A Frozen Adventure in a Galaxy Far, Far AwayIn this episode of The Most Excellent 80s Movies Podcast, hosts Krissy Lenz and Nathan Blackwell are joined by special guest Francis Zagarigo to discuss the iconic sequel Star Wars Episode V: The Empire Strikes Back. As a certified young person who had never seen the original trilogy before, Francis brings a fresh perspective to this beloved sci-fi classic.The hosts dive deep into what makes Empire such a standout film in the Star Wars saga. Nathan shares how this sequel takes a darker, more character-driven approach compared to the spectacle-focused original. Unlike the triumphant ending of A New Hope, Empire delivers a murkier "to be continued" conclusion that initially disappointed audiences but has since become celebrated as the franchise's pinnacle achievement.Krissy and Francis analyze the crackling romance between Han and Leia, from their contentious banter to the iconic "I love you"/"I know" exchange. Meanwhile, Francis expresses particular delight with the ice planet Hoth and less enthusiasm for the unnecessary tauntaun deaths. The trio also discusses Yoda's introduction, marveling at how a puppet became one of cinema's most believable and profound characters.Other topics covered: