Finding the Force
Tips to make it through
20 hours of
For the past 30 years, the mention of the Star Wars franchise has always elicited the same
response in me: an indifferent "I've never seen it," usually followed by an arrogant "And I'm
not interested."
But recently, I changed my mind. You see, someone I love loves Star Wars. That, combined with
feeling left out of way too many Big Bang Theory references, convinced me to give it a go.
I went all out with it: I declared a Star Wars Marathon open, and watched all three trilogies in
two weeks. Some of it was interesting; some of it was great; some of it was downright terrible.
But there are things to enjoy in every movie (or as George Lucas calls them, episodes).
So if you're considering putting yourself through 20-plus hours of a sci-fi universe you have little interest in, whether to please someone or just to improve your pop culture, I've put together a list of the best thing in each episode (no spoiler, I promise). These little gems will be like the cheese in your broccoli, there for you to hang onto when you can feel yourself slipping to the dark side towards the unpopular minority of Star Wars haters.
The best thing about Episode 1: The Phantom Menace is... Baby Anakin!
I mean, look at this face... He's so cute! Enjoy this version of Anakin because the actor who plays
him in the next two movies is unbelievably annoying.
The first chapter in the Star Wars story is enjoyable, special effects are a big improvement on the 1980s trilogy, and it introduces lots of stories and theories to explore and debate on with your nerdy friends.
The best thing about Episode 2: Attack of the Clones is... Anakin's hairstyle!
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():format(webp)/EP2-IA-32565_R_8x10-56a83bdc5f9b58b7d0f1b389.jpg)
I think the actor who plays Anakin in episodes 2 and 3 is terrible, and the character himself really got
on my nerves,
so I took great pleasure in seeing him with such a ridiculous hairdo. I have since learned it is called
the padawan
braid after the hairstyle used by jedi apprentice, but this beats Princess Leia's donuts!
This is unfortunately one of very few enjoyable elements of this film, which is why I would almost recommend skipping it and reading the synopsis before moving on to the next one. Watch at your own peril!
The best thing about Episode 3: Return of the Sith is... Badass Yoda!
Yoda fights! With a lightsaber!
Considering his wise, meditative persona, I never thought we would see Yoda so active, but what a show! Yoda is probably my favourite character in the whole saga, as he's the only one who never utters a useless word. Well, him and Chewie, but Chewie doesn't exactly utter words.
The best thing about Episode 4: A New Hope is... Chewbacca!
For the record, I think Chewie is the best thing about the whole Star Wars franchise.
We can all relate to Chewbacca, the good-natured sidekick who always lives in
the shadow of his popular friend. I've never laughed so much at a character who doesn't speak
words I understand, but Chewie has a way of letting you know exactly what he's thinking.
The best thing about Episode 5: The Empire Strikes Back is... Yoda!
The first time it is, that Yoda we meet... at least if you watch them in order of release date!
Yoda is all playful in this one, and starts teaching Luke about the Force. He's like a wise old
man making cute but smart puns. He's Luke's Mr Miyagi, but green and with funny ears.
The best thing about Episode 6: Return of the Jedi is... The Ewoks!
You're never too sure a creature is good or bad when you first meet them on Star Wars,
but the Ewoks are ADORABLE.
A lot happens in this enjoyable episode!
The best thing about Episode 7: The Force Awakens is... BB-8!
There's a new droid on the block, and he's very expressive! I loved droid noises on
Star Wars since the beginning, but this one takes it to the next level.
Also, our bestie Chewbacca is back in full force in this episode, which couldn't make me happier. We *heart* Chewie!
The best thing about Episode 8: The Last Jedi is... Porgs!
Their meet-cute with Chewie is absolute gold. In fact, fans loved them so much that they started
popping up as props to Chewbacca figurines!
The best thing about Episode 9: The Rise of Skywalker is... Babu Frik!
By now you've probably realised I find happiness in Star Wars' cute creatures, and this is
a particularly good one, despite having only a few lines.
Wrong number!
Please type a number between 1 and 9.
All episodes
Star Wars Episode IV: A New Hope, 1977
Luke Skywalker joins forces with a Jedi Knight, a cocky pilot, a Wookiee and two droids to save the galaxy from the Empire's world-destroying battle station, while also attempting to rescue Princess Leia from the mysterious Darth Vader.
Star Wars Episode V: The Empire Strikes Back, 1980
After the Rebels are brutally overpowered by the Empire on the ice planet Hoth, Luke Skywalker begins Jedi training with Yoda, while his friends are pursued by Darth Vader and a bounty hunter named Boba Fett all over the galaxy.
Star Wars Episode VI: Return of the Jedi, 1983
After a daring mission to rescue Han Solo from Jabba the Hutt, the Rebels dispatch to Endor to destroy the second Death Star. Meanwhile, Luke struggles to help Darth Vader back from the dark side without falling into the Emperor's trap.
Star Wars Episode I: The Phantom Menace, 1999
Two Jedi escape a hostile blockade to find allies and come across a young boy who may bring balance to the Force, but the long dormant Sith resurface to claim their old glory.
Star Wars Episode II: Attack of the Clones, 2002
Ten years after initially meeting, Anakin Skywalker shares a forbidden romance with Padmé Amidala, while Obi-Wan Kenobi investigates an assassination attempt on the senator and discovers a secret clone army crafted for the Jedi.
Star Wars Episode III: Revenge of the Sith, 2005
Three years into the Clone Wars, the Jedi rescue Palpatine from Count Dooku. As Obi-Wan pursues a new threat, Anakin acts as a double agent between the Jedi Council and Palpatine and is lured into a sinister plan to rule the galaxy.
Star Wars Episode VII: The Force Awakens, 2015
Three decades after the Empire's defeat, a new threat arises in the militant First Order. Defected stormtrooper Finn and the scavenger Rey are caught up in the Resistance's search for the missing Luke Skywalker.
Star Wars Episode VIII: The Last Jedi, 2017
Rey develops her newly discovered abilities with the guidance of Luke Skywalker, who is unsettled by the strength of her powers. Meanwhile, the Resistance prepares for battle with the First Order.
Star Wars Episode IX: The Rise of Skywalker, 2019
The surviving Resistance faces the First Order once more in the final chapter of the Skywalker saga.