When Gen-X Ruled the Multiplex Ep.100: The Empire Strikes Back

In the final episode of this series, I'm looking at the much-loved second film in George Lucas's initial Star Wars trilogy, which was written by Leigh Brackett & Lawrence Kasdan and directed by Irvin Kershner.

[@oldesertguy9616]

I am really going to miss this. Your deadpan take on things, and your spot-on analysis were always enjoyable.

[@petersavio3233]

Morgan is the erudite, slightly cheeky professor whose classes always fill up too quickly. What makes this series so winning is Morgan's obvious love of film. Despite the variance of genre, budget or box office results, there are no snarky take downs here. Just a lot of admiration for the craft of filmmaking, no matter how refined or bonkers the storytelling is. These video essays were a joy to watch and a Friday night staple in my household. Certainly looking forward to any projects you share with us in the future (and I'm definitely on board with the suggestion to do a series on 80s music videos!). Thanks again, Morgan!

[@Dax151tube]

Thanks Morgan...what an excellent series of reviews...perfect.

[@matthewmarcinko9157]

It's been a great run, Ms. Richter. We, your contemporaries from the 80's, appreciate your helping us to revisit these essential moments of our younger lives. Thank you....

[@BooBooGlue1]

I enjoyed every video you did of these 100 films. Your knowledge and love for film of the 80's is something to behold. I know how much time and work you spent and definitely deserve a break, but I hope you wont leave us for long.

[@ronzombie6541]

"The force is strong with this one!"

[@beatee768]

Thanks Morgan, perfect film to end the series on. I can't lie, I'm going to miss it quite a lot so I guess I'll have to go back and start the 100 all over again. Don't stay away too long 😉

[@ronsmac]

One of my 6th grade teachers complained that the theater raised the prices specifically for this movie in our area. From like 2.75 to 4 bucks or something. She went on a rant for at least 5 minutes. That’s something that will stay with me for the rest of my life. God bless Ms. Knox.

[@Britcarjunkie]

Fun fact: When I worked in the airline business, I knew John Morton, who played Dak - Luke's gunner, in the snow speeder. Jack - as everybody in the office knew him, was working as a courier for a company that shipped film prints worldwide, and I can't for the life of me remember the name of that company (Edit later in the day: PackAir), but he was at the office almost on a daily basis. Good guy...and had I known that he was in my favorite car-film, "The Gumball Rally", we'd have had a very long chat! While I enjoyed this series, Morgan, I think you need to do another, as I have several films that deserve "Honorable mention": "Remo Williams: The Adventure Begins", 1985 "My Science Project", 1985 "Biggles: Adventures in Time", 1986 "Off Limits", 1988 "Sid And Nancy", 1986 "True Stories", 1986 " Blue Thunder", 1983 "The Decline Of Western Civilization", 1981 "The Great Rock & Roll Swindle", 1980 "F/X", 1986 "Chopper Chicks In Zombietown", 1989 "The Right Stuff", 1983 (Okay, I'm biased: I used to chat with the late Gen. Yeager from time to time, on Facebook) And, what should be first on my list because I'm friends with Claudia Christian - and this was one of her first, the best science fiction that nobody's ever heard of... "The Hidden", 1987. (Another edit:) I couldn't for the life of me remember the title of this one, but I kind of remembered that it involved a mysterious airliner crash, and I finally remembered it: "Millenium", 1989! I hope we get to see you doing something else, soon. 🙂

[@oldesertguy9616]

Wow, I had forgot about Remo Williams, and I concur on pretty much all of your choices. I second your motion.

[@Britcarjunkie]

@@oldesertguy9616 Thank you! I added a few more that bounced their way back into my head...🙂

[@torsegundo637]

I always held out a hope that Morgan would have covered The Crow (1994), although it was several years outside the range of the years she was looking at. As someone who was born at the late edge of Gen-X (an era I liked to consider Generation X-Wing), I feel like it was equally influential with me and a number of my friends.

[@Britcarjunkie]

@@torsegundo637 I don't know what happened in the '90's: in the '80's, it seemed as if creativity was through the roof, and in the '90's, while there were a few blips of hope (The Crow being one of them), creativity was out the window...maybe because all the people that had crazy ideas that worked, had died off from too many drugs? Depression as a result of the end of the Cold War? I don't know...

[@Britcarjunkie]

@@oldesertguy9616 Funny thing, the night you posted, Remo Williams was on tv...I stayed up and watched it, because I don't think I'd seen it in 20 years!

[@LewyLewy2008]

I watched all of your videos as they were posted, and they were so enjoyable that your channel remains a memorable creation that I continue to come back to appreciate.

[@shinyphil87]

An example of how to make the perfect sequel. 😊 Excellent work as always Morgan, I'm going to miss these! 💔

[@andersontraube3623]

Loved your work. God speed Morgan and thank you

[@OtoCarrillo-fy2fh]

Truly a wonderful series. Enjoyed every episode.

[@SkullCowboy333]

Great work. This film in particular was a major factor in my taking martial arts and a life long devotion to their spiritual elements. I recall the odd knowing about the At At thing myself, the star wars films seemed to open a special time for many of us. Thank you and I hope we get more content from you.

[@Truthseeker1515]

Younger generations have no idea how important SW was to us, toys were everywhere. I mean everywhere. You could not go to a supermarket without a toys aisle dominated by SW, at least until the mid-80s...

[@Tr0nzoid]

The younger generations also don't know what it was like after 1985 until the early '90s when there was no Star Wars merchandise in stores.

[@ABoyNamedArt]

Congrats on the run, and thanks for all your time in curating this series Morgan!

[@alchernov322]

I have been enjoying your takes on 80's films. I'm hoping this isn't an end (April fool's?) and just a transition to something... Thanks for your work and looking forward to what's next in Morgan's universe!

[@gretaenglish3519]

Thanks so much, Morgan! I have really enjoyed this series so much. I will miss it. I hope you come back with another one after you take a break.

[@riddick729]

A catwalk suspended above oblivion almost made me crash my van as I listened. What a way to end your series. One cannot stare at the sun forever. I had a great ride. Thank you!

[@clango884]

I can't believe I discovered this series just as it was wrapping up. Great job, and clearly a labor of love. Guilty as charged from the gen X perspective and man did you help dust off some vivid memories . . . but I learned quite a lot. So much of this perspective would have been helpful back in the day. Along with your insight, your sense of humor is wonderful. I look forward to checking out your other series and whatever you decide to do next!

[@CoinOpTV]

Thanks Morgan - will you be launching a new series on this channel?

[@MorganRichter]

Nothing in the works right now -- I'm taking a break! -- but maybe in the future.

[@TCherice]

Please come back to your channel! I love it and I need more content from you!

[@brihiggins]

Thank you Morgan. I've Really enjoyed this series. Ideas/Predictions for your next GenX KZbin series... 1. 100 videos that came out on MTV in the and 80s 90s 2. 100 Albums that came out in the 70s80s90s 3. I don't know if there are 100, but maybe Top 50 TV shows or TV moments from the 70s80s90s 4. Top 50 books on the shelf behind you that you think we should definitely read at some point

[@MorganRichter]

I love your suggestions, Brian!

[@btetschner]

I like all those ideas, but especially #1! Music videos are a unique part of the Gen X experience (Gen X'er here born 1979).

[@Diakron79]

Congratulations Morgan Richter, that was one of a million swan songs of the century. I want to professionally thank you for taking us on your analytical journey as our tour guide thru memory lane. Your shrewd, laid-back, critical approach to essential 80s films & especially MIAMI VICE is passionate, charming, & entertaining. We sure needed that, for 2 years this pandemic had been terrifying & claustrophobic - it still is rough, but your channel made me & so many viewers feel positive & breathable throughout this crisis. Ms. Richter - I hope whatever you do in your next projects later on in days, months, or years yet to come, I hope you come back to present it to your channel for your viewers to behold. I wish you the best of fortunes. Sincerely, -D79

[@v_zach]

Congratulations on 100 episodes! One of my earliest memories is of my kindergarten classmates revealing the spoiler about Luke's father. And I also knew the little guy Luke first met on Dagobah was Yoda, even though that was supposed to be revealed later. I often wonder what it would have been like to see this movie without knowing the spoilers.

[@richardhart9204]

Thanks for your videos, and hard work. The 1980s truly was a magical time.

[@paulvalentine4157]

Very sad to see this go, but the good news is we can rewatch all your other ones. Good luck on your next venture.

[@djdonthe1]

You picked the perfect way and the perfect film to end your series! And leave it to you to answer one of my nagging questions about the Star wars universe: what is the fascination with Bobba Fett, who as far as I'm concerned didn't even really capture hunt in empire strikes back! And the one little tidbit I wished you had mentioned that Harrison Ford improvise that now famous line when Leia admitted that she loved, " know" was not in the script! You're serious of KZbin videos help me get through some difficult times the last couple of years, and this fellow gen Xee looks forward to your next series! May the force be with you,

[@ricardoortiz-wn6ff]

Hi Morgan when will u be back ?😊

[@anadraham2995]

You were extra special cute and funny in this one 😺 however, this is bittersweet. You deserve a vacation 💯 If or when you decide to create more, we'll be right here🫂

[@MorganRichter]

Thank you so much, Anad!

[@anadraham2995]

@@MorganRichter Merry Christmas Morgan 🎄 🎁 🎄 Drop us an update if you get the chance? 😇

[@dwarfsid]

"Who's scruffy looking?" Also, who herds Nerfs?

[@oldesertguy9616]

Morgan, you really should think about continuing this. I really enjoy the nostalgia of the 80's, but you could even start on later films, and I would watch. Your videos were somewhat cathartic for me. I normally watch videos on history or other kind of intense subjects, and these were like having a pleasant conversation with someone. If you don't continue this, then I thank you for what you've already done. I have yet to see all of them, so I have that to look forward to.

[@rutterj2]

Thanks for all the great videos!

[@NITE_SHIFTING]

More PLEEAASSEE! Now, please take a look at 100 MORE. :)

[@andrewdurden6550]

Bravo! Amazing series that got me through long days at work!

[@themurdernerd]

NOOO! Not the last one! 😭

[@IndyCrewInNYC]

One of the greatest sequels...one of THE greatest films ever...in any genre. Still the standard to which any SW film must live up to (e.g., the chase in the asteroid field is cinematic gold). I truly wish I was alive to see it in the theaters. What an outstanding series, Morgan. Enjoy your well-deserved break, we appreciate your dedication and hard work uploading these every single week. Been a fan since the start of the MV series. All my best...curious to see what comes next. 🙋🏻

[@ronsmac]

I hope you cover a new topic soon. I really enjoyed your take on these films.

[@alphawhiskyadventures]

Thanks for these reviews. I enjoyed it.

[@D_isco_D_ancer]

When the franchise was revived in 2015 with The Force Awakens I was one of the first who saw it a Saturday morning. Coming out there was a queue mostly of Gen Xers waiting to get in. One of them asked me if the film was good and how was the film. My answer is the way I describe these films. Star Wars films have a magic that makes you feel like a child again, and that is an amazing thing.. Even more when you get older and older. Star wars has the advantage that started long time ago building a Universe around it. Now there are two other option sin Dune and Foundation, which I absolutely love.

[@dgnoel4180]

Thank you X

[@TearyEyesAnderson]

Thanks for another great movie review, Morgan. I hope someday you get all access and get a chance to make a 'Duran Duran' documentary. 'Empire and 'Return' were my favorite in the series. Mark Hamill also reprised the role for the Radio programs all ecept "Return of the Jedi", C3PO actor appears in all 3 radio series, and Billy Dee Williams reprises as Lando. They were like large extended movies with extra scenes. 13 episodes of Star Wars, 10 episode of Empire, and 6 episodes of Return. Luke, Leia, and Han's stories were also extended in the original sequels to Return of the Jedi, where they each have happy endings, while in the Disneyverse its mostly a 'Bad Ending' for these characters. Luke tries to kill his nephew, then hides away. Leia and Han split up. In the Thrawn Trilogy, Leia is having twins, Luke gets to trail other Jedi, Han is actually useful, besides another 'Dark' side user, Luke also finds a lovely looking woman that wants him dead. There were audio books, comic of that story, and even two fan films based on the continued 'Happy Ending'. Star Wars: The Thrawn Trilogy: Motion Comic * kzbin.info/aero/PLlKJO4D2BftV-zZFT7gtxJt9VfT2MsQIM Star Wars: Heir to the Empire - Part One * kzbin.info/www/bejne/eXScl4yLebZpea8

[@carlpeterson8182]

Boba Fett looks cool. That was enough to dream about how cool he was when I saw this movie as a kid.

[@captainmidnight5958]

"Reckless" ...should've made your list. 👍

[@megavide0]

5:20 "... somehow... I don't know how we did it..." // You don't? You've never been to an action toy aisle in the 80s? The name of the Imperial walker was written on the huge box of the KENNER toys "AT-AT" that every (male) kid born about 4 or 5 years earlier wanted to see under their Christmas tree. And there was also a more affordable 3.75 inch figure of the "AT-AT driver". Nobody knew how to pronounce it, but we all learned how to read then... last but not least BECAUSE we wanted to know the names of all the heroic and exotic characters that we saw on screen and on cards and boxes in the toy stores. :)

[@Noneya2023]

I was worried how Star Wars would be reviewed. I’m an OG, remember going to see it in 1977. It’s sacred. Thank you for giving Empire the respect it deserves. These are not the droids you’re looking for. Move along…

[@davidmichaelmcmillen8053]

We knew and understood all of that detailed minutiae that wasn't explicit in the film(s) because of the toys and merchandise which usually preceded the release of the film(s).

[@robertarce5377]

I was born in 1980 I remember Star Wars The Empire Strikes Back! That was the first movie I actually like the bad guy! Darth Vader!

[@Noneya2023]

George Lucas offended every single traditionalist OG Star Wars fan when he added CGI to Episodes IV, V & VI. He completely ruined a treasure that was perfect. It was amazing back then, with the technology available at that time. He created alien worlds & languages with puppets, miniatures & stop motion that, I believe, still hold up today! I beg him, please rerelease the original trilogy, in its original versions! Let these youngsters see how it all actually began! 🙏

[@100domathon]

If you ever make more videos, will you review episodes of other 1980s tv shows? Like Magnum PI

[@daustin8888]

You are awesome

[@bobrobert319]

HEY. HOW ARE YOU DOING MORGAN?

[@torsegundo637]

With the inclusion of this movie, an expected but off-formula choice (A film that is part of a franchise but not the opening installment), I have to ask where the other massive 80s sci-fi franchise sequel landed on the short list? How about Star Trek II: Wrath of Khan? It has been considered the best of the Kirk-era Trek films, and has quite a bit of cultural cache as film and meme. Was it that Star Trek is, or was at the time, more of a Boomer phenomenon or that you felt it had some less importance to GenX?

[@CaptGage]

Cinefantastique gave this movie an atrocious review, and at least one condescending letter writer not only agreed, but went on to insult Star Wars fans. I for one don't need Bill Shakespeare 24/7!

[@jupiterjames4201]

PLEASE MAKE AN INSTAGRAMMM!!!

[@Noneya2023]

Sorry woke culture. Han shot Greedo first. That’s the Star Wars I witnessed in ‘77. Deal with it! 😳

[@ThunderAppeal]

Another bit of whimsy is that apparently in that far far far away galaxy they apparently believed in hell long long long ago, this is revealed when Han leaves to search for Luke when Han is told that he wont survive the freezing weather Han replies: 'Then I'll see you in HELL!'.

[@ThunderAppeal]

The whole star wars trilogy was finished and was resurrected because the gen-y/z generation have run out of ideas and the baby boomers needed one last cash grab.