A More Civilized Age: A Star Wars Podcast

Not only is Doctor Aphra back... she's BACK. This week we get a joyous arc that frankly feels like a re-take on some of the best ideas of the big crossover. No, there aren't any Hot Topic vampires this time, but there is a huge soiree, a really fun rogues gallery, an exploration of Aphra's moral center, and the return of a major character from the Star Wars universe. Only this time... it all just sort of works. Lucky us. Support the show by going to Patreon.com/civilized! Next Time: Star Wars: Doctor Aphra Vol. 3: Remastered Show Notes Hosted by Rob Zacny (robzacny.bsky.social) Featuring Alicia Acampora (ali-online.bsky.social), Austin Walker (austinwalker.bsky.social), and Natalie Watson (nataliewatson.bsky.social) Produced by Michael Hermes Music by Jack de Quidt (notquitereal.bsky.social Cover art by Xeecee (xeecee.bsky.social)

What if Doctor Aphra had to team up with Luke Skywalker and they both had to dress good as hell? And what if they had to go to a gothic planet run by sexy vampiric queen and her coterie of stylish and evil thralls? And what if two of the most interesting parts of the last arc of Aphra was here, too? Sounds pretty cool, huh? Well, what if I told you that a premise this fun hasn't been undercut by the limits of an artistic style since the earliest days of Clone Wars? What if I told you that the nature of the comic book crossover haunts this book more than any supernatural force does? What if I told you that the most horrific faces in this book don't belong zombified aliens but to heroes we know and love, traced by a hand driven to a sort of malicious indifference normally reserved for otherwordly nightmare beings. Ah well, there's always next time. Support the show by going to Patreon.com/civilized! Next Time: Star Wars: Doctor Aphra Vol. 2: Doctor Aphra and the Enormous Profit Show Notes…

It's time to answer the question we've had for months: Does Aphra really have a doctorate, and if so, what type of doctor is she, really? In this episode, we learn a lot about her history, both academic and otherwise. Next time: Star Wars: The Screaming Citadel (trade paperback) Support the show by going to Patreon.com/civilized! Show Notes Hosted by Rob Zacny (robzacny.bsky.social) Featuring Alicia Acampora (ali-online.bsky.social), Austin Walker (austinwalker.bsky.social), and Natalie Watson (nataliewatson.bsky.social) Produced by Michael Hermes Music by Jack de Quidt (notquitereal.bsky.social Cover art by Xeecee (xeecee.bsky.social)

Pivot! We'll be back in two weeks with Part 1 of our Aphra coverage, but today we'll delve into our early hours with Bit Reactor's Star Wars: Zero Company. It's seemingly an excellent debut for the studio, marred only by the sale of EA to Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund and a pair of private equity company's, including one run by Trump son-in-law and general ghoul Jared Kushner. Enjoy us talking about the tactics, the blorbos, and the question of these nightmare contexts. Show Notes Video game maker EA bought by Saudi-led group for $55bn No Games for Genocide Hosted by Rob Zacny (robzacny.bsky.social) Featuring Alicia Acampora (ali-online.bsky.social), Austin Walker (austinwalker.bsky.social), and Natalie Watson (nataliewatson.bsky.social) Produced by Michael Hermes Music by Jack de Quidt (notquitereal.bsky.social Cover art by Xeecee (xeecee.bsky.social)

We will, eventually, get to the second set of Vader comics. But first, the gang imagines how they're going to react to The Mandalorian and Grogu. Because of course our patrons have already heard our reaction! Then they discuss how Vader has to sabotage yet another investigation into his own treachery, and Dr. Aphra's character arc as well as her academic credentials. Hosted by Rob Zacny (robzacny.bsky.social) Featuring Alicia Acampora (ali-online.bsky.social), Austin Walker (austinwalker.bsky.social), and Natalie Watson (nataliewatson.bsky.social) Produced by Michael Hermes Music by Jack de Quidt (notquitereal.bsky.social Cover art by Xeecee (xeecee.bsky.social)

This week we wrap up the 2015 run of Star Wars: Darth Vader! With the ore barons of Shu-Torun leashed and Cylo drawn out as a traitor, Darth Vader can finally address what really matters: Locating the missing Doctor Aphra, facing whatever truths Inspector Thanoth has found, and telling the Emperor that his manipulations are all too obvious. Next Time: Star Wars: Doctor Aphra Vol. 1 — Aphra (Doctor Aphra 2016 Issues 1 - 6 Support the show by going to Patreon.com/civilized! Show Notes Hosted by Rob Zacny (robzacny.bsky.social) Featuring Alicia Acampora (ali-online.bsky.social), Austin Walker (austinwalker.bsky.social), and Natalie Watson (nataliewatson.bsky.social) Produced by Michael Hermes Music by Jack de Quidt (notquitereal.bsky.social Cover art by Xeecee (xeecee.bsky.social)

This week, we have escaped from the gravity of of the comic book crossover and returned back to the day-in-the-life tale of Darth Vader. Still hurting from the Death Star's destruction, the Empire badly needs ore to build back its strength. One key supplier: The world of Shu-Torun, a lava filled, mineral rich world of ore dukes, magma submarines, and mining citadels. The only problem is, this world has decided to rescind its deal to the Emperor. Enter: Vader. Support the show by going to Patreon.com/civilized! Show Notes Star Fox Video Mentioned "What's Going on in Utah?": an Oral History of Brian Windhorst's Viral Monologue Caleb Hearon's Funniest Bit Okay actually maybe this is Caleb Hearon's funniest bit. Hosted by Rob Zacny (robzacny.bsky.social) Featuring Alicia Acampora (ali-online.bsky.social), Austin Walker (austinwalker.bsky.social), and Natalie Watson (nataliewatson.bsky.social) Produced by Michael Hermes Music by Jack de Quidt (notquitereal.bsky.social Cover art by Xeecee (xeecee.bsky.social)

Our dip into the mid 2010s Marvel Comics Star Wars universe continues, and this time, we've got a bona fide crossover event! "Vader Down" jumps between issues of Kieron Gillen and Salvador Larroca's Darth Vader (which we've been reading for the past few eps) AND Jason Aaron and Mike Deodato Jr's Star Wars. Which means we've got an extended stay with the comics version of Han, Luke, and Leia. Can they live up to their movie counterparts? Next Time: Darth Vader Vol. 3 — The Shu-Torun War (Darth Vader (2015) Annual 1 and issues 16 - 19) Show Notes Yasiin Bey on Drake Hosted by Rob Zacny (robzacny.bsky.social) Featuring Alicia Acampora (ali-online.bsky.social), Austin Walker (austinwalker.bsky.social), and Natalie Watson (nataliewatson.bsky.social) Produced by Michael Hermes Music by Jack de Quidt (notquitereal.bsky.social Cover art by Xeecee (xeecee.bsky.social)

Today we begin a journey into the Dark Side as we begin our reading of Marvel's 2015's Darth Vader comic, Written by Kieron Gillen with art by Salvador Larroca! It has a high reputation, not least of which is due to its introduction of the beloved character Doctor Aphra, but can it do what so few attempts to fill in the blank spaces of the films pull off and actually be good on its own merits Let's find out together! Next Time: Book II: Shadows and Secrets (Vader (2015) issues 7-12) Show Notes Catherine Zeta-Jones Laser Scene in Entrapment Hosted by Rob Zacny (robzacny.bsky.social) Featuring Alicia Acampora (ali-online.bsky.social), Austin Walker (austinwalker.bsky.social), and Natalie Watson (nataliewatson.bsky.social) Produced by Michael Hermes Music by Jack de Quidt (notquitereal.bsky.social Cover art by Xeecee (xeecee.bsky.social)

We come at last to the grand finale of the original Star Wars trilogy, and it, too, is haunted by the past. Once again, in space, a one time scoundrel must trust his gut and swoop down to the pits of a cataclysmic, moon-sized weapon to save the day. Once again, aboard that station, a Jedi must come to the realization that striking down his opponent is not the path to real power. And once again, on a small world below, a rag-tag group Rebels from across the galaxy can do nothing but watch and hope as... wait, sorry, I'm taking another look. What are those little furry guys. They didn't have those at Yavin, I'll tell you that much. Seems like a group of difference makers if I've ever met one. Support the show by going to Patreon.com/civilized! NEXT TIME: Marvel Comic's Darth Vader (2015) Issues 1-6 Show Notes The Vader Yule Log 'Weesa Free' Moment Hosted by Rob Zacny (robzacny.bsky.social) Featuring Alicia Acampora (ali-online.bsky.social), Austin Walker (austinwalker.bsky.social), and Natalie Watson…

Return of the Jedi is a haunted movie. It is haunted most obviously by the ghosts of the past films: droids walking across desert wastes, fateful holograms delivered in desperation, deflector shield substations, robotic hands, and a Death Star hanging above the world. But it is also haunted by the future of the franchise: further reliance on ambitious CGI, a subtle sanding down in humor and character, dozens of little creatures whose names are never said but whose identity marketing has taught you before you ever see the text start rolling across the screen. Star Wars, as we know it, has arrived. Show Notes Emmet Otter's Jug Band Christmas - Outtakes Hosted by Rob Zacny (robzacny.bsky.social) Featuring Alicia Acampora (ali-online.bsky.social), Austin Walker (austinwalker.bsky.social), and Natalie Watson (nataliewatson.bsky.social) Produced by Michael Hermes Music by Jack de Quidt (notquitereal.bsky.social Cover art by Xeecee (xeecee.bsky.social)

The heroes of the rebellion have fled Hoth and found themselves in new environs unlike any we've seen in Star Wars before. Bespin's Cloud City is the first real metropolis in the series, and while Yavin was covered in trees, it was nothing like the damp swamps of Dagobah, home to creepy crawlies of all sorts. As our heroes meet their respective contacts, one has to wonder, which of these new worlds is home to the more trustworthy sort of person? Trick question. You can't trust either of these motherfuckers. Show Notes Episode 1 Yoda Comparison Video How the Famous 'I Love You/I Know' Scene From 'The Empire Strikes Back' Really Came Together Hosted by Rob Zacny (robzacny.bsky.social) Featuring Alicia Acampora (ali-online.bsky.social), Austin Walker (austinwalker.bsky.social), and Natalie Watson (nataliewatson.bsky.social) Produced by Michael Hermes Music by Jack de Quidt (notquitereal.bsky.social Cover art by Xeecee (xeecee.bsky.social)

Three years after Luke turned off his targeting computer, Star Wars returns. Indeed, one might even ask "Is The Empire Strikes Back the actual 'start' of what we know as Star Wars?" Maybe! It's here that Star Wars begins to take the shape of a franchise (without any of the bloat yet), Industrial Light & Magic performs even greater special effects miracles, and the story begins to effortlessly blend fairy tale and melodrama. Plus, we get to see the original little green freak in his natural habitat. NEXT TIME: The Back Half of Empire Strikes Back Support the show by going to Patreon.com/civilized! Show Notes Hosted by Rob Zacny (robzacny.bsky.social) Featuring Alicia Acampora (ali-online.bsky.social), Austin Walker (austinwalker.bsky.social), and Natalie Watson (nataliewatson.bsky.social) Produced by Michael Hermes Music by Jack de Quidt (notquitereal.bsky.social Cover art by Xeecee (xeecee.bsky.social)

We return with the back half of a little movie called Star Wars. We can finally talk about some of the most foundational moments in the franchise. The very first lightsaber duel--and its relationship to a little tv show called Obi-Wan Kenobi. The series' three protagonists finally sharing screen time. The Death Star trench run and its relationship to the Force and Technology. But we also get to talk about some of the stuff that gets lost along the way. Like about just how funny Star Wars has always been. How the Empire is already a bit of a send-up of bureaucrat sci-fi baddies. And how whether Lucas knew the particularities of their history or not, Darth Vader and Obi-Wan Kenobi show up with enough ambiguity and depth to carry years and years of storytelling to come. Show Notes George Lucas: The Wizard of 'Star Wars' | Rolling Stone REBEL SCANNERS: Preserving Star Wars (with Rob of TEAM NEGATIVE 1) Hosted by Rob Zacny (robzacny.bsky.social) Featuring Alicia Acampora (ali-online.bsky.social), Austin Walker…

A long time ago in a galaxy, far far away... there was a spaceship with a princess and a pair of droids and a malevolence dressed in black. There was a desert world with two suns and a farm boy whose only chance at escaping the planet's gravity was a wizard who lived out in the hills and couple of smugglers looking for a big payday. And there was something grey--aggressively grey--a sphere in the darkness of space, blocking out the stars, lighting up envy green, and insisting on its own place in the orbits of galactic lives. Today we talk about Star Wars. Show Notes Star Wars Version Comparison Luke and Biggs Deleted Scenes Hosted by Rob Zacny (robzacny.bsky.social) Featuring Alicia Acampora (ali-online.bsky.social), Austin Walker (austinwalker.bsky.social), and Natalie Watson (nataliewatson.bsky.social) Produced by Austin Walker Music by Jack de Quidt (notquitereal.bsky.social Cover art by Xeecee (xeecee.bsky.social)

We've come to the end of Matt Stover's (p)re-telling of Revenge of the Sith, and it has raised a lot more questions than it answered (which isn't, necessarily, a bad thing). Questions like: "Why does Anakin say things like that?" and "How do I know that's a baby?" and, maybe most importantly, "Padme who?" NEXT TIME: STAR WARS Support the show by going to Patreon.com/civilized! Show Notes Four Reasons Yoda Failed as a CEO Common Cyborg Hosted by Rob Zacny (robzacny.bsky.social) Featuring Alicia Acampora (ali-online.bsky.social), Austin Walker (austinwalker.bsky.social), and Natalie Watson (nataliewatson.bsky.social) Produced by Austin Walker Music by Jack de Quidt (notquitereal.bsky.social Cover art by Xeecee (xeecee.bsky.social)

We return to the final days of the old Republic. But not the Old Republic. That's different, now, that's like... an even older time before all this. Anyway, the Battle of Coruscant has concluded and its heroes, Anakin Skywalker and Obi-Wan Kenobi can finally come home for a little rest. And a little scheming. And a little paranoia. The Jedi Council members spin their wheels despite having all the clues. Palpatine spins the world around his finger. And Padme, Anakin's Wife (remember this), is also there. Next Time: The Rest of the Book Show Notes Hosted by Rob Zacny (robzacny.bsky.social) Featuring Alicia Acampora (ali-online.bsky.social), Austin Walker (austinwalker.bsky.social), and Natalie Watson (nataliewatson.bsky.social) Produced by Austin Walker Music by Jack de Quidt (notquitereal.bsky.social Cover art by Xeecee (xeecee.bsky.social)

This is A More Civilized Age: Three hours of podcast when another team would make an hour and a half. Distractions. Diatribes. Deep dives into the databanks to learn, live on air, factoids about characters who hardly matter. But that's what makes A More Civilized Age A More Civilized Age: All of it might matter. Five years running and it's still asking questions a first year podcast might. And today it is going to learn what it already knew: That Anakin Skywalker is driven by love and fear in equal, but precarious measure. That Obi-Wan Kenobi, the ultimate blueprint of a Jedi, always knows when he's looking at a butt. That R2-D2 and C-3PO are slaves, but like, don't worry about that so much, they're more like friends, right? That Palpatine always has a plan, but always loves to pivot. And that Padme was there, too. And it is proud to be your podcast. Next Time: Chapters 8-14! Show Notes Camile Paglia about Revenge of the Sith It's All Stover, a Matthew Stover Podcast, hosted by Carter Richmond and Ina Hosted…

When I went to post this episode, I went through all the motions necessary to post it as a Patreon bonus before remembering: "Oh no, wait, did we actually watch this chaotic mess for the main feed?" That's how bonkers this 1978 variety show is. So get ready to have your mind evaporated by this neutron bomb of content as we head to the Wookiee Planet on this very special Life Day. Next Time: Matthew Stover's Revenge of the Sith Novelization, Part One: Victory (Chapters 1 - 7) Support the show by going to Patreon.com/civilized! Show Notes The Star Wars Holiday Special Commercials Hosted by Rob Zacny (robzacny.bsky.social) Featuring Alicia Acampora (ali-online.bsky.social), Austin Walker (austinwalker.bsky.social), and Natalie Watson (nataliewatson.bsky.social) Produced by Chia Contreras (cado.bsky.social) Music by Jack de Quidt (notquitereal.bsky.social Cover art by Xeecee (xeecee.bsky.social)

With the Ravager in pieces, Telos seemingly saved, and an army of HK-51s unleashed, the Exile and the (remaining) crew of the Ebon Hawk heads to the place where it all began: Malachor V. There, at the end of a multi-level dungeon and a couple of boss fights, the two remaining Sith Lords stand in wait. And in classic KOTOR II fashion, what they have to offer is tantalizing, memorable, and famously unfinished. And that's that for KOTOR II. Thank you for coming on this amazing journey. We can't wait to kick off a new series in the new year... but first... Next Time: THE STAR WARS HOLIDAY SPECIAL Show Notes

After a climactic confrontation on Dantooine, the Exile and the (remaining) crew of the Ebon Hawk return to Telos, chasing after the Handmaiden and Kreia. There, the Handmaiden faces down her sisters, the Exile comes face to face with Atris (if that is still her name), and HK-47 fights his way through a factory of hostility-ending droids. Then, above Telos, war breaks out. Darth Nihlus arrives at the helm of his corpse-of-a-ship, the Ravager, hoping to find a buffet of Jedi to devour. Instead he finds only his old disciple, a pissed off Mandalorian warlord, and a once-exiled Jedi. Show Notes Unseen, Unheard Hosted by Rob Zacny (robzacny.bsky.social) Featuring Alicia Acampora (ali-online.bsky.social), Austin Walker (austinwalker.bsky.social), and Natalie Watson (nataliewatson.bsky.social) Produced by Chia Contreras (cado.bsky.social) Music by Jack de Quidt (notquitereal.bsky.social Cover art by Xeecee (xeecee.bsky.social)

With three of the missing Jedi Masters found, the Exile, Kreia, and the rest of the Ebon Hawk's ad hoc (ad hawk?) crew finally head towards the ancient Sith world of Korriban. There they find... well, mostly the same planet that Revan and co. left behind a few years ago, albeit a little more decrepit than usual. Then, its back to Dantooine to confront the reconvened Jedi Council and finally get some long promised answers. Show Notes Hosted by Rob Zacny (robzacny.bsky.social) Featuring Alicia Acampora (ali-online.bsky.social), Austin Walker (austinwalker.bsky.social), and Natalie Watson (nataliewatson.bsky.social) Produced by Chia Contreras (cado.bsky.social) Music by Jack de Quidt (notquitereal.bsky.social Cover art by Xeecee (xeecee.bsky.social)

The Exile and the crew of the Ebon Hawk return to Dxun at the behest of Jedi Master Kevar, loyal guardian of Onderon's queen. Onderon itself is at war, and like everything else in KOTOR 2, this crisis could spiral out of control and destabilize the wider galaxy if things go bad. And that's why the Exile and co will need to split into two teams, finally kill a bunch of Sith randos, and spend like an hour doing basic algebra and deeply confusing logic puzzles. Show Notes Hosted by Rob Zacny (robzacny.bsky.social) Featuring Alicia Acampora (ali-online.bsky.social), Austin Walker (austinwalker.bsky.social), and Natalie Watson (nataliewatson.bsky.social) Produced by Chia Contreras (cado.bsky.social) Music by Jack de Quidt (notquitereal.bsky.social Cover art by Xeecee (xeecee.bsky.social)

With two new party members in tow (and some dark secrets about our old crew newly learned), the Exile heads back to the first of two locales originally visited by Revan and co. during KOTOR 1: Dantooine. The old Jedi Enclave lays in ruins from a Sith attack towards the end of the last war, and the newly emerging government finds itself needing to serve three factions: fearful farmers, bored mercenaries, and sneaky salvagers. And none of them are big fans of Jedi. Also, we meet one of the biggest herbs in the galaxy. Next Time: Return to Onderon Show Notes Hosted by Rob Zacny (robzacny.bsky.social) Featuring Alicia Acampora (ali-online.bsky.social), Austin Walker (austinwalker.bsky.social), and Natalie Watson (nataliewatson.bsky.social) Produced by Chia Contreras (cado.bsky.social) Music by Jack de Quidt (notquitereal.bsky.social Cover art by Xeecee (xeecee.bsky.social)

We bring Nar Shaddaa to a close as our Exiles fight their way through a secret criminal HQ before being whisked away to the cloaked ship of the mysterious Exchange leader, Goto. Then, after some real table top dungeon crawl hijinks, we come face to face with the first of our missing Jedi... Next Time: Dantooine, Pt. 1 (We haven't figured out a stopping point yet! We'll announce on Bluesky later this week!) Show Notes Hosted by Rob Zacny (robzacny.bsky.social) Featuring Alicia Acampora (ali-online.bsky.social), Austin Walker (austinwalker.bsky.social), and Natalie Watson (nataliewatson.bsky.social) Produced by Chia Contreras (cado.bsky.social) Music by Jack de Quidt (notquitereal.bsky.social Cover art by Xeecee (xeecee.bsky.social)

With their work on Onderon stalled out, the Exile and the Ebon Hawk head to the smuggler's moon, Nar Shadaa in search of Jedi Master Zez-Kai Ell. Instead, they find the densest planet in the game, overflowing with side quests, NPCs that seems to exist just for flavor, and some of the most aggressive dark side options yet. Next time: Finish up Nar Shaddaa! Show Notes Hosted by Rob Zacny (robzacny.bsky.social) Featuring Alicia Acampora (ali-online.bsky.social), Austin Walker (austinwalker.bsky.social), and Natalie Watson (nataliewatson.bsky.social) Produced by Chia Contreras (cado.bsky.social) Music by Jack de Quidt (notquitereal.bsky.social Cover art by Xeecee (xeecee.bsky.social)

You can watch Austin play through this section of the game right here. With a ride secured from Mandalore, the Exile and the crew of the Ebon Hawk arrive to a world on the brink of civil war between an ineffectual and inexperienced queen and an authoritarian general, both of whom are vaguely populist. Anyway, that's not what's important. What's important is running between the same two maps four times so that we can solve a murder mystery. Ah, with every new session, this game becomes more and more KOTOR. Next Time: Nar Shaadaa. Focus on all the Side Quests, and end after the Fight with the Red Eclipse Crew on the Ebon Hawk. Show Notes Kreia & Atton Facts Hosted by Rob Zacny (robzacny.bsky.social) Featuring Alicia Acampora (ali-online.bsky.social), Austin Walker (austinwalker.bsky.social), and Natalie Watson (nataliewatson.bsky.social) Produced by Chia Contreras (cado.bsky.social) Music by Jack de Quidt (notquitereal.bsky.social Cover art by Xeecee (xeecee.bsky.social)

You can watch Austin play through this section of the game right here. In search of the missing Jedi Masters, the Exile and the crew of the Ebon Hawk head towards Onderon. I say "towards" Onderon because before they land, they're driven to the nearby beast moon of Dxun. And that's not the worst of it: Before they can enter the jungles and reconnect with one a series' favorite... they first have to spend a full two hours basically just talking to various crew members, new and old. Whoops. Next Time: Finish up Onderon! Show Notes Star Wars Galaxies Restoration Hosted by Rob Zacny (@RobZacny) Featuring Alicia Acampora (@ali_west), Austin Walker (@austin_walker), and Natalie Watson (@nataliewatson) Produced by Chia Contreras (@a_cado_appears) Music by Jack de Quidt (@notquitereal) Cover art by Xeecee (@xeeceevevo)

You can watch Austin play through this section of the game right here. The Exile and their companions delve into the abandoned military bunker on the surface of Telos in search of a shuttle that can, potentially, bring them to whoever has stolen the Ebon Hawk. And oh, what a "whoever" that turns out to be... Show Notes Invisible Headgear Mod Hosted by Rob Zacny (@RobZacny) Featuring Alicia Acampora (@ali_west), Austin Walker (@austin_walker), and Natalie Watson (@nataliewatson) Produced by Chia Contreras (@a_cado_appears) Music by Jack de Quidt (@notquitereal) Cover art by Xeecee (@xeeceevevo)

You can watch Austin play through this section of the game right here. This week, our various Jedi exiles are forced to pick a side in ongoing dispute on Citadel Station. Should we back the new age-y Ithorians who have a little knowledge, a lot of heart, and no resourcing? Or well-funded, profit-minded (put poorly budgeted) Czerka? Hard choice, I know. But what if I told you that one of these pathways introduces one of the greatest droids of all time... Next Time: The Underground Base, the Polar Plateau, and the Secret Acadmey Show Notes Hosted by Rob Zacny (@RobZacny) Featuring Alicia Acampora (@ali_west), Austin Walker (@austin_walker), and Natalie Watson (@nataliewatson) Produced by Chia Contreras (@a_cado_appears) Music by Jack de Quidt (@notquitereal) Cover art by Xeecee (@xeeceevevo)

You can watch Austin play through this section of the game right here. With Peragus behind us, the Exile takes some time to chat with Kreia, Atton, and T3-M4 before heading to the nearest safe port: Citadel Station, a city orbiting the ruined planet of Telos. There, the group run into some cops, deal with an assassin, and finally focus on the three most important things in KOTOR: 1. Talking. 2. Shopping. 3. Minigames. Support the show by going to Patreon.com/civilized! Show Notes Kreia & Atton Facts Hosted by Rob Zacny (@RobZacny) Featuring Alicia Acampora (@ali_west), Austin Walker (@austin_walker), and Natalie Watson (@nataliewatson) Produced by Chia Contreras (@a_cado_appears) Music by Jack de Quidt (@notquitereal) Cover art by Xeecee (@xeeceevevo)

You can watch Austin play through this section of the game right here. After T3-M4 and 3C-FD (who we're all sure will be very important throughout the game) managed to repair the Ebon Hawk, it and its unconscious crewmembers--the so called "last of the Jedi" and a mysterious robed woman named Kreia--have come to in the abandoned Peragus Mining Facility. Well. Mostly abandoned. There is the matter of the sneering (but surprisingly aware) scoundrel Atton... and the droids. So many droids. Hallways and hallways of droids. Now if only we could get a lift off this station. Hey, look, a ship! Next Time: Chatting on the Ship and Telos: Citadel Station intro and Side Quests. For part 1, we're not getting deep into the Czerka or Ithorian quests Support the show by going to Patreon.com/civilized! Show Notes Our KOTOR II Mod List Galactic & Going Rogue Kickstarter Hosted by Rob Zacny (@RobZacny) Featuring Alicia Acampora (@ali_west), Austin Walker (@austin_walker), and Natalie Watson (@nataliewatson) Produced by Chia…

As we announced last week, today we're diving headfirst into Knights of the Old Republic II, Obsidian's follow-up to the BioWare game that dug into the ancient history of our favorite galaxy far, far away. (Though before we dig into that, we talk more about that announcement from last week to try to share some of our thoughts and process about getting where we got.) Because KOTOR II is a pretty big meal, we took our time today to set the table. We dig into our characters, the state of the galaxy after KOTOR II, the mods we used, and the various technical fixes we had to adjust for. If you're playing along with us on a device that can run mods, well here's that mod list (along with additional instructions) for you. (That last sentence had a link in it. If your podcatcher doesn't see one, try going to our site directly.) Finally, another little announcement. We know that many folks don't have time to play through all of KOTOR II along with us. To help those of y'all who nevertheless want to get a sense of the…

A More Civilized Age will not be covering Andor Season 2 as planned, due the the ongoing boycott of Disney Plus by the BDS Movement. This is a surprise to us, as it is likely to you and some explanation is required. Last year, the BDS movement targeted Disney Plus for boycott on the grounds that it has cast Israeli actors in its films who have been cultural ambassadors for Israel and do not support the Palestinian cause for liberation or justice. Additionally, Marvel films have made use of characters who have a history in the comics of being connected to positive depictions of Israel and its intelligence service, the Mossad. We were not aware of this boycott when it was declared, and we were not aware of it when we covered Skeleton Crew earlier this year. We are aware of it now, however, and in becoming aware of it, we had to make an affirmative choice that our ignorance had permitted us to avoid. We were not agreed as to what that choice should be. However, what was clear was that if we went ahead with…

It took us a little bit longer than we planned, but we've done it: We finished Rebels. And hey, in the process we sort of learned that time is sort of a malleable thing anyway, right? So kick back and enjoy this finale--and this final episode before the Spring of Syril kicks off in earnest. That's right: We're covering Andor Season 2 as it releases, with our new episodes releasing on MONDAY every week from now until the show finishes. We haven't seen any of it yet, but early buzz seems great, and we cannot WAIT to feast. So join us, and make sure to tell your friends to listen too! Next Time: The first three episodes of Andor Season 2! Support the show by going to Patreon.com/civilized! Show Notes https://www.tiktok.com/@patrickhwillems/video/7161835913016773930 Hosted by Rob Zacny (@RobZacny) Featuring Alicia Acampora (@ali_west), Austin Walker (@austin_walker), and Natalie Watson (@nataliewatson) Produced by Chia Contreras (@a_cado_appears) Music by Jack de Quidt (@notquitereal) Cover art by Xeecee…

Since the middle of season 3, the crew of the Ghost--none more than Ezra Bridger--has been begging Rebel Alliance command to send a unit to liberate his home world of Lothal. Finally, with a little help from an old underworld friend (not that one) they're doing it. But instead of knocking down the Empire... they end up knocking on a mysterious door. Next Time: The rest of Rebels! 73 & 74 (A Fools Hope and Family Reunion -- and Farewell) Support the show by going to Patreon.com/civilized! Show Notes Balalyka's Letterboxed List of AMCA Movie References Hosted by Rob Zacny (@RobZacny) Featuring Alicia Acampora (@ali_west), Austin Walker (@austin_walker), and Natalie Watson (@nataliewatson) Produced by Chia Contreras (@a_cado_appears) Music by Jack de Quidt (@notquitereal) Cover art by Xeecee (@xeeceevevo)

A clever mix of stakes material and spiritual? A return to Lothal, only to find it terribly transformed under the industrial violence of the Empire? A series of episodes where Ezra and Sabine really click as complementary characters? Oh, we are so back. And we won't even let the kind of forgettable (but basically enjoyable) fourth episode of this set bring us down. Support the show by going to Patreon.com/civilized! Next Time: Rebels 68 - 71 (Rebel Assault, Jedi Knight, DUME, and Wolves and a Door) Show Notes Hosted by Rob Zacny (@RobZacny) Featuring Alicia Acampora (@ali_west), Austin Walker (@austin_walker), and Natalie Watson (@nataliewatson) Produced by Chia Contreras (@a_cado_appears) Music by Jack de Quidt (@notquitereal) Cover art by Xeecee (@xeeceevevo)

The final season of Rebels starts with a bang: a pair of excellent two-parters, giving us some of the best action and most exciting character dialog we've had in the whole show. And hey: We finally get to learn what the hell the deal is with the damned Beskerator. Support the show by going to Patreon.com/civilized! Next Time: Rebels 64 - 67 (The Occupation, Flight of the Defender, Kindred, Crawler Commandeers) Show Notes Hosted by Rob Zacny (@RobZacny) Featuring Alicia Acampora (@ali_west), Austin Walker (@austin_walker), and Natalie Watson (@nataliewatson) Produced by Ricardo Contreras (@a_cado_appears) Music by Jack de Quidt (@notquitereal) Cover art by Xeecee (@xeeceevevo)

Rebels Season 3 comes to a close with a trio of episodes that demonstrates just how far the Star Wars Animation team has come as a group of visual storytellers. Twin Suns brings us to Tatooine as hostile and hopeless as its ever been seen for a final confrontation between two series standbys (and a totally fine Ezra arc about family and fate). Zero Hour gives us Thrawn at the height of victory and vulnerability. The stage is set for the final season... which we'll be bringing to you over the next two months in four episode chunks, so that we're ready to leap headfirst into Andor Season 2 when it debuts in late April! Support the show by going to Patreon.com/civilized! Next Time: Rebels 60 - 63 (Heroes of Mandalore, In the Name of the Rebellion - The start of Rebels Season 4) Show Notes The Keep - Molasar Spy Kids vs Magna Men Hosted by Rob Zacny (@RobZacny) Featuring Alicia Acampora (@ali_west), Austin Walker (@austin_walker), and Natalie Watson (@nataliewatson) Produced by Ricardo Contreras…

After finally giving us some solid Sabine time, Rebels is now zooming back out to get a broader view of the ongoing conflict--and, of course, a one off comedy episode about a droid. And hey, good news, not only do these episodes manage to deliver some great character beats, not only do they bring us a dramatic look inside of our favorite slowly radicalizing senator, Mon Mothma, not only do they provide one of the most magical (and musical?) moments of Star Wars... they're also really good! Support the show by going to Patreon.com/civilized! Next Time: Rebels 57-59 (Twin Suns and Zero Hour Pt. 1 & 2 - The end of Rebels Season 3) Hosted by Rob Zacny (@RobZacny) Featuring Alicia Acampora (@ali_west), Austin Walker (@austin_walker), and Natalie Watson (@nataliewatson) Produced by Ricardo Contreras (@a_cado_appears) Music by Jack de Quidt (@notquitereal) Cover art by Xeecee (@xeeceevevo)

For three and a half seasons, Rebels has been teasing us Sabine backstory. Finally, this week, we get the details behind that backstory... at least most of them. And hey, they're pretty good! Sure would've been great if they'd gotten them to us sooner, so that we could've, you know, thought about how the events of the show intersected her history. Still, a much needed showcase for Sabine, and hopefully a good sign of things to come. Oh. And Zeb has some droid hijinks. Support the show by going to Patreon.com/civilized! Next Time: Rebels 54 - 56 (Through Imperial Eyes, Secret Cargo, and Double Agent Droid) Show Notes Hosted by Rob Zacny (@RobZacny) Featuring Alicia Acampora (@ali_west), Austin Walker (@austin_walker), and Natalie Watson (@nataliewatson) Produced by Ricardo Contreras (@a_cado_appears) Music by Jack de Quidt (@notquitereal) Cover art by Xeecee (@xeeceevevo)

It has been nearly 5 months since we last visited the crew of the Ghost, but finally, we are back. Today, we return to Geonosis... which is.... uhhhhh.... mysteriously empty? Shouldn't there be like... millions of giant bugs here? Instead, it looks like there's only one... itty bitty Geonosian and maybe the most cartoonishly wicked version of Saw Gerrera that we've seen yet. Oh well. At least Sabine gets to do some cool jetpack tricks. Support the show by going to Patreon.com/civilized! Next Time: Rebels 51-53 (Warhead, Trials of the Dark Saber, & Legacy of Mandalore) Show Notes Hosted by Rob Zacny (@RobZacny) Featuring Alicia Acampora (@ali_west), Austin Walker (@austin_walker), and Natalie Watson (@nataliewatson) Produced by Ricardo Contreras (@a_cado_appears) Music by Jack de Quidt (@notquitereal) Cover art by Xeecee (@xeeceevevo)

Here we are with our final episode of the Thrawn trilogy! Secrets: revealed! Clones: showing up! Devious plans: thwarted!! Support the show by going to Patreon.com/civilized! Next Time: We FINALLY return to Rebels! And a heads up next for patreons--we'll be skipping Q&A this month for holidays! But next month we'll do a Q&A AND an episode on Skeleton Crew! Send your questions about Thrawn on over to amorecivilizedage at gmail dot com :) Follow us on Bluesky Hosted by Rob Zacny (@RobZacny) Featuring Alicia Acampora (@ali_west), Austin Walker (@austin_walker), and Natalie Watson (@nataliewatson) Produced by Ricardo Contreras (@a_cado_appears) Music by Jack de Quidt (@notquitereal) Cover art by Xeecee (@xeeceevevo)

What awaits us for our one hundredth episode? Oh, the normal things: Smugglers being manipulated. Dark Jedi making power moves, and regular jedi offering therapy services. Clever tactical maneuvers using cloaked asteroids. Oh, and of course, a collection of trees that are not to be trusted. Support the show by going to Patreon.com/civilized! Next Time: We finish the Thrawn Trilogy Follow us on Bluesky Hosted by Rob Zacny (@RobZacny) Featuring Alicia Acampora (@ali_west), Austin Walker (@austin_walker), and Natalie Watson (@nataliewatson) Produced by Ricardo Contreras (@a_cado_appears) Music by Jack de Quidt (@notquitereal) Cover art by Xeecee (@xeeceevevo)

This week, we crack the spine on the final book of Timothy Zahn's franchise-extending Thrawn trilogy, and wow, what a doozy it is. The Dark Force is no longer Rising, it's risen, and that means the pedal is down and the plot is going full speed. Talon Karrde is meeting with smugglers. Luke bounces all across the galaxy. Lando's walking city is in ruins. Han and Leia's kids are here, and they have visitors, invited and otherwise? And Mara Jade? Well, she's wide awake and getting ready to do the things she does best: Pout and kill people. Support the show by going to Patreon.com/civilized! Next Time: The Last Command Ch. 11-18 Follow us on Bluesky Hosted by Rob Zacny (@RobZacny) Featuring Alicia Acampora (@ali_west), Austin Walker (@austin_walker), and Natalie Watson (@nataliewatson) Produced by Ricardo Contreras (@a_cado_appears) Music by Jack de Quidt (@notquitereal) Cover art by Xeecee (@xeeceevevo)

We return on this... historic... day... to wrap up the second entry in Timothy Zahn's franchise redefining Thrawn Trilogy. And when you hit the final third of a Star Wars story, you know what that means: Revelations! Compelling heart-to-heart confrontations! And, of course, a giant space battle to put a button on everything. Will Thrawn take another L, or have his ships finally come in? NEXT TIME: The Last Command Ch. 1 - 10 Show Notes Hosted by Rob Zacny (@RobZacny) Featuring Alicia Acampora (@ali_west), Austin Walker (@austin_walker), and Natalie Watson (@nataliewatson) Produced by Ricardo Contreras (@a_cado_appears) Music by Jack de Quidt (@notquitereal) Cover art by Xeecee (@xeeceevevo)

"It's like poetry. They rhyme." What ever happened to the glory days of the Galactic Republic? Did it all fall apart because of the masterful manipulations of a dark lord of the Sith? Or may there have been some cracks in the foundation already? Join Rob Zacny, Alicia Acampora, Natalie Watson, and Austin Walker as they try to answer those questions, kicking off their journey into the Clone Wars by first revisiting Star Wars: Episode I: The Phantom Menace. Show Notes The Beginning: Making Star Wars: Episode I The Phantom Menace Hosted by Rob Zacny (@RobZacny) Featuring Alicia Acampora (@ali_west), Austin Walker (@austin_walker), and Natalie Watson (@nataliewatson) Produced by Austin Walker Cover art by Xeecee (@xeeceevevo)

Hey everyone! This is just a brief placeholder episode meant to seed the feed over on the various podcast services. Stay tuned for our first full ep on December 23rd!

It is all happening this week: Han reverts to a flustered school boy in the face of Corellian local legend. Luke gets a new teacher, and the vibes are more off than ever before. Leia connects with her dad's favorite slave race. And Mara Jade finds herself compelled to help a boy she just.... GRRR... she hates him!!! Has Star Wars ever been this good? NEXT TIME: Dark Force Rising Ch. 22 - 29 Hosted by Rob Zacny (@RobZacny) Featuring Alicia Acampora (@ali_west), Austin Walker (@austin_walker), and Natalie Watson (@nataliewatson) Produced by Ricardo Contreras (@a_cado_appears) Music by Jack de Quidt (@notquitereal) Cover art by Xeecee (@xeeceevevo)

There's good news and then there's great news. Good news is stuff like "Within a few chapters, we meet an entirely new sort of weirdo in Dark Force Rising." Good news is "In these chapters we realize that Luke and Lando have impeccable chemistry." Good news is the phrase "Senator Palpatine's Advisor." Great news? Well. Great news is: "Natalie Watson has returned to the podcast. Next Time: Dark Force Rising (Chapters 11 - 21) Show Notes Jason Alexander Passes the Mafia Test Hosted by Rob Zacny (@RobZacny) Featuring Alicia Acampora (@ali_west), Austin Walker (@austin_walker), and Natalie Watson (@nataliewatson) Produced by Ricardo Contreras (@a_cado_appears) Music by Jack de Quidt (@notquitereal) Cover art by Xeecee (@xeeceevevo)