A long time ago in a galaxy far, far away… the hype was real. Jamie Apps and Corrina Mabey strap into their pods and blast back to 1999 as The Commentary Booth revisits Star Wars: Episode I – The Phantom Menace, timed perfectly ahead of the Skywalker Saga's landmark 50th anniversary and coinciding with the premiere of Maul: Shadow Lord on Disney+

Two Jedi escape a hostile Trade Federation blockade, stumble upon a desert slave boy with off-the-charts midichlorians, and unknowingly set in motion the fall of the Republic — all while the galaxy's most intimidating silent villain finally steps out of the shadows. Does this prequel hold up over two decades later? Jamie and Corrina leave no question unanswered, from Darth Maul's criminally short screen time to why the film's CGI-heavy sets feel more like a sterile showreel than a lived-in galaxy.

Highlights Breakdown:

- The clash between practical effects and early CGI, and why it still feels “off”

- Darth Maul’s legacy, despite barely being in the film

- The midichlorian debate and how it reshaped the Force mythology

- Pod racing, politics, and pacing, what holds up and what drags

- The Jar Jar Binks problem, and why he still sparks debate

Plus: an exclusive interview with the creative team behind Maul: Shadow Lord, now streaming on Disney+, as they discuss the show's art style, dark themes, and what they hope Star Wars fans take away from Maul's long-overdue spotlight.

Trivia, behind-the-scenes facts, a razor-turned-communicator prop secret, and a box office number that will make your jaw drop — Jamie and Corrina cover it all.

Ultimately, it's better than you remember, but the franchise is about to get a whole lot worse. Buckle up for Star Wars: Episode II - Attack of the Clones next month.

This week’s episode is brought to you by

Australian Wrestling Cards

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Star Wars: Episode I - The Phantom Menace Review