Actually it was Rant Of The Day on 3/2, but Din Yalonen posted this on Paul McDonald’s Facebook page that in many ways captures exactly how I feel about life, the universe, and everything. Hope they don’t mind if I repost it here because it’s just that good:
“The Wrong Jedi. Best ending since Return of the Jedi. Makes the penultimate statement about the whole Saga. This episode was the greatest thing to happen to Star Wars since I can remember.
I was maybe moved emotionally more by this episode than anything since Vader saving Luke. It’s even the whole reason Vader had to save Luke.
It shows why the Jedi failed and why Anakin failed. It shows why they had to move from following a Gospel of Law to a Gospel of Love.
If anyone can’t watch Revenge of the Sith now and not get it, not get why Anakin was so down, not get why he turned, not get why we had the Prequels, well, I dunno man.
Everyone needs to stop being so hard on this show and Kevin Kiner, as a matter of fact. Hearing Ahsoka’s theme at the end. It was so utterly moving. Genius. Bravo Kevin!
And everyone also needs to stop being so hard on the Prequels and it’s era. This was The Greatest Star Wars Thing Ever to me (Since Vader saved Luke.)
And another thing, I’m glad Mark Hamill has been told to pipe down. I don’t want to hear another quote from Hamill, Kasdan and whoever else, dumping on the prequels as if that’s a good reason to make the sequels. Correcting or getting away from the so-called flaws of the prequels is no good reason to make anything. I hope everyone learns that maybe it’s time to stop shedding so much darkness on the Prequels. I want to hear these Star Wars luminaries talk about how the Sequels will embrace the greatness of the Original, the Prequels and The Clone Wars – All At Once!
Everyone from Hamill to Kasdan to us needs to lighten up. This stuff is moving. This stuff is pure greatness.
We all need to just get over it, I wanna hear more talk about how awesome the Prequels and this show are. And how this Episode, The Wrong Jedi, is The Greatest Thing Ever!”
Tags: fans who get it
March 4, 2013 at 8:21 pm |
Wait, Hamill’s been trashing the prequels????
March 4, 2013 at 8:34 pm |
Not exactly. Said something about making these new ones more fun and carefree like the originals, which is funny because it’s not as though there were no fun moments in the prequels and no serious moments in the other flicks.
March 4, 2013 at 9:15 pm
Do you know where I can find an article where fans responded angrily to Hamill’s comments?
On the internet?
March 5, 2013 at 5:41 pm
Which is ironic since most of the haters argue that I-III is TOO lighthearted. It reminds me of what Tim Burton said about Batman Returns, how he thought it was so much lighter than the first movie when everyone else was complaining about how dark it was.
March 4, 2013 at 9:48 pm |
Thank you for posting this! Just to be clear, I accept that everyone has their opinion, Including Mark Hammil and Lawrence Kasden. But I’m just so bored, So fricken bored by the same old thing said over and over again by old schoolers about the Prequels. I get, I’m 37 years old, I was in the theater for Jedi. I get that they want the sequels to be a certain way. So make them, make them the way you want, I’l enjoy having the spirit of the originals back. But I won’t enjoy not having what is truly great about the Prequel legacy in them. The Prequels and the Clone Wars gave me something mythologically, that helped me understand things about life that the Originals didn’t. And The Clone Wars has the best of both trilogies.
I dunno, I could go on and on ranting and still not really express how I feel, except to sat one thing: wouldn’t it be great to hear these guys talk about how awesome “The Wrong Jedi Was”!? Instead of hearing, “We;re not gonna make movies like the Prequels, blah blah blah.”
That being said, I know they are going to make great Sequels. I am gonna go on record saying that Kathleen Kennedy is doing a great job. she’s hiring all the right people., and I wouldn’t be surprised if one of the new movies is as critically acclaimed as Empire Strikes Back. I really wouldn’t.. I also wouldn’t be surprised if one of these now Star Wars movies beats Avatar in the box office. I know they are gonna do a great job.
I want them to. I wish them the best, with all my heart and soul, to make the best Star Wars movies ever. I think they may just do that.
Just please keep the same old boring Prequel comments out of it, and make the next great set of Star Wars movies.
Din
P.S. I’m not angry at at anyone or anything. I can’t wait for the new movies. This is just my certain point of view.
March 5, 2013 at 7:02 pm |
I dunno about critical acclaim, though I think box office is a given, as it usually is with these films. The first one’s the most successful, the second one not as successful, and the third one more successful than its predecessor.
What resonated the most with me was when you said that correcting or getting away from the prequels isn’t a reason to make anything. I want to see these movies made because there’s an interesting story to tell that will further enhance the Star Wars legend, not just to print money or just for reasons that are reactionary.
March 5, 2013 at 6:08 am |
Well said!
I say F the OT characters and actors, make EP VII about Asoka and Ventress.
March 5, 2013 at 6:22 am |
I respect all the folks who enjoyed the episode, but I have to ask, am I the only one disillusioned at this point?
March 5, 2013 at 7:03 pm |
Why are you disillusioned? Care to share?
March 6, 2013 at 6:08 am
It’s kind of sad that Ahsoka never completed her Jedi training.
She could perhaps handle a fight with Grievous, but that was
As far as that went. The thing that worries me is that she could
Loose the ability to use the force,
Like how Lorian Nod lost it
In Legacy of the Jedi
March 5, 2013 at 8:08 am |
Agreed on all counts. As an “old school” fan who grew up with the OT in the theaters, I’m getting pretty sick of hearing Hamill, Kasdan, and TPTB harping on and on about “recapturing the magic of the originals,” or “going back to the sense of fun and adventure of the original films.” Yes, the originals were fun…. because they were original and there wasn’t anything like them in theaters at the time. Today summer popcorn movies are a dime a dozen, and many have the same sense of “fun” and “excitement” as the OT. You’re simply not going to recapture that lighting in a bottle again.
I also find it curious that Disney says they want to move forward to the future of Star Wars. So what do they do? A full 180 and turn back to the OT, really? Sorry, even as a huge fan of Hamill, Fisher and Ford, I really have almost ZERO interest in watching them leap around the screen desperately attempting to “recapture the magic of the originals.” If they play minro cameo roles, then fine, but if these films feature the original trio heavily I would not be surprised in the least to see the sequel trilogy flop with younger audiences.
Which brings me to the decision makers at Disney. Marketing 101, 9-12 year olds are some of the consumers of movie merchandise and related paraphernalia, and 18-29 year olds spend more dollars at the box office than any other demographic. So the reality is the OT is really not their trilogy, even someone who is 29 today would have been 13 with the release of TPM. These people grew up with the PT, and for younger kids, The Clone Wars, so why in the Hell are you putting the future in the hands of a bunch of 60 and 70 year old actors, and why would you so cavalierly disregard the prequels? I mean I guess catering to a bunch of disgruntled nerds who felt “raped” by George Lucas because he didn’t make the films they wanted is one way to go, but it does not spell a recipe for success.
I have quite a few thoughts that I will probably share at some time about the Disney acquisition of Lucasfilm, but to summarize, I was initially thrilled with the purchase. I love Disney; so I was happy to see the future of Star Wars in the hands of the company started by Walt. However, the recent decisions coming from the company since the purchase have left me scratching my head and wondering if the company even understands the property. While the cancellation of “1313″ can be categorized as a mistake, their lack of any sort of announcement regarding the future of “The Clone Wars” is positively bizarre. Here’s the one link between younger fans and Star Wars, and a show that appeals to many parents and older Star Wars fans. You’ve come off of two of the most successful arcs of the series, and solid ratings that exceeded even those of some primetime network shows, yet you’re indecisive about the future of the show?
Disney simply seems to be content putting everything on hold until the sequel trilogy is released and fall back on the “we are focusing all of our energies on the sequel trilogy” excuse. However, this seems rather odd as little old Lucasfilm certainly had no problems focusing on video games and other ancillary products preceding the release of the Special Editions and the Prequel Trilogy, yet somehow, with the power of Disney behind them, cannot seem to muster the man power to finish a video game or continue a TV show which is produced by a wing of the company with few ties to ILM and Lucasfilm’s production department.
March 5, 2013 at 7:23 pm |
*Claps, and not in a Tarkin-esque sarcastic way.*
I’ve also been on the Star Wars bus since 1977 and I feel the exact same way. The people who think that you can somehow recapture the “magic” of 1977 in 2015 are going to be sorely disappointed because you only get that lightning in a bottle moment once. It’s not the late ’70s anymore and we live in an era where popcorn flicks are a dime a dozen, and even the biggest hits are on Netflix streaming in three months.
I think trying to make Episode VII a ’70s-’80s throwback would be a huge mistake. You can’t go back, you can only go forward. Especially since this is the SEQUEL trilogy. Like I told Din, the only thing you can do is to tell a story that enhances the Star Wars legend even more. And it has to be done the way Lucas would do it, by embracing what’s out there now instead of trying to appeal to balding fanboys.
While I’m interested to see where our heroes are in their lives post-ROTJ, for example what Luke does with the new Jedi Order, this can’t be “The Old Farts Strike Back.” This has to focus on a new generation of heroes.
And they have to stop with this business about “bringing back the fun of the originals.” There’s nothing wrong with fun but even saying that is hugely insulting to Lucas and to everyone who worked on the prequels. It’s insulting to people who loved those films. The dog whistle is that the prequels did something “wrong” and this new trilogy is some reactionary bull to make it “right.” As Din said, that’s not a reason to make these films.
As for Disney, I read about the uncertain future of LucasArts and Disney’s record for shutting down video game companies it acquires on The Bearded Trio.
March 7, 2013 at 7:24 pm
Genius, guys. Seriously. High fives all around.
March 6, 2013 at 5:21 pm |
Superman returns failed because it tried to capture the spirit of the old movies I don’t want the mythology to be a f****** love letter to old movies but a film that embraces the greatness of the whole saga
Edited for language.
March 5, 2013 at 9:00 am |
Kasdan been talking crap too? He wouldn’t be where he is without Lucas. He should show some respect!
March 5, 2013 at 9:01 am |
I’m really disliking the OT alumni.
March 5, 2013 at 1:40 pm |
Kasdan didn’t say that. He simply said that his favorite film is Episode IV. Is their anything wrong with that folks?
March 5, 2013 at 7:28 pm
No, there’s nothing wrong with that. In fact he gets originality points for picking something other than TESB
. I think what bugs is the dog whistle that the prequels did something wrong and these new films have to “fix” that.
March 5, 2013 at 10:02 am |
the originals are over exposed sorry thats the truth theres more to the mythology then a boy who whines about power coverters
March 5, 2013 at 10:24 am |
Well said Steven.
March 6, 2013 at 5:21 pm
Thanks man
March 5, 2013 at 10:25 am |
Brilliant…that’s the way I was feeling, too, and as Ahsoka leaves the Jedi Order and as she does step away, aren’t aren’t those the same steps Anakin will lead the clones into the Jedi Temple in RotS? Just yesterday – true – just yesterday, I was walking my dog, Scottie Skywalker, in a winter draped park and came across a guy in a parka. I remembered him – he used to help out with costumers (which I used to do) – we chatted and then he said it – trashed the prequels. I just backed away but not without passionately defending them yet again. Sometimes it seems as if the bashers/OT blind lovers are seriously illiterate. I don’t mean that in a snotty away – but how can they possibly miss the obvious connections and importance of the prequels? Why are they so obsessed that serious story telling can’t be compelling? (they hate trade disputes, and that Anakin couldn’t be like Han Solo) – completely missing all the red herrings there. Palpatine was manipulating everyone and every thing and that included some necessary detours while keeping his eyes on his prize, which also allowed him to keep hidden until the last moment. Can you imagine Anakin with a Han Solo demeanor after watching his mother die, after being a slave, after losing Qui Gon after, well, everything. Right – fly casual. This is but one reason why they fail.
March 5, 2013 at 11:01 am |
Always defend the PT. I do. You get to see how small minded these people are, they get pissed off. Oh well let them cry.
March 5, 2013 at 11:12 am
I have a ton of Star Wars shirts spanning the whole saga, and CW, when ever I go out I make sure I wear a PT one. I’ve gotten a lot of compliments on them. Just the other day I was at the food store and the check out kid, maybe 18, complimented me, I was wearing a ROTS t-shirt, he loves dell the films except ANH! AOTC is his favorite. The few OT only people I camr across wont even look me in the eye.
March 5, 2013 at 12:26 pm |
Sooo thankful I’m not the only one who is tired of hearing Hamill…
March 5, 2013 at 2:45 pm |
At first the episode left me cold. I mean Barriss was rather cartoonishly ridiculous (even more cartoonish and shallow than a kid-targeted show should even allow) concerning her motivations. And The Jedi Council were portrayed as utterly Stupid. Yes, they were flawed in the films, but they way they want about the so-called “investigation” was too inept for me to handle.
I could not see the same Yoda who listened to the opinions of younglings over a Jedi Master in Attack of the Clones. I couldn’t even see the Yoda who gave sage and heartfelt advice to Anakin in Revenge of the Sith. Instead I saw a Yoda who had nothing useful to say or do, merely acting as a plot device to make the Council seem inept and give a reason for Ahsoka’s character-changing departure. How many times had Ahsoka disobeyed the Council or Anakin, even to the point of costing clone trooper lives? She gets upset with it all, and then *boom* she’s outta there? I will concede it’s a 22 minute show, so OK. Once again, a nice speech by Yoda or something would have definitely helped, but instead all we got was Mace acting like a complete oxygen-deprived loser. He was hard-edged in the films, but at least he made reasonable sense. I really, really like prequel Mace despite his snarkiness, but the way the writers depict The Clone Wars Mace is just hard for me to bear. At that point, if I were Ahsoka, I’d be inclined to force push/punch him across the room! Mace and the Council dying in Episode III is supposed to be tragic! If I were to watch Revenge of the Sith for the first time as a kid directly after this episode, I’d likely jump for joy when Mace and those mean, foolish Council members get killed! I did like her departure scene and the fade to black, but I was desperately hoping for a much better plot that would lead her to that pivotal point.
Negatives aside, I did love the score more than I have on the majority of other episodes. Ahsoka and Anakin’s relationship was well done, and Ventress appearing in any episode is always, always, a good thing! I liked the visuals, the cameos (Sinube! Younglings!), and the overall tone. The show’s animation really does keep looking better and better! And yes, Padme was desperately needed as she has been MIA since forever ago. Ani’s been on Coruscant this whole time and no Padme scenes until now?? Someone needs to tell the writers to fix their priorities! More Padme, now! Do they not realize she’s more essential to the Saga than half of the people they chose to focus on??
I do agree that the prequel era deserves more respect, and the prequels are an essential and beautiful part to the best Saga of all time. The Clone Wars is not on the same level of quality as the prequels, but I suppose that’s to be expected. Some episodes do reach a near-cinematic perfection, but this particular arc didn’t reach that for me. I know for a fact I will like this episode arc more as I continue to rewatch it, and despite some glaring character and plot shenanigans, it’s still a relatively decent episode. There’s also the possibility that I will like this arc more in retrospect if the writers come up with some strong related Jedi Council/Ahsoka arcs for the (likely?) Season 6.
March 5, 2013 at 4:01 pm |
I was also kind of disappointed with the episode. I understand your point of view. That’s also what I kind of think. Until I don’t see Season 6 I can’t really appreciate some of what went on in the last episode. At least they didn’t screw Obi-Wan.
March 5, 2013 at 4:57 pm
Yeah, I think Obi was portrayed pretty well actually. The way at the end he almost followed Anakin, but Plo Koon held him back; that was a smart move by the animation team/writers or whoever though of it. He also didn’t say anything ridiculous like some of the other Council. I just wish Yoda would have had such a moment in this episode; instead all he looks like is a sad, foolish old git who has nothing wise to say to Ahsoka like he gave sage advice with Anakin, Obi-Wan and later, Luke.
I know I sound somewhat harsh on the episode, but that’s because I love Star Wars so much and am deeply invested with many of the characters. So when I witness a badly written version of Yoda that doesn’t connect with the Yoda we all know and love, or see other Council members acting too simple-minded and two-dimensional, I become disappointed and saddened with the show. That’s not to say I don’t really enjoy most of The Clone Wars, as I do, with Season 2 in particular containing some of my favorite Star Wars stories of all time, but this latest arc just didn’t feel liked it lived up to the great potential it could have. This episode did contain many positive points as I mentioned earlier. For all I know, this episode originally ran for 30 minutes or longer and they had to cut several scenes. Perhaps the time constraints harmed the overall story, but I still feel they could have brought a much more sensible plot and character depth, especially with their record of doing some really great episodes in the past.
March 5, 2013 at 7:30 pm |
I’ll write it soon, but one thing I’m going to bring up about Season Five overall is its lack of Padmé.
March 5, 2013 at 7:07 pm |
Here’s something to brighten your day: today I saw two men in Jedi costume (Obi-Wan and Anakin respectively) performing a lightsaber duel (and man, were they good!) on “Anderson Live”. Unfortunately, I can’t find any video on his official site. Maybe they’ll post it in the future.
March 5, 2013 at 7:30 pm |
Great! Let me know if they ever post video.
March 7, 2013 at 8:28 pm |
Good points Lazy and Din agree 100% percent.