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Todd Wahlstrom

Todd Wahlstrom is a creative and analytical freelance writer and life-long Star Wars fan. He has covered such topics as Darth Vader, the Jedi, Boba Fett, and AT-AT Walkers. Todd has published a non-fiction book, holds a Ph.D. in history, and enjoys hiking, running, and reading about science.

We may not remember, but there was a time before CGI. The original Star Wars films had to rely on artist-created visual effects, instead of computer-generated imagery. The effects were so well done that we probably mistook them for props and sets. We may not realize it, but some of the props were actually paintings. …

Read More about I Had NO Idea That Some of the ‘Props’ Were Actually Paintings in the Original Trilogy (’77–’83)

From watching the prequel movies, we know the backstory of Anakin Skywalker and how that name was passed on to Luke. Yet, keeping that name doesn’t make sense, given that Luke was hiding from Darth Vader. Why is Luke’s last name Skywalker and not Lars after his uncle? We have real-world and in-universe explanations.  Luke’s …

Read More about Why Is Luke’s Last Name Skywalker and Not Lars If the Objective Was to Keep Them Hidden From Vader? Leia’s Last Name Is Organa, After All

In The Empire Strikes Back, Luke and Leia had a famous kiss scene. In The Return of the Jedi, Luke told Leia she was his sister. She responded, “I Know. Somehow, I’ve Always Known.” This is a perplexing situation. If she had known already, this could be the most disturbing line in Star Wars. Or, …

Read More about The Most Disturbing Line in Star Wars: ‘I Know. Somehow, I’ve Always Known.’ So She Knew?

The Battle of Geonosis marks the full onset of the Clone Wars. The two sides–the Republic and Separatists–fight the first main battle of a three-year conflict. The clone troopers are central to securing victory for the Republic.  Yet, why are the clones wearing battle-weathered armor during the battle if it was their first real one? …

Read More about Why Are Clones Wearing Battle-Weathered Armor During the Battle of Geonosis If This Was Their First Real Battle?

Fans probably remember the first appearance of IG-88 in The Empire Strikes Back. This assassin bounty hunter looked both innovative and menacing. Yet, we did not get to see this IG unit in action, only a short glimpse of his potential.  The IG droid from The Mandalorian was so badass for several reasons, including this …

Read More about Why The Mandalorian IG Droid Is So Badass (And Deadlier Than You Remember)

After The Acolyte was canceled, fans and writers discussed the reasons for it. Some pointed to creative decisions, while others contended it was about the Star Wars fan base. Here we explore whether The Acolyte failed for trying something “new” that defied fan expectations.  Did The Acolyte Fail for Trying Something “New”? The Acolyte — …

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Initially a stalwart Imperialist, Agent Kallus transformed himself into a devout Rebel. This was a surprising turn of events, going from one extreme to another. Why did Kallus defect from the Empire and the Rebellion accept him? Short and long-term experiences provide a good part of the answer.  Agent Kallus Defected Star Wars Rebels: Agent …

Read More about Agent Kallus – Why Did He Defect From the Empire and (Even) the Rebellion Accept Him?

Darth Maul was a deadly Sith who wielded a double-bladed lightsaber. We saw him defeat Qui Gon-Jinn with it. Yet, is this type of weapon really the best choice for a Sith or Jedi? How practical is a double-bladed lightsaber? Read on to find out. Merits of Double-Bladed Lightsabers As fans may know, double-bladed lightsabers …

Read More about How Really Practical Is A Double Bladed Lightsaber?