Tony Gilroy on Andor, the Force, and Authoritarianism
"The concept of the show was to talk about what happens when authoritarianism and fascism comes kicking down your door," the creator of the Disney+ series tells Reason.
Star Wars
Andor Creator Tony Gilroy on Bureaucracy and the Surveillance State
Tony Gilroy examines how Andor portrays authoritarian power as a bureaucratic system, the moral compromises of life under surveillance, and the role ordinary people play in enforcing oppressive systems.
A D.C. Man Was Arrested for Mocking National Guard Troops with Star Wars' 'Imperial March.' Now He's Suing.
Sam O'Hara went viral for playing "The Imperial March" behind groups of National Guard soldiers in D.C. He also says it led to him being illegally detained.
Andor Is a Star Wars Show About the Brutality of Bureaucracy
Tony Gilroy's series reminds us that an empire doesn't need dark magic to be evil.
The Feds Are Talking to Social Media Companies Again
Unless the Supreme Court rules against this practice, it is certain to continue.
Review: Ahsoka Rejects Star Wars' Good-vs.-Evil Binary
George Lucas divided his universe into light and dark. Dave Filoni is dissolving that worldview.
The Mandalorian, Troops, and the Fan-Filmification of Star Wars
Today's Star Wars fulfills the promise of the late '90s internet.
Review: Is Andor the Most Political Live-Action Star Wars Release?
Star Wars remains an epic tale of good vs. evil, but underneath the myth are ordinary human motivations.
Review: The Star Wars Prequel Trilogy Is Good, Actually
The millennial generation has had enough anti-prequel propaganda.
Obi-Wan Kenobi and the Era of Cultural Stagflation
On streaming and the big screen, we're paying more for less, even as new ideas seem few and far between.
Happy Star Wars Day!
In honor of this major holiday, I post a round-up of my writings, interviews, and talks about one of the world's most popular science fiction franchises.
The Book of Boba Fett
The Empire has dominated the Star Wars franchise's narrative, but the characters who inhabit that universe simply live their lives.
Hope Must Conquer Fear in Politics
Princess Leia shows us why hope is crucial for a liberty-oriented way of life.
Disney Cancels The Mandalorian Star Gina Carano Over Provocative Social Media Posts
If over-the-top statements likening one's political opponents to Nazis are grounds for firing, Hollywood is in trouble.
The Mandalorian
The show offered a revived vision of Star Wars as a playground for elaborate narrative and worldbuilding.
The Rise of Skywalker Shows It's Time for J.J. Abrams To Be Impeached From Star Wars
The final film in the Disney-era trilogy is a pointless, abysmal letdown that won't fully satisfy anyone.
TSA Admits Coke Bottles Shaped Like Fictional Weapons Aren't a Threat, Will Allow Them on Planes
It took the TSA multiple weeks to complete its review and conclude that Coke bottles are not a tool of terrorism.
TSA Bans Coke Bottles That Resemble Fictional Star Wars Explosives
"It could create concern that it’s the real thing," officials say.
The Republican Party's Retirement Problem
Trump makes life miserable for GOP lawmakers—and party leadership only makes it worse.
Off-Duty Cop Pulls Gun on Man Buying Mentos; Police Union Condemns Fourth Amendment
Not a good weekend for relationships between officers and citizens
The Politics of Star Wars
In honor of Star Wars Day, a roundup of links to my writings and talks on the politics of one of the world's most popular science fiction franchises.
A Special Reason Festivus Airing of the Grievances: Podcast
How has the fight for freedom changed from January 2017 to December, whether vis-a-vis Trump, Congress, or music? Well for one thing, Star Wars-spoiler norms have gone out the window in the Suderman household....
My Take on the Politics of 'The Last Jedi'
"The Last Jedi" focuses on the value of institutions, not just individual heroes. But it's still hard to tell what the rebels are fighting for.
Tax Reform, Paul Ryan, and a New Death of Hope: Podcast
Reason editors point to the good stuff in tax reform, and the bad everything else
But What Does Star Wars *MEAN*?
All culture is participatory culture, and none more so than Star Wars. A debate hotter than the twin suns of Tatooine.
Mark Hamill vs. Autographed Memorabilia: The Revenge of the Dark Side
A California-law championed by the Star Wars actor hurts booksellers and tramples on free speech.
Bookstores Suffer Unintended Consequences From Mark Hamill's Campaign Against Fake Autographs
Don't use government force, Luke
Carrie Fisher—Forever Associated with Star Wars—Dead at 60
For better or worse, part of one America's biggest movie franchise juggernauts
Movie Review: Rogue One: A Star Wars Story
Felicity Jones in a galaxy not all that far away…
Lucasfilm Suing Lightsaber Academy, The New York Jedi for Star Wars Trademark Infringements
May the govt force be with you.
Rogue One: A Star Wars Story Proves Force is Strong with Star Wars Economy
Star Wars is worth an estimated $42 billion.
Long, Long Ago, in a Galaxy Far, Far Away, a Star Wars Actor Wore an Atlas Shrugged T-Shirt
And people have opinions about that.
Did Star Wars Kill the New Hollywood, Pave the Way for Reagan, and Make Us a 'Nation of Eight-Year-Olds'?
Some writers see Star Wars as a cinematic Death Star.
How Star Wars Unmasks Baby Boomers As America's Sith Lords
George Lucas' greatest triumph is charting a generation's passage from antiwar activism to running Abu Ghraib and secret kill lists.
Will Star Wars: The Force Awakens Trigger Fans? At Least One.
MSNBC's Melissa Harris-Perry: "…I spent the whole day talking about the Darth Vader situation."
Looking For Star Wars: The Force Awakens Toys? Duh, You're a Crazy Fan Now.
Merchandise will make $3 billion in 2015 alone.
The Incoherent Politics of Star Wars: The Force Awakens
The movie is fun, but its post-Galactic Empire political structure doesn't make a whole lot of sense.
Watch These Videos While in Line for Star Wars (No Spoilers, We Swear).
Going to see The Force Awakens? Watch Reason TV's take on the cultural phenomena first.
