It’s official. The best thing the current Star Wars had going, The Mandalorian, has officially, jumped the Mythosaur.
The latest episode feature the most random and unnecessary celebrity appearances turned the series that had the spaghetti western feel of the original movies into what seemed like a bad Super Bowl parody ad.
I’ve been a Star Wars nut since age seven when I first saw A New Hope in theaters just days after it first opened. I’ve done my best to stick with it though the prequels and giving the Disney a try, but they have just wandered so far away from the plot, blatantly disregarding the original stories (including the extended universe novels and comics), it just plain depressing.
This isn’t to say to OG Star Wars didn’t have it’s share of cringy projects or moments. Here’s a few to stir up old memories.
Caravan of Courage: An Ewok Adventure
In 1984, a made-for-television movie featuring Ewoks and absolutely no one else of consequence was released for family audiences. I tried to get through this one but really couldn’t. I don’t even know if these plucky kids found their parents with the help of the lovable Ewoks. I’m bettin’ they do, so I don’t need to watch it. Yes, there was a sequel.
Star Wars Droids
There were 13 episodes of this pre-A New Hope collection of misadventures featuring C-3PO an R2-D2. It was part of the Ewoks and Droids Adventure Hour, and made the world’s most famous droid duo seem like a metal Shaggy and Scooby. Bonus that Anthony Daniels did voice C-3PO, but is was oh so 80s! Stewart Copeland of The Police even did the theme song.
Princess Leia on SNL
Carrie Fisher hosting Saturday Night Live was a big deal, and her Princess Leia meets Beach Blanket Bingo-style camp was what people remembered most. As goofy as it was, SNL regulars like Garrett Morris, Bill Murray and Gilda Radner are still funnier than the entire cast of that show now.
Mark Hamill Muppet Show Appearance
Okay, I apologize for calling this cringe. It’s “Pigs in Space” with Luke Skywalker, which means by default, it is awesome. Just deal with it, and enjoy.
Star Wars Holiday Special
Even the network knew they had a crapfest on their hands when this thing aired only one time on CBS in 1979. I watched it that one time and wanted a stuffed Bantha, but remember the flaws well. Bea Arthur and Harvey Korman? Leia singing at the end? That acid trip of a music video with Jefferson Starship? Yet, we also got to see Boba Fett (animated) for the first time, and the Wookiees’ Life Day celebrations have become a well known part of Star Wars lore.
You know, even with weirdness the from the 70s and 80s, there is still a sense of sincerity and love of storytelling that just seems to be kept on the back burner of today’s Star Wars offerings.
I’ll take Life Day over most of today’s shows anytime.