Rhikter said:Ooo. What's that like?
The 501st? Wanting to join? Or building plastic armour? :)
•No use of the word "Darth" until Vader takes it (not bestowed).
Aww, c'mon. : D
This is one of those things that I came to late in my rewrite. All during this project, I've been playing the OT in the background and keeping it in mind. Ben's almost mocking use of Vader's "first name" in Star Wars always stood out to me, and still does. The reasons for that have shifted, but it still stands out.
I have developed it in-story (expanded story, not necessarily what I want to be shown in the script) that when Anakin turns, he knows exactly what he is doing (he thinks) and intentionally adopts the title used by the Sith Lords of old, and that hasn't been in use for a thousand years. Palpatine didn't, his master didn't, Dooku doesn't when he turns during the next episode, Asajj doesn't, etc. It's part of Anakin's arrogance. Plus, I don't want new viewers starting with Episode I to hear "Darth" and automatically think "Sith Lord". Tossing it around so casually before Vader shows up weakens its impact.
Peregrinus said:"The Phantom Menace" is a pretty feeble title.
What makes you say that?
I'd be happier with it as a title for, say, Episode VII. But for the first installment, it needs something a little punchier and less cryptic. I like the title of one of the arcs in the New Jedi Order series -- "Agents of Chaos". That can refer to the Sith, the Mandalorian Death Watch, the Separatists... There, it's more a matter of maybe figuring out whether it applies to all the antagonists or just one group... rather than trying to figure out what the hell it means in the first place. :)
• Qui-Gon, Anakin, Bail Organa, Padmé, Palpatine, Asajj, Dooku, Mace, Cliegg, Owen, Beru, Shmi, C-3PO, R2-D2 all introduced.
Why no Maul?
I'm only slightly undecided on Maul. I want him and Asajj to be in the Prequels, but I came to want just one in the first film, and that one to be Asajj. I have Maul show up in Episode II to double the threat. Why I don't have him introduced here. :)
I would say, "Talk about wishful thinking," but I think you're well aware of that. : )
Oh, I know. This is to establish a spectrum, with this on my "best-case scenario" end and the theatrical realease of TPM on the "this has got to go" end.
ADDENDUM ON ALIEN RACES:
I forgot to mention in my Prequel Trilogy overview that the Gungans, if present at all, are not native to Naboo, speak their own language, and no idiotic Jar-Jar or goofy Boss Nass. Respectable, like Captain Tarpals. Also, no Niemoidians. Slight alteration, their own language and no goofy accents, and bang! you've got Duros -- who I really liked from Episode IV.
ADDENDUM FOR CLARIFICATION:
With the removal of the Battle of Naboo and the "Trade Federation" blockade, we have no battle droids of any kind in this first film. Keep that for an escalation in Episode II, for reasons that will become clear. And when they show up in Episode II, I agree with the cold colour palette, no earth tones.
--Jonah