Psychology of a Hero: LEIA and Leadership with guest Matt Schrader

What does it mean to be a leader? Our princess, our general, Leia Organa can teach us a lot about how to be a leader.
Licensed therapist Jonathan Decker, filmmaker Alan Seawright, and guest filmmaker/podcaster Matt Schrader dive into the Star Wars universe to look at leadership skills, role models, relationships, and more. Leia embodies confidence, leading by example, and problem solving. And of course, Carrie Fisher's fabulous performance enhances all of this because she can command the screen even against Harrison Ford, Mark Hamill, and so many other talented actors.
Check out the Blockbuster podcast to hear more from Matt!
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Written by: Megan Seawright, Jonathan Decker, and Alan Seawright
Produced by: Jonathan Decker, Megan Seawright, and Alan Seawright
Edited by: David Sant
Director of Photography: Bradley Olsen
English Transcription by: Anna Preis
Spanish Transcription by: Juan Willems
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[@number3766]

Leia is the unseen hero, somewhat like a logistics officer. Han and Luke can kick down the door of any threat, but Leia tells em which door to kick, and makes sure they have enough supplies to do so.

[@alwaysapirateroninace443]

And kick down the door or shoot the blaster if needed.

[@blaze556922]

She is unseen because she never does anything. She does not deserve to be a general and has gotten by on the Organa name. She's a very bad example for young girls. Carrie Fisher was awesome but princess Leia is a joke...

[@nicolasyuri5268]

@@blaze556922 Leia saves luke and Han by shooting at the garbage duct, that's one of the first scenes that she actually engages in any combat, she shoots multiple storm troopers throughout the trilogy, she saves Han when he's frozen in Carbonite, she leads the rebels in HOTH and gives them the mission and details, even under torture she didn't told Vader where the rebels were and their plans, even though she knew he could pretty much kill her. So, when you say she never does anything, what exactly do you mean?

[@soytoast6404]

@@blaze556922 you can't possibly be serious. Leia is an active part of every battle, her strategies are used in countless fights, she is the last person to leave to make sure everyone gets to safety (the same way a captain of a ship would). She puts her life on the line to make sure others are not held under tyrannical rule. She leads with a steady hand, has an eye for talent and knowing when to delegate, and doesn't BS with anyone. It's like you've never watched the movies, or even this video. Go be a troll somewhere else.

[@ryanedwards7487]

@@blaze556922 Man....did you judge her poorly. She IS the heart of the Rebellion by the end of "Return of the Jedi", she leads the formation of the New Republic, until she sees them failing to take the First Order threat seriously. Then she single-handedly forms the Resistance, and leads it. How....how did you miss that last one...at the very least? It's literally stated she forms the resistance before "The Force Awakens" IN. THE. TEXT. CRAWL.

[@WestBloctonDM2]

It's not just that Leia strangled Jabba with a chain; she strangles him with the chains he put her in. She turned the very instrument of her oppression into a weapon to free herself. She's not just a feminist icon, she is The Princess that we all want to be.

[@MossyMozart]

@Kitt Klaiss - Yas, Princess!

[@erikanichols9633]

Amen sister. She was my hero

[@vokunyolsil]

Another interesting aspect of that is that, in-universe, Hutt physiology makes them notoriously difficult to kill, so Leia killing Jabba with something as simple as a chain made her into a living legend, feared by the other Hutts as the "Hutt-killer."

[@seththompson1901]

It’s extra cool that the loot will tell you killing a hutt is incredibly difficult. Afterwards she became known as the hutt slayer.

[@xmoreno3366]

she not femenist

[@mikegould6590]

You'll notice that Liea never breaks eye contact with either allies or enemies. Carrie Fisher is able to this at the young age of 19, which is NOT common. Massive self-confidence in her words and actions. Rest in Power, Carrie.

[@insomnaholic]

She's stares down Darth Vader and sasses him in the beginning of Episode IV. Pretty early on establishes she doesn't back down from anyone. Right on!

[@zoeaargh]

Could be coz she was off her face on drugs though

[@MossyMozart]

@@zoeaargh - Don't you go disrespecting the great Carrie Fischer. She was kind, smart, creative, forthright, self-confident - the real-life side of Leia's heroic coin. She had the misfortune to be bipolar and to have the chronic illness, substance use disorder, that she was unable to tightly control. In the end, it MAY have played a role in carrying her away from us, but the coroner could not give it firm credence. Point us to one scene where she was under the influence, where her pupils were dilated or her lines flubbed or she stumbled. ONE scene where she was less than professional. I don't think you can.

[@EH23831]

She was pretty special… did not appreciate it as a child in the 70s and 80s

[@blaze556922]

You think making eye contact is brave or something?

[@atinyevil1383]

“Leaders are looking to build other leaders, which means calling people out.” Yes, exactly. Real leaders aren’t looking for power, they’re looking to get things done.

[@lemonpepper.6772]

Yes, exactly

[@PandaMonium92827]

Someone needs to relay that message to all forms of government. America in particular

[@tesssully4250]

Leia was the princess I wanted to be as a little girl, and then when I grew up Carrie Fisher was the kind of woman I wanted to be. Having a childhood role model grow up to own her mental health struggles was so powerful for me. I'm not sure I'd be here if Carrie Fisher hadn't blazed a path for the rest of us. Leia and Carrie are both treasures 💕

[@lesliea.6440]

OMG You took the words right out of my mouth! I love it. I second all the above, especially the mental health part. Carrie allowed us to be seen and heard. Miss her SO much. Rest in Power Carrie

[@blaze556922]

she is an example of toxic femininity and little girls should have better role models.

[@brianwarner2171]

I love how much of a sense of humor Carrie Fisher could have (in general, because she was hilarious, but more specifically) around her mental illness. My experience with it hasn’t been a walk in the park and Carrie went through much worse, but man is it refreshing to hear mental illness talked about with humor rather than as a death sentence!

[@PZLovell]

Hell yeah, 5 year old me loved her seeing SW for the first time back in the 80s. I even wore side buns once, though I have fine hair and it never looked as good on me.

[@meganluck4352]

So true.

[@auricstorm]

I think the most interesting take I heard, was that in the original trio ALL THREE think *they* are the only sane person (Hans' dealing with a fanatic and a psycho, Luke is dealing with a has-been and a bossy-bitch, Leia is dealing with idiots, etc)

[@catherinepoteat]

hahahhaa

[@celestiacrystal9317]

Well, I don’t know about Luke, because he seemed really into the bossy bitch…

[@MG-hz7wi]

And in the end, they all understand each other and achieve their goals, even triumph over their demons. The cowboys in space movies turned into an epic journey. Just like in real life!

[@therussianprincess7036]

I absolutely adore that one scene where Leia and Han are arguing and a random guy pushes between them to carry a box. They both lean away and then immediately lean back in. You *know* everyone at the base is used to their bullshit 😂

[@MG-hz7wi]

Oh come on, who hasn't had that couple at their work? We all know those two. They aren't fooling anybody......

[@Raguleader]

There's a book called "The Empire Strikes Back: From a Certain Point of View" that has short stories from the POV of that guy and one of Leia's officers in the command post. The guy wishes they'd stop blocking hallways with their lovers' quarrels, and Leia's staff has a betting pool on how long it'll take for Han to actually ask her out.

[@BioNichole1]

I worked at a movie theater when Carrie Fisher passed away, and was stationed in the concession stand. It was the morning after she’d passed, and I had gone to bed the night before hoping and praying she’d pull through and not even giving a second thought that she might not be there when I woke up. During the busy afternoon of the first rush, the managers were down backing us all up at concessions for the slew of customers ordering drinks and snacks. At one point, my dear manager Kayla overheard some guys talking about Carrie’s passing. At this point, we’d worked together a long while and she knew me pretty well…and she knew I would fall apart upon hearing the news. So she cleverly distracted me, got me off my register briefly to get popcorn and get out of earshot. Once the rush was over, once everyone was in their theater and the lobby was barren…Kayla pulled me aside and told me. I immediately burst into tears, they gave me a cup of water and let me go to the back, and I just sat on the steps in the back room and cried. I grew up loving Star Wars, watching the prequels first and then being shocked the “sequels” already existed and then watching those. But in my family, the biggest Star Wars fan is my grandmother. She is the biggest fan of us all, no one in our family loves it more than her. And funnily enough, I’d never seen Carrie as the years had gone by since the original trilogy. The only image I had of her in my head was young IV-V-VI era Carrie. So when I saw the first still ever shared of Carrie in Episode VII, and I saw how she’d aged? I was overjoyed that she looked so much like my grandma, it was like destiny. And because of that, and because of the beautiful gem of a human that she was, I was and to this day still am devastated by her passing. Phew…I even got a bit teary writing this…! Sorry for the text well, lol, but RIP Carrie Fisher, and her mom Debbie Reynolds. ❤ We didn’t deserve them, but I’m so glad we had them.

[@gentlemanlygeeky4088]

I had a similar reaction when I heard that Leonard Nimoy dead. I was depressed all day.

[@andrewbraddock5101]

Tbh I think the coolest part of this post is the fact that your workplace respects you and your mental health enough to give you both time and space! Love that for you :)

[@audreydimmel6674]

I cried reading this. She was so loved. May the Force be with you, Carrie Fisher.✨

[@daniellemusella1594]

@BioNichole She passed a couple of days before "Rogue One" came out, and my mom asked if I still want to go see it. I felt like we owed it to her. I remember that everyone going into our theater had sad, contemplative looks on their faces. (5/23/2022)

[@16ShiningUmbreon]

This is a lovely story thank you for sharing :)

[@JonduGaming]

I love Leia because she was not afraid to step on some toes when the time came, but she also had the skills and spine to back up her actions and words. She wasn't afraid of a fight, given she easily picked up multiple blasters.

[@andrewbraddock5101]

And I know in rebels it's not Carrie Fischer but my God it adds so many layers to Leia to see her operating the rebel start up in the manner she does.

[@blaze556922]

The issue is all she ever did was step on toes. She was an entitled and rude person her entire life. Even to the people trying to risk their lives to save her she had a bad attitude. There's nothing good about Leia tbh...

[@JonduGaming]

@@blaze556922 Nothing good? Did you not watch the video? She was an amazing leader and showed that she processed empathy. She just didn't put up with crap, especially from Han. Yeah she acted entitled, but she was a literal princess.

[@JonduGaming]

@@andrewbraddock5101 I haven't watched Rebels yet, but I have seen the scene where Ezra and Kanan meet her. It was cool to see another original character show up.

[@aichitoshiki1321]

@@blaze556922 dude. She will never be a people pleaser. She's more of a no nonsense badass bitch. Period.

[@kclightman]

I remember being very young and terrified of Darth Vader, and my jaw fell to the floor when she glared at him with eyes like daggers and sassed him to his face. It was the bravest thing I'd ever seen and I knew I wanted to be like that.

[@melwarat5766]

Reminds me of when she just straight up slapped Vader in the face (helmet?) in that one Aphra comic and Vader is so shocked that he just stands there for a second not even knowing how to respond.

[@daniellemusella1594]

@@melwarat5766 And when you remind yourself that she's his daughter, it makes moments like that extra-funny. (5/23/2022)

[@AnastasiaAisling]

@@daniellemusella1594 and then you also remember Vader tortured her and destroyed her home planet, and that she never forgave him for it🙂

[@daniellemusella1594]

@@AnastasiaAisling Holding those kinds of feelings for a very long time...yep. DEFINITELY Daddy's little girl on that one.

[@CL-go2ji]

Oh yeah.

[@tariqthomas9090]

Leia is my favorite Star Wars character. Luke was the hero, but she was the heart of Star Wars. I love everything she represents. Her strength, her ambition, her love, and defiance in the face of evil. I am so thankful for what Carrie Fisher gave us through Leia and the rest of her career. She is sorely missed. ❤️

[@Skywalker20239]

What about Han Solo?😸

[@tariqthomas9090]

@@Skywalker20239 I love Han Solo! I honestly say that A New Hope doesn’t get amazing until Han and Chewie show up. He’s one of the best characters in movie history.

[@Skywalker20239]

@@tariqthomas9090 Yeah, you right, that's true 😁

[@harvestmoon_autumnsky]

@@Skywalker20239 he's the swag

[@Skywalker20239]

@@harvestmoon_autumnsky maybe, but he's still very charismatic.

[@lorigoshert6667]

Leia is actually very similar to her father. If you watch the Clone Wars animated series, which takes place between the second and third prequel movies, this is when we see Anakin at his best (and he kind of goes downhill over the last few seasons as Palpatine grooms him and he begins to lose faith in the Jedi Order). Leia is similar to Clone Wars-era Anakin, though not as impulsive (more level-headed like Padme). And then in the Rebels animated series, we see that she begins playing an active role in the rebellion at a young age, under the guidance of her adoptive parents, Bail and Queen Breha Organa.

[@eshbena]

Yes, but she also has her mother's insight and compassion. Something that Anakin lacked and that led to his downfall.

[@nightnaughty]

Indeed she inhereit the best qualities from her parents which made her the best leader for the Rebellion

[@nightnaughty]

@@eshbena Anakin lacked insight not compassion, the latter he had to the point it was used againt's him, they say something of the kind in Clone Wars about the problem wasn't that he didn't care about people but that he cared too much and formed attachments that the Jedi frown upon.

[@daniellemusella1594]

@LoriGoshert She also has Anakin's temper. When the mood catches her right, she can go OFF. (5/23/2022)

[@Xia-hu]

@@nightnaughty anakin is a straight-out narcissist. Compassion? He didn't have that. Padme was an infatuation. Had it been real love, he would have never been able to hurt her, even if he truly believed she turned against him. Narcissists turn against you and become violent when they think you are no longer serving their needs. He "loved" her until she agreed with what he was doing. Padme and Anakin's relationship should be a huge red flag for women.

[@melissamarsh2219]

It’s also interesting to see which parent the Skywalker children resemble. Leia clearly takes after her father Anakin. But she’s been raised right to have compassion for others and confidence without arrogance.

[@heatherharper4084]

I would argue that it's not only that she was raised with compassion and confidence but that she was raised with active love and connection. The Jedi Way (as it was in Anakin's time) was adapted for people brought in as small children, who would grow with no memory of their families and who would grow in the safety of the Jedi Order. It was not at all suited for a former slave with all kinds of emotional trauma.

[@NotEnoughBooks]

Bail worked so hard to mold her in the frame of Padmé HOPING he could temper that twin suns anger from Anakin.

[@Raguleader]

And then you have Luke, who is certainly daring and a talented pilot, but gains his biggest victories from convincing people to help him, whether it's getting Han to join in the Battle of Yavin, Leia to bring the ship back to rescue him, or Anakin to save him from Palpatine. ...Oh my gosh, Luke is the Dude in Distress. So many of the triumphant moments in the OT are just other characters saving him from assorted peril.

[@sarahlandis289]

@@Raguleader 😂😂😂😂😂

[@sophiawalker7463]

I love how in the Kenobi series when we see a young Leia, he says that she reminds him of someone he once knew, clearly talking about Padme, and I love that connection. Padme was also a strong leader at a young age, she became queen at 14! It’s so cool to see Leia following in her mother’s footsteps and not even realizing. I wanna see their two force ghosts meet and Padme tell Leia how proud she is

[@jclore102674]

One of the best Leia moments was when she was brought before Tarkin. Not only did she show him no fear, she straight up insulted him right to his face. You've gotta have some real iron in you to not be afraid of someone that powerful.

[@daniellemusella1594]

@jclore102674 She mocked his accent, too, even after he destroyed her home planet. That takes some serious guts. (5/23/2022)

[@mldiluna969]

It's not necessarily lack of fear, in my personal opinion, but profound courage mingled with anger and outrage. I suspect that she was terrified, but completely unwilling to display that fear in the face of a known enemy.

[@jclore102674]

@@mldiluna969 Very true.

[@windhelmguard5295]

lets be real here, most adult men would become a stuttering mess in front of Peter Cushing, that man radiated authority like no one else.

[@mochibuni]

For me Leia is important in how her adoption and culture is handled (essentially a transculture adoptee)-- she's never made lesser for being adopted. She isn't expected to stop being an Organa from Alderaan when she finds out her lineage. It is a tad annoying how much emphasis was put on her being part of the Skywalker legacy in the sequels, but they still maintained her deep connection to Alderaan, she keeps her maiden name-- it's very clear Leia has agency over her identity and I appreciate that a lot.

[@celiashen5490]

It makes sense; Leia worked hard to earn the title of Princess.

[@Author.Noelle.Alexandria]

I think emphasis on the Skywalker lineage wasn't so much the lineage as it was her connection with her brother. She didn't have to choose. She was both.

[@mochibuni]

@@Author.Noelle.Alexandria Nope, they liked to make it a point that Ben had "too much" Vader in him and his connection to the Skywalkers, which is through Leia. She even lost her candidacy in her bid for a higher position in the new republic because it was made public that Anakin is her biological father. The point is Leia is adopted and she chose the Organas and Alderaan as her identity-- not Skywalker, Amidala/Nabere, or even the culture of Naboo. She doesn't NEED to be both, she can chose her identity and that should be respected. Like a lot of transcultural/racial adoptees, we are forced to accept our birth race or culture because we are forced to by others and it's annoying and removes our agency. I think Leia certainly chose to be siblings with Luke, but everyone else forced her lineage with Anakin on her. I'm forever grateful Leia was written to be like "Nah, I'm an Organa from Alderaan." There's nothing wrong with depicting adoptees experiencing an identity crisis because that certainly happens, it's just nice have an adoption story that doesn't and a woman who is so clear in her beliefs of who she is.

[@TheShellbert]

This is such an important point, and as a hopeful adoptive parent, I can't believe I didn't see it before. Thank you.

[@c.k.mcknight8921]

Beautiful comment, and I completely agree. If you're into the Star Wars Expanded Universe novels, there's one about Leia you'd really enjoy. It's called "Bloodline," and it's all about her and her identity and connection to Alderaan.

[@melissamarsh2219]

Met her once at a convention. She’s just as amazing in real life. Feel so privileged to have done so.

[@MossyMozart]

@Melissa Marsh - Jealousy abounds!

[@daniellemusella1594]

@@MossyMozart For me, as well. Seriously... (5/23/2022)

[@CreekSong.warriors]

I’m very very jealous

[@aspenwood641]

I feel like a villain therapy would be so interesting for phantom of the opera. There are so many interesting aspects to his character and I think it would be great to hear your take on it.

[@lostagain9386]

Oh absolutely! But specifically with the 25th anniversary version with Ramin Karimloo and Sierra Boggess.

[@zerodadutch6285]

I defonately second this as well. Especially if you take into context the movie and the books.

[@daniellemilligan6307]

I was just coming here to say only the video version of the play not the garbage movie.

[@alarin612]

Fully agree.

[@Jill-ih9dq]

yes!!!

[@thestephaniedraws]

This is so spot on. When I was a kid, we had a bootleg copy of Return of the Jedi on a VHS tape and I loved it even without the other movies! (I had no idea it was part of a trilogy until much later.) The first time I saw Leia, she was disguised as a bounty hunter trying to save the "prince" instead of the other way around. Without a doubt, her character directly impacted who I was and am. Great episode guys! 🖤

[@bitchenboutique6953]

I put a painting of Carrie Fisher on my phone as my lock screen the day she went into the hospital, and I still haven’t changed it. It’s Carrie as a religious icon flipping the bird with one hand and holding her dog Gary in the other. Carrie/Leia has been inspiring me my whole life and she’ll never stop.

[@thestoryfactory8429]

Leia was a revelation to this little girl. She was the damsel who refused to be rescued. She was the woman who took the gun and told the "heroes" to follow her if they wanted to live - and they listened. She was the princess who got herself out of the tower. I know they wanted to honor Carrie by keeping her into the final film, and thus making each movie one where an OT character passed at the end, but narrative it SHOULD have been Leia ramrodding that star destroyer, not Holdo. If ANY character in the entirety of Star Wars canon would have attempted that move it was Leia. She'd have gone out facing the empire dead-on, and done it while quoting the love of her life: Never tell me the odds. (Incidentally, having someone question the move's validity, and having her respond with that line, would have gone a long way to hanging a lantern on it for the haters.)

[@kristibunny1620]

Me too, well said!

[@gillifish]

I got chills thinking about this. I’m so sad it wasn’t done this way

[@heintz256]

I'd have much preferred this.

[@TheOriginal_Unaleska]

The haters? As in haters for the movie? Don't call us haters for having very valid points on the problems that were rampant with the sequels. If you were talking about other haters then, I apologise.

[@blaze556922]

A damsel who refuses to be rescued and insults the people risking their lives to save her is nothing to be impressed by. You should have wanted to be the opposite of that... Leia is a horrible example

[@ohkaygoplay]

Leia is the first strong female role model I ever had. I remember watching Star Wars when I was 4, and thinking.... wow. I want to grow up to be her. When I met Carrie Fisher in 2009 in a small Indonesian shop I used to work at, I didn't know it was her. We talked about nothing, everything, and her daughter's books for about a half an hour while she browsed the store. She was the only customer in there, and I was the only employee. I only knew who she was when she handed me her credit card to pay for some items. Well, she laughed when I put my hands to the side of my head and went, "wait,.... you're Carrie Fisher? Buns on the head Princess Leia?" I was cordial, of course, and she was just awesome. :) I tried my hardest not to geek out, but I'm sure she could see the joy in my eyes. I was meeting my princess! The one who first taught a little four-year-old girl absorbed in Star Wars how to be strong and soft at the same time. I had the chance to tell her. I noticed that she'd left one of her purchases on the counter, - she had bought the rest of our hand carved wooden 'monkeys in a barrel' monkeys - so I grabbed the bag, ran outside, and yelled, "CARRIE! YOU FORGOT YOUR MONKEYS!" "Oh, if my head weren't attached!" she laughed. I froggered my way across Ventura Blvd. at rush hour all Gattaca-like to give her the monkeys. She thanked me, and drove off. Then I had to get back... I will never forget that. :) For everyone who says Carrie Fisher is amazing, they couldn't be more right. I am so thankful Chance me the opportunity to meet her. On another note, I saw John Williams at the Hollywood Bowl, and let me tell you, I have never ONCE seen a packed house quiet down instantly as this audience did when John Williams raised one hand requesting silence so the orchestra could begin. Even the coyotes shut up. It was spectacular. That man commands and deserves every ounce of respect in the world. Talk about being humbled in front of a musical God.

[@meganluck4352]

Thank you for sharing, that was awesome. Laughed when I read " You forgot your monkeys!"

[@DawnDavidson]

You know, Carrie probably appreciated that interaction as well. You gave her the opportunity to be a regular human being for half an hour. To someone that famous, that was probably incredibly precious. And I can well imagine that John Williams commanded the entire area. True leadership. :)

[@SarahRichardsGraba]

"Representation matters for everybody, not just for the people who are represented. It matters to me that growing up, I had a female hero that I looked up to. That it wasn't just 'men save the day, and women are damsels in distress.' That Leia was a badass. That influenced the way I see women." YES. This is so important. I am so tired of people saying representation is "forced diversity" or "political correctness" or whatever else... Like, this is not just about representing the actual diverse swath of human existence for the benefit of "minorities." Accurate representation benefits EVERYBODY. It actually changes your brain. Thank you for saying this so clearly and so succinctly. 👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼

[@AuntLoopy123]

I am disabled, but I do not use a wheelchair. Nevertheless, when my sister, mother, and I went to see "Mama Mia 2", and there was a dancer in a wheelchair, during the "Waterloo" number, I literally yelled out, in the theater, "YES! REPRESENTATION!" I don't use a wheelchair, but my late sister did, during her last years, my sister probably will soon, and I probably will, eventually. So, seeing that on screen made me think, "We are not invisible, we will not be invisible, and people will see that just because we can't use our legs does NOT make us invisible, or worth less." Recently, I saw a play, and one of the ensemble was in a wheelchair, and I just had to gush with her about it, and about how I am SO GRATEFUL that my local theater doesn't just cast "Hollywood pretty," people, but casts PEOPLE. Because there have been people of all colors, shapes, sizes, and levels of ability, since there have been people. In Fiddler On the Roof, they had a black "Jew". They could have cast him as a Russian, but he nailed the part as a Jew, so yeah. He was great in his part. So who cares if he didn't fit the "mold." Sometimes, such as in "Ragtime," the color of the actor matters, but a lot of the time, it just doesn't. Same with a lot of ability issues. If an actor in a wheelchair nailed the audition, and it was not vital to the plot that the character walks, they'd probably cast the actor in the wheelchair, even for the romantic lead. Because they cast PEOPLE, and people in wheelchairs have romance, too! It hasn't happened, yet, but then, this particular actor was new to the theater. I look forward to something similar happening, someday, though. When the lead hurt his knee, they didn't just say, "Well, bring in the understudy for the rest of the run." They put the guy on a knee scooter, and incorporated it as part of his character. Because PEOPLE! I LOVE it when I see women's underwear commercials that include women of all shapes, sizes, colors, and abilities. It makes me happy, even if I have no need to buy new underwear. Even if I don't identify with the particular "diverse" women that are shown. Just the fact that they are showing the broad range of PEOPLE makes me feel so good! Even if they're not representing me, in particular, I see that PEOPLE are being shown, and being SEEN, and being VISIBLE, and that means that I am ALSO visible! So, yeah, "strong female characters," that are actually strong female characters, and not "toxic masculinity with tits" is important for ALL genders! PEOPLE!!!

[@MG-hz7wi]

You hit the nail directly on the head

[@Beuwen_The_Dragon]

‘Representation” is an excuse for Narcissism, and a cheap ploy to get butts into theater seats… that’s all. Actors portraying Characters in a story are Not ‘representing” you, or me, or anybody else but the Characters depicted. We can *relate* to the characters, their struggles and triumphs, their attitudes or ideals, and their aspirations, because we are Empathetic creatures. But they do Not represent us. I can empathise with Ellen Ripely, even though I am not a woman, nor a Science officer on a spaceship. I can relate to her struggles and responsibilities, even though I am not fighting to survive a corrupt corporate Android, or an Alien monster. I can relate to her, but she does not ‘represent” me, nor should she. Characters in their Stories are something we can empathise with, and we can Learn from them, but they don’t represent us. We represent ourselves, and only ourselves. If you wish to be ‘represented” by a character in a story, write one.

[@SwiftFoxProductions]

If you wanna see where Carrie Fisher got some of her fire, you should also check out her mother, Debbie Reynolds, in the movie "The Unsinkable Molly Brown". She plays the role of another tough lady who doesn't take orders from anybody (who also happened to be considered a real-life heroine to her fellow survivors of the Titanic).

[@kirstedock77]

It’s always seemed to me that being the daughter of a major star helped to give her confidence. If this had been first job for a newly discovered tallent from outside of the Hollywood world, we would have had a very different Leia. I’d also point out that she was a General for more years than she was a Princess.

[@MossyMozart]

@@kirstedock77 - Good observation regarding General vs princess. But I would like to point out that she was the daughter of TWO major stars, neither of whom was able to provide her with the true stability and family focus she needed as a child.

[@kirstedock77]

@@MossyMozart Absolutely! I was mainly only referring to Debbie since Eddie was best known for his singing vs Debbie known for her acting, although they both did sing and act. Even in that unstable childhood, perhaps even because of it, Hollywood wasn’t a magical place; it was where her parents worked and a world she grew up a part of. It seems a logical conclusion that her childhood experience would make being in a movie and a world that she had an understanding of less intimidating for her than for someone equally talented but without that experience allowing that to come through in her performance.

[@daniellemusella1594]

@SwiftFoxProductions Debbie was part of my childhood, too. I knew her as Aggie Cromwell in the "Halloweentown" movies. (5/23/2022)

[@sonorasgirl]

I love that she’s sassy AND compassionate - those two often go together in my experience but are less common to see on screen. She’s powerful and kind and her confidence didn’t mean hiding emotion, gentleness, or vulnerability. Love her. Rest In Peace Carrie.

[@hillefoozy]

After recently finishing my third watch through of Avatar: The Last Airbender I think Zuko deserves his own video

[@aquaarietta]

Yeeeeees!!! Really, all of the characters have so much depth thay could each be analyzed.

[@crusader2112]

Yes 👍

[@tariqthomas9090]

In one of their previous videos, they said that Avatar is too long. That would be an amazing video though.

[@newcarpathia9422]

@@tariqthomas9090 Avatar is too long, but six Star Wars movies isn't? I think they need to re-think that.

[@brandonbuchner1771]

@@newcarpathia9422 Avatar was 61 30 minute episodes (30.5 hours), 6 star wars movies is 12 hours. Plus they have seen all of the star wars movies I'm sure multiple times. If they haven't seen Avatar, that's 30.5 hours of watching, plus analysis, plus cutting clips. It would be such an intense undertaking.

[@IchiPopp]

Growing up my dad had me hooked on Xena, Star Wars and She-Ra. All of these power houses inspired me to believe in myself as a person and as a woman. I can never thank him enough for wanting to put good role models in my life.

[@MossyMozart]

@IchiPopp - As a child in the 50s or maybe early 60s, I watched the black & white TV series, "Sheena, Queen of the Jungle", a female version of Tarzan (trying to ride Tarzan's coattails to profit, no doubt). I can't remember any episode specifically, so fear that it was probably as cringey and misogynistic in reality as other shows of the era, but the overall impression that stayed with me all this time was of a woman who was as heroic and adventuresome as anyone - I remember being IN AWE of her. I count the memory of Sheena as an important influence on me even if it turns out that she was just a 50s version of an heroic female.

[@Leonnie13]

I wanted to BE Princess Leia since I was Kid. I still love her. She could be strong and sensitive. She was wonderfully feminine, not unrealistically OP, and still strong. Her dynamic with Luke and Han is balanced and realistic.

[@miniciominiciominicio]

Carrie was only 19 when she first played Leia? Wow. I was 6 years old when I first saw the original Trilogy on VHS. She seemed so grownup and strong to me. Because she *was* despite being so young. 30 years later I can see that she had a major effect on me, that there were women who could be badass and independent and strong like her and I didn’t have to be pigeonholed into the role my parents expected of me.

[@viqneuman.5111]

Funny story about John Williams. A friend and I were talking about the Harry Potter theme. Trying to figure out who did it. I jokingly said "Well it's iconic so it must be John Williams." We both Laughed. Waited til we got home and Looked on the Back of the DVD. Holy Crap. It was him. He's so good.

[@daniellemusella1594]

@DarrylJoudrey Even though I'm single right now, I know that I definitely want Leia's theme music to be played, as my mom gives me away at my wedding some day. (5/23/2022)

[@cocoxcocoa]

Man, Carrie Fisher's death is the only celebrity death that actually hit me pretty hard. I pretty much never give celeb deaths much thought, but when that news broke I had a cry that night.

[@bitchenboutique6953]

I’ve had a few deaths hit me hard but yeah. Carrie still hurts, even now.

[@julietardos5044]

Yeah, I cried too. I was sooooo sad.

[@sheilarough236]

It almost broke me when I heard that she died, and when I heard that her mother passed the next day, it did break me

[@rileyackison4495]

2 celebrity deaths that really hit me. The crocodile hunter and Robin Williams. Learning the things that happened behind the scenes with Williams made it so hard.

[@robert_bbiii]

The other thing the end of Empire shows in her leadership is getting herself and Chewie through a painful situation. She and Chewie are hurting. She was able to push through it and get him to ignore it for now and deal with the situation of saving Luke.

[@edwinreid8355]

Meanwhile, also both learning to forgive & trust Lando who's trying to redeem himself after Vader tried to corrupt his mind & position as the mayor ( for want of a better word ) of Bespin.

[@helenl3193]

She does the same in New Hope - they kill her entire planet, her family, everyone she loves, and make her watch as they do, and she still gets out of that jail ready to fight for the rebellion. Not cowed or broken by her grief and the enormity of the weapons the bad guys now have, and not swayed into thoughts of mindless violence/revenge that would likely get her killed and not have any greater impact. She's able to see the bigger picture and get back to the rebellion with the important information she has so they can destroy the deathstar before any more planets suffer the same fate as Alderaan. In fact, perhaps losing her home made her more empathetic to what others might be tempted/forced to do to protect their own people.

[@AnastasiaAisling]

Did the same after Han's death. "Save your sorrows for after the fight".

[@sarahzemler413]

Carrie commands every scene she's in. You can tell she took after her mother. Heartbreaking that she and Debbie passed. Inspirations for generations.

[@barbelarmbroster6524]

I was born in 1971....and Leia didn't ask for lead, she didn't claim the lead... she TOOK the lead! She had so much more impact on my life than ANYBODY ELSE!!!

[@AliAngelpie]

Leia was, and always will be, one of my idols because of her strength, compassion, and how she's not afraid to take off the crown and pick up a gun and lead an army to victory. A true role model for everyone.

[@jestana]

There are a lot of other strong female characters in the Star Wars franchise, but we wouldn’t have had ANY of them without Leia Organa to pave the way. That’s why she’s my favorite female character in Star Wars and no one else will take her place. When I first watched the original trilogy as a young girl, I didn’t understand how groundbreaking she was as a female character. As I grew older and began to see sexism not just in everyday life, but also movies (not to mention all the other marginalization going on) I really began to understand that, but not fully until I watched this video. Thank you for helping me to understand one of my favorite characters even better.

[@EH23831]

Same 🥰

[@AceSpadeThePikachu]

In the Kenobi show we even get to see Leia develop these leadership skills at the age of 10 and it is amazing to see. On that note, I'd love to see a video about Obi Wan and mentorship, because Obi Wan famously/infamously embodies all of the best AND worst attributes of being a mentor and a guide, and being mentored and guided by Qui Gon in Phantom Menace.

[@RedRidinghoodK5]

Having JUST watched the sequels for the first time this past week, and bawled my eyes out every time Leia was on screen, I already know this video is going to kill me. Especially loved the many hat tips to Carrie in Rise of Skywalker

[@danieljohnson9917]

This show has been so impactful for me since I found it. Not only on the side of therapy, and self-improvement, but also on the side of storytelling. I've been working on a novel for years, and this channel is probably one of the top three most influential pieces of inspiration for my story. This episode couldn't have come at a better time, since my protagonist is a leader of a nation and I've been having a rough time figuring out how to portray that. Thank you so much for giving us such awesome content, for both therapy and for storytelling. I look forward to seeing what you do next!

[@Piennnnnn]

Of you’re interested in storytelling I recommend MrBallen’d channel

[@aeh5109]

I love Leia and Carrie so much. I struggle a lot with fear in my life. I had mild agoraphobia for a while and I'm just basically a coward in so many situations, specially in the worplace. As a woman I always think that if I step up or start demanding things I might seem like a bitch or something.I'm trying to get better and Leia is one of my favorite role models because she's fearless. And even if things don't turn out the way she wants, she doesn't lose her composure like I usually do a lot of times.

[@abbysc417]

Just gotta say, it's okay to seem like a bitch. Women do not exist to be pliable and chill. People will think or say plenty of unfavorable or untrue things about us in life, but ultimately it's OUR lives and we deserve to fully-claim our humanity.

[@stevenneiman1554]

I think one of my favorite stories about Leia and Carrie Fisher was a time when someone said "you're regarded as a feminist icon, but what do I tell my daughter when you show up in Return of the Jedi in that skimpy sexualized outfit?", and she replied "tell her that a very evil man made Leia wear that outfit, so she killed him."

[@kimberleymacdonald3156]

When I was a little girl, my first screen hero was Carrie Fisher playing Princess Leia. She showed me what kind of woman I wanted to become.

[@FindingHisLight]

Princess Leia was the first character that taught me, (as a little girl) that I could be both strong and feminine. She literally helped shape who I am today.

[@FATE522]

In 2015 I went to Salt Lake City, Utah's comic convention called FanX. I got to meet Carrie Fisher before seeing Star Wars Episode VII The Force Awakens. She gave me a dab of glitter, because she said wasn't allowed to hug people at conventions anymore. Before parting ways I told her she's my favorite out of Harrison and Mark because she has gone through hell and back again. To which she responded in her Carrie way, "I'll always come back!" My favorite music piece will always be from Star Wars Episode IV A New Hope simply known as "Princess Leia's Theme" for it's beautiful majestic and somber tones that resonate with me in all of Star Wars. Like Lor San Tekka I echo what he told Poe Dameron, "Oh, the General? To me, she is royalty."

[@wilyserpent]

As someone whose name is Leah (which I grew up with it being pronounced L-EE-uh) and as someone whose name would always be pronounced as L-AY-uh or “Leia” (as the Hebrew pronunciation, which I’ve learned to accept both since I am Jewish) by younger kids and even teachers, this is a very special character to me. Over the years as I grew older, I grew to admire the comparison that other kids my age would make of me to her. Even to younger kids, especially to younger girls- she was and still is an icon and so many things that represent both the massive, global love and appeal of Star Wars, and the feminist hero that so many young girls see themselves as. Love you, Leia :) Great video guys!!

[@RoguePlutonia]

My parents named me Leea after her (the double ee in my language makes it sound like Leia). I grew up an avid avoider of Star Wars and only started watching the movies late in life. She's definitely someone I aspire to be like.

[@wilyserpent]

@@RoguePlutonia that’s such a wicked cool name!! I was named after my grandfather Leon and if I were born a boy, I would have been named Leon and possibly (because one of his nicknames was “Lee”) one of my nicknames would have been Lee. I was the same- or rather I shunned Star Wars as to not sort of “give in” to the name I had now been given by my peers and even some teachers, but I totally agree with you saying that Leia is someone I also aspire to be!

[@RoguePlutonia]

@@wilyserpent that's really cool 🥰

[@wilyserpent]

@@RoguePlutonia thank you!!

[@oceanoffandoms3766]

I have a similar story! My name is differently pronounced in my native tongue, but it sounds weird in an American accent. So my entire life, I went by the pronunciation of Leia. It had the added advantage of people remembering it because of Princess Leia. Later on, I started getting into Star Wars, and realized that it was a complete honor that I had a similar name. She is an icon to me, and someone I aspire to be like.

[@snorpenbass4196]

Honestly, A New Hope's dialogue was awful before Harrison Ford and Carrie improv'd their characters, because Lucas can direct action but he cannot for the life of him direct people. *Edit:* Also, I love that ESB ends with Leia's theme.

[@edwinreid8355]

Nah I'd say Attack Of The Clones & Revenge Of The Sith had the worst dialogue from Lucas, especially with Ewan McGregor trying to sound like a young Alec Guinness in the role. Dialogue was lame.

[@JohnnyElRed]

I never appreciated Leia as a character until I was an adult. And sad thing is, coming into this video, what I was thinking about mostly is how I feel that Holdo compares very poorly to Leia in the little time she had. I liked Leia for her flaws as a leader more than for her virtues. This is something that was explored more in the 2015 Marvel comic series than in the movies. But she had a hard time learning the value of those under her, and trust them when they took a decision on their own, or thought a decision of hers was wrong. Those stories also helped me realized how welt built her character was in the movies alone. Sometimes she had a hard attitude I didn't really liked as a kid, but she also was a character with a lot of heart.

[@blaze556922]

see that's when I realized that all the reasons I didn't like her as a kid were justified. she's an entitled brat who mistreats people that are risking their lives to save her. she's an example of everything a woman shouldn't be

[@eclipsedbadger]

I watched ALL the movies last month, and Leia always was like her mother, Padmé. They are leaders with a heart and humanity that we never allow men on cinema to show as leaders. Padmé had to make choices, she wanted to protect and act like a proper member of the Senate. People mock her for "dying of sadness" but Padmé couldn't do anything BUT be heartbroken and unable to keep on going after Anakin's decision. She held on to protect the galaxy and democracy, and then her husband, the father of THEIR children, just does this and seals their fates forever. Padmé dies but Leia, even after being adopted, goes on. When she realizes who her father is, her heart is also broken but Leia decides to keep on fighting, because SHE was the true real leader now...and she fought and fought, until on the last movies she can't go on. Luke is gone, lost forever somewhere, and she lost Han and now her son, Ben, to the Dark Side, never knowing Luke's paper on it but never blaming her brother. She dies of a broken heart and a tired body that can't handle all this pain and loss anymore. We don't allow men in movies to break down like this but Padmé, and then Leia, CAN and are allowed to finally crumble apart as the human beings they are. :/ Dunno what that says about us but, there is that detail I noticed on the movies.

[@ElhTil]

Honestly, i can see some parts of Padme in Leia, But for the most part of the original trilogy she's acting a lot like anakin/Vader in a lot of ways.

[@lkf8799]

@@ElhTil I agree. She has her mother's compassion and rationality (and taste in men 😏) but her father's defiance, confidence, and she is definitely a person of action.

[@MinasMagic]

Well said. I agree with you. Initially I felt the "death by broken heart" was cheesy as hell, yet Padme had given so much of herself for so long and everything she had fought for was falling apart...there does come a point when the body just can't fight anymore. Personal experiences have helped me see that scene differently and it makes so much more sense than I first gave it credit.

[@darkhorsedouglas4789]

47 seconds in and I'm already tearing up. God I can't even make it through the intro! Carrie was a treasure and Leia an amazing female character.

[@audreydimmel6674]

As a woman and a devout nerd, Leia is a hero to me. In a time when sci-fi was colored with misogynistic and sexist overtones, she stepped in and changed the genre forever. She showed men that women are more-much more-than the sum of their parts, and she empowered women to be their authentic selves regardless of what others may think. In A New Hope, she is not a damsel in distress, but an incredibly brave prisoner-of-war who laughs in the face of death and then takes control of her own rescue. In The Empire Strikes Back, she is in command of an entire rebel base, puts people (mostly Han and Lando) in their place, and also has a romance with Han-who, mind you, is a main character but not the hero of the saga, which makes it an anti-cliché. And of course, in Return of the Jedi, she literally chokes a pervert to death. Then, in the sequel trilogy, she's just as iconic. She's in command of the entire Resistance, deals out the classic Leia sass to anyone who's asking for it, never gives up on her son, and guides and inspires Rey. She's like the mom I wish everyone had and she is exactly the woman I want to be. She is strong, she is fiery, she is brave, she is wicked smart, she is nurturing, she is compassionate, and she is hella fierce. If I ever have a daughter, there's a very high chance that she's getting named Leia. And I hope that she will someday watch Star Wars with me and see in Leia everything she can be. RIP Carrie Fisher. May the Force be with you.✨ Sidenote: I'm still waiting for you guys to do The Mandalorian!

[@NaviNeku24]

8:20 I know that this is about Leia, but can we just admire how Luke is climbing that thing with ONE ARM?!?! That’s impressive!!!

[@heavensubala4535]

I have never clicked on a video faster, Leia is my hero and is a practically a Goddess of badasdery and womanhood. I love her so much and she means a lot to me.

[@AleshaM30]

I love Alan's take of "I'm training them because I want to stay in bed and read books." I tell people all the time that I hire competent people, train them well, give them the tools they need, so this operation will run exactly the same whether I am here or not. My goal is always to work myself out of a job.

[@rileyackison4495]

In my opinion that is the mark of a good manager. Train your people to know what to do so that you don’t NEED to be there the entire time. Not so you can be lazy but so that the stuff that absolutely requires your attention can get the attention it needs.

[@anjelica948]

At my last job I trained people that were freshly hired into the department, and that was exactly what I tried to do. I tried to be clear and calm, even though the job was super hectic, and I always tried to be reassuring. “If you mess up or make a mistake, don’t panic, come find me, I’ll show you how to fix it. There’s no such thing as a bad question, so ask as many if you need to, and if I’m not available, here’s another person, and another person, they will definitely help you.” Unfortunately, the people in my department were mostly 17 year olds that didn’t care and just wanted to be on the clock to get paid and socialize with their friends and relatives, and upper management undermined me a lot by not enforcing what the rules were. But on the rare occasion when I did get a good employee, it was So Amazing. I knew if they were on shift I didn’t have to worry when I wasn’t there, or what I would be walking into for the next shift.

[@mistertwister2000]

Leia was way ahead of her time for empowering women in film, and she’s still by far one of my favorite characters in fiction

[@umjackd]

6:16 I always loved this shot because she's so much smaller than all the pilots and it's shot to emphasise that despite her height she's in a strong leadership role. It's great.

[@JennyG.COW5]

I LOVED the power, yet gentleness of Princess Leia in the Original Star Wars Trilogy. I enjoyed her witty banter as well as her intelligence and compassion. I remember as a kid I kinda blushed internally with her revealing outfit during episode 5 (still sometimes do years later, but I still understand the circumstances she was in), and I loved the growth she had with her brother Luke and eventual husband, Hon Solo. I always loved the famous line reversal in episode 6 as Hon Solo says, "I love you!" and Leia says, "I know!". It not only kept the consistency with their relationship, but Harrison Ford's choice to break from tradition and choosing instead to fit more naturally with his character made for a Beautiful scene in episode 5. Later used in reverse, it made That scene All the more Worth it! ❤️

[@innerpeace1979]

Just paused at 6:32 to take notice of her voice placement, lower into her chest, deepening it and making her authoritative tone come across as ore grounded ; it's a small detail but her spoken rhythm is brilliant in the sense that it both assures the crew and the audience that there is a concrete plan, while still conveying the urgency without sounding rushed or panicky.

[@talithadaily4266]

One of my favorite things about Star Wars is that they know how to do strong female characters who are strong because of WHO THEY ARE, and not because someone said, "We should throw in a strong girl to show that we're not sexist." Leia Organa is an amazing character

[@ladydavinci9914]

She has a commanding presence and was fearless. She was a badass. RIP Carrie Fisher.

[@mazsolagomboc]

The overarching theme I've noticed when watching this video is that * leadership is not about power and holding onto it *. It was really therapeutic to watch this video! Keep up the good work, there really is a huge need for content like this 🥺💖💖

[@nate1066pollock]

Would love to see a Psychology of a Hero about Superman, covering the 3 incarnations we've gotten (Reeve, Routh, Cavill)

[@catdragon2584]

Shared with my best friend, who’s really excited about this. She’s a massive Star Wars fan-in large part thanks to Leia-and she’s really passionate about women in leadership positions.

[@beasttitanofficial3768]

Carrie Fisher was the GOAT, I hope she's having a grand ol' time in the great beyond

[@mallorycarpinski1160]

Love the praise of Alan in this one (even with his self-deprecating responses). You deserve it, man!

[@annabellathorne8553]

Yes, Alan is a great guy, a great leader and a knowledgeable film maker. Absolutely love cinema therapy and love seeing Alan believing agaon in his capabilities as a film maker! Jonathan is great as well helping Alan rise like a Phoenix. Crushing these stereotypes of toxic masculinity and normalising men who are emotional and do not need to hide it. Men are human and have feelings and it is good to express them healthily.

[@koivunen2489]

I was 9 when I first saw the OG Star Wars trilogy. I didn't have strong female role models. In fact, I was actively discouraged from seeking them out. But then, suddenly, I had Leia, who highjacked her own rescue mission. A little later, I had Buffy Summers, who kicked serious ass. And saved the world. A lot. It feels frivolous to say I look to these fictional characters (written by men, the irony is not lost on me) for strength, but I do.

[@audreydimmel6674]

Ah, I got that reference! *finger guns*

[@DianaAmericaRivero]

I love that meme pointing out that Leia went through just as much pain, heartache, and turmoil as her father, her brother, and her son but she never once let herself be seduced by the dark side.

[@KristenRowenPliske]

The original trilogy is my absolute favorite. I remember seeing ANew Hope, back when it was just Star Wars, at the theater. Those 3 main characters-chef’s kids. And to have Leía be a smart, confident woman who could make decisions, rescue the “prince” & lead an army was awesome. And the music!!!

[@plumpmeup]

I was named after Leia. People often referred to me as Princess as a young girl, it used to bother me quite a bit. I thought of a princess as a damsel in distress, a woman without agency or ability. Rewatching these films as a young adult makes me rethink that entirely, a princess is a leader. I am proud of my namesake and strive to live up to Princess Leia in all her badassery (word?🤷🏽‍♀️)

[@katietoole8345]

The blue polo joke in the sponsorship was actually very funny.

[@ahsokatano6727]

If you plan on doing more Star Wars, can you do Ahsoka or Obi-Wan next? I think that both can make interesting videos.

[@TorgmanRDP]

oh gods I would LOVE an episode on Ahsoka. her character development is just amazing.

[@nectarina3891]

there is so much juicy character development with ahsoka and Anakin!

[@XxMusicxKelseyxX]

Might as well wait a pinch and tie in their shows

[@BonaparteBardithion]

Ahsoka would be a lot harder to do since they don't generally touch tv series. They sometimes do miniseries, but she's primarily in longer ones. And focusing on the theatrically released pilot would be a disaster as a character study.

[@TorgmanRDP]

@@BonaparteBardithion you are of course right, but one can dream :)

[@surferdude4487]

One of the best characters in any franchise. Well written, well directed and most of all, well acted.

[@AnthonySherritt]

Leia was actually my favorite character and had a major impact on how I view woman. Carrie Fisher, Margot Kidder and Karen Allen all had a major influence on me.

[@ladytremere85]

i first saw Star Wars when I was 10 and a half, and she became one of my biggest role models. I hated (and still do) the damsel in distress that is annoyingly common, and I never wanted to be the damsel. Then I learned about her mental health struggles, and how she was always up front about them. I was a blubbering mess when she died, and again when General Leia died on screen. Leia and Carrie both impacted countless lives.

[@AlternateF8]

Fantastic video guys! I connected to so many individual statements from this discussion. As Jon mentioned, I also grew up with a very "masculine" concept of romance and developed something of a "white knight" syndrome, where I was constantly looking for a partner to "save". It led to some disastrous choices and relationships. Finally, at some point in my early 30s, I started really examining relationships that I admired in life as well as in pop culture and Han and Leia really stood out. I started looking for a partner who was entirely capable of handling their own life but was looking for someone with whom to share it and tried to live my own life in that way. Eventually I met the woman who is now my wife when we were both in that place individually and I don't think it's a coincidence that we have hand towels, coffee mugs, and silicon wedding rings emblazoned with "I love you" and "I know". Similarly, when Alan talked about helping to train the staff, my wife and I were on the same team at work long before we started even dating and when she was hired on she told me that her goal was to "replace" me by learning how to do what I did better. I remember my response being something like "I wish you would" and then I did everything I could to help her develop the skills I had picked up. While I definitely wanted to see her succeed and recognized how valuable that would be for our team, it was largely so I could take a break periodically and not have to worry about what was being missed. Again, I really loved this video and I'll stop ranting about all the things it made me think about, but I really appreciate the sincerity and gravitas you guys bring to these discussions. Keep it up!

[@sheilarough236]

A big thanks to Carrie’s daughter and brother, knowing how much General Lia means to the Star Wars fans, granting permission to use Carrie’s likeness and voice so her story can reach its conclusion after her untimely death RIP Carrie

[@roxinwonderland2816]

Carrie Fisher was my hero! Her protrayal as Leia and her being so open about her personal life empowered me, while dealing with my own struggles. She died on my birthday and i have her tattooed on my arm in honor of her.

[@CreekSong.warriors]

She was so inspiring and she was the princess we all wanted to be like and when I found out she passed away I cried. Rest In Peace Carrie and Leia. May the force be with you

[@codsamanta]

I've always loved and looked up to Leia. She is the proof that you don't need to have physical strength to be a strong person. Strength, just like beauty, comes in all forms, shapes and sizes.

[@arelethithrinel]

Would you all ever consider doing an episode on Captain Janeway? Totally understanding that Star Trek: Voyager is a TV series but just think that Janeway is such a worthy character to talk about, an incredible role model for women and a badass leader having to get her crew safely across an entire galaxy. Just a thought :) Thanks for your excellent videos

[@LittleHobbit13]

Lol, I had the same thought: "Now I need them to talk about Janeway!!" Janeway was my role model growing up. It fascinated and inspired me that she was a character who was never made to choose. She was an action hero AND a maternal figure to her crew, and starship Captain AND a scientist. She was allowed to be complex and multifaceted in a way I hadn't really seen on TV up to that point. (Voyager's women in general were all uncommon for the time. B'lanna was sarcastic and also had a temper. Seven was direct and not expected to be sweet and smiley to people around her. Kes was young but taken seriously because of her ability. All things I wasn't used to seeing from women in media.)

[@KMHSeattle]

Yes please!

[@xhen12]

Yes please, captain Janeway was awesome

[@jar8425]

I miss Carrie Fisher all the time. But I haven't cried about our loss of her for a while. This leveled me Our Princess forever...

[@monikahanus9183]

When John Williams dies, it'll mess me up for a while. His music and Star Wars has always been therapy for me on some level.

[@monikahanus9183]

When Carrie Fischer passed, it messed me up for at least a week.

[@Sarah-Jane17]

I relate with Matt Schrader about music eliciting such strong emotion because I am often brought to tears by music. Or I feel like I'm flying while listening to John Williams's flight to neverland piece. I will be in bad shape for a while when John Williams leaves this earth.

[@kairbearpotter7161]

Most definitely.

[@specterowl1440]

We imitate the ones whom we find transcended. We learn to build our own character from witnessing their suffering and hard earned wisdom. We become that which we imitate. Choose what you wish to become.

[@TheShellbert]

I love how many heartfelt compliments Jonathan gives Alan this episode ❤

[@sergioruiz733]

I love how in the EU Leia has this ability to rapport with other species as well. Like with the Ewoks, she treats the Noghri with respect and their customs as something as of equal importance, same with the Wookiees, the Caamasi, the Royalty of the Hapes Consortium. She is a great diplomat as well as a leader that I just love.

[@sylviasammon-burns6021]

This was excellent. I especially enjoyed the discussions on score and how they relate to the plot and journey of the characters. When you mention the save the cat concept I got very excited mainly because my SCRN 101 professor talked about Snyder's concepts a lot.

[@heidimarie2896]

Yes finally! I love leiah, she is such a strong role model to so many who watched star wars as young children. One of my favorite characters of all time!

[@Historian212]

Whoa, wait - I believe we first hear Leia’s theme when her ship gets boarded in the beginning, when she’s hiding - our very first glimpse of her - and she puts the message into R2, just before she gets captured by Darth Vader.

[@jeka8826]

I looked up Score before I was even done with this video because it sounded amazing. Loved it! It was more than I ever hoped for. Thanks for bringing Matt on and introducing me to something new to love!

[@Ellary_Rosewood]

Our space mom!! ❤️

[@herodontus]

The legacy of this character is immeasurable. She's transcended time and remains a role model for today's media as well. As for the last movies, at least she got some dignified moments, as opposed to most of the other characters who had a ton of wasted potential.

[@wijcik]

I cried at the mention of John William's hypothetical death.

[@ghlmk5931]

As a tween in the seventies, Leia was my first female hero role model. I had not realized how much she had meant to me until Carrie’s untimely passing. Not just because of Leia but because of her unapologetic personality. Will always miss her. Great video, guys.

[@mjbanawa7508]

I love Leia so much. She's one of my biggest role model and she really inspired me to be a leader and a better person. I'm glad that you made this episode about her P.S. I love her so much that when my aunt was pregnant with their second child, I was praying for it to be a girl so I can ask them to name her Leia because their eldest child is named Luke. It didn't happen because baby number 2 is a boy but they were considering it back then

[@kathrynronnenberg1688]

I'd love to see you guys do a "Psychology of a (Reluctant) Hero" episode on Evelyn in Everything Everywhere All at Once. Not as epic as Star Wars by any means, but packed with sticky relationships to analyze. And the alternate-reality idea underlying the plot was very interesting.

[@lyndsycarson8302]

That skin to skin contact in a hug that Leia gives Rey is such a mom thing to do because we know some hugs just need to hold more connection and reassurance than others. ☺️🥰♥️ yep i’m crying, Carrie Fisher was a FORCE in the movies and real life.

[@bekahkurz]

I love Matt's comment about the score of a movie creating so much emotion. I came to that realization a few years ago and I haven't watched a movie or show the same way since.

[@kellyhaeffele7583]

It would be interesting to see your thoughts on the relationship in Benny and Joon and/or The Other Sister. I got to thinking about Johnny Depp in the former and I thought it might be a good look not only at relationships for mentally challenged people but perhaps the portrayal of them and how that's held up over time. Also, love your show! Your videos have helped me work through some things that I didn't realize were holding me back.

[@MossyMozart]

@Kelly Haeffele - Excellent suggestion.

[@bacul165]

Movies: Good people save the cat, bad people kick the dog. Life: How do you treat the staff?

[@baileyruggles7894]

I truly love all of your great work! That be said... ALAN! TAKE THE COMPLIMENTS!!! YOURE AMAZING AT WHAT YOU DO!!!

[@Firegen1]

Squeals with joy! Now to write a real comment. One of the best characters in film. And truly Carrie Fisher! What a hero in real life too!