Why I like the Star Wars Prequels more than any other trilogy.

They aren’t that bad.

For many Star Wars fans, in particular those who saw what was then just “Star Wars” back in 1977, ignited a passion that continues to this day. The self-made special effects, a story like no other.

With the creation of the Prequel trilogy, many of the original trilogy lovers felt Lucas’ overuse of CGI and special effects, ropey dialogue and plot holes made the Prequel trilogy an apparent lost cause to be moved away from.

However, many people including myself feel as if the Prequels are not something to deride or ignore.

1. They answer questions

“Part of the reason I went back to tell the prequel, of how Anakin Skywalker became Darth Vader, is that it’s an interesting story and a fun one to tell. Because it is the story of how a good person turns bad.” -George Lucas

Immediately in 1977’s A New Hope we find ourselves embroiled in a desperate battle over the planet Tatooine as the Rebel forces flee the Imperial pursuers. Ben/Obi-Wan tells us about the the Jedi being “the guardians of peace and justice in the Old Republic. Before the dark times, before the Empire.”

But what isn’t told is why the Rebels and Empire had beef with each other, what happened to the Jedi and most importantly, who was the evil Lord of the Sith Darth Vader?

The prequels wrap this up nicely. They do tell us the origins of the Empire and Rebellion respectively; they do tell us the unfortunate demise of the Jedi but what is most important is the transformation of Anakin Skywalker himself into Darth Vader.

2. The politics

In politics, nothing happens by accident. If it happens, you can bet it was planned that way.

-Franklin Delano Roosevelt.

An area often criticised in the Prequels is that it is too politics-heavy. Where the Original trilogy occasionally touched on politics in A New Hope (1977), prequel politics are much more interesting.

The themes here that resonate with me are the Republic’s inability and somewhat reluctance to deal with threats that came to the forefront and the resulting bureaucratic quagmire.

Also, one cannot help but admire the political manoeuvring skills of Sheev Palpatine. For years he played both the Republic and the Confederacy off one another, playing on the fears of war and death to gain emergency powers the Galactic Constitution would not usually grant, to further solidify his position.

3. It’s the one I grew up with.

Now this point I guess is the one I can’t defend as much. However, there is something about the earliest encounter with a film series that stays with you.

For me, the first interaction with Star Wars came on a lazy Friday in the last few weeks before the Easter holiday in 2004. The classes were winding down and the class teacher but on videos to have in the background while we played boardgames. One day, she put on a VHS copy of The Phantom Menace. And from there spawned my interest for the prequels which led me to discover the Original Trilogy.

And there you have it.

Please take note that this opinion is based solely on the films of the Prequel era and is not inclusive of the animated series and other media.

Plus it’s my first piece, be nice.