My wayward droid

So, one too many TSA or airline agents stopping me at check-ins with the "that's not official carry-on size" crap in the last year or so of travels, and given my new-found 'go see places' firmly in play, I figured I need to get a new carry-on suitcase. Since I usually don't check a bag unless I'm going somewhere for, I dunno, a month or something.

My search criteria for a new consisted of one thing: be one inch within the limit in all directions. No excuses and no more getting stopped. Just not worth for me to stretch the limits of the law as it were.

Least not for this one anyway. I still speed. Take that, The Man!

Anyway, my search uncovered these gems, and had to share:

And no doubts there are more in this collection. Disney will stop at little or nothing to make a buck.

I won't say I was tempted for any stretch of time, but I did find the wookiee one particular intriguing. I actually think if they would make some that were a lot less obvious and a little more subtle I might be interested.

Sort of like- a TIE fighter isn't wallpapered with an image of a TIE fighter- it just IS a TIE fighter.

So, if the Empire made luggage, it wouldn't have Vader's image plastered all over it. it would be jet black and have a small Imperial insignia on it.

So call me when you make those, 'cause I'll buy it.

In the meantime, I think I'll just keep my Star Wars travel items limited to a teeshirt.

And probably whatever Star Wars book I'm reading at the time...

The Force will guide us

So good. So good, these Thrawn Trilogy books.

I know I've recommended them highly to some other fans of the galaxy far far way, though I'm not sure everyone feels the same as I about them.

Thing is, the characters are so true to their origins and movies. The places and planets all seem to fit in with the Star Wars look and feel. Though it is a book, so perhaps that's just how I visualize it.

Probably. Maybe. But Star Wars is Star Wars, characters, places, ships, all of that. It's its own thing, for sure.

I remember when I saw Rogue One for the first time- and that one outpost planet / asteroid belt (can't remember the name) that looked like a planet had exploded and what was left was two halves that were still connected... and so what a perfect place to build a city!

Cool factor aside, I found myself upon seeing this for the first time, feeling like I don't really know if this planet fits into Star Wars or not.

And OK, maybe it's 'cause I'm old'ish- leaving the 40's in a few months - but there's since sensitivity I have to what I call the "Mac Factor". It started about when the movie Twister came out, which was great and entertaining and the wow factor for that one was pretty brilliant. But what soon followed were many 'disaster movies' that anyone with a Mac could churn out. And churn out they did. Suddenly we're using our computing skills for special effects and not using it for actually writing a script worth it's ones and zeros.

And a better movie, that does not make.

I'm a sucker enough for some of the popcorn-ness of these movies and their titles have been earned. Good fun, good laughs, lots of wow type special effects, etc. The good popcorn movies have both though, the script along with the wows. Go figure. So movies like Independence Day (the first one, missed the second), Armageddon (makes me cry, the scenes with the boy and the 'salesman'- I'm such a wimp), Godzilla, etc... And trust me, I love getting the home theater fired up and making a huge bowl of popcorn and both turning off the lights and turning up the sound, curl up on the couch with someone fun and watch that stuff. Great way to kill some hours, for sure.

So anyway, this planet in Rogue One made me immediately go to that 'Mac factor' place... like it didn't need to look like that. So, was that design adding to the story of those characters there, or was it a vague distraction to what was taking place? A fine line, perhaps juggling those two objectives.

In the end, I'm accepting of these things, and the more times I see the film, the more I accept. But I trust those initial reactionsI have as maybe a more pure "Star Wars" rule of thumb than as they grow on me.

But like I said, I do love a good Mac movie.

There is another. This Star Wars fan I know. We go way back, she and me. And she gets the nostalgia parts of all this, and it's always a good time discussing these Star Wars moments that happen again. Rogue One, A Force Awakens, and the rest. It's a geek fest. All that's missing is the couch.

So, here we are. The Thrawn books are over 20 years old now, like the original trilogy is. Characters and ships and planets- they all need to be Star Wars true. Thrawn has made an appearance in Star Wars Rebels, so he's now canon. Maybe we'll see Mara Jade, Talon Karrde, Jorus C'Baoath, and a few others?

A new generation, Guardians of the Republic, these newer, younger people with Macs are doing it all now. Let's hope they stay on target.

Stay on target.

Be the Han

One of my biggest 'complaints' if I were to say so, was the rebel Cassian Andor shooting in cold blood at the beginning of Rogue One. To me, it's just not the Rebellion way of things. They are fighting against oppression of the Empire. They do that, we don't. We're not like them.

Now, I'm simplifying it a bit here, and it's not the first time I'll assume an X so I can argue a Y, but regardless, it was a scene that I see it could have been something more. Something added to it, to make more of a character statement about Andor.

(though maybe him killing in cold blood actually was the point they were trying to make about his character. Could be. Could be...)

Just felt to me like they could have done something else. Ask themselves. what would Luke have done in that situation. Or maybe more than that-

- what would Han do?

See, Han Solo would have found a way. He would have found a way out, devised a plan, winged it, figured it out on the fly. Whatever. Han would have found a way for himself and the informant to get away. Somehow.

(Yes, I know about the whole Han shot first thing and that was in cold blood (sort of) and all that, so maybe that flies in the face of this theory somewhat).

Truthfully, some of this Han Solo character flavor is carried over so well in the Thrawn Trilogy books I so fondly reference here. Solo's character is the same as he is in Return of the Jedi. Confident and sure, but with a swagger still and a sense of humor and dread all at the same time. He doesn't ever give up, never surrenders, yet does it all with that figure it out make it up as I go mentality. That smirk and smart ass comment as he's surrounded by stormtroopers.

Even in A Force Awakens he says something like "I dunno, I never ask that question until I've done it" thing.

So, Cassian could have been more like Han in this scene. He could have found a way out. Would have been more likable, and maybe would have added some depth to his character, and his struggles with "those things we've done we're not proud of fighting the Empire" part of his past. He's a good guy that's done bad things.

Not that Cassian Andor wasn't one of my favorite characters anyway. I loved him. So to say it's a 'complaint'... thats a little bit stretching things.

And maybe ultimately there's only one Han Solo.

What's going on... buddy.

Blogs. YouTube. Definitely YouTube. Probably a lot more than blogs. It's likely easier, or more fun, to make videos about fan theories and insights of stuff.

So that's the thing lately I've seen a lot of. Fan videos about theories of where Rey came from or how Emperor Palpatine didn't know that Vader was secretly gay or whatever. And there's some interesting and thought provoking ones in the mix, to be sure.  Some of them I even agree with, to a point.

And it's all good fun, of course. Some of them can be seen as taking it a little too far or perhaps it is more eloquently stated to say they're taking it too seriously. Still, those are just as entertaining to watch (sometimes) and maybe that's part of their point, too.

The __ side of me, of course, can sometimes see those types as mere attempts to get more viewership, since that is actually a way some people make a living. Getting 'followers' and 'subscribers' and making online entertainment that people flock to see the latest from. Where people gather, advertisers will not be far behind.

But, this isn't about that part of it, so we'll leave that for now.

Some of the them though, I have a hard time taking seriously without actually looking at the facts of timing and technology. Episode 4, 5 and 6 were made when we have little in the way of computer graphics capabilities. Namely none. Then the Special Editions came around because someone figured out how to make and add and change scenes and add digital crap.

[ side note on this one. Even though I'm largely a putter-downer of the 'Special Editions' and I HATE the whole changing of characters things, I will admit to attending the National Air and Space Museum IMAX theater in Chicago twice just to catch a glimpse of the new Dewbacks that were being added to Star Wars. Sick. ]

Anyway, I digress. So, some of the films were made in a time when technology was very limited. Some might argue their popularity is due is large part to how it made everyone feel when we saw it's never-been-done-before sights and sounds. Maybe. Regardless, their moment in time was many years ago. Then, a decade later, they made more movies. And then, a decade later, made some more still.

So what do I find so funny? All these arguments about things like "why didn't Vader recognize R2 in the Cloud City?" "Why didn't he say hi to Threepio there?" "Why didn't he help fix Threepio there?" He wasn't doing any constructive at the time anyway.

I'm being a little facetious obviously, but these kind of statements, to me, are harder to accept as real. Yes, there are many inter-twinings in these films and lots of under the surface kind of things going on. It's one of the things that make Star Wars so appealing. And obviously the interweb has given mere mortals like you and me and them to give chase to these ideas in our heads and make them a real point of view and something to talk about or make a video about. I'm doing that very thing right now.

It's funny talking to a 12 yr old about all this. When he says to me that "Snoke is Mace Windu" because he watched some fan video on YouTube and believed it. Still, all good fun and all, but really?? Some theories are a bit out there...

The facts remain though, that even George Lucas was pondering whether or not to go through with making Vader Luke's father. He will say those Episodes were all written already, and maybe they were outlined in his head in some way, but when the originator himself speaks of 'not going through with it' that should be a good indicator that some of this we're making up as we go. I think if it were indeed so worked out as a three-part series and Luke as this and Vader was that, I sort of doubt he would have had Princess Leia kissing on her brother so often.

Maybe.

So anyway, I'm not trying to poo poo on anyones's 15 minutes or argue that we shouldn't argue about who so and so's father is or why didn't this do that. I love that people do that sort of thing. I have my own opinions and theories, too, some of which will likely show up here in my own galaxy far, far away.

I just prefer the ones that are a little more based in what could possibly and realistically be true or correct. 'Cause I hate making R2 fly; that's just dumb.

Did you hear that?

Tomorrow night I'm attending the Music at Star Wars with the Phoenix Symphony. Very excited. Truly. I've gotta make a special trip to the dry cleaners today and get that not oft' worn black sports coat all sorted, too. Must dress the part. Must.

And by part, I mean dress for a symphony, not break out the stormtrooper helmet on display and wear that. Tempted... No, not really.

I've actually seen photos and video of the string sections using a lightsaber bow which would be cool for one song but I fear distracting for the rest of them.

It's always interesting to see the attendees to such things as this. Usually you'll only find appreciators of symphony and orchestral music very prim and proper and, well, old. So, since I'm old, I may as well be prim, too. At least for a night. In hindsight, I should have asked a friend to accompany me, since she plays cello in the Chandler Symphony and occasionally fills in with the Phoenix Symphony. Get the insider scoop, which might have been fun. I think I was at the time I bought my ticket in a me, myself and I frame of mind, and Star Wars is a thing, and great music is a thing... so I'm all good with going Han Solo for this one.

Unsure what pieces and films they will select from but I really do have my favorites. I remember listening to the vinyl of Star Wars (still have it) when I was in 6th grade. Since I wasn't allowed to see movies when I was growing up (crazy Nazarene thing, right up there with losing salvation... but that's another blog for sure) I enveloped myself fin as much Star Wars things I could outside of the film itself. Read the book many times, read Splinter of the Mind's Eye, comics, Starlog magazine, posters, toys, and of course the music itself. Riveting.

Some of my favorites:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UtkuZbcZORE

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9qEtn4dw7y8

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kfjvIDi-wl0


Joel McNeeley's score for the Shadows of the Empire book. Yes, there's music scored for a book. True. It's a pretty good book, too. And the music is in some parts epic. Very John Williams in the 80's style. Doubtful they will find themselves playing from it, but who knows. Some bites:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x_deMfDs9jY&index=10&list=PL000B1B12BE123A36

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8vuXdSLirnM&list=PL000B1B12BE123A36&index=2
(catch this one at the 5 minute mark for sure...)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ekEUCI_9L2A&index=3&list=PL000B1B12BE123A36


I would expect some sort of acknowledgment to the passing of Carrie Fisher, so hoping the Princess theme makes in the mix. It's a great one.

I'm really not entirely sure what the evening will be. While I've heard of other John Williams Symphony evenings, this one is billed as Star Wars, so while I enjoy much of JW's scoring I do hope this one is strictly Star Wars. I've been in that frame of mind for a few weeks now.

I saw a John Williams Symphony in Chicago years ago, and the conductor was escorted to the podium by storm troopers. Epic. So I may have a sighting or two of some coplayers around, which will be fun to see. Still, who knows.

I usually spend much of a symphony evening listening and just closing my eyes, and my uber-cheap balcony tickets on the aisle likely won't reveal the best view anyway. Besides, your eyes can deceive you.

Don't trust them.

Before the dark times

Continuing my reading of Timothy Zahn's excellent trilogy today while eating lunch at the office, I was reflecting on when they were actually written. A long time ago, indeed. 1991. I was just starting my career, had moved to Michigan for a short year and half, was learning or trying to learn how to accept my new wive's subtleties...

Yeah, I'll just leave that one there.

But I remember specifically seeing the book cover in a Target store. And I went WOW!. See, I just discovered a few months prior that I would enjoy reading books if I liked what the books are about. Weird that such right in front of your face common sense has a way of slowly seeping into my psyche until I actually get it. There's probably a drug for that, too...

So I dug into these books and loved them. For me, they contained everything Star Wars is supposed to be and nothing it's not. Han Solo attitude and feistiness, Leia strong despite being pregnant, Luke powerful and still imperfect, R2, Chewie, Lando, plus some great new characters that really feel right. And evil commander, great plots, and lots of different planets. They really move.

I still to this day (obviously) read them like I watch the movies; they are real Star Wars moments for me.

But maybe it's that 1991 part that gets it right. This is only 8 years after Return of the Jedi was released. There's no Special Editions, there's no Prequels, there's no Episode I... no Ani.  It's still pure, un-cluttered Star Wars. Just as it should be.

Rogue One, for me, was very close to that initial magic, and was a great modern execution of that era and that simple idea. Characters. That's all.

I've mentioned before about what seems like it fits in Star Wars and something that don't. I'm trying to remember some I've noticed lately, but at the moment they elude me. There is one that I've mentioned to a friend during our occasional Star Wars banters; the 'shield gate' thing in Rogue One.

I know studios think they need to spell everything out for audiences, and often they actually do need to. But it's their own fault, since most of what Hollywood creates these days is so simple minded drivel of superhero nonsense, each trying to outdo the other in the lunacy that are special effects these days. So the shield gate, although a plot line, didn't have to be. We didn't have to see the shield to know it's there. To me, it was more Star Trek and Star Wars, which is always about showing that tech. Star Wars has a more subtle way or eluding to it without actually showing it.

In many ways, it was a genius move by George and Irvin and others to actually build some of this world around the fact that since we don't have the technology to create that for you, we're gonna shoot around it or show you a small piece of it, or even better elude to it being there and not show you at all.

The imagination is a powerful thing, after all. And watching A New Hope way back when, when it was just called Star Wars... we all had our imaginations at full speed ahead, point five past light speed. Even without seeing a shield over Hoth we knew it was there. Vader knew it was there; why can't we?

My new hope for the next movies? (yes, see what I did there?)... I hope there's no more super weapons, I hope there's no tech that can suddenly Star Trek our bodies around without needing a ship that's a hunk of bolts. And above all else, it's about the characters, not the tech.

More like 1991.

Evil is as evil does

One of the things I really like about the Zahn books- especially the ones that have become to be known as the Thrawn Trilogy,  is that there's no giant orb death machine. There's no big end all game changer super weapon that will single-handedly threaten all of species everywhere if you don't do what we say. Nothing.

There's strategy, there's conniving, there's evil, there's plans, there's motives, there's battles... but none of it is around the evil guys building a uber weapon and the good guys finding out about it and trying to figure out how to stop it.

I actually think that's a major bummer about The Force Awakens. Never mind that it's a slightly retread albiet much more energetically shot version of A New Hope (maybe 70% worth... more on that percentage in a future post). It could have been more about Kylo Ren, more about Rey, more about the First Order becoming evil and having star destroyers and the will to use them... instead of this already gigantically impractical another planet killer type weapon. Oh, and this one is actually a real planet, too.

The cool parts of Star Wars is that things are worn, things break, it's not a perfect future. It's not even the future, but that's another angle. The point is that it is a worn world. It's dirty, it's harsh, etc. So, in a sort of way, it's realistic. Yes, yes, I know... But still, in this fashion, it's realistic.

So, building a super weapon would be expensive. Really, really expensive. So there's that. And then there comes Starkiller base, which is honed out of an actual planet. So it's big. really really really big. And it's also very shiny and pretty and works great, etc.

But it's also impractical. Dare I say it but I will anyway- it's not 'realistic' in a Star Wars way. Like in a 'that wouldn't happen' kind of way. Yes, I know none of this is actually real, but you have to design for the parameters you've established for yourself and this world. As soon as we've got the ability to 'beam' ourselves to a planet without having to climb on board a ship to take us there, we've gotten out of Star Wars and into something else. So, for me, Starkiller base was really pushing the limits of what is a Star Wars thing.

I may be getting off topic a little here, but I guess my point is a super weapon is sort of unnecessary. That, an evil empire with Star Destroyers- that opening flyby in the beginning of all these movies- that was HUGE! So, the scary bits about the Empire are there already. The cool bits, too. Star Destroyers. TIE fighters, AT-AT walkers, stormtroopers... it's all so cool already. They have lots of scary stuff. Plus, they are scary all by themselves. It's enough.

Then a new movie comes out, like Rogue One fore instance, and we MUST SELL more toys! I know George made a killing off the merchandise rights for the original trilogy and kudos to him for that, but I'm not sure that profit model is still viable. (duh, of course it is, and now it's Disney...). So, even though we have movies that harken back to the early Star Wars days (and they did do a great job with that aspect) we still have to have new Empire and Rebellion ships and walkers and other things that we've never seen before... just because we need to sell toys.

So, personally, I hope the next few Star Wars movies, especially the 'episodes' won't have any more uber weapons. Let the Jedi's, the characters, the good vs. evil be the story. The ships and weapons can be just that- the things that carry the story and the people along.

One of the best things about Empire Strike Back?

There is no Death Star.