I think if Kylo finding Palpatine was moved to the end of Episode 8, then it could mirror TFA with Rey finding Luke, maybe add some little things throughout that help foreshadow Palpatine more. I looked around on the jungle planet after seeing it again, which I’m pretty sure is unnamed because I was listening for it, and in my head it’d take a lot of time to add Naboo elements to tie it with the prequels more considering the type of shots.
100% this. With Snoke being killed in TLJ, you end the movie with Palpatine revealing himself and that he created Snoke. Cliffhanger and and make it feel like a storyline planned from the beginning.
Kylo should also rebuild his helmet at the end of TLJ. Maybe move Rey’s training montage in the jungle to the end of TLJ also.
Then change the crawl in Rise of Skywalker to talk about how Rey found the dagger on a Jedi expedition, the problem with Threepio unable to interpret Sith. I HATED this setup and choice for the McGuffin in Rise Act 1.
We open with the crew finding the programmer and we learn about Poe’s past as the opening act. We first see Kylo in Rise as he goes before the First Order Generals, completely in charge with new helmet already built.
Other big thing that bugged me was how long it took for the rest of the galaxy to show up in the final battle. Poe and his “fleet” would not have lasted that long against that many Star Destroyers or Tie Fighters.
Overall my favorite of the new trilogy but really excited about the edit potential. can’t wait to see the cut scenes!!