130: The Empire Strikes Back (4k80) Pt. 1

A More Civilized Age: A Star Wars Podcast

Three years after Luke turned off his targeting computer, Star Wars returns. Indeed, one might even ask "Is The Empire Strikes Back the actual 'start' of what we know as Star Wars?" Maybe! It's here that Star Wars begins to take the shape of a franchise (without any of the bloat yet), Industrial Light & Magic performs even greater special effects miracles, and the story begins to effortlessly blend fairy tale and melodrama. Plus, we get to see the original little green freak in his natural habitat.

NEXT TIME: The Back Half of Empire Strikes Back

Support the show by going to Patreon.com/civilized!

Show Notes

Hosted by Rob Zacny (robzacny.bsky.social)

Featuring Alicia Acampora (ali-online.bsky.social), Austin Walker (austinwalker.bsky.social), and Natalie Watson (nataliewatson.bsky.social)

Produced by Michael Hermes

Music by Jack de Quidt (notquitereal.bsky.social

Cover art by Xeecee (xeecee.bsky.social)

2026-04-02 183 min

Audio File Episode Page Apple

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