Episodes

  • Why Andor Is the Best Star Wars Show – And What It Means for the Future of the Galaxy
    Jun 4 2025

    Summary


    Cassian Andor's journey is over—but what a ride it was. In this in-depth conversation, Vactor and longtime collaborator Super Tim break down Andor Season 2 and the entire series, exploring why this show may be the best Star Wars has ever offered. From the radical realism of Tony Gilroy’s storytelling to the emotional arcs of Luthen, Mon Mothma, and Bix, we dive deep into the legacy of Andor and what it means for the future of Star Wars.

    We also compare Andor to other Disney+ shows like Ahsoka, The Mandalorian, and The Acolyte, and discuss why Andor works without fan service, Jedi, or lightsabers. You'll hear hot takes, historical parallels, and why Genevieve O’Reilly deserves an Emmy.

    This episode is a love letter to Andor and a case study in Star Wars at its smartest.

    🔔 Subscribe for more Star Wars deep dives
    🗨️ What did YOU think of Andor? Leave a comment or review!

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    45 mins
  • Why Star Wars Can’t Stop Referencing Itself
    May 26 2025

    Begun, The Self-Referential Wars Have


    In this episode of Trust in the Force, hosts Vactor and Tim Tangent delve into the complexities of Star Wars storytelling, discussing the self-referential nature of recent content, the essence of good versus evil, and the impact of fan expectations. They explore the balance of influences in Star Wars, the importance of quality over quantity in future projects, and the legacy of original characters. The conversation highlights the need for new creators to bring fresh perspectives while learning from past mistakes, ultimately looking forward to the future of the franchise.


    https://www.beerwithgeeks.com/


    Chapters:

    00:00 Introduction to Star Wars Discussions

    01:23 Self-Referential Nature of Star Wars

    04:48 The Essence of Star Wars: Good vs Evil

    07:45 The Balance of Influences in Star Wars

    10:33 The Impact of Fan Expectations

    12:45 The Future of Star Wars Storytelling

    15:56 The Role of New Creators in Star Wars

    18:48 The Importance of Quality Over Quantity

    20:58 The Legacy of Original Characters

    26:15 Learning from Past Mistakes

    29:26 Conclusion and Future Outlook


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    30 mins
  • Did Andor Just Outdo the Entire Star Wars Saga?
    May 22 2025

    🔥 Is Andor the best Star Wars story ever told? In this special episode of Trust in the Force, Vactor is joined by film analyst and podcast host Kevin Coll from Fused Film to break down the highs, lows, and lasting legacy of Andor Season 2.

    We dive into:
    – The bold storytelling format and time jumps
    – Luthen Rael’s legacy and Rogue One connections
    – The tragic fates of Syril Karn and Dedra Meero
    – Mon Mothma’s political sacrifices
    – Why Andor might be the new gold standard for Star Wars
    – Will we ever see anything this good again?

    🎬 Plus, we ask the big questions: Is Star Wars too self-referential? What comes after Andor? Can future projects like Ahsoka Season 2 or Mando & Grogu live up to the standard?

    💬 We want your thoughts! Was Andor peak Star Wars? Did Disney make the right move ending it after 2 seasons?

    📡 Follow Kevin at Fused Film and catch his work on Dial the Gate!

    💥 Subscribe for more thoughtful Star Wars breakdowns every week.

    🎧 Available on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and everywhere you listen.

    🔔 Don’t forget to subscribe, rate, and share!

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    43 mins
  • Andor S2 Episodes 10-12
    May 16 2025

    Andor Season 2 Finale Breakdown: Luthen’s End, Cassian’s Rise, and Rebellion Forged


    🚨 SPOILER ALERT for Andor Season 2 Episodes 10–12
    In this finale deep dive, Vactor and Shoff return to dissect the final three episodes of Andor Season 2—episodes 10, 11, and 12—and reflect on how Tony Gilroy stuck the landing with one of the best Star Wars stories ever told. From Cassian Andor's final transformation to the tragic legacy of Luthen Rael and Kleya, we explore the moments that defined the rebellion—and what makes Andor stand out from every other Star Wars show.

    We cover:

    • Cassian's ultimate choice and evolution

    • The fates of Deedra Meero, Cyril Karn, and Lonni Jung

    • Luthen’s haunting sacrifice and improvised ending

    • The show’s commentary on sacrifice, trauma, and rebellion

    • What Ahsoka and other Star Wars shows can learn from Andor

    • Easter eggs, timeline details, and connections to Rogue One

    • Our hopes (and worries) for the future of Star Wars TV

    🎙 Stick around for reflections, behind-the-scenes trivia, and a heartfelt farewell to Andor. And if you're feeling the post-season blues like we are… let us know what hit you hardest from this emotional trilogy.

    👉 Drop us a comment or voice message and tell us your favorite scene from the Andor finale!

    💫 Trust in the Force is your home for deep Star Wars conversations, lore, and analysis.


    Chapters:

    00:00 Introduction to Andor's Finale

    02:44 Exploring the Death Star's Significance

    04:59 Character Development: Luthen and Kleia

    07:49 Unresolved Storylines and Their Impact

    10:19 The Role of Women in the Rebellion

    13:01 Sacrifice and Its Consequences

    15:39 Comparing Andor to Ahsoka

    18:14 Standout Moments from the Finale

    21:03 Final Thoughts on Andor's Impact

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    26 mins
  • Andor S2 Episodes 7-9
    May 15 2025

    This week on Trust in the Force, Vactor is joined by his partner in rebellion, Shoff, to unpack what might be the most powerful arc in all of Andor: Season 2, Episodes 7–9.

    We dive deep into the emotional, political, and spiritual fallout of the Gorman Massacre, explore Mon Mothma’s daring escape, and trace Cassian Andor’s next big step toward becoming the rebel we meet in Rogue One. From the first name-drop of Gorman in Season 1 to the explosive events that finally unfolded, this arc delivered Star Wars storytelling at its most brutal and beautiful.

    We also break down:

    • The tragic conclusion of Syril Karn’s arc and what his obsession really means

    • The heartbreaking goodbye from Bix and what it foreshadows

    • The mysterious Force healer moment—was Cassian truly chosen?

    • Alan Tudyk’s return as K2SO and what it sets up for the final arc

    • The cost of war, the power of sacrifice, and the moral complexity that sets Andor apart from every other Star Wars show

    Whether you’re a die-hard Andor fan or still catching up, this is the conversation you don’t want to miss. Full spoilers ahead—join us as we dig into the deeper truths of the galaxy far, far away.

    🎙️ Subscribe to Trust in the Force for weekly Star Wars breakdowns, character studies, and lore dives.

    🗨️ What did you think of this arc? Was this the moment that finally broke Cassian—or made him a true rebel? Drop us a message and let’s talk Star Wars.

    📍New episodes every week.
    🔔 Follow for more Andor Season 2 reviews.

    👉 And as always: We would be honored if you would join us.


    Chapters:

    00:00 Introduction to Andor's Powerful Arc

    02:56 The Quality of Storytelling in Andor

    05:53 Character Development and Emotional Impact

    08:53 The Gorman Massacre: Expectations vs. Reality

    12:00 Cyril's Tragic Journey and Its Implications

    15:09 Destiny vs. Free Will in Star Wars

    17:50 The Future of Andor and Its Connection to Rogue One

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    24 mins
  • Revenge of the Sith: A 20-Year Reflection
    May 1 2025

    Vactor and SuperTim explore the significance of 'Revenge of the Sith' on its 20th anniversary. They discuss their personal connections to the film, its impact on the Star Wars franchise, and the evolution of the Jedi's moral dilemmas. The hosts reflect on the film's visual effects, themes of attachment and sacrifice, and its political relevance in today's context. Their insights reveal how the film has shaped their understanding of the Star Wars universe and its characters over the years.


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    33 mins
  • Star Wars Celebration Japan 2025
    Apr 24 2025

    In this episode, Vactor and Tim discuss the highlights from the Star Wars Celebration Japan 2025, including major movie announcements, exciting new animated series, and upcoming video games and books. They delve into the future of the Star Wars franchise, exploring the significance of new content and the return of beloved characters. The conversation emphasizes the thriving nature of Star Wars across various media and the anticipation for what's to come.


    Chapters:

    00:00 Major Movie Announcements: Star Wars Starfighter

    06:01 Darth Maul Animated Series: Maul Shadowlord

    09:57 Upcoming Star Wars Animation and Video Games

    12:58 Star Wars Publishing and Future Projects

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    14 mins
  • Andor S2 Trailer Reaction, Kathleen Kennedy's Future in Star Wars, Andor S1 Finale Review
    Mar 25 2025

    In this episode of Trust in the Force, hosts Vactor and Kevin Coll discuss the final trailer for Andor Season 2, Kathleen Kennedy's role in Star Wars, and provide a comprehensive review of Andor Season 1's finale. They express excitement for the upcoming season, analyze the implications of Kennedy's potential retirement, and reflect on the character development throughout the series, particularly Cassian's evolution into a rebel leader. The conversation highlights the show's storytelling, character arcs, and the impact of music in enhancing the narrative.

    Chapters:

    00:00 - Excitement for Andor Season 2

    07:43 - Kathleen Kennedy's Future in Star Wars

    21:38 - Andor Season 1 Finale Review


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    42 mins