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Host 1
Introducing Instagram Teen Accounts. A new way to keep your teen safer as they grow. Like making sure they've got the right gear for writing.
Host 2
Knee pads. Check. And helmet. Done. See you, dad.
Host 1
New Instagram Teen Accounts. Automatic protections for who can contact your teen and the content they can see.
Advertiser 1
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Host 2
You're listening to Comedy Central. In America, our own young people are taking up a similarly passionate cause. Yes, America's youth have rallied around the noble flag of the new Star Wars Movie Episode one, the fandom menace. It is a period of nerdy anticipation. Teens with rebellious acne striking from hidden pores have begun their first battle against the evil Galactic Empire boys who girls like. Let's hear from someone who's taken up the cause. Yoda man. Yoda man. I'll see this movie most likely six times in one day, the very first.
Advertiser 2
Showing being the midnight show, and after.
Host 2
That, the Noon show, the 4pm show.
Reviewer 1
The 7pm show, the 10pm show, and.
Host 2
The midnight show the next day. He reportedly added, after that, I'll go home, be treated for scabies, and bury my dog, in case you've been frozen in carbonite for the last six months. The new Star Wars Movie Episode the Phantom Menace opens next Wednesday. We sent our own Vance DeGeneres to Mann's Chinese Theater in Hollywood, where fans have been waiting in line for six weeks. Vance will be living with them until the movie opens. So here it is, our star, the obligatory coverage. That's actually the ending. Oops. Hey, Vance DeGeneres, are you out there? Is there a lot of excitement in the line?
Field Reporter
Well, John, it's Hollywood, and excitement is Hollywood's middle name, especially when it comes to long lines. John, I went out and put together a little piece today. Let's take a look at it. Excuse me. How long have you been waiting in this line?
Advertiser 2
Just about 10 seconds.
Field Reporter
About 30 seconds?
Expert 1
About a minute.
Field Reporter
How long are you prepared to wait?
Host 2
Not very long.
Field Reporter
And yet another line moving yet. Certainly a line has it Affected your family in any way? Has this affected your job in any way? You're annoyed at having to wait.
Host 2
Yes, yes, but we're not really waiting for anything.
Field Reporter
So as you can clearly see, John, here in Hollywood, lines are a horse of a different color.
Host 2
Vance, not that those aren't really good lines, but we sent you to Hollywood to cover the fans in line at the Chinese theater for the opening of the new Star wars movie.
Field Reporter
My mistake, John. I'm sorry, I thought you sent me out here to do a story on lines in general, but that makes much more sense. Excellent idea, John.
Host 2
Well, go on over to the Chinese theater and get your sleeping bag and get in line. We'll see you Monday. Vance DeGeneres live somewhere in Hollywood at Man's Chinese theater in Hollywood, fans have been in line for six weeks for the opening of Star the Phantom Menace. Our own Vance DeGeneres has been camping out for five days and he's met some very interesting characters. So here it is, Star the obligatory coverage flashy. Vance DeGeneres is standing by live. Vance, we're all eager to know what's it like out there living the Star wars adventure.
Field Reporter
I have to tell you, my sleeping bag has a funny smell and last night a hobo stepped on my finger.
Host 2
Well, what's the atmosphere like there, Vance?
Field Reporter
Well, John, during the day it's pretty tame, but after midnight, it's sort of like being a kid at a circus, only without the wild animals and tents or fun. And instead of clowns you have crack fueled gang members piling out of cars. Fortunately, I'm protected by line dwelling Star wars fanatics wielding toy lightsabers and the force.
Host 2
Well, speaking of the Star wars fans, how about introducing us to some of the fans?
Field Reporter
You bet, John. We'll meet some super fans who have incredibly long, endless minutiae filled stories about which rebel alliance military insignia is coolest.
Host 2
Well, we're getting a little tight on time, Vance, so why don't you talk to the experts themselves? The fans?
Field Reporter
Absolutely, John, that's an excellent idea. Because who else would be able to go on and on and on for days on end acting out scenes from Star wars and scenes they made up and songs about Star Wars. They made up songs like Domo arigato, Mr. R2D2.
Host 2
All right, well that's great, Vance. Let's meet him. Let's take a look at the fans and have a. All right, say. Say no more, Vance. Maybe we'll get that song next time. We'll have another live report from Vance DeGeneres. Tomorrow. Good luck out there, Vance. Right at Mann's Chinese theater in Hollywood, die hard fans have been in line for weeks for the opening of the new Star wars movie. Our own Vance degeneres has been camping out with the fans, soaking up this once in a lifetime opportunity. We now continue with star the obligatory coverage. Yes, Vance, how's it going out there in Hollywood? Are you getting the Star wars fever? Vance? Vance degeneres. Van. Vance, What? Vance, are you all right? What happened to your clothes and your hygiene?
Field Reporter
I ran out of food and water, so I traded my suit for some fresca. I hope it's fresca. Did you know you can cook a roach with a single match?
Host 2
Vance, I had no idea this was going on. What about the other fans in line? How are they holding up? Are they gonna be able to hang on for the opening of the movie?
Field Reporter
Movies?
Host 2
We sent you out there to cover the opening of Star wars movie.
Field Reporter
I like movies, but not sad ones. Did you know you can turn an ordinary egg carton into a handy portable latrine? And it takes over six minutes for 3752 ants to walk just six feet.
Host 2
Concentrate, Vance. Now, we heard a rumor George Lucas himself is going to be at the Chinese theater for the first showing of the film. That's exciting, isn't it?
Field Reporter
Maybe.
Host 2
Well, Vance, can you tell us anything about. Vance, can you tell Vance? Well, tomorrow, hopefully we'll have an actual report on the movie from Vance degeneres. Vance degeneres, ladies and gentlemen. Ah, here it is. Day 52 of our obligatory Star wars coverage. Nine bucks new Star wars movie premieres Fans say better than Spaceballs. Following a barrage of hype that makes you wistful for the soft sell of Titanic, fans gathered for the midnight opening of Star Wars, Allowing George Lucas to finally pay off his student loans. Excited fans staged these unbelievably realistic lightsaber battles. Recreating the classic scene where two jedis fight over an eight dollar milk dud. The fans were out en masse. Let's hear from one of the more well adjusted ones now. May the force be with you. I don't want to say anything, but I think that's my accountant. Across the nation film started late due to the extra time needed to create aisle space for all the lizard terrariums, clarinet cases and unwieldy retainer boxes. There you go. Welcome back to the program. This past Sunday was a banner day for fans of the Star wars series as Fox aired the first glimpse of the latest installment of the saga. Attack of the Clones. Joining us now are resident expert in all things science fiction, Stephen Colbert. Stephen, you worked with Bradbury, with Huxley. Understudied many of them. What did you think of this particular trailer, John?
Expert 1
I loved it. The special effects were mind blowing. The editing was crisp. Jimmy Smits was in it. I don't want to tell you the ending, but what the heck, I'll just show it to you.
Host 2
Your first chance to see the trailer for Star Wars.
Expert 1
Look at this. Now, for those of you who don't know how to read, they're telling you that this is the exact same trailer you can see this Friday during previews before the showing of the new Fox animated classic, Ice Age. I have got to see that Ice Age. No, the new Star wars trailer.
Host 2
But it's. It's the same trailer you just saw on Twitter.
Expert 1
Right, right, right. But it's gonna be on the big screen in a big theater. I can't impress upon you how the largeness of it will increase its size. You see, at home, I'm bigger than my tv, but in a movie theater, the screen dwarfs me. The TV trailer has only wet my appetite. The feast is this Friday.
Host 2
So you're really looking forward to this movie?
Expert 1
No.
Host 2
No. Did you not like episode one? No.
Expert 1
I mean, I love the trailer, but I heard the movie was terrible. You know, it was like 133 minutes. I could watch 30 or 40 trailers during that same time.
Host 2
You. You just like trailers?
Expert 1
What's not to like, John? I mean, you got the buttery voiced narrator asking me to imagine a world where something happens, or every so often a film comes along that does something. You know, I love the excitement when the trailer is fun and upbeat and then you hear that needle scratch, like, and everything sort of stops. And then someone mugs for the camera, like. Or when someone's about to say a dirty word, then they cut to a tanker truck exploding. Like, suck my. You know, that. That, my friend, is trailertainment.
Host 2
It is. It is. It is. You don't like movies at all?
Expert 1
I love movies, John. I just don't see why they have to be so long. You know, nobody walks out of trailers because they're perfect. In fact, there is nothing in this world that wouldn't be better in trailer form. I mean, take this Star wars commentary, for instance. Wouldn't it have been a lot better if we had just done it like this in a world where one man loved it? John? I loved it. Jimmy Smits was in it. He's about to get more than he bargained for. I'm pregnant. Movies are just watered down trailers. The Stephen Colbert trailer commentary winner of the coveted Palme d'or. Suck my coming to the Daily show three minutes ago. John thank you, Stephen.
Host 2
That was nice to see you. Stephen Colbert, everybody. We'll be right back.
Host 1
Introducing Instagram Teen accounts. A new way to keep your teen safer as they grow. Like making sure they've got the right gear for writing.
Host 2
Knee pads, shack and helmet.
Host 1
Done.
Host 2
See you, dad.
Host 1
New Instagram Instagram teen accounts, automatic protections for who can contact your teen and the content they can see.
Advertiser 3
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Host 2
A deafening screech. Pink eyes beaming from the darkness. A monstrous white form streaks past you, leaving only a gelatinous trail of fetid stench. A monster? No. It was your live at home son. Going to get the new Star wars toys? Might be a good time to hose out his lair. Yes, Hasbro has unleashed its Episode two Attack of the Clones toy line a full three weeks before the much anticipated release of the Star wars installment. The sure to be hot items include Anakin Skywalker, Obi or Django. Martin Luther King. What the hell? We only had three, so we threw in him to try and soothe out the whole Jar Jar Binks debacle. Toys R Us officials beamed at what lay ahead. The line is fabulous. You know, this movie is rich with characters and with content, with vehicles and scenes that are really very exciting. You heard it here first. Extry, extry. Star Wars Episode 2 is going to feature content, vehicles and scenes. That guy can sell anything. Also, in anticipation of the film's release, a video of John Williams in the London Symphony Orchestra performing a track entitled across the Stars premiered on TRL earlier this week. Imagine. That was shortly after the premiere of MTV's Becoming Yo Yo Ma. The entire audience tonight, all PBS tote bag owners. The video also lets fans know that horror legend Christopher Lee has joined the cast.
Field Reporter
Join me, Obi Wan, and together we.
Host 2
Will destroy the Sith. In the film, Lee plays the role of Darth Tyrannis. The name Darth is used for many villains in the Star wars movies, including Darth Vader and Darth Maul. It's been reported George Lucas has already chosen his Darth for Episode three, a character so nefarious he could only be named Darth D. I am your father. Seriously. Finally, a reason to live. Star Wars Episode something, Attack of the Thingers is lumbering into theaters. Upon exiting last night's first midnight showings, many fans said the film was actually better than the last installment, Episode one, the Phantom Menace. Well, that's a rare honor shared with such other films as Snow Dogs. Believe it or not, the film's marketing was considered low key by Hollywood blockbuster standards. With only $25 million spent in advertising. Even though Yoda was on the COVID of Time magazine last month, it was only to discuss his crippling addiction to diet pills. Myself. Hey, you read it. There you go. Talk is talk has already begun of Star Wars Episode 3, which is expected to follow Anakin and Padme's adventures as they inherit a whipped cream factory on the planet Naboo, which is run by a wacky scientist played by Nathan Lane. All their lives are turned upside down when they adopt a little black boy who teaches them the meaning of love. And thanks for that exclusive Episode three preview information. It goes out to our daily show fact checker, Dr. Idiot. He's really not very good at his job. Perhaps we should fire him. So, is Attack of the Clones? Is Attack of the Clones worthy of the hype? Here's Frank decara with the answer, which of course is no. Pain, suffering, death, I feel.
Reviewer 1
Oh, come on, Yoda. It wasn't that bad. Well, Star wars episode Attack of the Clones has landed. And the good news is it's an improvement over Star Wars Episode the Phantom Menace. Of course, just leaving the theater after episode one was an improvement on Episode one. Since nothing I say will stop you from seeing this blockbuster, here's what happens. The pod racing little kid from Phantom Menace has grown up to be a member of the Thompson twins. We all know big Anakin, played by Hayden Christensen, is going to turn into Darth Vader, but for now, he's doing his heavy breathing over Natalie Portman. She plays Padme Amidala. She used to be queen, but now she's just a senator, just like Hillary Clinton.
Host 2
Must be difficult having sworn your life to the Jedi, not being able to do the things you like or be with the people that I love.
Reviewer 1
Are you allowed to love these two? Couldn't have less chemistry if they were in separate movies. In between uncomfortable kisses, there's a lot of mumbo jumbo about trade sanctions, Senate deliberations and separatist movements.
Host 2
The Senate must vote the Chancellor emergency powers. As my first act, I will create a grand army of the Republic. Fun.
Reviewer 1
It's like C span with lasers.
Host 2
Do you have any idea who is behind this attack?
Reviewer 1
Of course. George Lucas. The real love story in episode two is between Old George and $140 million worth of computer generated special effects, most of it for Natalie Portman's hair. There are some saving graces here, including some fantastic production design, legitimately exciting action sequences, and Jedi Ewan McGregor as Obi Wan Kenobi whenever he's on screen. I feel like I'm gonna have an episode, too. Then, of course, there's Yoda. And boy, was I glad to see him in grave danger.
Host 2
You are.
Reviewer 1
You know you're in trouble when a computer generated lawn ornament is the most natural actor in your movie. In the end, Attack of the Clones is short on substance and long on style. And just plain long. Went to bathroom twice. This reviewer did.
Expert 1
Begun this Clone War has.
Reviewer 1
Whatever. Back to you, John. My Boba fetish.
Host 2
Thank you, Frank. We'll be right back. This past weekend, you may have experienced a strange sensation, something that can only be described as a disturbance in the Force, specifically the sales Force. Toy and retail stores nationwide celebrated the upcoming premiere of the sixth and final Star wars movie, Revenge of the Sith, with a midnight rollout of a brand new line of merchandise. Among the top offerings, this talking Yoda doll. A cool new way to teach kids bad grammar. Mmm. Incorrect English this is. There's also a Darth Tater Mr. Potato Head doll, though sadly, he's more machine than potato. Now. Darth Tater. I wish I was making this up. Perfect for those who crave evil, but wish it were starchier. In New York's Times Square, some enthusiasts even celebrated by showing up in full Star wars regalia. There were legions of costumed characters, all your favorites, from Princess Leia to Jedi. Eminem. What movie was he in? Yes, the peanut is strong in this one. Walmart was among the retailers taking part in the product launch. And if you've ever wondered exactly how they keep their prices so low, here's how they do it Grandma Labor. I find your attempts to unionize most disturbing. As for the manufacturers of these toys, Hasbro official Brian Goldner explained, they're really a chance to teach children about morality. We give kids the opportunity to choose between the light side and the dark side of the Force. By the way, did you know that the True Identity of the Emperor Hasbro official Brian Goldman so how best to rally the GOP troops for the upcoming fall election? A rededication to the platform? A review of their recent accomplishments. Or you could produce an eight minute parody of Star wars called Election wars in which Democratic Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi is Darth Nancy, evil cohort of sinister figures like Howard Dean and the dreaded campaign committee chair Rahm Emanuel. How could you take on a fearsome juggernaut like that?
Expert 1
They had a plan to defeat Darth Nancy with a strategy built from the ground up. And it was up to their battle tested incumbents to carry it out. They vowed to band together once more to deny the majority to Darth Nancy and the Evil Democrat Empire.
Host 2
Evil Democrat Empire? I got news for you. If we're gonna do the Star wars analogy, the Democrats are at best Ewoks. At best. Believe me, you'd be pumping up their egos to call them jawas. Why can't the Republicans just admit it? You're in charge. You control the White House, both Houses of Congress, the Supreme Court. You're not a bunch of ragtag rebels fighting the Empire. You're the Empire. Besides the Star wars thing. The Star wars thing is lame. And anyway, it's an outdated, nerdy reference. It doesn't even begin to I know.
Host 1
You masturbated to me in the 70s. I know you masturbated to me in the 70s.
Host 2
You know, I always dreamed she saw that, but I never thought she did. Introducing Instagram Teen accounts. A new way to keep your teen safer as they grow. Like making sure they always have their seatbelt on. Alright, sweetie pie, buckle up.
Advertiser 1
Good job.
Host 2
Or ring the bell on their bike. Okay kid, give it a try. Nice. Or remember their elbow pads. Knees too. Okay. Yep. There you go. New Instagram Teen accounts. Automatic protections for who can contact your teenager and the content they can see.
Advertiser 3
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Advertiser 2
Disney released a new Star wars show on their streaming platform, Dark Disney, which I've heard is good, but not as good as Paramount. Now, this Star wars show is not the one about the Mandalorian. And it's not the one about Boba Fett. No, this one is about Obi Wan Kenobi, the galaxy's most powerful hobo. And anyone can see where this is going, right? This is like show after show on Disney. You see what they're doing now you get it. Their plan is to release a show about every character in Star Wars. It's genius. Make a ton of money. Personally, I can't wait for the Jabba the Hutt sitcom. What? I know she broke your heart, Jabba, but you gotta start dating again.
Host 2
Oh, oh, oh, for sure, dude.
Advertiser 2
Chaining her up and putting her in a gold bikini doesn't count as a date sill. That show's also premiering next week. Anyway, the Obi Wan Kenobi show is introducing a lot of new characters to the Star wars franchise, but there is one character in particular who isn't getting the warmest welcome from the fans this morning.
Advertiser 1
Obi Wan Kenobi himself putting his force behind co star Moses Ingram.
Expert 1
Where is he?
Advertiser 1
After social media users launched racist attacks against her after her debut in the Jedi Knight's new series.
Expert 1
She brings so much to the series. She brings so much to the franchise. And it just sickened me to my stomach to hear that this had been happening. We stand with Moses. We love Moses. And if you're sending her bullying messages, you're no Star wars fan.
Advertiser 1
In my mind, Moses sharing she had received hundreds of racist messages following the series premiere.
Host 1
There's nothing anybody can do to stop this hate.
Host 2
I think the thing that bothers me.
Host 1
Is that, like, sort of this feeling that I've had inside of myself, which no one has told me, but this feeling of like, I just gotta shut up and take it, and I'm not built like that.
Advertiser 2
Neither should you be. No one should have to just shut up and take racism. I Agree with that. Especially in Star wars, guys like, what is this? What is this, you racist? In Star. Like, from the very beginning, this has been a series where no one thinks twice. If Harrison Ford is best friends with a giant dog bear or if a brother and sister want to smash. No one complains about that. They're not getting death threats. I am so tired of fans attacking black people in Star wars when there are so many other races and species they could be bagged, bigoted against. Think about it. You could hate everyone. Go on a rant about the creepy Twi'leks, you know, or the greedy Jawas. There are so many more opportunities for racism than just black people. Mix it up. Broaden your horizons, you know, or as the Ewok say, you know, gotta think bigger. It really is. Get out there and you know, it's really great that Ewan McGregor made a video supporting his co star, but I think Star wars needs to come back even harder at the racists, really make them suffer. You should give Princess Leia a new black boyfriend.
Expert 1
Yeah, that's right.
Advertiser 2
It's gonna be a dope scene. She's gonna come back in and be like, hey, yo, Leia, I got the plans for the Death Star. We gonna tonight. Star wars, the sci fi movie that made incest cool. For almost 50 years, James Earl Jones has been the voice behind Darth Vader, the most famous villain in movie history and most famous asthmatic. But on Friday, Disney announced that the Force is gonna be moving on.
Host 2
James Earl Jones is reportedly retiring from voicing Darth Vader, but Star wars fans may not even notice. Vanity Fair says the 91 actor has.
Expert 1
Signed off on a plan to use artificial intelligence to craft new dialogue from his old voice recordings.
Advertiser 2
You see, the Little Mermaid becomes black and they take away James Earl Jones. Ah, I told you there'd be backlash. I told you. No, I'm joking. I'm joking, I'm joking. The legendary actor has retired from doing the voice. That's all that happened. And what's interesting to me is that you heard what they said. Instead of trying to find someone else to voice the part, Disney has said they're gonna use artificial intelligence to replicate Darth Vader's voice. Yeah. I don't know, people. This makes me a little nervous. Yeah, we think AI is gonna take over the world, and now we're gonna teach it to use the dark side of the Force. No one thinks this is a bad idea, but I get it.
Reviewer 1
I get it.
Advertiser 2
I mean, that voice is iconic. You know, it belongs in Darth Vader's body or announcing CNN promos. But that's it. That's the last thing we need. The last thing we need is them opening the role up to, like, other famous people. Like, they could spo. You know, when they do that with roles, and then it becomes weird, you know, can you imagine Darth Vader being voiced by someone else? Luke, I am your father. But until your mama shows me the paternity test, you can just call me Uncle Darth. And for our main story tonight, I am your father. That's right, Luke. I am your daddy. And yes, that upsets me as much as it upsets you.
Host 2
Luke.
Advertiser 2
A lot of people are saying, I'm your father, Luke. They're saying they've never seen a better father. And they're right. I love all my children. Children, it's you, it's Ivanka, and that's it.
Host 2
Explore more shows from the Daily show podcast universe by searching the Daily Show.
Advertiser 2
Wherever you get your podcasts, watch the.
Host 2
Daily show weeknights at 1110 Central on Comedy Central and stream full episodes anytime on Paramount plus.
Advertiser 3
Paramount Podcast.
Advertiser 2
Now, here it is, your moment of Z.
Host 2
May the fourth be with you.
Field Reporter
It is Star wars day, and that means it is time, Jen, to get out those lightsabers.
Host 2
I'm Han Solo.
Advertiser 3
Listen, we.
Host 2
Oh, she even does the spin. Carly, you're not my mother. Do we, like, lightsaber each other?
Reviewer 1
I mean, I guess we could.
Host 2
There you go. Oh, yours is awesome.
Advertiser 2
Get the hair.
Expert 1
That's a wookie, man.
Advertiser 2
He's like.
Advertiser 3
Hey, friend, I know how it feels waking up exhausted after multiple trips to the bathroom and feeling embarrassed by sudden leaks. I used to be constantly on edge, searching for a restroom whenever I was out. Then I discovered better women. I was skeptical at first, but two months in, everything changed. I experienced improved bladder control. No more heart stopping moments when I laugh or sneeze, less urge to go deeper and more restful sleep. I finally felt like myself again, confident and in control. Better Women is natural, effective, and trusted by Women for over 25 years. Ready to take back your control? Head over to bebetternow.com to order your supply today. That's bebetternow.com these statements have not been evaluated by the FDA. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. Use as directed. Individual results may vary.
The Daily Show: Ears Edition – "TDS Time Machine | Star Wars Day"
Release Date: May 4, 2025
Introduction
In the "TDS Time Machine | Star Wars Day" episode of The Daily Show: Ears Edition, hosts from iHeartPodcasts and Paramount Podcasts dive deep into the fervent world of Star Wars fandom. Celebrating May the Fourth, the hosts explore the latest developments in the Star Wars saga, fan culture, merchandise launches, and the intersection of pop culture with social issues—all delivered with the show's signature humor and satire.
1. Star Wars Day and Fan Excitement
Kicking off the episode, Host 2 enthusiastically sets the stage for Star Wars Day, highlighting the widespread anticipation surrounding the latest installment in the franchise. He humorously describes American youth rallying behind "Star Wars Movie Episode One: The Phantom Menace," dubbing it the "fandom menace."
Host 2 [00:46]: "Yes, America's youth have rallied around the noble flag of the new Star Wars Movie Episode one, the fandom menace."
2. On-the-Ground Reporting: Vance DeGeneres at Chinese Theater
The segment transitions to an exclusive report from their correspondent, Vance DeGeneres, stationed at Hollywood's Mann's Chinese Theater. Vance provides a comedic take on the extreme lengths fans go to watch the new Star Wars movie, including camping out for weeks.
Vance DeGeneres [04:17]: "During the day it's pretty tame, but after midnight, it's sort of like being a kid at a circus, only without the wild animals and tents or fun."
As Vance endures the hardships of fandom—ranging from scabies to interacting with eccentric fellow fans—the hosts interject with humorous commentary, emphasizing the absurdity of fan dedication.
3. Stephen Colbert's Satirical Trailer Review
In a parody segment, "Stephen Colbert" guest stars to hilariously critique the trailer for "Star Wars Episode Attack of the Clones." His mock-serious analysis pokes fun at the length and style of movie trailers.
Expert 1 (Stephen Colbert Parody) [09:15]: "They got the buttery voiced narrator asking me to imagine a world where something happens... that, my friend, is trailertainment."
Colbert's exaggerated disdain for long movies and trailers adds a layer of satire, highlighting the often excessive marketing tactics in the film industry.
4. Toy Line Release and Retailers' Strategies
The episode shifts focus to the commercial side of Star Wars, discussing Hasbro's early release of the "Attack of the Clones" toy line three weeks prior to the movie's debut. Hosts joke about the inclusion of a controversial character, Martin Luther King, to smooth over previous fan backlash.
Host 2 [13:43]: "What the hell? We only had three, so we threw in him to try and soothe out the whole Jar Jar Binks debacle."
Additionally, they touch upon the integration of Star Wars merchandise in various retail settings, humorously critiquing Walmart's pricing strategies and the introduction of bizarre toys like "Darth Tater."
5. Racial Issues in Star Wars Fandom
A poignant moment arises when the discussion turns to the unfortunate racist attacks against actress Moses Ingram following her role in the new Star Wars series. The hosts and a fictional expert condemn the hate, blending humor with a serious message about racism in fan communities.
Expert 1 [27:20]: "We stand with Moses. We love Moses. And if you're sending her bullying messages, you're no Star Wars fan."
This segment underscores the show's ability to address relevant social issues while maintaining its comedic edge.
6. James Earl Jones Retires, AI Replicates Darth Vader's Voice
A major highlight is the announcement of James Earl Jones retiring from voicing Darth Vader. The hosts satirize Disney's decision to use artificial intelligence (AI) to replicate his iconic voice, raising concerns about the ethical implications of AI in entertainment.
Expert 1 [29:57]: "Instead of trying to find someone else to voice the part, Disney has said they're gonna use artificial intelligence to replicate Darth Vader's voice."
The humorous portrayal of AI taking over beloved characters emphasizes fears about technology's role in creative industries.
7. Disney's Expanding Star Wars Universe
The hosts mock Disney's strategy of expanding the Star Wars universe through numerous spin-offs, including the "Obi Wan Kenobi" series on the fictitious "Dark Disney" streaming platform. They joke about the over-saturation of content and the potential for diminishing returns.
Advertiser 2 [26:32]: "Their plan is to release a show about every character in Star Wars. It's genius. Make a ton of money."
This satire highlights concerns about media conglomerates' relentless content production.
8. Closing Thoughts and May the Fourth Be With You
Wrapping up the episode, the hosts celebrate Star Wars Day with a playful exchange mimicking iconic characters from the franchise. They encourage listeners to engage with the Star Wars festivities and reflect on the cultural impact of the saga.
Host 2 [32:15]: "May the fourth be with you."
Notable Quotes and Moments
Host 2 [00:46]: "Teens with rebellious acne striking from hidden pores have begun their first battle against the evil Galactic Empire boys who girls like."
Vance DeGeneres [04:17]: "Fortunately, I'm protected by line dwelling Star wars fanatics wielding toy lightsabers and the force."
Expert 1 (Stephen Colbert Parody) [10:14]: "The Stephen Colbert trailer commentary winner of the coveted Palme d'Or. Suck my coming to the Daily Show three minutes ago."
Expert 1 [27:20]: "We stand with Moses. We love Moses. And if you're sending her bullying messages, you're no Star Wars fan."
Expert 1 [29:57]: "Disney has said they're gonna use artificial intelligence to replicate Darth Vader's voice. I don't know, people. This makes me a little nervous."
Conclusion
"The Daily Show: Ears Edition" masterfully balances humor with insightful commentary on the Star Wars phenomenon. From exaggerated fan devotion and corporate strategies to serious discussions on racism and the ethics of AI in media, the episode offers a comprehensive and entertaining exploration of all things Star Wars. Whether you're a die-hard fan or a casual observer, this episode provides plenty of laughs and thoughtful critiques, making it a must-listen for anyone interested in the intersection of pop culture and society.
May the Fourth be with you!