Important decisions
So I was watching Return of The Jedi as we at GvL are prone to doing, and I came across an interesting philosophical question. One day, I will have children of the age of watching The Saga. At that time, in what order shall I show them? 4,5,6,1,2,3 or 1,2,3,4,5,6? Don’t misunderstand, 4,5, and 6 are clearly the BETTER but that doesn’t mean they should go first for optimal viewing. there are a great many points in 4,5 and 6 that have added importance due to the prequal trilogy. (which, it could be argued, is the only reason for it’s existence.) On the other hand, the legendary revelation at the end of 5 is ONLY a revelation if the films are viewed in the order that they were created. Please, good sirs, aid me in this, the great question of our time.
Given that the events of Episode III have major spoilers for the ending of Episode V, it would be imperitive to watch the original trilogy first.
I see it almost the same as the Xenosaga/Xenogears connection, even though the story events aren’t connected.
What I would suggest is the original trilogy, to understand the significance of what the movies did for the movie industry when they came out, and how they still stand the test of time, and then the prequel trilogy. By doing this, they will (hopefully) understand the “main” story (that of Luke), and then understand how it came about, and enjoy the little cameos and hints in the prequel trilogy. But then, watch the original trilogy again, so that the story is watched in the correct chronological order (and then, of course, hand them the Heir to the Empire trilogy, so that they can get the last part of the story).
Hey, this has nothing to do with anything but the new episode of Nerd of the Week came out the past week. It’s on Second Life and it’s pretty cool. The interviews are interesting and funny in an awkward way. Check it out:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M9IWoT41_xY
http://one.revver.com/watch/215878
(I always like to include the revver link in case people wanna click on it and help the filmmakers earn a nickle or two)
the “main” story (that of Luke)
But the main story ISN’T about Luke. You don’t even realize that until the end of Episode VII. Luke is a wuss. Screw him.
BUT! For children, you must introduce the best characters first, and you do not get the full R2-D2/C3P0 effect unless you watch episode IV first, then introduce the Ewoks later in the original trilogy.
Who in episodes I—III is worth watching for kids? Jar Jar? Screw that guy. Darth Maul is cool, but all the other bad guys, sans Lord Vader obviously, suck very badly. And Boba Fett, I guess. He’s cool too.
My point is, besides Vader, Fett, Kenobi, Palpatine and Yoda, who the heck is worth watching in episodes I—III? Jack Squat, that’s who.
Do as I do: prequels? What prequels?