Father. Son. Galaxy. A Star Wars Podcast Kerwin Yarde

Reflecting on "Star Wars: Episode I - The Phantom Menace" twenty-five years after its release, it's clear the film has made significant contributions to the Star Wars saga. From introducing controversial concepts to unforgettable characters and groundbreaking sequences, let's rank the top five contributions from the film, from number five to number one.

5. Midi-Chlorians

Midi-chlorians, introduced as microscopic life forms residing in all living cells, form a symbiotic relationship with their hosts, providing a biological explanation for the Force. Qui-Gon Jinn explains to a young Anakin Skywalker that without these midi-chlorians, life and the Force as known in the Star Wars universe could not exist. Anakin’s exceptionally high midi-chlorian count signified his extraordinary potential, though this concept faced backlash and was largely sidelined for years. It has recently been reintroduced in the animated series "The Bad Batch," suggesting a revival of interest in the term.

4. The Podrace

The Boonta Eve Classic podrace, inspired by the chariot race in "Ben-Hur," was a visual and auditory marvel that George Lucas waited years to bring to life. This sequence pushed the boundaries of special effects technology of its time, featuring advanced speeder bike designs and groundbreaking sound effects. Notably, the race is mostly devoid of music, emphasizing the raw, visceral experience of the event. This scene remains a standout for its thrilling pace and innovative execution.

3. Ewan McGregor as Obi-Wan Kenobi

Ewan McGregor’s portrayal of Obi-Wan Kenobi stands as one of the most beloved elements of the prequel trilogy. Despite mixed reactions to the trilogy, McGregor’s performance was widely praised, and his enthusiasm for the role never waned. After "Revenge of the Sith," it seemed his time as Obi-Wan had ended, but the rise of social media rekindled fan interest, ultimately leading to McGregor's return in the upcoming "Obi-Wan Kenobi" series. His casting remains a defining legacy of "The Phantom Menace."

2. Darth Maul

Darth Maul, with his striking appearance and formidable combat skills, quickly became a fan-favorite villain. Though seemingly killed off in "The Phantom Menace," his character was resurrected in "The Clone Wars" and "Rebels," allowing for deeper exploration and development. Maul's survival and continued storyline, including significant arcs in "The Clone Wars" and the "Son of Dathomir" comic series, underscore his lasting impact on the Star Wars narrative.

1. Duel of the Fates

The climactic lightsaber battle between Obi-Wan Kenobi, Qui-Gon Jinn, and Darth Maul, known as the Duel of the Fates, is one of the most iconic scenes in Star Wars history. Accompanied by John Williams' epic score, performed by the London Symphony Orchestra and London Voices, this sequence combines intense choreography with powerful music, enhancing its emotional and dramatic impact. The track "Duel of the Fates" became an instant classic, even debuting on MTV’s Total Request Live, and continues to be a touchstone of the franchise’s musical legacy.

"The Phantom Menace" might have divided opinions upon its release, but its contributions have undeniably shaped the Star Wars universe in enduring ways. From introducing new lore and characters to pushing the boundaries of film technology and music, its legacy remains influential and celebrated by fans old and new.

Our special guest is Krystina Arielle Tigner, an accomplished actress, cosplayer, and pop culture host. You might recognize her from popular tabletop roleplaying games like Critical Role and Dimension 20. She also stars in the YouTube series "Headless: A Sleepy Hollow Story," co-hosts the Star Wars Celebration Live stage in Anaheim and London, and is the host of "Star Wars: The High Republic Show" on starwars.com.

We begin our conversation by sharing our experience meeting Krystina in person at Star Wars Celebration 2022. From there, we discuss her hosting debut that year and the extensive planning involved in preparing for such a major event.

Krystina takes us through her journey into the entertainment industry after moving to L.A. in 2014, sharing her inspirations for becoming a cosplayer. We admire the creativity and bravery required for cosplay and ask Krystina how she manages the attention it brings.

We also talk about the pivotal email Krystina received from Lucasfilm introducing her to “Project Luminous,” and discuss the groundbreaking impact of this project on the Star Wars universe.

As we look forward to the upcoming series “The Acolyte,” premiering June 4th on Disney+, we ask Krystina about her thoughts on the series. We inquire about Leslye Headland’s influence on Star Wars, given her work on “Russian Doll.”

Finally, we wrap up by asking Krystina about her future plans.

In our latest livestream, we discuss the three-part season finale of X-Men'97. Episode 8, titled "Tolerance is Extinction, Part 1," the story takes a captivating twist by delving into Bastion's origin, revealing a connection to Sentinel technology and a newfound purpose. As Bastion's plans unfold, the X-Men find themselves facing a formidable threat from seemingly ordinary humans. Meanwhile, the release of Magneto by Val Cooper triggers a chain of events with global repercussions.

Episode 9, "Tolerance is Extinction, Part 2," sees alliances shifting and tensions escalating among the X-Men as they confront internal conflicts and external threats. With the emergence of more Prime Sentinels, the team faces a race against time to prevent further devastation. Amidst the chaos, old wounds resurface, leading to unexpected consequences for some of the mutants.

In the final installment, Episode 10, "Tolerance is Extinction, Part 3," the stakes reach a critical point as Xavier and Magneto embark on a mission that could change the course of their world. With Jean tapping into her Phoenix abilities and various Marvel heroes making cameo appearances, the climax promises a thrilling conclusion to the saga, leaving audiences on the edge of their seats.

We welcome Lori and Walker Sartre, the dynamic duo behind the new podcast "My Experience, Your Experience." This innovative podcast brings together a mother-son team to explore pop culture through a multi-generational lens, covering everything from movies and television to comic books and video games. Their shared love for Star Wars truly shines through, with Gen-Xer Lori having grown up with the original trilogy and Walker being born during the prequel era. Find them on Instagram and YouTube, and wherever you get your podcasts.

We had the honor of interviewing the incomparable Billy Dee Williams for Podathon 2024. Renowned for his contributions to both stage and screen, Williams has woven a tapestry of iconic roles and artistic endeavors that have left an indelible mark on the entertainment world. From classics like "Brian's Song" to the epic "Star Wars" saga, his journey has been nothing short of legendary.

Born and raised in Harlem, Williams' ascent to stardom began with a Broadway debut at a tender age. Reflecting on those formative years, he shared the profound experience of stepping onto the Broadway stage as a child, a moment that would shape the trajectory of his artistic path.

Artistry permeates every aspect of Williams' life, whether through his captivating performances on screen, his soul-stirring strokes on canvas, or the poignant prose of his latest venture, the memoir "What Have We Here? Portraits of a Life."

The pivotal role of Gale Sayers in "Brian's Song" thrust Williams into the spotlight, earning him widespread acclaim and paving the way for his portrayal of the suave Lando Calrissian in the "Star Wars" saga. To embody Lando, Williams delved deep into the character's psyche, undertaking meticulous preparation to infuse the role with depth and authenticity.

As the entertainment industry evolved, Williams keenly observed its shifts, advocating for inclusivity and authenticity in storytelling while acknowledging the progress made.

Certain characters and projects hold a special resonance for Williams, each offering a profound exploration of the human experience. From Lando's charisma to the emotional depth of Gale Sayers, these roles have allowed him to delve into the breadth of human emotion.

Versatility defines Williams' career, as he seamlessly transitions between the silver screen, television, and voice acting, embracing each medium with equal fervor and relishing the diverse challenges they present.

Motivated by a desire to share his journey and impart wisdom, Williams penned his memoir, hoping to inspire and enlighten readers with the tales of his remarkable life.

Looking to the future, Williams contemplates the legacy he wishes to leave behind, driven by a passion to cultivate a narrative of excellence and inspiration.

In this roundtable discussion, together with fellow Star Wars content creators, we interview Meredith Salenger, discussing the intricacies of character portrayal and narrative evolution. She portrays the character Barriss Offee, a Jedi Padawan, first introduced to us in the animated series "Star Wars: The Clone Wars," and now in her most recent appearance in "Tales of the Empire." Through her voice acting, Meredith brings depth and emotion to Barriss Offee, contributing to the exploration of Jedi characters and their struggles within the Star Wars universe.