The Most Unique Era of Star Wars: The Prequels 

Imagine how little Anakin would've cared about being on the council had Qui-Gon trained him instead.

My biggest thing is look at how unique the Prequels LOOKED. The Sequels lacked that Prequel visual flair, the decadence, the framing, the costume design. Everything was gorgeous in its own unique way in the Prequels, everything felt alive and looked spectacular. I know people rag on their use of CGI but compared to a lot of the practical aliens we're getting these days, I don't mind it as much now considering how ugly some of these shows and films can look. Everything in the Prequels was designed to thematically show something, everything felt, in a sense, real.

I loved the politics in the prequels, especially in the clone wars, Padme is such an underrated character

19:09 Remember it wasn’t just Dave, George was the one who decided that Anakin would have a padawan and that Maul would come back etc. I love Dave but George was the one who made most of the decisions on what people now praise Dave for. Dave definitely had his place and without him a lot of it might not have worked out the way it did but still.

The prequel era is definitely the most unique and interesting era because of the clone wars I believe Star Wars wouldn’t be what it is today without it

Killing the younglings is the most emotional scene in all of star wars. Even the following scene where the teenage Jedi jumps out and tries to protect (I think it's the senator) and gets killed makes it even worse. The difference between the little kids looking to Anakin for protection and the teens bravery is very jarring.

The prequels were just vibes, man. So much passion and creativity that honestly rejuvenated the franchise. It is easily the best era of Star Wars and brought newfound enthusiasm to the younger generations of the time

The prequels are completely under appreciated. They add so much context to the originals, and without them, Star Wars as a whole wouldn’t have been nearly as good or as interesting as it is.

To answer the question of who is the protagonist in the Phantom Menace, the title gives it away. It's Sheev Palpatine. While the film spends most of its time focusing on the adventures of Qui-gon, Obi-wan and Queen Amidala, the entire conflict is manipulated by Sidious in order for him to bring about the beginning of the final phases of the Sith Grand Plan, namely by becoming Supreme Chancellor of the Republic. The conflict on Naboo, the discovery of the Chosen One, the defeat and ostracization of the Trade Federation, even the death of Qui-gon Jinn are all used by Sidious in one way or another to bring him closer to absolute power in the galaxy. The final shot of the film, also, is quite telling. During Qui-gon's cremation, Mace and Yoda discuss Darth Bane's Rule of Two, and ask which sith was destroyed, "the Master, or the Apprentice?", only for the camera to shift over to Palpatine's face as he watches the greatest obstacle between him and the Chosen One burn to ashes on a funeral pyre. The name of the film, "The Phantom Menace," describes Palpatine perfectly. The Trade Federation don't know WHO Sidious is, the Republic and the Jedi don't know that Palpatine is Darth Sidious. From the shadows, obscure and unknown to all, he plays both sides of the Naboo conflict in order to garner power for himself, all while making it look like it's "a surprise, to be sure, but a welcome one." All so that one day, he can destroy the Republic and the Jedi in one fell swoop.

I was born in 2004. Even though I didn’t formally watch Star Wars until I was 11, I did experience the prequel era with Clone Wars in a definite form. My best friend was raised on it. He had all the toys and games. Just having fun with THOSE were magical. When I did watch the movies, my reaction was exactly the same as you described. I feel the same way about Rebels and Force Awakens (to an extent, I was 11), I am still a late prequel kid and I am proud. Anakin forever, love to Hayden!!!!

I’m 34 and I grew up with the prequels since TPM when I was 9. I saw RoTS 5 times on opening day, dressed in my Jedi robe. No piece of media holds a more special place in my heart than the prequels. I still cry when I see RoTS.

I loved the prequel movies as a kid and now love and understand them way more as an adult. The clone wars series, battlefront games and all the content around it has been the icing on the cake. I don’t think anything can get bigger than the prequel era!

The amount of times I've rewatched Darth Mauls arc in Clone Wars is unhealthy One of the most satisfying Star Wars narratives I've watched. The Final Fight between Sidious Vs Maul and Savage is easily my favorite Duel in all of Star Wars. I never thought I would see my two favorite characters fight each other and well they delivered.

For the MAJORITY of people the first time they saw Yoda with a light Saber was during the movie, which is why the audience reaction was so big.

Born in '88 with a dad who loved the originals so of course I did too. So I was a kid when the first two prequels came out. I can't begin to explain the audience reaction in the theater I went to when Yoda pulled out his saber in AotC. Even my dad was was clapping. Iconic.

When Order 66 played after him being named Vader, I instantly recognized that it was a play on the word "Invader" for his role of invading the temple. Much like Sidious being "Insidious" and Nihilus being "Nihilistic".

In regards to TPM 'lacking' a main character, I never found that to be a problem. It was an ensemble cast, with different characters giving different perspectives into the story. The Jedi are the ones we follow for the majority of the runtime, and it's through them we meet the other characters.

Palps giving Anakin the name Darth Vader is actually huge. He's the one who planted the dreams of Padmè passing in childbirth, that's how he knew. And the name Darth Vader literally roughly translates to "Dark Father" witch means Palatine knew Anakin was at least not going to spend time with he's kid / kids if they where even born at all.

A positive Star Wars video, thank you. It is funny that people treated the prequels the way the sequels are treated now

The world building of episode 1 is why I love it. I love seeing the Jedi in their prime. The old republic…the temples, the Jedi fully robed roaming the galaxy keeping the piece. So many different planets vibrant and full of life. All different yet seamlessly tied together. I even love the negotiations and politics. It gives the galaxy life, and links all of the planets we visit at the same time. It’s expansive and quiet an adventure story. 4-6 feel rather restrictive. Limited planets are visited, and with the empire running the show there’s not much else to explore. I find it funny when people bag on trade negotiations. Have they watched episode 4 sense they were kids?? Tons of table talk! The only original trilogy film that truly comes close to the prequels is episode 5. Hoth, dagubah, and cloud city really contributed a lot to why that film is so much better than 4 and 6. If you put each other in a vacuum, there’s no film that does a better job of building an entire universe than episode 1. While I do wish darth maul had 2-3 more scenes, I understand why he didn’t. Darth maul was nothing more than a pawn, a means to an end. The true evil was the emperor, using the Jedi councils arrogance against them. “phantom menace.” Darth maul wasn’t the phantom, he was the phantoms muscle. Qui gon was also incredibly defining. He was the quintessential prime Jedi knight that every one of us envisioned. Noble, idealistic, brave. His death isn’t only profound because of what it meant for anakin, it was profound because the Jedi council failed their own first. His death marked the end of the old republic , and the jedis true reign.

One thing I think you’re misunderstanding is that the criticism towards female characters like Rey & Rose aren’t because Star Wars fans don’t like women. They just don’t like the writing. Leia, Jyn, Ahsoka, Ventress and many more are beloved by fans. But the horrendously written sequel trilogy didn’t give those characters a good story or characterisation. Disney wrote terrible characters, then called you a misogynist for calling them terrible.

I'm glad you pointed out that ROTS stands on its own without TCW. I think in some parts you overstated TCW's impact on the story but you did give ROTS credit. I think Anakin's turn is only rushed if you percieve Anakin as ever being emotionally solid and when you believe he actually turned and what that effectively means. To me from the moment we met Anakin in TPM he had all the qualities that would lead him to being Vader primarily his fear. That fear grew as the films went on and sometimes it would overwhelm him causing him to act out and resulting often in serious violent consequences. When Anakin would act out he would normally reprimand himself in but retain the memory of the lashing out, some guilt but also some sense of wondering what he could be capable of would always linger. He wanted power and after he killed the Tuskens while he felt ashamed of himself he also came away believing his mother died because he wasn't strong enough. When round 2 comes around with Padme possibly sharing the same fate he knows I need to get power quickly this time. He made that decision in AOTC. He already killed not just the men but the women and children too. He killed Dooku further pushing him away from Jedi ideals which he never completely jived with even though he tried to. His friendship with Palps obvs made him suggestible as he grew further from the council. Then Palps offers him what he wants and desperate after betraying Windu he gives in to temptation. He does all he can to gain power in the darkside as Sidious tells him. He gives in to all his negative emotions but doesn't reign himeslf in and relishes in it. Just imagine what Anakin would have been like after AOTC if he didn't feel bad about killing the tuskens and was encouraged. In fact Palps tells him it was natural in the beginning of ROTS. Now when did Anakin turn and what does that mean? First Anakin chose to give in to the darkside. Palps seduced him but when the moment came he wasn't tricked. People think Anakin should have slowly been led to something but don't appreciate someone choosing to do something is a legit way to turn to something else. He had all the excuses in the world so why wouldn't he choose to turn? I say he actually became consumed more with the darkside after pledging himself to Sidious. He wasn't quite Vader even after being christened. When Padme meets him on Mustafar he is still in conflict imo even after all the evil. It's when Padme dies that he becomes Vader as we know him and he turns as much he ever was turned. So in essence it took the whole film for Vader to truly be born and for Anakin to fully turn. What we see after Windu's death is the process of Vader being born and because it's Anakin making the conscious choice he can't then say he was tricked or that he didn't know what he was doing. That's why it's hard for him to leave Palps.

HOLY SHIT!!!!, I did not know there was a system when it comes to clone wars episodes. The yellow logo episodes are the standard story episodes that focus on the treo. The blue logo episodes are the skippable episodes, the ones that are for kids. The red logo episodes is when shit hit the fan and when things get real.

Dude this is a KILLER video. It’s abundantly clear this was made by a true fan who grew up with the prequels as many of us did and who love that era unapologetically. The video editing was immaculate as well, loved watching this

Star wars and TWD? What could be better?!

I've been up and down as a SW fan over the years but to me, the OT and PT will always be the heart of the series and the story. And before someone debates the watch order for those films, I'd argue that both chronological AND release order are great. The former brings the story full circle thematically and tonally, while the latter does so narratively and aesthetically.

I love the prequel aesthetic so much.

I once heard, I think it was Cody from Some More News, who said the Oscars should wait 5 years to determine what was the best movie of that particular year. I think this holds true for Star Wars content as well. There is always initial loud complaints about the new Star Wars show or movie, then a few years later, it is seen as being surprisingly good.

The Clone Wars show alone could have warranted a 40 minute video because there’s so much stuff. Thrifty didn’t even have time to talk about the Mortis Gods, who look like they’re about to be a central part of the new era of Star Wars. Great video!

officially become my favourite channel. Star wars AND TWD…hell yeah

I was born in 2005 and although I unfortunately wasn‘t around to see the Prequels in Cinema, I grew up on them and immediately fell in love with them, in my opinion by far the best era of Star Wars and Episode 3 is by far the best piece of Star Wars content ever produced and nothing from Disney will ever surpass that. But of course that‘s just my humble opinion 😁

Star wars will always have a wonderful spot in my heart and memories. My mother was a huge nerd just like myself and as a kid we both loved to watch starwars. And she was as hyped about the prequels just as much as I was. She got episode 1 and 2 right away as soon as they came out on VHS. Sadly she passed away about 7 months before episode 3 came out.

Well ep 3 actually shows anakins fall pretty good even without the clone wars background. Palpatine was throughout anakins years at the jedi temple always there for him and a father figure that wouldnt judge him or say that he couldnt do this or that like obi wan would and then the jedi council asksed anakin to do something that goes totally against their code and he has to spy on his „father“, also he has those visions of padme dying the same way as his mothers and the jedi didnt tried to help him back then, nor did they now. They basically just told him to let go and chill and then theres comes his „father“ with a solution to all his problems. Also anakin has been a soldier for 10 years all the while he shouldve been a peacekeeper (all jedi were) and finally having a way to end the war. Yeah it was shown a little bit rushed in the movie, but if theyve done it like it shouldve been, the movie would be 4 hours long. All in all i think ep 3 really made anakins fall plausible and understandable.

The Prequel trilogy is the best Star Wars era, fight me

3:54 This movie is told primarily from the Obi-Wan & Qui Gon’s point of view but the story that’s being told is essentially the story of Queen Amidala and her plight of having her planet bloackaded.

One of the things I always loved abput the prequels is that it has the same momentum as real world history- War is a car crash in slow motion than no one can stop, and its a mixture of circumstance, perfect timing for the worst things, and both real and inflated passions.

If ur going to do Star Wars content I’d love to see u cover the old republic era

I was in college when these films released and myself into the whole art of cinema itself. I took classes and kept up in trade journals/magazines. Hayden was an up and coming actor who was thought of as a real serious type, like Shakespeare and stage type of serious actor, and when he was cast myself and the others like me in school all felt that was a dumb choice and that they should have gotten an action actor instead. However he is Anakin Skywalker now in our eyes and he nailed it.... btw he was known for his ability to emote and even cry when needed before he was in Star wars. And IMO the moment when Anakin is holding his dying mother and looks up is the very best portrayal of what it looks like when a person falls into a fit of blinding rage... in fact it's a perfect portrayal

Really hit me when you said, “…or put it on in the background while I build legos.” One of the most cathartic things in my life if sitting down with a new Lego set and putting on my favorite episodes, often red episodes lol, and just letting the rest of the world not matter for a while. I have the commander Cody helmet in the other room waiting for me and that was actually my plan for the morning right after I finish this video an my coffee

Qui-gon is the protagonist of the Phantom Menace. He is the main driving force behind the story, even post death.

the protagonist of the entire prequel trilogy is Darth Sideous. this trilogy is HIS story. Hes the hero. every thing he sets out to do is successful (obviously, its a prequel). but in the end. hes the hero

The Prequel Era gave rise to the Clone Wars. And that there has proven to be a very loveable and unique story overall.

Your analysis of the clone wars and the Jedi council is so amazing I love how much you put into the contextualization of the clone wars. And your analysis of mace windu and his relation to anakin was especially fantastic!!

You literally managed to put all the feelings and thoughts I had into words. It’s almost remarkable that every time I thought “this is what makes it great and unique” you proceeded to put into words.

Yeah I used to look down on the prequels I never hated them they just weren't that good to me but I've always had soft spot for Revenge of the Sith this movie kicks ass but yeah like you said as our generation has got older I've definitely grown to appreciate and love the prequels a lot more and to be honest after Star Wars The Rise of Skywalker I've pretty much jumped off Star wars completely I mean watched The Mandalorian Season 1 but that's it I haven't watched Season 2 or 3 I haven't watched Andor , I haven't watched Book of Boba Fett , I haven't watched Ashoka I haven't watched any thing Star Wars recently I have no interest I don't hate Star Wars not at all but after Rise of Skywalker I'm literally Peter Griffin when he left that movie theater: Done ! Lol 😂

Honestly, I love Star Wars. Especially the prequel era and the original trilogy was amazing to I just remember how much I liked it when growing up and I’m glad Star Wars has made it come back basically and I still watch Star Wars to this day

THIS DIDNT POP UP ON MY RECOMMENDED TILL NOW, YES great video so happy ur doing star wars content aswell as horror and twd

I loved the second one so much I bought a t-shirt with the picture of Padme and Anakin at the front and the title at the back. I was so proud of wearing it. Growing up with the OT it didn't matter that my generation didn't appreciate it when it first came out. Now that the prequels are much more appreciated, especially Hayden, I am over the moon. Still I think people should see episodes 4-6 first to truly get the gist of how evil is redeemed. 😊

I'm a fan of the original trilogy but I love the prequels. I love Hayden, he did as good a job as he was directed to do. If there's anything awkward in the dialogue and there's any time constraints that happened too quickly George Lucas, not Anakin or any of the actors are to be blamed for that. I would like to have seen things transpire a little differently and perhaps overtime but George was the one who had it hasten along.

Fun fact: Clone Wars Season 7 was the best thing Disney ever did...and it was still the weakest Season.

Man you did an outstanding job at summarizing my love for the prequels and star wars in general. I couldn’t agree more with your points, specially because ROTS is my absolute favorite and clone wars series is the best star wars content we’ve got. I always loved the idea of the prequels , giving context to the originals and how they kept filling the gaps with clone wars etc.

Great vid! Prequel era is my favorite by far, you did a good job highlighting it’s strong points

I was born in 2000, so the prequels were my thing growing up. I remember watching the war scenes in AOTC every week on my DVD player around 2008. The memories I have with those movies and toys are nostalgic asf. Revenge of the sith is the best Star Wars movie imo too

I am totally in agreement with you on this. It is interesting that Disney in their attempts to steer well away from the prequels, by essentially retelling the story of the original trilogy in the sequel movies is what has allowed this unique era to shine. The Clone Wars show if you take the time to watch it really is great and does an incredible job of contextualising the prequel films. It seems Disney have finally come around to the idea of more prequel content (Clone Wars S7, Tales of the Jedi), I am really hoping one day we get to see the unfinished Clone Wars arcs.

This video sold me on watching the Clone Wars cartoon. I was one of those people who thought it was just a kids' cartoon back in the day... well, now I'm seeing Count Dooku crush a man's windpipe with the force... they're really leaning into that PG rating.

First time watching one of your videos, couldn't agree more! I love the prequel era! I was 12 when TPM was released and it was the first SW film I saw in theaters. My friends and I bought cheap plastic lightsabers and ran up and down the aisles, it was the best of times. ROTS is also my favorite SW film, just rewatched them all for May the 4th and it still is top tier for me. Great video!

Good job! Fair and honest while acknowledging your subjective reasons for favoring the prequels - and that subjective element is part of what we call "love" and that can legitimately surpass bad dialogue, direction, and special effects, etc. for what we cherish in our hearts. The childhood - or any time in your life connection -- w/ entertainment is part of the joy of being a fan. I was around for the debut of the first Star Wars movie in '77. And while I'm not unaware (I'm being charitable in my phrasing) of the cringe moments in the prequels, I have always been a fan of these films and saw Phantom Menace maybe four times in the theater when it first came out. Very few things are either all good or all bad, even very good things, and there is a LOT that is good in the prequels. I have never had a problem as seeing them as a piece with the original trilogy, and I truly regret that Lucas didn't do his thrid trilogy. It possibly would have been derided as much as the prequels in their day, but I'd prefer it to Disney's version b/c it would be the vision of the series' creator taking it to its conclusion, no matter how weird it got . And then, twenty years later, they would have "reappreciated"....LOL! Maybe not, but it would have been interesting. Lucas involvement with the Clone Wars also gives it gravitas for me, and there were sure some interesting stories going on in there. And, yep, for me, Revenge of the Sith is in the top three of the best SW made, coming after "Empire," and "New Hope..." or, as it was known my day, "Star Wars." Thanx for this - enjoyed it!

Some people speak on Anakin in Episode 2. I must say he was great. I loved his acting and the writing. You can clearly see he is emotional and not fully there. If he was a head strong solid figure... it would look crazy for him to just turn bad so easy.

DUDE The whole thing you said about mace windu being the one who constantly dissapoints anakin makes his fall make so much more sense and I had like never made that connection

you're SO right! i have a very difficult time getting my thoughts into words but the way you put it was perfect.

It's nice to hear someone talk positively about Star Wars in a long video for a change. Usually, people seemingly can't mention what they like about Star Wars without dedicating even more time bashing another part of it, mostly either the Prequels, the Sequels or the new canon as a whole. As someone who loves Star Wars as a whole, old and new canon and all its related media alike, it's so nice to see someone focusing on what they like while acknowledging what they don't like rather than on what they dislike while not mentioning what they do like, as people unfortunately tent to do.

Would love to see you do an analysis on Andor, why it's so different from everything else in Star Wars, your personal opinions and why a lot of people are claiming its a top tier live action Star Wars show and content piece overall.

Totally agree that the clones steal the show. I'm still obsessed. So glad we got the Bad Batch and I hope they keep making clone shows

Wow dude this is one of the best star wars videos I’ve seen well made good and good analyzations.

This gives me such a different perspective of the prequel. That being said, I remember the anticipation of the original Stars. The new special effects. We were seeing Stars for the first time. I was an adult when the prequels came out but kids grew up watching Stars. They probably had a similar thoughts about the prequels. I didn't know anything about the animated Clone Wars of if I did I was too busy being a mom. I probably won't go back and watch these but it is interesting that they added more ... explanation of the fall of Anakin. I loved all the original Star Wars and Prequels with the good and bad but the original Stars will always hold the most special place in my heart.

I love the prequals, but i'm completly understanding in why people hate them. To me, the prequels were all I knew, even with their flaws, the overall story is masterfull imo.

The prequel is just feel so nostalgic to me😭 you get it I always felt like this, but I never knew how to explain it and you literally did thx bookie

This was well made and I loved to find out we have very similar feelings on the era. I also love it with all my heart, with the clone wars show at the top

I think Qui-Gon is the main character since he's the one who drives the events of the story forward.

Vader was the perfect name. His first job was invading the Jedi Temple. I liked what you said about Mace. I think he doomed the Jedi Order by not arresting Palpatine. He also went without Yoda. Many fans say he won the duel against Palpatine. I think he messed up.

Man, I just think you are the first one who says 100% what I think about these movies. Thank you

The clone wars by far was my favorite from when I was a kid til this day, although I was legitimately left scared because I watched the clone wars before ep 2 and 3 of the movies, and to this day still pulls my heart strings. Such a good series

For me my period of childhood fascination with Star Wars were the 2009-2014 years. So it was the time when The Clone Wars (which got me into SW at 9 yo) was the big thing, while Prequels were the most recent movies. As a kid Prequels were more exciting than OT. The Twilight of the Republic Era bacame my favourite, including the Expanded Universe stories from it. After years I still find this era of SW to be the most interesting & complex - with the politics, the crime underworld, the corporations, the Clone War with both sides having good argument for their cause, complexity of the Jedi Order, the fall of the Jedi, Republic & Anakin, unique characters, a lot of world building, not everything being so black-and-white like in the OT. I also think symbolism related to light/dark in Prequels/TCW makes more sense to me.

Sure, it feels fast when Anakin devolves into Vader. But thinking back to Episode One, everything Anakin has ever done goes fast. Even his conception! His mother said there was no father, but what if that's because it happened too fast for her to recall? All joking aside, look how he revels in speed from pod racing to hopping in spacecraft before any training at all and figuring out that spinning is a good trick. He even leaves his mother fast, having to turn around quickly to say his last goodbye. And he loves it because it's fun for him, loving flying when Obi-Wan doesn't in Attack of the Clones. Then jumping ahead toward the beginning of Revenge of the Sith, he's flying fast and said, "This is where the fun begins." So it's not all that surprising when he falls fast in love or fast to the dark side. Am I wrong?

I watched the prequel films on bluray, including the bonus discs and I really like and appreciate them, so much it’s contending with the original trilogy after I watched them and their bonus discs. These 6 films is what makes MY Star Wars ❤️

I would love a video like this for the other trilogies. Really well done

The clone wars tv shows are always my go to. And I do like them better than all the movies. 😂

I think the issue with the sequels is unlike the prequels they don't have solid fight choreography to fall back on. Even people who don't like the prequels usually agree the fights are still good and hold up

Easily my favorite era. Prequel era was so special. Playing classic Battlefront 2 galactic conquest was so great.

Nice choice of music 🎶 👌. Also, love this breakdown, diving deep into the prequels as an era, rather than just covering the movies!

The reason why the prequels have gotten higher praise recently is because of all the content surrounding it came out supporting it. And as a young person at the time many people bought this extra content. On its own with out the comics, novels, video games, TV shows, supporting the story it was really bad.

HELL YES! You're quickly becoming one of my favorite channels, I love both the walking dead and the prequels! You've got such great taste!

This was video was perfect, and I agreed with pretty much everything. The Clone Wars is also my favorite canon Star Wars media in terms of movies or tv shows. I haven't played certain beloved games like Kotor or read some fan favorite books like the Thrawn books yet, but The Clone Wars still to this day is my favorite Star Wars content. It has some of the best and most iconic story arcs in the entire franchise and further solidified the prequel era as my favorite era in the franchise.

When you really think about it, the prequel series as a whole is structured more episodically compared to the straightforward storytelling of the original trilogy or even the sequel trilogy. There'a not really a full arc that's being explored throughout the prequel movies other than them being tales of Anakin and Obi-Wan's time as jedi, but there are bits of foreshadowing in regards to the fall of the Jedi and Anakin Skywalker sprinkled throughout the first two films and the Clone Wars shows. The Phantom Menace, it lays the groundwork for Palpatine and the Sith's rise, as well as shows Anakin's background as a slave turned padawan and the loss of his mentor figure. In Attack of the Clones, it's the formation of the clone army, as well Anakin's relationship with Padme that leads to Luke and Leia's conception as well as Anakin's morally questionable action in which he slaughters an entire village to avenge his mother, already showing that he's willing to take drastic actions for the sake of his loved ones. And then there's all the hints that the Jedi are complacent in their strategies and how they treat their members, how Anakin is affected, as well as Palpatine's scheming behind the scenes. When you put it in perspective, Revenge of the Sith is just the culmination of everything that's been built up throughout the course of this era, which is why it stands out among the prequel trilogy especially nowadays. The downfall of Anakin and the Jedi has been taking place mostly behind the scenes, and it doesn't come to a head until the finale. That's why hindsight is so important when it comes to the prequel trilogy, because context is really important to understand it's payoff. I would like to imagine a world where the prequel trilogy came before the originals, where we'd already know Anakin's backstory and why he became Darth Vader. Where we would anticipate Luke and Leia finding out that he was their father, and how everyone would all react this. I think even the way the stories were told would have been different, then. Obi Wan's death would have been all the more tragic, we would find out that the Emperor is using Darth Vader to do even worse deeds like using the Death Star, we'd be cheering on Anakin to redeem himself, and we'd be shocked to find out that even Yoda is still alive. It's really interesting to think about.

Why does phantom menace need a protagonist in the form of a singular person? I think the protagonist is the republic/Naboo’s movement to resist the trade federation. Why does George Lucas have to create a movie based on arbitrary rules that you created?

As someone who grew up with the Originals and does NOT enjoy the Prequels, I always enjoy hearing how a younger generation experienced and enjoys them. I guess they are good movies...from a certain point of view. You do you and may the force be with you.

I completely agree that I love clone wars more than any movies! Watching it as a kid and still to this day has been something I've always valued highly!

Having watched star wars for lots of times, each period of my life I saw one layer as my favorite. For me, at 36, its the politics. I am currently rewatching the prequels and am fascinated by the politics of episode 1 and 2 (palpatine is amazing). And, of course, ANDOR IS PERFECTION in that aspect. I believe andor is my favorite of all star wars, along with rogue one. Its the rebels for me now

Clone Wars is for kids. All Star Wars under Lucas was for kids, he has said that. That being said, it doesn't matter. Animated Batman was for kids and it was one of the greatest series ever made

PLEASE DO THE OT AND SEQUELS TOO

I agree with your opinion completely, especially on TCW. I love the way the show humanizes the clones and introduces so much more lore for us Star Wars fans to enjoy.

The Clone Wars has such a special place on my childhood ❤❤ I remember when it debuted on cartoon and I was amazed by the stories. Love this show so much and I got happier than ever when they presented fans with a last season

I'm a first generation fan who was 5 when Star Wars first came out in 1977. Everything was lovely until 1997 with those awful Special Editions defacing the classic Trilogy with pointless changes. I remember being shocked and massively disappointed with the Prequels. They ruined the backstory of the Saga, most notably Vader's and Boba Fett's. It also ruined the mythos of the Force by introducing that ridiculous midichlorian nonsense. In other words, the Prequels like the Sequels are Star Wars in name only. They're definitely not MY Star Wars!

"Qui-Gon doesn't play by the rules of the Jedi" That is not correct, he doesn't play by the rules of the _Jedi Order_ of his time. He just follows the will of the force and goes wherever it leads him. That's exactly how a Jedi should be. The council, on the other hand, got entangled with galactic politics and became peacekeepers and later on soldiers for the Republic. That is why the council could not see the return of the Sith and refused to believe Qui-Gon until the battle of Naboo.

It was a glorious age finally getting the respect it deserves

I really like what you said about TCW and Tales of the Jedi! I really hope in the future considering how much the clone wars filled in between a few years that the between sagas parts get filled in more to bridge the gaps and transitions

Anakin received the name Vader because it translates in german to father. Considering the stormtroopers were named after the nazi stormtroopers from the third reich that makes sense. Lucas must have wanted the galactic empire to closely emulate Nazi germany.

Star Wars fans hate woman for some reason? Almost every female character beside from the sequels is either liked or loved. I don’t understand your point.

This guy understands Clone Wars really well. I enjoyed listening.

@4:00 I counter this talking point about "who is the main protagonist?" with a question: who is the main protagonist of Pulp Fiction? The answer is some stories don't need one, and there is a word for this type of story: ensemble. You can even argue that the original Star Wars films have no main protagonist either. It's easy to say "but, Luke" because his character takes the classical hero's journey, however Han, Chewie, Leia, R2 and C3PO all get almost equal screen time as Luke.