Episode 72 - CARAVAN OF COURAGE: AN EWOK ADVENTURE

Caravan of Courage is a famous (and infamous) part of Star Wars lore, the first of two mid-1980s TV movies featuring the oh-so-divisive Ewoks. So how is it that we've never seen it before?

Consider this an unofficial "What Weren't We Watching?" as we ruminate on an earlier generation's attempt to spin off the Star Wars saga and keep food on the tables of Lucasfilm employees. Does this kiddie-friendly cash-in conceal hidden depths? Grab your magic talismans and join us on this courageous podquest. Yub nub!

Caravan of Courage: An Ewok Adventure
Originally aired November 25, 1984 on ABC
Directed by John Korty
Produced by Thomas G. Smith
Written by Bob Carrau
Story by George Lucas
Starring Eric Walker, Aubree Miller, Fionnula Flanagan, Guy Boyd, Warwick Davis, and Burl Ives

Check out the rest of our series on the Star Wars saga:
Episode I: The Phantom Menace
Episode II: Attack of the Clones
Episode III: Revenge of the Sith
Episode IV: A New Hope
Episode V: The Empire Strikes Back
Episode VI: Return of the Jedi
Episode VII: The Force Awakens
Episode VIII: The Last Jedi

Solo: A Star Wars Story
Rogue One: A Star Wars Story

Star Wars: Clone Wars
Star Wars Holiday Special
Star Wars: Shadows of the Empire
Caravan of Courage: An Ewok Adventure

Episode 69 - HARRY POTTER AND THE SORCERER'S STONE

School is most assuredly in session during Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone, a film tasked with translating a massive publishing phenomenon to the screen while conveying the franchise's emphasis on fantastical world-building and staunchly humanist themes. It's a whirlwind of new information that only scratches the surface of what's to come.

Professed Potter-head Kristal Bailey joins us to describe the thrill of seeing Hogwarts for the first time, and helps us determine if repeat viewings of this exposition-heavy introduction feel more like remedial education.

Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone (2001)
Directed by Chris Columbus
Produced by David Heyman
Written by Steve Kloves
Based on the novel by J.K. Rowling
Starring Daniel Radcliffe, Rupert Grint, Emma Watson, Robbie Coltrane, Maggie Smith, Alan Rickman, Ian Hart, and Richard Harris