The Empire Strikes Back (1980)

A Frozen Adventure in a Galaxy Far, Far Away


In this episode of The Most Excellent 80s Movies Podcast, hosts Krissy Lenz and Nathan Blackwell are joined by special guest Francis Zagarigo to discuss the iconic sequel Star Wars Episode V: The Empire Strikes Back. As a certified young person who had never seen the original trilogy before, Francis brings a fresh perspective to this beloved sci-fi classic.


The hosts dive deep into what makes Empire such a standout film in the Star Wars saga. Nathan shares how this sequel takes a darker, more character-driven approach compared to the spectacle-focused original. Unlike the triumphant ending of A New Hope, Empire delivers a murkier "to be continued" conclusion that initially disappointed audiences but has since become celebrated as the franchise's pinnacle achievement.


Krissy and Francis analyze the crackling romance between Han and Leia, from their contentious banter to the iconic "I love you"/"I know" exchange. Meanwhile, Francis expresses particular delight with the ice planet Hoth and less enthusiasm for the unnecessary tauntaun deaths. The trio also discusses Yoda's introduction, marveling at how a puppet became one of cinema's most believable and profound characters.


Other topics covered:

• The Millennium Falcon's persistent mechanical problems and lovable character
• Darth Vader's dramatic dinner table reveal in Cloud City
• The controversial "I am your father" twist and its impact
• Lando Calrissian's introduction and betrayal
• The special edition changes and how they compare to the original
• Luke's questionable decision to abandon his Jedi training
• The surprisingly minimal consequences of losing a hand in the Star Wars universe

In their final ratings, both hosts give Empire a perfect 10, acknowledging its profound influence on their love of cinema, while Francis awards it a respectable 7. The episode concludes with recommendations for viewers who enjoyed Empire: Nathan suggests the Disney+ series Skeleton Crew, Krissy recommends the What We Do in the Shadows episode featuring Mark Hamill, and Francis proposes Mr. & Mrs. Smith for those who enjoy the enemies-to-lovers dynamic.


Whether you're a lifelong Star Wars fan or experiencing the trilogy for the first time, this episode offers both nostalgic appreciation and fresh insights into what makes The Empire Strikes Back an enduring sci-fi masterpiece.




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