Ep 4. Pinball Wizard

In "Pinball Wizard," the fourth episode of Mark Hamill's Pop Culture Quest season 1, Mark Hamill continues to explore his passion for collectibles and pop culture. This time, he sets his sights on the world of pinball machines.

The episode begins with Hamill visiting The Pinball Hall of Fame, a museum in Las Vegas dedicated entirely to pinball machines. There, he meets the museum's owner, Tim Arnold, who gives him a behind-the-scenes look at the museum's extensive collection. Hamill is thrilled to learn about the history of pinball machines and how they have evolved over the years.

Next, Hamill heads to the Stern Pinball Factory in Chicago, the last remaining pinball manufacturer in the world. He meets with Gary Stern, the founder of the company, and gets a tour of the factory. Hamill is amazed by the amount of manual labor that goes into making each pinball machine, from wiring to painting to assembly. He even tries his hand at soldering some wires.

After visiting the factory, Hamill heads to Pinball Expo, a convention where pinball enthusiasts gather to buy, sell, and trade machines. He meets with several collectors who showcase their impressive collections, as well as some game designers who talk about the challenges of creating new pinball games.

Throughout the episode, Hamill shares his personal connection to pinball machines, reminiscing about the times he used to play them as a kid and how they have become a part of his pop culture collection. He also discusses his love for the artwork on the machines and the role they played in the rise of pinball culture in the 1970s.

Overall, "Pinball Wizard" is an entertaining and informative episode that explores the fascinating history and culture of pinball machines. Hamill's enthusiasm and passion for the subject shine through, making it a must-see for anyone who loves pop culture and collectibles.