The Prequel Trilogy and the Original Trilogy: Why we Need them Both.

It is often disputed among us fans which of the two Trilogies is better. Some say the Prequel Trilogy (TPM, AOTC, and ROTS), and others say the Original Trilogy (ANH, ESB, and ROTJ).
In my opinion they're both great in their own sense. As I've mentioned in my last post, my favorite episodes are ROTS and ESB.

Think about this: If we didn't have the Prequels the Original Trilogy wouldn't exist, and vise versa. I am going to discuss both Trilogies, and what they contribute, and why they ultimately need each other.


The Prequel Trilogy: 

I really enjoyed this half of the Saga, especially TPM and AOTC, and believe it or not, I really enjoyed the bumbling Jar-Jar in Episode I.
It was only until I saw ROTS, and the end of AOTC, that I began to question Anakin and his loyally to the Jedi.
The things that are set in motion here in the Prequels plant the seeds for events in the Originals.
Two of the most touching scenes here where Anakin saying goodbye to his Mother as he leaves with Qui-Gon and Obi-Wan for his new life in the Jedi Temple; and Padm`e's death.
The three intertwining tales told are, for the most part, are lighthearted and fun.

Episode I: The Phantom Menace

This was the very first episode I saw, it introduced me to all the fantastic aliens and planets.
I've heard it said that this episode is like a fairy-tale. It is in a sense. If you think about it. Here we were introduced to Anakin in his purist form; untainted by pain or deceit.
TPM is a fun story, and a great start to the Saga.


Episode II: Attack of the Clones

If anything, AOTC is a sad love story. A little slow for my tastes but still epic.
Some of the best music came out of this episode, and it was all spectacular.
Shmi's unfortunate death was a very heart-felt moment, and a focal point in Anakin's transformation into Darth Vader. If scares had been healed here Anakin might not have fallen.
Aside from Anakin and his internal troubles the treat of a Droid Army gave this episode a nice feel of suspense. This episode was very character driven, and breath-taking. As in the last episode politics played a major role in this episode.


Clone Wars movie

While not strictly part of the Saga, I still feel it's worth mentioning. This is a very unique piece; in terms of story and characters.
Ahsoka's introduction I found very pleasing, and her role here, and in the proceeding series, is a very important one as far as I'm concerned.
There were several epic battle; and many duels between our heroes and Sidious's pawns, all were very well done.



Episode III: Revenge of the Sith

Of all the episodes ROTS is by far one of the saddest and most dramatic episodes in the entire Saga. It has an engaging plot, intricate characters, internal and external conflicts; this is what makes a story not just good, but epic. Seeing, for the first time, the former Anakin ignite his lightsaber in the chamber with the younglings sent a chill down my spine. And to hear Palpatine's words; "Execute Order 66."  was a moment that wouldn't soon be forgotten.
The downward spiral of the plot has a certain gravity to it that cannot be replicated or copied; this is by far one of Lucas's best works ever.






The Original Trilogy:

The OT has a  certain "retro" feel about it that the Prequels don't have. But that's because they were made back in the 70s and 80s.
Fact: The Battle Star Galactica series started airing in 1978; exactly one year after A New Hope was released.  The series mimicked much of its special effects from Star Wars. Anyway.
I love the OT as much as the Prequels.

Episode IV: A New Hope

For many fans ANH was their introduction to the Star Wars universe. Obi-Wan (Ben's) famous line; "That's no moon." comes to mind whenever it is mentioned. This is classic Star Wars. In its day I'm sure, and still today, this episode is a jewel.

Episode V: (The) Empire Strikes Back 

The Hoth battle, Luke's duel with Vader in Bespin's Cloud City; and that classic line: "No Luke, I am you Father." are all in this episode. Here, in my opinion, we see Luke, Leia, Han, and Chiewe at their best. ESB, for me, stands toe-to-toe with ROTS in terms of drama, action, plot, and characters.

There is a slow building of tension that starts once the Imperial spy probe lands on Hoth, and doesn't dissipate until the very end.

Episode VI: Return of the Jedi

The Battle over Endor, Ewoks vs.stormtroopers, ech. As with ESB tension is built up in this episode until the very end. And any seasoned fan will say; "It's a trap!!" along with Ackbar. Here the final redemption of Vader plays out along with Emperor Palpatine's first demise (yes you heard me right).
In all this was an epic conclusion to the Saga.

Conclusion

As I said in the beginning of this post: We need both parts of the Saga. And I can't say it any plainer then that.

Whether you're a fan of the Prequels or the Original Trilogy it's all one big story.

Something I've noticed: Anakin's rise and fall bares a certain sameness to David's story (from the Bible).

Think about it; both slew giants (a literal giant and a space-station), and both broke their code, and both reaped the seeds of their selfless actions, and both were forgiven in the end. I'm not sure if this parallel was intentional, but it's something to think about.

Thanks for letting me share my thoughts. Until next time, may the Force be with you.