Mayakitten's Cosy Nook

So, The Force Awakens is awesome... but that is not what this post is about. However, it inspired a bit of a Star Wars renaissance for me. I rewatched the original films, I rewatched the prequels and I started re-reading some of the original Expanded Universe novels (mostly because Poe Dameron is labelled Not-Wedge in my head, so I went a read Real-Wedge). And then there is the fanfiction. Oh dear gods, the fanfiction. Both new Force Awakens stuff and older stuff.

And that's where I've been thinking really hard about the prequels. Because one of my rarely indulged guilty pleasures is reading Prequel AUs, usually involving some sort of timey wimey plot device (Obi-Wan dying, then waking up a padawan and going oh shit is one of my favourites).

I like the prequels. But when people challenge me about it, I've never been able to articulate why, beyond "I was a early teenage fan obsessed with the universe and therefore the target audience". The prequels have flaws, but I do enjoy them. So I've mulling that over for the first month and a half of the year. This is what I've come up with.

Padme Amidala: I love her in episodes 1 & 2. She kicks arse both politically (manipulation by a Sith Lord excepted) and on the field of battle. She stands up for what she believes in (democracy and peace), but has no problems in defending herself if she needs to. In Episode 2, when facing execution, it is Padme who gets herself out of trouble first by picking th elock on her handcuffs and climbing the pillar to relative safety before the Jedi have figured out what to do next.

Unfortunately, this awesome is completely destroyed when she is fridged in episode 3. And not only is she fridged, but it is INTERNALLY INCONSISTENT WITH RETURN OF THE JEDI WTF?!?!?!?! In ROTJ, Leis has memories of her mother, which she describes in her conversation with Luke before he tells her they're twins. Yet in ROTS, she dies in childbirth? Argh!!!

Ewan McGregor as Obi-Wan Kenobi: Totes the best thing about all the prequels.I think he brings an honesty and authenticity to the younger version of a much beloved character. The "You were my brother, I loved you!" speech hits me in the feels every single time. His storylines tend to be my favourites. Plus, totally awesome fight scene with Jango Fett IN THE RAIN. What?

Qui-Gon Jinn: Serene Jedi Master who has no problem blithely ignoring the Council when he feels like it. So much win.

Epic Romance: Yes much of the Padme/Anakin interaction in Episode 2 is horribly awkward and it ends terribly. But as a hopeless romantic, I can't help but adore the Epic Love Story.

Jar Jar Binks doesn't actually irritate me much, though yes, I can see that he's a bit problematic.

Baby Owen and Beru *flails*

The music is, as usual, completely awesome.

What irritates me? The over used CGI (much of Ep i looks like a cartoon) and the far too sleek Nubian star ships. Star Wars Ships need to be dirty and quirky. Just saying. Also, Padme's completely impractical outfits. Her idea of 'at home' clothing is bizarre.