Return of the Jedi (1983)

The Epic Conclusion to the Original Star Wars TrilogyJoin hosts Krissy Lenz and Nathan Blackwell, along with special guest Francis Zagarigo, as they dive into the thrilling conclusion of the original Star Wars trilogy—Return of the Jedi (1983). This episode explores how the final installment wraps up the saga with its unforgettable characters, iconic scenes, and the ultimate battle between good and evil.Francis shares that this was his first time watching the film and declares it his favorite of the trilogy. Nathan, on the other hand, ranks it third but acknowledges its powerful ending. The hosts debate the merits of the Jabba's Palace sequence, with Krissy humorously describing it as "a Colombian drug dealer's backyard party," complete with dancing girls and bounty hunters.The group also examines Luke Skywalker's character arc, noting his all-black costume and monk-like demeanor, which hint at his potential temptation by the dark side. They highlight the reveal of Luke’s green lightsaber, a practical filmmaking choice that perfectly aligns with his character's evolution.Key Topics CoveredThe impressive Jabba the Hutt puppet that weighed 2,000 pounds and cost $500,000 to buildThe problematic yet iconic "Slave Leia" metal bikini costumeThe Ewoks as an allegory for indigenous peoples overcoming technologically superior invadersIan McDiarmid's scene-stealing performance as Emperor PalpatineThe emotional redemption of Darth Vader and his sacrifice to save LukeThe satisfying conclusion that brings the original trilogy full circleSpecial edition changes, including CGI additions and an altered musical numberHost Ratings and Deep Cut RecommendationsThe hosts rate the film highly: Francis and Nathan both give it 8.5 out of 10 Ewoks, while Krissy insists it deserves a perfect 10 out of 10 Ewoks. For "deep cut" recommendations, Nathan suggests The Lord of the Rings: Return of the King as another excellent trilogy conclusion, Francis recommends Gremlins 2, and Krissy suggests Phineas and Ferb: Star Wars.Whether you're a lifelong Star Wars fan or experiencing the trilogy for the first time, this episode captures the magic that made Return of the Jedi an unforgettable cinematic experience that continues to resonate with audiences decades later. ---Learn more about supporting this podcast by becoming a member. It's just $5/month or $55/year. Visit our website to learn more.