Episode 139: Exploring Asajj Ventress' Clone Wars Arc, Part 1, "Nightsisters"

The first time we ever saw Anakin Skywalker in live action, outside of Darth Vader, was through Jake Lloyd's portrayal of Anakin as a young boy in "The Phantom Menace", which was released in 1999. This young boy, who will go on to become The Chosen One, was delivered by a bright and charismatic Jake Lloyd, who was only 8 years old when George Lucas cast him as the young Anakin. IMPORTANT NOTE: in this episode, we respectfully discuss Jake Lloyd's mental health journey, while also discussing how important mental health is in everyone's life. Please understand that we are not mental health experts, though we do want to emphasize the importance of mental health. We commend Jake for getting help to address his mental health, and wish him nothing but the best going forward. Thank you, Jake, for bringing Young Anakin to life in the Star Wars Universe! --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/most-things-kenobi/support

This week is Part 4 of our series "The Obi-Wan Actors" and in this episode we discuss the extremely talented Stephen Stanton. He portrayed Obi-Wan in the legendary Rebels episode "Twin Suns" and does an amazing job closing the circle on Kenobi's story. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/most-things-kenobi/support

This week is Part 3 of our series "The Obi-Wan Actors", and next in line is the voice behind the animated Obi-Wan Kenobi, and also a very dear friend of ours and of the show: James Arnold Taylor. He's the voice behind the animated Obi-Wan Kenobi that Dave Filoni and his team brought to life through The Clone Wars series, and his talent is unmatched. James has portrayed Obi-Wan the longest of all the Obi-Wan actors, and the depth of character he brings season after season, episode after episode, is why he's our favorite Obi-Wan! Thank you James for what you've brought to our favorite character, and for being a friend. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/most-things-kenobi/support

This is part 2 of our series "The Obi-Wan Actors" where we delve into the intricacies and characteristics each actor has contributed to Obi-Wan Kenobi. In this episode, we have a blast chatting about Ewan McGregor's legendary performances as Obi-Wan, spanning from the character's youth through his darkest days on Tatooine. Next week we'll be chatting about our dear friend James Arnold Taylor, so be sure to tune in! --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/most-things-kenobi/support

This is part 1 of our next series, which delves into the actors who have brought the character of Obi-Wan Kenobi to life and all they bring to the table in their version of Obi-Wan. We begin first with the original Obi-Wan Kenobi: Sir Alec Guinness. Alec set the bar for all the portrayals of Obi-Wan to come, and in this episode we honor his legacy of acting, the minuscule details of his skill, and the way he really set the standard for Obi-Wan as we know it today. We salute you, Sir Alec Guinness! Next week we will explore Ewan McGregor, so be sure to tune in as we continue the series! --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/most-things-kenobi/support

"Huttslayer", a relatively new but cannon title for Leia Organa Skywalker, is a title that isn't always discussed - but should be! By writing it into the novel "Bloodline", Claudia Gray effectively gave Leia a title filled with honor and respect. When Leia killed Jabba the Hutt, she not only liberated herself, but also avenged her biological father by killing his slaver. In doing so, she also liberated thousands more, even her own brother, by taking the chain Jabba used on her and killing him with her bare hands. For this reason and SO many more, Leia remains as bad ass as ever, and we honor her by calling her the "Huttslayer." --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/most-things-kenobi/support

In this episode we discuss attachment and whether or not the Jedi were too extreme in their beliefs. We went deep in this one...and, by the time we were finished, we may have ended up with more questions than answers. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/most-things-kenobi/support

This is our third and final installment of the Asajj Ventress arc from Clone Wars season 3. "Witches of the Mist" is a delightful dish of chaos featuring Obi-Wan, Anakin, Savage, Mother Talzin, Dooku, and Ventress. Buckle up for a conversation that dives into layers of betrayal, quippy banter, and Toydarian tragedy. RIP King Katuunko!! You will be missed! --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/most-things-kenobi/support

This is part two of a three part series where we dive into the Asajj Ventress and Nightsisters Clone Wars arc. In "Monster," Ventress goes to the Nightbrother's clan and selects a male to act as an assassin. We try to unpack this CW episode's less-than-pleasant themes, brutality, and tragic sacrifice. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/most-things-kenobi/support

"Nightsisters" is the beginning of a three part arc that focuses on Asajj Ventress. It takes a character that was once introduced to Star Wars as just a villain and provides depth and layers to her character - enough so that we begin to sympathize and feel for this character. We explore this arc in detail, beginning with the episode titled "Nightsisters". We discover Ventress' past, see Dathomir for the first time, and admire Count Dooku's choice of pajamas! --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/most-things-kenobi/support