CWBorne

The dinner table scene with everyone in the Skywalker's home always struck me as a microcosm of so many of the dubious elements in the films. Bad comedy with Jar Jar, numerous reminders of the idiot plot (apparently Qui-gon and company can't trade with anyone else for a smaller ship?), horrendous dialogue, and the acting, oh lord the acting. Lloyd is cringe inducing, Jar-Jar is in full shucking and jiving mode, Portman & Neeson feel like they're practically asleep, and Pernilla August seems as if belongs in a whole other movie. 

Its basically at this scene that I sunk in my theater seat and realized that I didn't care about any of these characters. There was nothing engaging about them, and that his was likely the best it was getting.

You bring up some damn good points Johannus. There's definitely some potential in that concept of starting out In Medias Res, especially if your own particular interpretation of the prequels is benefited best by that kind of opening. 

georgec said:

CWBorne said:

I think Palpatine (specifically him and not Sidious) is the only one who's lines don't make me cringe because at least he's consistent and McDiarmid manages to find his way around the crappy dialogue. 

For the most part I agree with you but this scene was awful and hilarious at the same time.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w9KVIfpNG4w

Very true, but by the third film, MacDiarmid clearly just wants to have some fun with the character. But in Phantom Menace (and AOTC) he's the closest thing to being subtle and believable in his scenes as Palpatine.

I'm becoming less and less married to the concept that Palpatine has to literally declare himself Emperor in the last prequel. Of all the various things in ROTS that bug me, the inexplicable need to explain every single thing to set up A New Hope is really up there. I think you can do more by sheer implication when Palpatine announces himself Chancellor (or President) for life than having him change whole scope of the Republic overnight. The reactions of people like Bail Organa alone will tip off audiences about how damning the whole scenario is, especially after the Jedi have been wiped out.

It adds almost a chilling element to see Palpatine making promises about how the democracy and the senate will last forever, then in the next film you immediately learn the Republic is gone, an Emperor rules over the Empire, and within 30 minutes even the Senate is finally dissolved. The audience's imagination can do a much better job of filling in that gap and envisioning how Palpatine gradually stripped away elements of the Republic until the Empire is in its place. Its more realistic in that sense and it adds to the creepy aura surrounding the Emperor; without ever actually seeing the literal events you know how dangerous and cunning this man is.  

Choosing the single fatal flaw of the prequels is tricky, because there so many large problems that overlap, but if I had to think of one, its ultimately that we never really got to know ore care about these characters. 

Anakin's basically split into kid and teenager versions, the first being a bland youngster with no depth and the second being an adolescent asshole who seems irritated and frustrated by everyone but Padme. With Luke we got a feel what he wanted, and how he felt about the world around him; we got a look into his dreams. Anakin is defined entirely by his affection for his wife/mother and his lust for power. Other than some little comments about democracy, there's not much else to him. 

And Obi-Wan doesn't fare much better. He's likable by virtue of not being a violent murderer or complete idiot who doesn't see the obvious, but there's no arc or really deep insight into him either. There's more depth via the writing and Alec Guiness' acting in the first two acts of A New Hope then there are in three prequel films. Him going from slightly cocky and rash mentor to a calm and collected knight would have made us care about him, and would have helped to understand the person he is the original films.

Finally the writing does no favors for Padme, who's given some goals in her want of peaceful democracy in the Republic, but so many of her scenes involve her coming across as just flat and stilted. She says a lot of things, but her tone and overall demeanor lacks both the warmth and fiery edge of Leia. Even when talking about her planet suffering and dying she comes across like she's a bored office worker doing a presentation about saving money on paperclips.

The elements of her being a supposed determined, intelligent, and caring public servant feel so cosmetic that it ceases being real to an audience. That she becomes less and less of an actual character and more of a plot device to bring Anakin to the dark side as the films go on only makes things worse. It seems like that from the very start her basic template was bringing about Anakin's fall and being anti-dictatorship because her daughter was (will be?) in the original films. Its ironic that a character who Lucas had free range to write about (because she wasn't constrained by the same plot points of Anakin/Obi-Wan) has so little done with her. 

I think Palpatine (specifically him and not Sidious) is the only one who's lines don't make me cringe because at least he's consistent and McDiarmid manages to find his way around the crappy dialogue. 

Its an odd thing for me with the original films, because I love theme to death, but don't really have an excess need to watch them in pristine quality. I wouldn't mind it, but hell I've got the VHS tapes, I can find some original versions online. 

Even being ticked about the lack of the original uncut versions in 5.1 widescreen with cleaned up shots and high resolution is really more a matter of principle than a desire to immediately watch them right now. So there's not really much temptation to buy the Blu Rays, other than checking out the deleted scenes, and with those online, I'm pretty much good. 

In my conception Anakin is actually Beru's brother, with Owen as his brother in law (hence the two different last names). Anakin's goodbye with Owen is very tense, with Lars pointing out that he's walking away from his family to pursue some foolish quest with some crazy wizard. Beru has mixed feelings, understanding why Anakin wants to leave, but thinking he'll be safer on Tatooine. While perhaps not said literally, Owen makes it clear that he's in no hurry to see him again. (Leaving his family haunts Anakin later.)

Tatooine is featured well here, and is actually presented as one of the few outer rim planets looking at getting some development before the resource rationing and trade difficulties of the Clone Wars killed any chance of economic growth. Throw in the Empire's complete neglect of the planet for 20 years and you could probably have a pretty different picture of something like Anchorhead and Mos Eisley in the first prequel in comparison to A New Hope.

You could probably in a sense present three variations of the Tatooine: the one with burgeoning development and some planetary authority in the first prequel, one with abandoned buildings and decay in the meeting between Owen/Obi Wan, and finally the craphole we see in a New Hope. Not only does this demonstrate the effects of the war, it also gives characterization to Owen, illustrating him as a guy who not only had his brother in law walk away, but also watched as his promising life got completely ruined by a war and a conflict he had nothing to do with. But with all the work they've put into it, he and Beru can't really leave. 

Not hard to imagine how bitter a man could get in that scenario, especially if Anakin had stayed, then perhaps they could have salvaged something more out of it. Hence when Obi-Wan shows up at the end of the third film, Owen is still angry that Kenobi took his brother in law away, but Beru does convince him that looking after Luke is what's best. With this history in mind it demonstrates why he's reluctant to let Luke leave, and why he tells Kenobi that he'll never see Luke again and take him away like he did Anakin. It doesn't just extend to his fears of him turning into his father, but also at losing another member of his family when Owen is maybe just now finally gotten the farm to a reasonable success after such a long time. 

So overall, I think given that Tatooine's the only location that would appear in both series, I do think, there's enough there to really do something with and not just present the exact same planet.

Finally; time to pick up those power converters. 

I admit Yoda not appearing is easier to do then the Vader reveal, especially given that I wouldn't want him fighting and even him acting as a general/commander/adviser in the war really seems off. 

Yoda being talked up as a great figure but remaining unseen does have some potential. Part of the issue is where he is the midst of this (on Coruscant, in the Jedi headquarters, somewhere else). If he's on Dagobah already, but even then one is left wondering why perhaps the wisest and most powerful Jedi was on a secluded planet in the midst of one of biggest wars in galactic history. I suppose one could split the difference and say that Yoda departed between films, and that he's gone by the latter two prequels. 

My idea for the Jedi are that have in some sense become too focused on ritual and tradition and have in some ways lost their connection to the living force and by extension to the Republic at large. Either scenario could reflect that with Yoda commentating on how the Jedi have changed or that Yoda left specifically to regain that connection with all living things.  

Got a few things written in the various threads here, and figured out Anakin's and Kenobi's arc, how Palpatine gains power, how the Clone Wars go, the opposing side in the conflict (Mandalorian coalition with criminals and pirates from the outer rim), the major key points of the films, the major themes of the story, and a rough idea of the visual style. 

Still need to work on rounding out the main characters (Mother Skywalker, Bail Organa, original alien [Darelda], original droid [HX-81], the villain characters, overall design, detailed plot summary, Yoda's role, and pacing. 

Not really an inconsistency, but its interesting to see how much less physical the force is in A New Hope. Everything, from Luke's focus in the death star trench, to Kenobi's mind trick, Skywalker's ability to sense the target they could all be seen as the extent of the Force's powers via the mind. Even Motti being choked by Vader could be argued as Darth simply making him think that he's being suffocated. 

It isn't until Empire that we see Vader crushing people's tracheas, Luke moving his lightsaber around, and doing big jumps in the air.  

In my conception of the prequels, Anakin is actually Beru's brother, with Owen as his brother in law (hence why the two have different last names). Anakin's goodbye to Owen is very tense, especially with Lars pointing out that Skywalker is walking away from a pretty good thing (which Tatooine would seem like at this point) and from his family to pursue some foolish quest with some crazy wizard. Beru has mixed feelings, understanding why Anakin wants to leave, but thinking he'll be safer on Tatooine. While perhaps not said literally, Owen makes it pretty clear he's in no hurry to see Anakin again. (Leaving his family haunts Anakin later).

Then, when we see Owen years later, he's already bitter that his potentially good life on Tatooine has been ruined by the war, but with all they've put into it, he and his wife can't really leave. He's really angry that Kenobi took Anakin away, but Beru does convince him that they can at least look after Luke. Owen makes it clear that he will not let Kenobi ruin the life of Anakin's son and for Kenobi to stay away from them for good. 

You could probably in a sense present three variations of Tatooine: the one with burgeoning development and some authority in the first prequel, one with abandoned buildings and clear decay in Obi-Wan/Owen scene via the last prequel, and finally the craphole we see in A New Hope.  

The ROTJ novelization contains the reference to Kenobi and Owen being brothers. The book also seems to suggest that Vader and possibly Palpatine have never met Yoda, and that Anakin didn't know his wife was pregnant when he turned. Mother Skywalker apparently passed away when Leia was around 3.   

In my early draft of the prequels, Tatooine is actually presented as one of the few Outer Rim planets potentially looking at getting some development before the resource rationing and trade difficulties of the Clone Wars killed any chance of economic growth. Throw in the Empire's complete neglect of the planet for 20 years and you could probably have pretty different picture of something like Anchorhead and Mos Eisley in the first prequel in comparison to A New Hope.  

In terms of characters, this is a very, very, early idea right now, but my thinking at the moment is that in the second movie, the droid (HX-81 is the rough version of his name) actually betrays the cause and alligns with the Mandalorians, strictly because he was so cynical about the Republic's chances in the war, that he thinks its safer for him (and his allies) to switch sides. This action also likely leads to the death of Darelda [the alien main character]. I know the immediate reaction will be that having a turn in the second film diminishes Anakin's fall in the third, but I think it could work, because it accomplishes a lot of things. 

First, it sells how badly the Clone War is going when one the critical characters actual betrays the cause, simply because the odds are looking that hopeless. Second, its part of a larger demonstration of the dangers of pessimism that are big throughout (my concept of) the prequels, something that also plays heavily an Anakin's story later on. Third, it does help to explain as to why such characters would not want to be brought up. Kenobi and Vader likely have very painful memories and have wanted to move on from both of them.  

Fourth, that it differentiates how different these characters and this group are from those in the original trilogy; in fact part of my thinking has been to follow through on what if scenarios of the original films: What if the betrayal by a trusted friend (Lando and Han) led to much worse consequences than it did? How would a group of heroes react to losing on of their own? What if the droid is more than comic relief? I know some would point to it as being pretty dark, but I think there is some story potential in seeing the traditional "Star Wars heroes" in a scenario where everything just went terribly wrong. 

Finally, and I think this is the biggest aspect, its a critical build to Anakin's fall from grace. Skywalker is a young guy by the second movie who's still managing to hold his optimism pretty well, in spite of the war, and even though he shows great anger and rage at the betrayal of 81 he does not turn, because he still believes in the cause. Indeed, he vows to bring 81 to justice out of disgust that the droid could turn on his own allies all out of his own lack of faith in the Republic and his friends.

But the sad irony of it all, is that Anakin does a turn even worse than that, largely because the tolls of the war as well as seemingly losing his wife and child drives him to a much worse place than even 81 was. While the droid may have been a cynical pragmatist doing a preemptive move decided by reason, Skywalker ultimately gives into the dark side because of sheer despair. He's lost so much, and simply can't see any way but Emperor's ways to make things better. Losing two friends (one to betrayal, one to death) may have not turned Anakin to the Dark Side, but it pushed him a hell of a lot closer to it. 

While working on my early drafts of the prequel films, I've been thinking about how exactly to work in original characters, both in personality and exactly the role they play in the story. Its been hard because you need interesting figures who don't feel too reminiscent of those in the original trilogy and aren't so big that it makes no sense that they're not brought after the prequels.

I've had the idea for two major original non-human characters who round out the major cast (Anakin, Obi-Wan, Mother Skywalker, Bail Organa). One an alien, the other a droid. The first is still in the early planning stages. Thinking maybe female, maybe similar to Lucas' early concept for Han Solo (green scaled alien with gills), still debating.

The droid is a big more developed; he's not R2 or 3PO in terms of design or personality. Much more cynical, with a bit more noticeable bitterness. Its tricky because I don't want him to be Han Solo: Droid version, but neither do I want the main characters essentially paling around with Marvin the Paranoid Android. So I'm still trying to round them out. 

I'd be interested to hear some of the concepts for your original characters; heroes, villains and everything in between.  

I think for me when it changed from "Star Wars can be this" to "Star Wars must be this". Lucas' introduction of both the special editions and his type of prequel films contributed to an already growing problem in the EU of boxing stories and creativity to the point where things in Star Wars must fit into specific guidelines. 

If Lucas had introduced the Special Editions and as what if concepts or even as an amusing film experiments (while still maintaining the originals in decent quality) I don't there would be such a divisive split as to what's real and what's not. Yes debates about which was better sure, but certainly not the almost existential arguments which ensue about what is "true."

The whole thing with Greedo and Han took away the relative nature of how you interpret Han's character into a more simplistic back and forth about what's absolutely true to his character. Beforehand you could say that Han doesn't care at all, that may not have wanted to do it but had to, that he and Greedo had a personal backstory hence it was out of emotion than reason, all sorts of stuff. Now its been broken down to "Han's a good guy, he wouldn't do that" and "Han's a scoundrel rogue, of course he would" Its a more narrow definition to something that once felt ambiguous.

Problems exist with the EU as well. Because of the sheer influx of stories based on a business model rather than what's ideal for tone and character, a lot was lost. Star Wars isn't a mystery anymore. Its not built on reader/viewer imagination and enjoyment as much as it used to be; its been distilled into the very act of choosing personal canon based on specific stories. Going down the EU feels more like checking a grocery list than being exposed to wondrous other worlds and tales. 

Its ironic because the original Star Wars was hailed by some in the press as working because it was loose and ambiguous enough to be able to project your own meaning onto the movie. It worked for everybody. That's just not the case anymore. 

This series introduced the word "Moffrences". 

So I can't completely hate it. 

These past couple of days, I've been really wanting to be able to see some of the online discussions pre-99 just to see the contrast in attitudes of people. Maybe its just me, but thanks the mixed reaction to the prequels, the controversy over the Special Editions and the divisiveness of the EU storylines; these days I see a decent amount of discussion relating to it (even light hearted) tinged with an undercurrent of at best snark and at worst cynicism and slight bitterness.

Now granted I'm saying this likely with some unjustified rose tinted glasses towards my own youth, but back in the 90s, I don't know there seemed to be a sense of greater optimism and positive geek energy about everything related to the franchise. Star Wars, even in lesser forms (Kevin J. Andersons's more dubious literary contributions for example) was plain fun. Hell even with the typical back and forth debates (Lucas's plans, Ewoks in ROTJ, Palpatine's clones, etc) they still always seemed good-natured.

Again its likely a reflection of my own adulthood, and there's a good chance someone on here will explain that discussions and arguments could get just as embittered and nasty 15 years ago, but I don't know, just seems like there was a genuine sense of hopefulness to the whole franchise that's sorely lacking these days. 

Thinking about certain story and character elements I'm struck by the notion that the excessive controlling nature of Anakin in Lucas' prequels might have some merit (not in Skywalker of course) but in maybe the pre-New Hope Jedi themselves. 

This isn't a sense of control created by being traditionally power hungry or attachment to loved ones, but more of a matter of getting overtly concerned with the details and traditions rather than the broader importance of being connected with the Force and with others. Not seeing the forest for the trees, so to speak. They avoid being too involved with politics or everyday citizens because at this point in time that's "not how a Jedi does things". 

Now this doesn't make them evil, or even in a position to fall, but it does cause them to ignorant about what the real danger was. They forgot about the dangers of the dark side, forgot to truly understand what could make a Jedi become lured by what it offered. They fail to realize how powerful Palpatine was, and truly fail to comprehend the troubled nature of someone like Anakin. Someone as good as Skywalker, falling as hard as he did, was simply beyond the scope of a group that was more concerned with administrating specific elements than flowing with the force. 

I think the thing that strikes me in the prequel films is a general lack of real themes. I mean technically you could see something about the supposed dangers of attachment and perils involved with giving authority more power in a crisis, but both are done so poorly or done with so little on screen evidence that they just feel half-assed. Not to mention that love as a general force (no pun intended) good became such a strong element in the original trilogy that treating it with such suspicion in the prequels feels out of sync. 

I myself have happened upon two critical themes of alternate prequels which I do think will still resonate with the original films: the importance of being connected with all as those around you, and the inherent dangers of losing one's idealism by giving into cynicism and pessimism. 

Both Obi-Wan and Yoda speak of how the Force is an energy field created by all living things, binding the universe together and making it grow. This connectedness is about as critical to the Star Wars mythology as anything. Its something that applies not just to the force, but to people. Luke, Han, and Leia grow closer over the films, the Rebels are named specifically as an Alliance between peoples against tyranny, and Darth Vader himself is the very picture of being cut off and detached from all those around him given his state as more machine than man.This bond, this engagement between regular people is something that means just as much in the prequels.

The growing divide between Anakin and Obi-Wan due to their respective flaws proves to be the downfall of a great friendship. The average Republic citizen's sense of feeling out of touch with the Senate brings about growing unhappiness and a chance for Palpatine to gain power. Jedi and specifically Yoda's seclusion away from the rest of the galaxy proves to be their undoing as they lose their connection with the living and are surprised by the power of Palpatine and the treachery of one of their own. Anakin's severed attachment to his wife and unborn child (due to their apparent death), the family that kept his own dark instincts in check, proves be his tragic push towards the dark side.

Eventually the galaxy's descent into darkness is ended by the heroes being connected to one another. Luke leaves the secluded Tatooine and becomes part of the larger world. The Jedi's (Obi-Wan, Yoda) isolation finally ends with their teachings to Luke, the children of Skywalker (without knowing it) become stronger once reunited, and even Darth Vader moves from being a willing apprentice of Palpatine to a rebellious pupil offering to overthrow him once he discovers his son is alive.

The other major running element is hope and idealism. The Republic (much like America in the era prior to Star Wars' release) is one made of cynical views towards government and in many ways each other. The Jedi don't get heavily involved with Republic affairs, believing they'll simply be part of petty politics. People continually show heavy skepticism towards Jedi knights and the powers they use, neither of which they've really seen. 

Anakin's defining trait by contrast is his overwhelming belief that he as a Jedi can make a galaxy a better place. Its this aspect that makes him among the greatest of the Jedi, precisely because he embodies the spirit of being a guardian of peace and justice better than anyone. And its this fact that eventually makes his fall so tragic. Because Anakin's story is continually one of sacrifice: Leaving his family on Tatooine and likely not being able to come back given Owen's grudge. Not expressing his feelings of doubt and internal struggle to his master because Ben had placed so much faith in him being a great student. Seeing his own wife less than he could because his role in the Clone Wars was so critical. Being able to move on from all the good people he's seen die in this war. 

And he does these things even with all the lonely nights, fallen comrades, and troubled thoughts, as he still believed in the good intentions and ability of the Republic and the Jedi to bring justice to the galaxy. Because he still had faith. But once he believes he's lost his family... its the one sacrifice that was too much. Once they're gone, the Darth Vader in him, the one who had continually said that ruthless measures would get real results and that more power was necessary to bring true justice to the galaxy, he murders Anakin. There will be peace by his hand at any cost, and he will create a world where no innocent people will be destroyed thanks to those starting a war. 

This loss of optimism ultimately affects Yoda and Kenobi as well. Both believe that Luke must destroy Vader, as there's nothing left of Skywalker in him. The Clone Wars and their terrible consequences leave the two unable to see the real power of Anakin's son lies in his love and forgiveness. The "New Hope" Luke represents is ultimately the one that brings back faith and idealism in others; from a scoundrel like Han to eventually his own father. Luke's very existence changes Darth somewhat, though his offer of power to Luke in ESB shows how Vader's still distorting Anakin's sense of justice.

But in ROTJ, Luke's demonstrates love and faith in his father; tossing away his lightsaber rather than destroying him even though it would be so easy and understandable for him to do so. Its that moment in which Darth Vader dies, because his entire belief in callous ruthlessness proves to be wrong. Anakin Skywalker is reborn, and upon feeling genuine belief for the first time in decades, sees Palpatine for what he really is, and saves his son, just as he saved him. 

Hence we come full circle. The loss of idealism by the Jedi is undone by one optimistic young man who still believed in spite of it all. Over three movies Anakin Skywalker lost all hope. And over three movies, thanks to his son, he regained it. 

To me, having these themes doesn't just explain the original trilogy, it enriches it. 

Sorry I wasn't clearer. Yeah its basically said that the Malalorians create or discover cloning technology and put it to use. When they're killed off, the secret to their rapid method of cloning largely dies with them. 

Truth be told the Emperor getting a hold of it in some form is really more of a "Dark Empire" shout out than a critical plot point. I'm considering dropping it and just sticking with the above point about the technology was simply lost. 

Are you focusing on the Clone Wars? 

Yes. The initial outbreak of conflict in the war makes up the plot of the first film. The worst struggles for the Republic make of the story of the second movie, while the last prequel features demonstrates how the war ended, and the immediate aftermath of it on the Republic. 

Who are the Clones? 

The clones are specifically those of various criminals, pirates, and various disenfranchised peoples from systems in the Outer Rim.

How does the War pertain to them? 

They are initially recruited and later led by a remnant of Mandalorians who do an initial attack on the Republic in the first film, and shortly afterward start a full fledge invasion. 

How does Cloning become irrelevant by the start of Episode 4? 

Various cloning facilities are purposefully destroyed or sabotaged by the clone armies to prevent the Republic from learning how to replicate them, with Mandalorian leaders being the few who genuinely know the specific nature of the process. What materials and science the Republic forces are able to get their hands are confiscated and end up in the hands of those loyal to Palpatine, who's hinted at keeping and potentially utilizing the technology himself.   

How is cloning limited to the point that the whole story doesn't get consumed by the idea of clones replacing major players? 

Both cloning and providing weapons/ships to individual clones take a great deal of resources to do. Mass production of clones (necessary to get the amount of armies necessary for an invasion of the Republic) leads to ones not as healthy, intelligent, and resourceful as natural people. The invading fleet relies largely on sheer numbers for a long period. The gradual whittling away of resources needed to create clones destroys the numbers of the Mandalorian Coalition. 

Are the main characters soldiers in the War?   

Kenobi and Anakin both serve in high positions, technically serving under Republic Supreme Admiral Bail Organa. (Bail later retires from military service in favor in public office as the war winds down). 

Who are the armies?   

The Republic has a large unified fighting force of conscripted citizens of systems, and paid officers, many led by specifically by the Jedi, though some infighting between various planetary groups does hamper initial Republic efforts. The Coalition forces are more loosely organized, with massive units commanded by Mandalorian leaders, with the original Outer Rim soldiers underneath, and the clones serving as raw infantry. 

Who is the larger force? 

The Mandalorian Coalition initially outnumbers the Republic forces, but are gradually whittled down to resistance units by the end of the war. 

What are the objectives of both sides?  

The Coalition simply wants to take over the galaxy, with a specific aim of defeating the Jedi. The Republic is simply defending itself and aiming to imprison or eliminate the Mandalorian leaders, while containing the clone threat.  

When did/does the War start? 

A series of odd and unknown attacks/skirmishes take place on the outskirts over a year or so, initially thought to be raids by criminal gangs and pirates. The first major attack occurs roughly 26 BBY, the time of the first film. Jedi and Republic forces are able to beat invaders back, its soon realized that many, many more will be coming soon enough. The initial smaller encounters are later referred to as the First Clone War, with the major battles several months afterwards seen as starting the Second Clone War. 

How does the War end? 

Republic forces are able to wear down the Coalition and destroy their cloning resources over time. Many non-Mandalorian soldiers end up outright surrendering and/or deserting the cause, and end up anonymous on various Republic planets, an action freely condoned by Palpatine who states that such loss in numbers will end the war sooner. Some express concern at this, noting that large numbers of unlisted people in the Republic unable to get real employment, will likely turn to crime. (Its suggested that the amount of illegal spice trade, smuggling, bounty hunting, and slave trafficking will skyrocket soon enough)

The Mandalorian leaders finally agree to a ceasefire and put forth negotiations for their surrender via an initial treaty. The Jedi, distrustful of Palpatine, keep the conference a secret temporarily to prevent his interference. Both groups are destroyed when Palpatine (given the location by Anakin) orders his secret forces to destroy the station their where the negotiations are taking place. Palpatine deceives the Senate and explains that the Coalition double crossed the Jedi and that secret Mandalorian sympathizers will be taken care of, a move he uses to wipe out any remaining Jedi he can locate. 

Do you show Obi-Wan receiving training from Yoda? 

No, though the former mentions several aspects of his own training and specifically what he's passing on to Anakin. 

Do you show Anakin receiving training from Obi-Wan? 

The latter half of the first film and first act of the second film show Kenobi training him. In a contrast to Luke, who's questions and learning applied to the nature of the force, Anakin with his intuition picks up those aspects quickly and his education lies more in the application and temperance of the Force's use. 

Are Obi-Wan and Anakin friends?  When do they have the chance to establish this friendship? 

The two are very close, gaining a kinship shortly after they first meet. The two in fact complement each other quite well, with Kenobi in fact being the more playful, laid back mentor in contrast to Skywalker's more serious minded student. Anakin almost always refers to him as "Ben" and sees him as an supportive older brother. While initially approaching each other with some reluctance in the opening act of the first film (Ben seeing Anakin as a bit too intense, and Skywalker seeing him as too lax) they grow over the film as friends with their mutual dedication to justice and peace. 

How many years before Episode 4 does your story take place and how old are the main characters? 

The first film takes place about 25 years prior to a New Hope. The second film is two years afterwards, and the third film three years after that.  

Will you show Yoda? 

Yes, but he appears gradually as the trilogy goes on. Viewers see only his face in the first movie, and his actual size isn't demonstrated until Anakin finally meets him in the second movie. While seemingly aloof and distant initially he becomes warmer and kindlier over time. He acts somewhat similar to Kenobi in the original films, as a wise mentor to both Ben and Anakin. He is the Jedi with the most awareness of how troubled Skywalker is, though even his does not know to what degree. 

Will you show that Luke has a twin sister?  Named Leia? 

Yes. In the third film Anakin and Ben initially believe that Mother Skywalker and her unborn child are killed in a attack in the war. This tragedy eventually drives Anakin to be tempted by the Dark Side and the power of Palpatine. Following his turn and injury in the lava pit, Kenobi, Yoda, and Bail Organa discover that Mother Skywalker is alive, with two healthy young twins. The attack did however do damage do her during birth, and she's given less than a year to live. She goes with to Alderaan to live out her final days with the soon to be adopted Leia, and Kenobi promises that he will watch over Luke at Tatooine. 

Will you reveal that Anakin becomes Darth Vader?   

Yes. Darth Vader in terms of theme and metaphor really exists as the darker, more cynically pragmatic part of Anakin's psyche that grows as the Clone Wars go on. The battle for his soul begins to appear in the second film and takes center stage in the last film. The turn to the Dark Side signifies Vader's victory and the ruthless actions afterwards signifying the betrayal of Skywalker's compassion and empathy.  

Will you have surprises in your new PT?  Will it affect anything that we thought we already knew in the OT?   

Not really surprises, as much as playing with expectations of characters. Even though Anakin is the one who eventually turns, he comes across as a bit more likable than Ben at times. Because "Sidious" as a concept does not exist, Palpatine appears initially as a weak willed populist dismissed by most as being easily manipulated by others. Darth Vader, rather than a literal person or simply what Anakin becomes, is more of a internal dark voice within Skywalker. The nature of the dirty "used future" in the galaxy is demonstrated to be a result of the Clone Wars and its aftermath. The prequels really serve to demonstrate how different the galaxy once was. 

How does the Jedi/Dark Jedi conflict play into the back story of the War, if at all? 

(The"Sith", specifically a whole group of original Dark Side counterparts do not exist, with a quasi exception in Palpatine, who's unique in using such abilities without ever being a Jedi)

The nature of Dark Jedi and the power of the Dark Side exist largely in myth, or so it seems. The Jedi have not dealt with those who have turned for hundreds of years, and not dealt with powerful ones for even longer. The dangers of the Dark Side are taught, but not with the same sense of urgency and warning as in the OT. The greater worry with Jedi is simply getting caught up in the petty politics of the Republic, but a looming issue is the strength of their connection with the living Force. Being too involved with non-Jedi matters appears to be a more obvious worry than being turned. Anakin himself has a somewhat limited understanding of the true dangers of the Dark Side. 

How does the Galaxy allow for a Dark Jedi/Palpatine to be left in charge of the Empire when all is said and done? 

The Republic was simply completely unprepared for a user of the Dark Side like Palpatine to exist. Almost all of those who were sensitive to the Force were either Jedi, half-hearted wielders lacking training(and thus power), or were simply unaware people who didn't understand what they had. None of the Jedi expected a user of the dark side to be as educated and powerful as Palpatine was, especially given that Anakin was the only one of them who ever really spent any time with him and someone who most (Skywalker and possibly Yoda aside) dismissed as a weak President of the Senate who seemed to cater to popular demands. 

How many Jedi are we talking about here?  A handful like the OT?  Two-three handfuls like the GPT?  Or a lot a lot? 

There are at least a dozen or so Jedi for each populated system. They begin to lose their numbers a bit during the conflict, but largely because a great deal of training is suspended or slowed down during the Clone Wars. The Emperor wipes most of them out towards the end of the war.  

How many Dark Jedi?  

None, except for Palpatine and eventually Anakin. 

What kind of powers do the Force Users have beyond those seen in the OT?  

Much of the powers of the Jedi are based on intuition and sense rather than the superpower like nature seen in Lucas' prequels. Being able to realize the amount of ships before sensors do, predict enemy movements, and more heightened detection with the senses. Occasional telekinesis, but much more focus on mental rather than physical befitting the status of those serving as commanders rather than direct soldiers. 

What is the Galaxy's general response to Jedi?  Are they all assumed to be heroes?  Or are people more like Han where they think that it's all religious nonsense? 

The Jedi have a mixed reputation in the galaxy. While some praise them as defenders of the Republic, many also show considerable skepticism towards their ways, primarily because they often act independent of the Senate and are remarkably covert and secretive. The vast majority of those in the Republic have never seen a Jedi, let alone how they use their abilities. This isolated nature of them later is shown as mistake by Yoda, who laments that the Jedi lost their connection to the living Force, and by extension, the Republic. 

How do your Jedi dress?  

There are varieties. Visually, the lower ranked Jedi wear more elaborate clothes, with visual inspiration from both ancient Samurai and Templar Knights. The Jedi Masters wear more simplistic attire, with Yoda in dark green, Obi-Wan in navy blue/black and Anakin in white/light tan. 

How organized are the Jedi?  Are they like a police force in space or are they more like wizards that are off doing their own thing and maybe have some form or correspondance or a council every now and then?  Or something less than that? 

The Jedi exist more as a in independent group of religious samurais, serving largely as diplomats and peacebuilders, only acting as soldiers/knights as a last resort. High ranking Jedi communicate with the Senate and system leaders, with decisions made largely internally amongst them. Even on individual planets and stations, the Jedi generally stay isolated, occasionally interacting when necessary. When the war finally occurs, the Jedi serve more as generals and commanders. 

Where does the Empire come from?   

The Empire emerges in many ways as a result of the frustration of the people in the Republic. The lack of law enforcement in the Outer Rim territories and growing sense of separation between the average citizen and those in the Senate creates great disenchantment throughout the galaxy. Once Palpatine is made President he manages to be so inoffensive to the various factions in the Senate that he ends up with no real enemies, and no real allies.

However, Palpatine's position as President does place him in charge of specific funding for the war, and through various secret investments and machinations, a majority of the Republic army ends up being loyal to him and his associates. At the end of the third film, with the Clone Wars over, and with military control at his side, Palpatine is easily able to transform the Republic and declare himself Emperor, pledging that they will never be invaded by any foreign force again, and claiming that he will still value the input of the Senate. Many citizens support this transformation. 

How do the droids fit in to your new story, if at all? 

Artoo and Threepio make a quick cameo in each film, with a running gag of the two seemingly about to be involved with the main characters, but never do as they get caught up in their own adventures. They're nice bits of comic relief to provide some lighthearted moments in the midst of the drama. 

How is Anakin seduced by the Dark Side?  What convinces him to serve the Emperor, the Empire and the Dark Side for 20+ years before allowing Luke to show him the error of his ways. 

The continual trauma and losses of the war take a major toll on Anakin as time goes by. As he loses friends and companions to the conflict he grows more and more cynical of the nature of the Republic and of the power of the Jedi. As he and Ben begin to grow apart a bit, his wife and future child become the lynch pin of what optimism and hopes he still has left. When he believes he's lost them, the compassion and idealism of Anakin Skywalker turn into the cynicism and ruthless efficiency of Darth Vader. His faith in everything shattered, the quicker and easier path of the Dark Side offered by the Emperor, one that can get him the results the light sight could not, becomes too tempting to resist. He will have peace and order in the galaxy at any cost. Only when seeing the genuine faith, idealism, and love of his son, does he realize that there is and always was another way.  

Who is the main protagonist in your films?  

Anakin serves as the main protagonist, with the story starting and ending with with his point of view. Obi-Wan however is the Han Solo-esque deuteragonist, and is the second most important character in the films. When he and Anakin are split, he gets a large focus. Both characters change throughout the movies, though ultimately Skywalker drives more of the plot than Kenobi.