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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.

FN-2187 gave audiences something to consider. What if stormtroopers were not really on the evil side? By defecting from the First Order, Finn sparked a new direction and announced a compelling character.  Finn was one of the most captivating characters and had so much potential, but did not live up to these expectations. Read on …

Read More about Finn’s Debut Scene in TFA Was One of the Most Captivating Character Introductions in the Entire Saga, He Had So Much Potential

The Acolyte drew criticism for its creative choices and budget and was ultimately canceled. Yet, this Disney+ show also broke new ground and pushed Star Wars in a different direction. Despite debates over the show, we can recognize its merits.  Here are the 10 Best Things about The Acolyte.  1. Lightsaber Action One review of …

Read More about 10 Best Things About the Acolyte

What if Disney+ gave Star Wars a “What If” series? If so, we could get answers for questions both large and small, serious and joking. That could be entertaining. In this case, we could answer what if Luke had gone to Tosche Station and gotten his power converters. That is what Luke wanted to do …

Read More about What If Luke Went to Tosche Station and Got Those Power Converters?

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)

C-3PO is one of the most memorable characters in Star Wars. His interrupting comments and humor help break up the drama and relay the story. He has a distinguishing look too, including gold plating and an apparent crop top midsection. Does C-3PO wear a crop top? It seems that he does but for different reasons. …

Read More about I’ve Asked It Once, I’ll Ask It Again. Does C3PO Wear a Crop Top?

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?

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 This IG Droid From The Mandalorian Was So Badass

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 — …

Read More about Not a Big Fan, But I Hate the Idea That The Acolyte Failed for Trying Something ‘New’