is a great time to sign up for our Patreon for bonus audio content! Timestamps:00:00:00 Who Are We?00:02:37 Plot Overview00:15:18 The Lineage of the Darksaber and Why Lando Doesn’t Have It00:24:52 Star Wars Grammar00:30:43 Honor in The Mandalorian00:48:48 The Child, The Empire, and Moff Gideon00:56:42 Bae Watch01:05:11 Closing Thoughts