There's a Disney Store near my office, and I'm going to check in there to see if they have this set in stock before making an online purchase.  The shipping expense is kind of high, and Disney wants you to spend $100 in order to get free shipping.

This was a surprising set of reveals for TVC outside of Ben Kenobi.  The likeness to Alec Guiness is pretty good from looking at the images.  Although I don't know if I could ever really picture him in that one fighting stance that was in both ROTS and REBELS, LOL!  But with him finally revealed we now have only two remaining TVC Pipeline reveals - Han Solo and Chewbacca.  Having seen those TBS reveals of Han and Chewie?  I can't help but think that those digital design assets played into the development of the TVC versions, but minus the butterfly shoulder joints.

I was so NOT expecting the Stormtrooper 3-pack! And truthfully?  Those kinds of surprises are good for maintaining some enthusiasm for the line.  As for the figures?  I think this format was a good way to offer that Snowtrooper Commander, as well as the updates for the Scout Trooper, like the improved hip joints.  Do we really want these figures taking up slots in the mainline?  It's a tradeoff, but I think this 3-pack is the better option.  And I could definitely see the potential for a Scout Trooper 4-pack down the line.

As for the Sandtrooper?  I like what Hasbro did here - even if they put the backpack on upside down in the promo photos!  Using that VC231 Stormtrooper as a starting point was good.  I see the knee looks correct, and so does the belly plate.  The 3 weapons are a nice touch, too.  The one disappointing feature was the lack of the ammo pouches on the belt.  It seemed like the Sandtrooper who questions Luke and Ben was the basis for this figure.  And he has the ammo pouches - the TBS figure has the ammo pouches - the TVC figure does not.  Boooooo!

As for the Cantina playset and figures?  I think it's a great throwback to that Sears exclusive from 1978!  It's one item that I really wish I had gotten as a kid, but missed out on.  Especially with the blue Snaggletooth.  While these figures might all be repaints?  They're the right kind of repaints, and they hit the nostalgia notes just right.  And for this price?  I'm pretty happy.

Hmmm, what to expect?  The remaining pipeline reveals of Han Solo, Obi-Wan Kenobi and Chewbacca are still hanging out there.  And beyond that?  We're in the middle of ANDOR season 2, and the only thing that's been revealed is a K-2SO re-release.  I'm really hoping for something there.

I loved the juxtaposition between Andor rescuing Bix and the sacrifices made along side Mon realizing she can't control it all and letting loose. 

I think Mon losing Vel and Andor losing Bix in the next two weeks will lead to the final propulsion for the for drawing together of most of the rebel factions leading up to R1.

This show is extremely top-notch. 

Mon's demeanor during the wedding would lead you to believe that Perrin's speech landed with her.  I just have to feel for her though - she knows what she's getting her daughter into and offers her an out.  But Leida can't see that for what it is, and shuns her mother once again.  During the party it seems like Mon takes on an attitude of F*** this.

The next big beat seems like it's probably going to be the Ghorman massacre.  It's a major event in canon and the storyline involving Krennic and the ISB seems to be headed that way.  IIRC, it might be the event that leads to Mon Mothma's eventual departure from the Senate.

Hasbro Extends Long-Running Strategic Relationship with Disney Consumer Products for Premier Star Wars and Marvel Franchises

"Under the extended agreement, Hasbro will continue to develop a wide range of products for families and fans of all ages, based on the iconic brands. This includes bringing characters from the Star Wars galaxy to life in action figure form through the highly popular lines, The Black Series and The Vintage Collection, as well as engaging new generations of fans with Lightsabers™ toys and other kids’ and preschool toys themed around characters from Darth Vader to The Mandalorian."

I guess all the rumors about Hasbro losing money and wanting out were just click-bait fodder for the youtube trolls...

It's not rumors - the Hasbro CEO and CFO were saying as much on corporate earnings calls.  There's a legal obligation for corporate officers to be transparent in those investor communications, otherwise they might be guity of breaking securities laws.  I think it's likely that the sales performance of licensed merchandise might been a major factor in setting more favorable terms for Hasbro this time around.

I'm tracking my Amazon order of Baylan and Shin like a bounty hunter this morning, LOL!  The Amazon delivery service center is less than a mile from my house, and the order seems to have arrived there at 5:01 AM.  Now it's just a matter of waiting for it to get on a delivery truck to my house.

I've seen some people re-purposing cloaks from other figures for both Baylan and Shin.   Evidently the Darth Malgus cloak is a good fit for Baylan.  And I think one of the ROTJ Jedi Luke figures might make a good substitute cloak for Shin.

Quote from: Nicklab on April 25, 2025, 05:17 PM

I finally got through all 3 episodes.  I do not think the pacing of the episodes lends itself to binge watching each story arc as they get released.

I really like that they’re doing three episode arcs all dropped at once.  I have a feeling each arc is only going to be loosely tied together.  I’m looking forward to binging the next three on Tuesday.

I saw the through-line of all three episodes.  My own feeling was that each episode was dense enough that I felt like I needed some breathing room between viewing each episode.