135: Darth Vader (2015): Vol. 2 — Shadows and Secrets
Summary
Hosts Rob Zachney, Alia Kampora, Austin Walker, and Natalie Watson discuss *The Mandalorian & Grogu* movie and fan-cast Tom Holland as Luke Skywalker. They then analyze the *Darth Vader* comic arc "Vader Down," detailing Vader’s dual investigation with Dr. Aphra and his new aide, Fanoth. The episode covers their search for Luke on Tatooine, a heist involving the Hutt Syndicate, and the hosts' humorous debates over character pronunciations and comic lore.
Topics discussed
Intro and The Mandalorian & Grogu movie discussion
Speculating on Luke Skywalker's actor and age
Introducing Dr. Aphra and the new Imperial aide Taj
Vader's investigation into the Tatooine crime scene
Tangential discussion on Crimson Desert and game reviews
Vader's visit to the Lars homestead and Obi-Wan
The Hutts, the heist, and Aphra's betrayal
Bounty hunter dynamics and the money split
Critiquing the Cringe Twins and Imperial subordinates
Tulan, the Imperial justice mission, and Vader's dust
Humor about Vader's hygiene and the back-to-tank
Vader's detective work and the Krayt Dragon clue
The Ortolan suspect and the scream mask identity
Revealing the Ortolan as a mortician and his death
Thanos's ambition and the 'Say Hello to My Little Friend' gun
Aphra's backstory and ideology of chaos vs order
Aphra's secret son and the limits of her knowledge
Artistic analysis of the comic panels and composition
The final confrontation and Thanos's escape
Vader's force projection and the Cringe Twins' failure
Outro, Taj's incompetence, and final thoughts on the arc
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