Your Linc At Lunch: The Office Series Finale, Attack of the Clones Anniversary, Dave Filoni Researching For New Show, EA's Domain Name Grab, and Simon Pegg's New Movie

Hold the hummus and put down the pita! It's time for another round of Linc at Lunch:

1. Scranton Bids Farewell To You: The Office Series Finale

Tonight we bid an emotional and fond farewell to the employees of Dunder Mifflin. After nine seasons, The Office is ending its run tonight at 8:00 PM. As I've said before, I am a proud graduate of the University of Scranton, and I love that city. There is a charm to it (coupled with an ever-present feeling of shadiness) that you have to experience for yourself. When the cast came for the first Office Convention my senior year, you would have thought the Beatles had landed. I was sad to miss the Office Wrap Party, but luckily my friend Tony (better known as Captain Catholic) was able to capture the whole Q&A session at Scranton-Wilkes-Barre Yankee Stadium (including the surprise appearance by Steve Carrell!)



He also was able to get into the Backyard Ale House where the cast hopped behind the bar and served drinks:



You can check out more coverage by clicking here. UPDATE: Buzzfeed has its "59 Reasons Why We'll Miss The Office". Hit the link to check them out and see if you agree.

And, finally, (if you're in the mood for a good cry), here is a farewell from some of the writers and cast:



UPDATE: Part 2 here. There are times where I feel like I'm losing a connection to a place I called home for four years, and to friends I saw on a weekly basis. But The Office will live on, both in syndication and in our hearts. Because remember: Ain't no party like a Scranton party, 'cuz a Scranton party don't stop!

2. Happy Birthday Attack of the Clones!

First, let's remember that on this day, 11 years ago, Star Wars: Episode II: Attack of the Clones premiered in theaters. I was lucky enough to go to an advanced screening where I shook hands with James Earl Jones, won a Destroyer Droid Alarm Clock, met Miss Universe 2002, and got to declare my teenage love directly to Natalie Portman (her security guards denied me a picture with her, though.) I remember feeling the darkening tone of the film, the excitement of the chases through Coruscant and through the asteroids above Geonosis, the heartbreak of Shmi's death, the awe of seeing the clones and Jedi fighting the droid army, and the absolute utter euphoria of the entire theater when Yoda ignited his lightsaber for the first time. I also remember listening to and being swept up by John William's magnificent theme "Across the Stars". Happy Birthday, Episode II! MTFBWY!



3. EA Buys Star Wars Domains, But No Titles Til' 2014

Although EA Games says it will not release any Star Wars titles until 2014, they sure are buying up a lot of domain names for them! Names like "Gungan Frontier", "Wolf Pack", and "Order 67" definitely pique my interest. Hopefully we'll see some exciting games in the near future. See the full list here. The Wolf Pack one is particularly interesting because it references the squad, created by Dave Filoni, that served under Plo Koon. And speaking of Davey Strands....


4. Dave Filoni Is "Doing Research" For His Next Project

You keep working hard there, Dave.

As if we all didn't already want his job, Dave Filoni posted a short video via Twitter about his diligent research for the new and as-yet unnamed Star Wars animated series. What would he need a TIE Fighter for? I guess we'll have to wait and see!

5. Simon Pegg's "The World's End" Is The Ultimate Bar Crawl

The man behind Hot Fuzz and Shaun of the Dead, no to mention this generation's "Scotty" is at it again. Here is the synopsis and trailer for "The World's End"

"20 years after attempting an epic pub crawl, five childhood friends reunite when one of them becomes hell bent on trying the drinking marathon again. They are convinced to stage an encore by mate Gary King, a 40-year old man trapped at the cigarette end of his teens, who drags his reluctant pals to their home town and once again attempts to reach the fabled pub, The World’s End. As they attempt to reconcile the past and present, they realize the real struggle is for the future, not just theirs but humankind’s. Reaching The World’s End is the least of their worries."

The film also stars Pegg's every-faithful companion, Nick Frost, Sherlock's Martin Freeman (aka Bilbo Baggins), Paddy Considine, and Eddie Marsan (they're....British). I don't know about you, but I could certainly go for a pint!

That's all for now, fans and fanettes! Til' next time.

- Joe

St. Joseph's Day Lincs: Star Wars March Madness, JAT Says Farewell to the Clone Wars, Goodbye to the Office, and Doctor Who 50th

Happy St. Joseph's Day everyone! While not as popular as some other saint's day this past weekend, today is a very big deal for Italians and for my family (we have a lot of Joe's). So Viva la Tavola di San Giuseppe! And now let's get down to business:

1. Star Wars March Madness Brackets

Because who needs basketball when you have a good blaster at your side? StarWars.com is hosting its own March Madness and is asking fans to pick their favorites as they go head to head for the top spot. Head on over and cast your vote!

2. James Arnold Taylor Bids Farewell to the Clone Wars, Proves Once Again Why He's The Man

Please....don't.....leave us.

The voice of Obi-Wan Kenobi (and Plo Koon), James Arnold Taylor spoke with IGN about the show's cancellation and what the future holds. He has already published a very touching and heartfelt letter on his website, and apparently is now on a mission to make every fan cry. Here is part of what he said on the fan reaction to the show's untimely demise:

"[I]t really is a touching, heartfelt, wonderful thing to read people's posts and comments on social media outlets and blogs. To get that outpouring of people saying how much they believed in the show and how they loved it and shared it with their kids and families."

I've had the pleasure of meeting James a bunch of times over the past few years. He is an absolutely incredible person who loves his job, his family, and his fans. In the Star Wars community, when you think of Obi-Wan you now think: Alec Guiness, Ewan McGregor, and James Arnold Taylor. He's been overseas to entertain the troops, hosted Celebration VI and Star Wars Weekends at Disney World, and has been performing his one man show "Talking To Myself" to the delight of many. No doubt we'll hear more from the man behind the galaxy's most famous beard. Thanks, James, and May the Force Be With You.

3. Speaking of Goodbyes....The Office Has Filmed Its Final Episode

The hit NBC show is saying goodbye this season, and I'm really taking the loss hard. I went to the University of Scranton, in the city where The Office is set. The show premiered when I was a sophomore, and by the time I was a senior not only did most everyone in the country know about Scranton, but the cast actually came to visit! Thousands of students lined up on the Commons at 3 AM to be part of Al Roker and the Today Show's coverage of the weekend-long event.

Bob Vance and Stanley being eyed by the giant Dwight head

Daryl leading a chant of "Scranton WHAT?"

Angela and (a much younger) me, just chillin

Creed, Meredith, and Oscar taking it all in

So when the HuffPo posted the tweets of all the actor's thoughts on their last day, I couldn't help but feel sad. I've been out of college for five years, but my pride in the University and my passion for the city remains strong. With the end of The Office, I feel like I'm losing a connection to that place I love so much. Just hearing the references to the Steamtown Mall or Cooper's (all real places!) and seeing the University blanket behind Pam (and now Erin) made me smile. When I drive back up to Scranton for alumni events or to visit friends, I always put on The Office theme as I pass by the "Scranton Welcomes You" sign. So while the country might be losing a show, I feel that we are all losing a connection that that charming town in Pennsylvania. That jewel of NEPA known as:

Scranton! WHAT? The Electric City!


4. Doctor Who: Rumors and Teases from The Cast and Crew

One thing is for sure, we may be losing some great shows, but Doctor Who is going to be around for a long time to come! (Or...has been around...will have been around? Wibbly wobbly and all that...)

"Oh, you ride a motorcycle to pick up chicks? That's cute."

Current Doctor Matt Smith shares his thoughts on the freshly completed script for the 50th Anniversary spectacular:

"I read it and I clapped at the end...I think it's hilarious and I think it's epic - but you will not be disappointed"

I don't know about you, but I trust the Time Lord. And the Grand Moff himself, showrunner Steven Moffat, has said that we will learn more about what's waiting for the Doctor on the fields of Trenzalore. It all goes down November 23.

That's it for now, so go enjoy some sfingi di San Giuseppe!

Take that, Irish soda bread.

-Joe