The Evolution of Bryce Dallas Howard in Star Wars

If you aren’t familiar yet with the work of budding director Bryce Dallas Howard in the Star Wars mythos, it’s about time that you familiarize yourself with it. Following in the footsteps of her legendary director-father Ron Howard, Bryce has added directing to her already well-known acting resume. To say that she is doing well would be a complete understatement. Let’s take a look at what she’s done so far for the Star Wars Universe.

The Mandalorian: Santuary

Her first crack at Star Wars was in Episode 4 of ‘The Mandalorian’ entitled ‘Sanctuary’. Here we see Mando (Pedro Pascal) combine forces with Cara Dune (Gina Carano) to save a small village from a group of raiders reinforced by the presence of an AT-ST (All Terrain Scout Transport). Of course, the AT-ST was modified by the raiders, but that still meant that Mando would have his hands full trying to save the village with this overpowering advantage. Here, Bryce was given the responsibility of introducing one of the best characters of the series in Cara Dune. At this point, ‘The Mandalorian’ was still growing its fandom as a space western. ‘Sanctuary’ did show Bryce Dallas Howard as more than capable of providing the background of Cara Dune, and adding to the already vast Star Wars bevy of characters.

The Mandalorian: The Heiress

With one episode under her belt, Bryce Dallas Howard proceeded with an even bigger episode in ‘The Mandalorian’. Episode 11 entitled, ‘The Heiress’ not only did she get to introduce Bo-Katan Kryze to her live action debut, bu she also gets to incorporate actress Katee Sackhoff into the Star Wars stable of actors. For those who aren’t familiar with Bo-Katan (seriously, why aren’t you?), she is the fan favorite animated characte that first appeared in ‘Star Wars: The Clone Wars’. As for Katee Sackhoff, people who are fans of the rebooted sci-fi series ‘Batllestar Galactica’ in the early 2000s will recognize that name. Katee is science fiction royalty now with Bo-Katan under her belt of acting roles aside from Starbuck from ‘Battlestar Galactica’. This was one of the best episodes of season two of ‘The Mandalorian’, and she has shown that she is very much capable of grander storytelling.

The Book of Boba Fett: Return of the Mandalorian

So, when ‘The Book of Boba Fett’ was announced over a year ago with Bryce Dallas Howard being identified as one of the directors for the series, I wasn’t surprised, and was expecting great things from her. She didn’t disappoint. ‘Return of the Mandalorian’ directed by Bryce Dallas Howard is the best episode in ‘The Book of Boba Fett’ to date. She masterfully incorporates elements of previous lore with newer elements which effectively draws in more people to this already massive Star Wars fandom. She truly is following the lead of forerunners Jon Favreau, and Dave Filioni. And what is that exactly? Geeking out with past lore to creat even geekier lore to the delight of many Star Wars fans.

In her own little trilogy (see what I did there?), Bryce has shown that she understands fully what it takes to handle a Star Wars property. She didn’t have to throw away all that came before to create something new. She used the longtime lore as a foundation to build something truly great: stories that welcome fans of any generation with utmost respect of what came before.

There was a time when some creators would argue that you can’t please past and new fans of Star Wars. That it was time to move on from the old. Bryce Dallas Howard has followed in the footsteps of Favreau, and Filioni in disproving that assertion. You CAN create something new WITH the old. More power to you, Bryce. Here’s hoping you can create your own Star Wars movie or your own Star Wars series someday. This is they way.

Fearsome Five: The Top Western Comic Book Series Adaptations of 2020

So we are near the end of another year, and I can’t help but write this article as it ends. Makes me wonder why I haven’t written anything like this before, but that’s water under the bridge. I present to you my top five best comic book series adaptation of 2020. As the title suggests, this is for comic books meaning WESTERN material. Otherwise, I’d have have included manga adaptations, and other material from the eastern part of the world. In making the list I did not distinguish between animated or live action features. If it’s good then it’s good. Period. Another caveat is that these include series that I was watching. So, if your favorites aren’t in here I probably dropped them or wasn’t interested in viewing them. That’s enough of my disclaimers. We begin my list with…..

At number five, we have Harley Quinn. When Harley Quinn first came out, there was a lot of uproar for making it an R-rated show. Surely, there are children who would love to watch the show, right? When you view the material, you’ll understand why this is the case, and the show is better for it. Even in the comic books, Harley had themes bordering on PG. This is not Young Justice. The rating just allows Harley and its show runners to tell its stories the best way that it can. And tell it well they did. From the saving of the world to Harley and Ivy’s budding relationship, this series captures the essence of a Harley Quinn story. Naysayers be damned. Yes, the series is not for children, but fans of the material will understand that this series provides elements of storytelling that could not have been done without the R rating. Sorry kids, this show isn’t for you, but that doesn’t mean it’s not a great show. Speaking of R-ratings…

At number four we have Doom Patrol. Now this series was R-rated from the onset, taking its lead from the former Vertigo title from DC while incorporating elements of stories from other iterations of the comic book. In the aftermath of the group’s battle with Mr. Noboby, the Doom Patrol meets and now lives with Dorothy Spinner, The Chief’s daughter. Arguably one of the most powerful characters in the story, the second season shows us her powers, and the cost of having them. This is a weird horror science fiction dark comedy which fits well with the comic books Vertigo roots. Unfortunately, the season finale’s cliffhanger is the reason why this series is not higher in the list. Even still, the show is an excellent view to make my list.

At number three is Stargirl. Geoff Johns’ creation comes to life courtesy of well…Geoff Johns. This is not the only show Geoff Johns has executive produced, but this is one with his own original comic book character taking the titular role. What makes this show so special? It reintroduces the Justice Society of America in a way that not even the comic book does. Yes, it’s Americana at its finest. Look at Stargirl’s costume. You will also notice it in a lot of thematic elements of the show. But, it’s an excellent show with excellent storytelling. There is a lot of youthful exuberance that is balanced with discovery, and the measure of experience. Plus, those action scenes are pretty entertaining. This is a show that everyone can watch. Unlike this next one…

At number two, we have The Boys. I love Garth Ennis, and I love this adaptation. This second season is a lot better than season one. and it closes a lot of plot points left unresolved in the previous season. This satire and parody of the comic book superhero genre is bloody, graphic, foul-mouthed and all the more better for it. Unlike the other series on this list, there is no other way to tell The Boys that would be consistent to its source. Amidst the violence and graphic content, there are a lot of relationship themes and social commentaries reflective of our current real life situations. This would actually be number one on my list if not for a series from a galaxy far far away…

The Mandalorian is at the top of my list and is THE BEST comic book series of 2020. I have to be honest with you. This show was number two on my list, and I was ready to give The Boys the top spot. But, and this is a big BUT, episode 8 of season two put this show over the top. I was teary-eyed even before the end credits (and brought to tears AFTER the credits). This show has grown from a space western version of Lone Wolf and Cub to a rallying cry that unites the Star Wars fandoms, and invites everyone else to join in the fun. For a while now the fans have been divided due to recent moves by Disney on storytelling elements of the much-loved Star Wars franchise. What The Mandalorian was able to do was calm everyone down, and invite everyone back in. Hats off to Jon Favreau and Dave Filioni for masterfully showing us that you actually can create material that caters to long time fans while also opening Star Wars to a newer audience. May the Force continue to be with you both. This is the way.

Do you agree with my list? Share with me your comments.