On this episode, Dominic and Chris are joined by SWU "Senior British Correspondent" Ciaran Duggan to discuss the second episode of The Bad Batch, "Cut and Run". They discuss the return of Cut Lawquane, and the role he plays in both Hunter and Omega's life. They also talk about the rise of the Empire, and how this episode ties in with other Star Wars stories we've seen, including The Mandalorian and Solo. Then they discuss the growing mystery surrounding Omega, as well as her first steps in life beyond Kamino. Plus, the strengths and weaknesses of this episode, how did/would Order 66 impact Cut, and what is going on with Captain Rex? All this and much more!
On this episode, Dominic, Ben, and Chris are joined by returning champion Selene Jade and SWU senior British correspondent Ciaran Duggan to discuss the season two finale of The Mandalorian, "The Rescue". They talk about the debut of Luke Skywalker on the series, how well the de-aging effect worked, his "hallway scene", and how he impacted the story. They also talk about Grogu's decision to go with Luke, and what the final scene between Din and Grogu meant. In addition, they also talk about the new tension between Bo-Katan and Din Djarin over the darksaber. Plus, Moff Gideon's role in the story, the Empire's presence in the galaxy at this moment in time, and the announcement of The Book of Boba Fett. All this and much more!
On this episode, Dominic, Ben, and Chris are joined by SWU senior British correspondent Ciaran Duggan, Kareem of Order 416, and Culture Slate's Lauren Scott to discuss Chapter Twelve of The Mandalorian, "The Siege". They discuss what this episode reveals about Moff Gideon's ultimate plans, including his army of Dark Troopers and what exactly is in those tanks in the lab. They also talk about the return of Greef Carga and Cara Dune to the series, and what's been going on on Navarro since we were last there. And, they speculate about what's to come next week. Plus, Din Djarin's questionable parenting skills, Imperial design flaws, and are there any Greg's in the Star Wars universe? All this and much more!
Radio Razorcrest returns for season two of The Mandalorian! Dominic, Ben, and Chris are joined by returning champion Selene Jade and SWU senior British correspondent Ciaran Duggan to kick off the new season by discussing Chapter Nine: The Marshal. They break down the return of Boba Fett, and how that may be setting the table for the next chapter in Din Djarrin's story, as well as what they hope to see from Boba. They also talk about the debut of Timothy Olyphant as Cobb Vanth, and how his character impacts Din and what his backstory tells us about the state of the galaxy. Plus IG-11's impact of Din Djarin, how The Mandalorian continues to re-contextualize the Tusken Raiders, and the on-screen debut of the Krayt Dragon. All this and much more!
Dominic and Ciaran conclude their look back at season seven of The Clone
Wars with PART THREE of their "Siege of Mandalore" discussion. They discuss the way the Order 66 was depicted over the course of these final episodes. They discuss Ahsoka and Rex reflecting on the war, and how their conversation on the bridge just before "the moment" encapsulates their entire arcs. They also talk about the "I am one with the Force, the Force is with me moment". Plus, Ahsoka's feelings pre-Order 66, the Fives cover-up, Darth Vader, and Anakin's password. All this and much more!
“The Empire will make Mandalore stronger than ever.”
From a cold-hearted commando in the Clone Wars to an aggressive enforcer of the Empire, Gar Saxon could hardly be described as a redeemable character.
Saxon sided with the renegade Sith Lord Maul as a general during the Galactic Civil War and later served as Imperial Viceroy of Mandalore under the reign of Darth Sidious.
The former member of Clan Vizsla would likely say Saxon upheld tradition when he swore allegiance to Maul. This came after Pre Vizsla had been executed by the “crime lord” with the darksaber in the Mandalorian throne room, which once belonged to the "peace-loving" ruler Duchess Satine.
However, Saxon suffered betrayal at the hands of his master despite his relatively polished and high status within the ranks of the Mauldalorians. It is fair to say that loyalty towards his peers went out of the window when he led Mandalore in the early years of the Empire.
The Clone Wars commando
“You once liberated me from my imprisonment by Sidious and his apprentice. At the time I thought Dooku was an old fool, but now I see he and I are the same, one step behind.”
Maul’s rallying cry to his overzealous supporters prompted an audible cheer in the tunnels of the Mandalorian undercity as the Republic laid siege to the “neutral” system during the Clone Wars.
Saxon headed Maul’s forces and as the former Sith Lord’s top commando he held a position of high authority, but also had a ruthless edge and militaristic might to match his title.
Despite being an alleged ally of Prime Minister Almec, who the fellow Mandalorian received orders and instructions from, Saxon was prepared to assassinate him at a moment’s notice when he was told to do so by Maul - showing where his true loyalties lied.
There seemed to be a connection from Saxon’s perspective towards Maul. After all, Saxon had freed Maul from the clutches of Sidious after the former Sith Lord had been captured on Mandalore in season five of The Clone Wars and his brother Savage Opress killed.
In the Son of Dathomir comic, Saxon had a larger role in fighting alongside the crime boss and the Shadow Collective, which included the Pykes, Black Sun and Crimson Dawn. He helped ensure Maul’s escape from the Separatist leaders on Dathomir after Talzin died.
But after Saxon’s master had failed to tempt Anakin Skywalker’s former student Ashoka Tano to the dark side, Maul left him in the hands of the Republic militia as he was detained by Bo Katan’s forces and Rex’s 501st legion during the Battle of Mandalore.
It was a rude awakening for Saxon as he realised that his union with Maul was for nothing. After calling him personally for reinforcements, Maul simply compared his top commando to a stormtrooper, with no name or personality, after he said: “Die well, Mandalorian.”
All of the history, the previous battles, the rallying cry in the tunnels and Maul’s orchestrated plan to lure Anakin Skywalker to Mandalore with Obi-Wan Kenobi to kill the Chosen One and Sidious’s “prized pupil” had meant so much more to Saxon than it ever would for the old Sith.
No doubt this betrayal shaped his future outlook. But, instead of rotting in a dungeon to answer for his crimes, he was “liberated” by Darth Sidious (ironic, right?) as Saxon later became a tyrant to his own people.
Imperial enforcer
“Don’t worry Countess, Clan Wren will be well taken care of.”
Former foes become distrustful allies as Ursa Wren, who fought alongside Bo Katan to oust Maul, pledges to hand over the Jedi to Saxon in exchange for her daughter’s life, Sabine.
Despite the clear rivalry between the two clans during the Clone Wars, it appears that their alliance in the age of the Empire was seen as a way of keeping the peace on Mandalore while maintaining the status of House Wren after Sabine’s departure from Krownest.
As a child in the Imperial Academy, Sabine had built “terrible” weapons for the Empire which were used to terrorise her own people. She publicly spoke out against them, but her family did not stand by the young Rebel.
Ursa committed to Saxon in order to keep her family safe, which was personally crushing for Sabine, who was effectively forced out. However it showed that Saxon and Ursa’s alliance was more of a truce.
It is best showcased with the hologram scene between the two as Ursa hopes that Saxon will spare her daughter. But Gar utters dialogue which is reminiscent of Sidious to Gunray and the Separatist leaders on Mustafar in Star Wars: Revenge of the Sith.
“You have done well Viceroy. When my new apprentice, Darth Vader, arrives. He will take care of you.”
Saxon tells Ursa she has “done well” while later assuring her that Clan Wren will be well taken care of. Just moments later the Governor and his Imperial supercommandos arrive and turn on Clan Wren after he acquires the darksaber.
Interestingly, Saxon becomes the first Mandalorian to wield the saber against a fellow Mandalorian since Maul defeated Pre Vizsla in the Clone Wars.
Following a similar trajectory to the Death Watch leader, he uses all of his arsenal, including jet packs and flame throwers to try and defeat Sabine. But, he could have fallen to a fate that would not have been dissimilar to Count Dooku’s - whose head was sliced off with two lightsabers by Anakin in Episode III - had Sabine not shown mercy.
However, Saxon feels he is superior to Sabine who he describes as a “child” and a person he would never yield to and goads her to kill him.
I wonder whether Saxon would look back at his capture and detainment in the Clone Wars as shameful. He would not want history repeating itself in front of the unforgiving Emperor, who would have been searching for a new Viceroy after likely suffering a fate akin to Gunray.
Despite this, Saxon would likely look at himself as a traditionalist Mandalorian after allying with Maul when he first proclaimed himself as the “rightful leader of Death Watch”.
The tragedy, if such a word is appropriate, is that Saxon fails to see his own flaws which shows he is not a true Mandalorian in the way that Bo Katan, Satine and Clan Wren are.
The Imperial Viceroy had a lust for power and showed his greed in the same way that Prime Minister Almec did with Maul. But Almec was unexpectedly killed by an ally, Saxon, who ironically was later shot by one he had forged a temporary truce with - Ursa.
In truth, wielding the darksaber would have been used to further exert his own authority and terror on his own people while using it to justify his own actions to take out his rivals, such as the Protectors. Instead, Saxon’s death kick-started another Mandalorian civil war.
What is the legacy of Gar Saxon?
A tough question to answer for a character who almost had it all, but lost out twice in different circumstances.
In the Clone Wars, the Mandalorian commando was betrayed by a master he thought was loyal to him, Maul, but in truth was used as a puppet and left to die on the battlefield.
Saxon was detained and lost his status as Maul’s top general despite liberating the renegade Sith Lord from Sidious and siding with the Shadow Collective leader after Pre Vizsla was killed in Satine’s throne room. Did he regret not allying himself with Bo Katan? I doubt it.
In the end, it seems that Saxon was a character who was selfish and power-mad. He betrayed Almec without a moment’s hesitation and after the Empire showed up, the former Mauldalorian willingly worked with Darth Sidious to become a despotic ruler.
Greed and a lust for power were his primary ambitions as he turned on his rivals when the opportunity presented itself, similar to both of his overlords, Emperor and Maul.
As I say, Saxon cannot be described as a redeemable character. However, he was a key player who was involved in pivotal moments in Galactic history, including the Clone Wars against the Jedi, as well as the temporary reacquisition of the darksaber.
However, the tragedy for Saxon was that he did everything he could to become the leader or commando of Mandalore but failed at the final hurdle. His view of the “true Mandalorian” was a race that was “strong” and “warrior-like” rather than a pacifist as he allied with the Empire.
But, he neglected the Mandalorian customs to improve his own position. The Empire did not make Mandalore stronger, but rather Saxon temporarily. Although his selfish actions, much like Anakin’s, came back to haunt him when he was cast aside by Maul and later killed by a fellow Mandalorian.
His brother, Tiber Saxon, would later serve as the governor of Mandalore, using the super weapon created by Sabine, the Duchess, against his own kind.
It means that Gar’s legacy was more a continuation of his own despotic tendencies rather than any sort of redemption.
Follow The Star Wars Underworld on Twitter @TheSWU for more updates about this story and other breaking Star Wars news.
“Your overconfidence is your weakness…..your faith in your friends is yours.”
Emperor Palpatine was unbeatable and untouchable in Return of the Jedi when he engaged in his verbal spar with the son of the Chosen One, Luke Skywalker.
Sitting in his throne on the Death Star, which circled above Endor, Sheev Palpatine had not predicted being betrayed by his apprentice Darth Vader.
However, he had let his guard down and the Empire’s leader was thrown down the shaft after almost electrocuting the “last of the Jedi” to death.
Luke was right to say that the “overconfidence” of Palpatine was his major weakness which cost him dearly in Episode VI.
But looking back on his rise to power, it is easy to see how he became so blinded to his ultimately fateful flaw.
Episode I and II
The Jedi’s phantom menace was Darth Sidious between Episode I and Episode III, including the Clone Wars.
Sidious is a cold, selfish, calculating and brutal villain who cared little for his subordinates, including the cowardly Trade Federation during the Naboo blockade or even his apprentices Maul and Count Dooku.
His sole aim was to obtain absolute power and destroy the Jedi as his Empire rose.
The corruption which already existed within the Republic’s political system and the “narrow, dogmatic” view of the Jedi Council facilitated his goals in Episodes I and II.
In the Phantom Menace, Master Ki Adi Mundi said it was “impossible” that the Sith had returned after 1,000 years, believing the Jedi would have sensed it.
Palpatine himself says that the Senate is made up of “squabbling” delegates who are grounded in self-interest while power at the heart of the Republic was “bogged down in procedure."
A commission to “ascertain the truth” of the Naboo blockade was the final straw that broke the camel’s back for Chancellor Finis Valorum before he was pushed aside and Sidious took his place without any member of the Jedi Order realising.
The failings of the Jedi played a big part in Sidious’ ascension, as Luke himself says in the Last Jedi: “At the height of their powers, they allowed Darth Sidious to rise, create the Empire and wipe them out.
“It was a Jedi Master who was responsible for the training and creation of Darth Vader.”
Anakin became the “prized pupil” that Darth Sidious sought after for years after being elected as Chancellor, all the while being trained by Obi Wan Kenobi between Episode I and Episode II.
It was Palpatine’s biggest gambit after he was given emergency powers to create a Grand Army of the Republic to tackle the “increasing threat” of the Separatists.
The hidden enemy led the Senate but the public one was headed by Count Dooku, who we all know became Sidious’ apprentice after the loss of Maul.
Dooku admitted to the Padawan of his former Padawan, Qui Gonn, on Geonosis that hundreds of senators were under the influence of a Sith Lord called Darth Sidious. But Kenobi simply responded with: “I don’t believe you.”
It was the epitome of what was wrong with the Jedi and their naivety contributed to their downfall as they became distracted by the Clone Wars.
Dooku’s revelation could have backfired on Sidious, who was lucky.
There was clear distrust between Darth Tyranus and Sidious throughout the Clone Wars as Dooku attempted to enlist the help of Obi Wan to get rid of him. Had the Jedi listened, Sheev’s identity would have been unveiled.
Instead, Dooku travelled to the industrial works on Coruscant to deliver the Death Star plans to his master and the Clone Wars begins.
The early years of Sidious were very calculating, but also risky and interestingly enough Jango Fett’s revelation of Tyranus to Obi Wan on Kamino would be the start of the Jedi’s trail to Sidious.
The Clone Wars
Orchestrating both sides of the Clone Wars saw many plates spin, similar to Jar Jar during a Toydarian dinner party in season three, but how difficult could it be?
Palpatine made it look easy, but it is fair to say that the mystery of Darth Sidious started to unravel as the seasons progressed, particularly in season six, soon after he had killed Savage Opress on Mandalore and captured Maul as a play toy.
The Nightsisters, guided by Mother Talzin, were taken out as a threat to Sidious during the events of the Son of Dathomir comic, but the scent of his identity was caught by the Jedi during the pre-emptive Order 66 failings and the uncovering of the fate of Jedi Master Sifo-Dyas.
Clone trooper Fives discovered the conspiracy behind the Republic military force, realising a chip had been inserted into their minds to make them turn on their Jedi generals by the command of a sinister force, Sidious.
The early activation of Tup’s chip was a major concern for Palpatine, but the smooth politician was able to convince the Jedi that the clone trooper had been infected with a parasite and every military man would be inoculated for protection.
Jedi Master Windu and Yoda should have forensically scrutinised the Chancellor on this, but they chose not to do so. It cost them and saved Sidious.
Yoda’s journey with Qui Gon and the force spirits saw him travel to Dagobah and the SIth world, Moraband, but it all started with the search for Sifo-Dyas.
It was the first time that the Jedi had truly begun to dig deeper into finding out how the clones came into being and put Sidious in one of his most vulnerable positions.
The Sith Lord’s anger was so fierce that he choked his own apprentice, Dooku, on Serenno for his "clumsiness" despite being light years away in the Chancellor’s office on Coruscant.
The Jedi uncovered that Tyranus was Dooku and that the Sith had ordered the manufacture of the clones, but did not investigate this avenue further.
It was a big let off for Sidious as the Sith Lord held back executing Order 66 until he had acquired the “prized pupil” of the hero of the Clone Wars, Anakin Skywalker.
Revenge of the Sith
After the death of Count Dooku, Anakin became Palpatine’s new apprentice, Obi Wan tells Padme outside her Coruscant apartment in Episode III.
That was Sidious’ intention after the Chosen One cut off the head of Count Dooku on Grievous' Separatist dreadnought when Palpatine was fake kidnapped.
It was his masterful seduction of Anakin throughout his childhood and as a Jedi Knight that led to the hero of the Clone Wars becoming the villain of the Empire.
However, the Jedi were on the case and discovered Sidious’ true identity after Anakin was told to spy on the Chancellor. This came as the council started to put the pieces together in ROTS.
During the Siege of Mandalore, Obi Wan told Ahsoka, Bo Katan and Rex that the council believed that “Darth Sidious was the Sith Lord who orchestrated the Clone Wars and played both sides of it from the beginning”.
Ahead of the climactic duel on Mandalore, Maul said that Anakin Skywalker was the “key to everything” as the former Sith Lord believed that he would destroy the balance of the force but Ahsoka did not accept his vision of the future.
It is fair to say that Anakin was the key and when Mace Windu went to the office of the Chancellor to confront the true Sith Lord, the fate of the galaxy rested on the Chosen One’s shoulders.
Of course, Sidious had already revealed his true nature to Anakin, which meant that the Jedi were aware, but it was all part of a larger plot to turn Skywalker to the dark side.
For Sidious, who murdered three Jedi masters in cold blood within seconds, it was a high-risk move to allow himself to be at the mercy of Windu’s purple lightsaber when Anakin walked in.
Following the duel with Windu, Palpatine bet that the boy, who he had groomed for years, would step in and save him.
This was based on the pretence that the Sith Lord could save Anakin’s wife, Padme, from “certain death” after Skywalker watched his own mother die in his arms on Tatooine.
However, all the decades of destruction to the Republic and ascension to the seat of ultimate power in the Senate could have all fallen apart if Anakin had chosen a different path and let Windu kill Sidious.
It does not mean to say that the Republic would have survived. Heck, Palpatine says that without Order 66 there would likely be a galaxy-wide civil war “without end”.
But, Sidious’ gambit would have been shattered and centuries of Sith work would have fallen by the wayside with his death and his dream of becoming Emperor over.
Those fine margins made the difference to the fate of the galaxy in Episode III.
Conclusion
To conclude, Sidious won everything he sought after. He twisted Anakin Skywalker to the dark side to become his enforcer and puppet Darth Vader while carrying out near genocide of the Jedi Order and receiving “thunderous” support for his imperial vision.
However, there were moments where his “overconfidence” at luring the Tatooine boy over to the dark side - which included revealing his true identity to the Jedi council - could have cost him dearly.
The Sith code also played a factor in almost coming back to haunt him.
Maul came back from the dead to become a rival to the Republic on Mandalore with the allies of the Nightsisters and crime families.
Dooku told Obi Wan the truth about Sidious while recruiting Asajj Ventress and Savage Oppress as tools to take down the Chancellor.
In addition, Jedi council masters were on Sidious’ trail and aware of the existence of the dark lord and his true intentions with the Clone Wars during Revenge of the Sith.
Mace Windu even had Palpatine at his mercy and had Anakin not intervened, Sidious would have been destroyed.
Had Yoda, Ahsoka or Obi Wan been on Coruscant during these events things may have played out very differently. This did not happen though.
Instead, Sidious can rightly be lauded for being the ultimate mastermind who successfully orchestrated the Clone Wars and removed his rivals during the height of their power.
Emperor Palpatine maintained his phantom menace status until the shroud of the dark side suffocated the light of the Jedi.
Follow The Star Wars Underworld on Twitter @TheSWU for more updates about this story and other breaking Star Wars news.
Dominic and Ciaran continue their look back at season seven of The Clone
Wars with PART TWO of their "Siege of Mandalore" discussion. They look at some of the key relationships Ahsoka has in this arc, starting with Bo-Katan. They break down the unexpected partnership between the Jedi outcast and the Mandalorian outcast. Then they delve into Ahsoka and Maul's confrontation in the throne room, Maul's offer to Ahsoka, and her reasons for ultimately rejecting him. And to close out the show they do a deep dive on Ahsoka's final conversation with the Jedi council. Plus, how Obi-Wan and Padme's reactions to Anakin's fall compare to Ahsoka's, what does the future hold for Mandalore, and in defense of Mace Windu? All this and much more!
On this episode, Dominic and Ciaran continue their look back at season seven of The Clone Wars with PART ONE of their "Siege of Mandalore" discussion. They discuss the reaction to the arc, as well as the ways the arc calls back to the 2008 The Clone Wars movie. Then they delve into Ahsoka's tense reunion with Obi-Wan and Anakin, and how Ahsoka and Rex's journey's impact their stories in this arc. Plus the similarities between Duchess Satine and her sister Bo-Katan, Maul's visions of Sidious, and an epic tangent about Anakin's visions in Revenge of the Sith and Sidious' potential role. All this and much more!
"Have you ever heard of the tragedy of Solo: A Star Wars Story? I thought so, it is a story that many fans will tell you."
Han Solo, the iconic scoundrel and space smuggler played by Harrison Ford in the Original Trilogy, took centre stage in his very own stand alone film just two years ago.
Sadly, the movie was seemingly written off before it had even taken to the big screen in May 2018 amid behind-the-scenes turmoil, lack of marketing and the dividing lines created between fans over Rian Johnson’s The Last Jedi in December 2017.
However, having rewatched the film many times, including over this weekend, the criticism is completely undue in my opinion. Solo has a great cast, a strong set of characters, absorbing music and new themes, savvy tie-ins to Star Wars lore and memorable moments.
I will go as far to say that this is the most underrated Star Wars blockbuster that has been played in movie theatres.
Context
The screenplay, written by Empire Strikes Back, Return of the Jedi and Force Awakens co-writer Lawrence Kasdan and his son Jon, was being directed by Phil Lord and Christopher Miller when principal photography began in January 2017 at Pinewood Studios.
However, both were fired due to “creative differences” with Lucasfilm and verteran director Ron Howard took over, whose directing portfolio includes thriller The Da Vinci Code (2006), historical drama Frost/Nixon (2008) and a comedy, How the Grinch Stole Christmas (2000).
The unfolding drama involving Lucasfilm and Disney and their directors certainly raised some concerns among fans who had already questioned the need for a Han Solo movie. Other characters could have been put in the frame ahead of Han, including Dooku, Qui Gon, Ahsoka and Obi Wan, although he is finally getting his own TV series.
Unfortunately, the fallout from The Last Jedi - which was released five months prior to Solo - had split fans down the middle over the likeability of that film after taking quite a dramatic tonal shift from what we have seen previously in Star Wars saga films. It is fair to say that the film was marmite as the excitement levels for the franchise dipped significantly then..
To my mind, the screening of Episode VIII in December 2017 had a damaging knock-on effect for Solo in terms of marketing. The first teaser trailer was publicised on February 5, 2018, less than four months before the film’s release. The second came out on April 9.
Both accumulated more than 30 million views on YouTube, but it did feel as though the usual marketing muscle that Disney had at its disposal was not being used to its fullest. It was as though the executives were caught between overshadowing the Last Jedi before its release but also not as committed to the movie doing well at the box office.
Suffice to say the film crashed at the box office, with the movie needing to gross at least $500 million worldwide to break even but taking less than $400 million globally. This flew in the face of the £1.3bn that The Last Jedi attained and just over £2bn that Rogue One (2016) and Force Awakens (2015) achieved together over a two-year period.
The legacy of Solo therefore is not looked on fondly and I believe it has played a major factor as to why Disney decided not to pursue stand alone films, like Rogue One, fearing that financially it would not be successful or well liked by fans.
However, now that I have spoken about all the obstacles faced by the movie in production and the failure at the box office, I still feel incredibly satisfied with what the creators put out and will explain why.
Cast and characters
The cast choice was incredible.
One has to look back at the initial announcement to see the likes of Game of Thrones star Emilia Clarke, Zombieland daredevil Woody Harrelson, the charming Donald Glover and Westworld’s Thandie Newton that would be involved to think there was something great at work, in this gritty dark film set between Episode III and Episode IV.
Alden Ehrenreich was chosen to become Han Solo in a competitive audition process and this was the subject of much debate at the time, with some fans being critical of the fact he did not look like Harrison Ford, but the final cut would suggest otherwise.
His mannerisms, body language and facial expressions mirror that of Han and by the end of the film - which I rewatched on Friday night - you could see the transformation of his character arc from selfless and betrothed to cold-hearted and distant from others, Chewbacca the exception.
Known most widely at the time as Daenerys Stormborn, Emilia took her role as Han’s love interest but also a strong character in her own right as the top lieutenant to one of Maul’s cronies, Dryden Vos, of Crimson Dawn. Her complex relationships with trying to protect Han but also climb the ladder with the crime syndicates made Q’ira a force to be reckoned with.
Tobias Becket was probably my favourite of the new characters introduced in Solo because he fit the mould of a character who was in the grey area. Harrelson’s character looked out for himself, often double-crossed and could be seen as selfish, but he also cared very much for those closest to him and was a father-figure and mentor to Solo.
There is also an element of tragedy to Beckett, who by the end of the film wants to retire and return to his homeworld of Glee Anselm to play the valachord, a musical instrument.
Lando Calrission was a fine addition to this assortment of characters with Glover finely adorning the cape first worn by Billy Dee Williams and taking on his wit and charm very effectively in the movie.
Thandie’s character Val did not have a major role in the film - as much as would have been liked - but she added a new dimension to Tobias and I enjoyed her moments of challenging Han and getting into the frey during the imperial invasion and train chase scene.
It would have nice to see more of Chewbacca and his story throughout the film, particularly how he became a slave to the Empire, although the tough decision he had to make between staying with Han or leaving with his people from Kashykk was a nice element to the story.
Overall I thought the film hit the right notes with the cast and characters and made the film extremely gripping, the performances of Alden and Woody for me stand out, but I felt all brought their A-game and the chemistry during the Kessel Run sequence was perfect.
The villains also played their part with the introduction of Vos as a key player in the film. He was clearly ruthless and not to be messed with, but sadly for him was merely a tool for a larger force to be reckoned with and Vos’ rule came crashing down after being betrayed by his closest adviser, as Q’ira described “his weak spot”.
I have not forgotten who that larger player was and will discuss him in a nice interlude onto the second main element of the film that makes Solo hugely underestimated.
Clone Wars tie-ins
“Yes”, says Maul. Clearly he agrees with me about the fact this movie is underrated.
Those were also the first words uttered by the former Sith Lord in a Star Wars movie since more than 20 years ago when the Phantom Menace was played in movie theatres back in 1999.
I imagine it was quite a shock for fans who do not follow Star Wars: The Clone Wars to see the villain return to the big screen after being cut in half by Jedi padawan Obi Wan Kenobi during the climatic duel on Naboo, which saw Qui Gonn Jinn defeated by the Sith overlord.
The tie-ins between the Clone Wars and Solo film were welcome but also wisely added in.
A crucial element of the Emmy-award winning TV series was the resurrection of Maul and his rise in the criminal underworld as the Black Sun and Pykes joined his crime syndicate during the fifth season of the seven-part series.
In the final season, we see the appearance of Crimson Dawn’s boss, Dryden Vos, as Maul tells the syndicate leaders to go into hiding as the siege of Mandalore takes a turn for the worst for his forces.
The Clone Wars were returning the favour to the Solo creators for reintroducing Maul on the big screen, who was voiced by actor Sam Witwer but reprised physically by Ray Park.
The plot of the film is made all the more interesting and realistic when you consider that Han is the pawn of a bigger game between Maul, the Empire and his crime syndicates.
Vos makes the point in the Solo film that he cannot openly attack the Pykes as he maintains a “fragile alliance” with them - clearly connected with the Crime Syndicates, which was explored in more depth during the final season of the Clone Wars, including the Martez arc.
Paul Bettany played the main villain in Solo in 2018 but Vos’ death will make an interesting twist if there are any future films as Q’ira has taken over as the head of Crimson Dawn, for now it seems. How will Maul react to losing one of his top generals? These interloping stories make for a more compelling sub-plot in the film that is often looked over.
Music
Film composer John Powell earned a grammy nomination forhis amazing score in Solo: A Star Wars Story.
The 56-year-old has worked on several great projects including The Bourne Identity (2002), Happy Feet (2006) and How To Train Your Dragon (2010),
Star Wars veteran John Williams was also involved in the composition of the main theme, The Adventures of Han Solo, an upbeat piece which moves at a fast tempo and reflects Han’s adrenaline fuelled life of being on the run whether from crime syndicates or the Empire.
But, Mr Powell’s work deserves to be paid tribute to and the 20 songs from his own album entitled Solo: A Star Wars Story - which lasts 1 hr 17 mins - worth a listen to in your spare time.
Several soundtracks stand out, including the Spaceport theme when Q’ira is recaptured by the cronies of Proxmia towards the beginning of the film.
There is such a swelling feeling of hope that Han and his close friend will be able to escape, but that is snatched away from them at the last moment.
At the end of the track, you feel the helplessness of Han who has managed to get through the gate but Q’ira has been left behind and it seems there is no way he can escape, the only exception it seems is to join the ranks of the Empire.
L3 and the Millenium Falcon is the next theme that resonates with fans, particularly because in the middle of the soundtrack where the leitmotif of the Falcon lifts the spirits and brings a smile to my face.
The final two soundtracks, which play similar sinister and villainous themes embedded with a choir chorus, are the reveals of Maul revealed in Testing Allegiance and the heinous crimes of Crimson Dawn laid out to the characters. These motifs are similar but they convey the true evil of the groups involved and are a warning to our main characters to avoid them.
Overall, the soundtrack is a key element that fits nicely into the same category as Michael Giacchino’s Rogue One piece. Mr Powell takes on a unique standing on Star Wars music, but also ties in some of those threads and similar themes that we have heard in movies past.
Visually
Also underestimated are the breathtaking visuals and special effects which I think sold the film to me pretty well in the trailers.
It is action heavy. In the first hour you see the thrilling speeder chase on Corellia followed by Han fighting alongside the Empire in a blitzing sequence and a spectacular train chase scene which had consequences for two of the main characters introduced to us - Val and Rio, voiced by Mandalorian creator Jon Favereu, who were killed off.
Other memorable moments include the Kessel Run scene where the Millenium Falcon is chased by TIE fighters which comes soon after a revolution takes place on the Pyke-controlled planet of Kessel, shown to fans of the Clone Wars recently, which is spearheaded by L3.
That fits in with a nice running theme throughout the movie - the birth of the Rebellion - and takes shape even more on the Savereen when a thorn in the anti-heroes side, Enfys Nest, reveals her true identity and lays out the heinous crimes of Crimson Dawn.
They then battle Vos’ men and it concludes with a dramatic fight between Vos, Han and Q’ira before Han shoots first and kills Beckett.
It is fair to say that the visual effects of the Kessel Run scene in particular were extraordinary and the Malstrom, which felt very asteroid field chase in Empire, was a nice addition.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Solo on the surface was a film that was fraught with problems in production and was released at a time when fans had mixed views about where the franchise was going under the headship of Disney, who acquired Lucasfilm in 2012.
At the box office the film was not a success, however that can be put down as much to the lack of marketing as much as an apparent disinterest.
Those who have watched the film who I have spoken to have found it to be an enjoyable rollercoaster. That’s not to say it is perfect, but there was a great cast involved, very compelling character development and new players introduced.
This comes in an era that has recently become a point of interest - between Revenge of the Sith and A New Hope - which has been enhanced by the Clone Wars and there have even legacies from Solo in the final season of the Clone Wars which saw Dryden Vos and Crimson Dawn being referenced too.
The film drew inspiration from what was put out in the Clone Wars by making a bold step in putting Maul back on the big screen in movie theatres for the first time since 1999.
Other elements, including the visually stunning special effects and memorable music themes, also served to make this a thrilling and captivating watch.
In light of the recent controversy about the way The Rise of Skywalker and the Sequel trilogy came to an end in December last year, rewatching Solo has given a breath of fresh air for what a Star Wars film should be.
I would say that Rogue One is almost universally regarded as a success story by fans and financially for the executives, but Solo is often left out of the equation in this discussion.
Han said in the film: “I have a good feeling about this,” and I will conclude with my opening remarks and say that this is the most underrated movie in the Star Wars franchise.
Picture credits: Variety, StarWars.com, Inside the Magic, ILM (Industrial, Light and Magic), CNET
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