George Lucas Confused Fans About the Force With These Prequel Scenes

The intricacies and complexities found in the Star Wars universe can sometimes be perplexing, from the amusingly titled extraterrestrial beings (such as Elan Sleazebaggano) to the ambiguous storyline progression (like the mysterious duration of the Falcon’s journey to Bespin without hyperdrive). For devoted fans, this mystery adds an element of fun and often leads to engaging discussions about the merits of various interpretations. Misunderstandings or misrepresentations concerning crucial plot points can be more detrimental than uncertainties in the distant galaxy. The introduction of a new aspect regarding the Force by George Lucas caused confusion among fans, leading to exhausting debates on character development and muddying the deeper philosophical messages he intended to convey.

In the 1970s, when George Lucas was creating his space opera masterpiece, Star Wars, he conceived a much grander story than just A New Hope. As his concepts developed, the renowned author and director mapped out the saga with a focus on anthropological, mythical, and sociological elements rather than intricate sci-fi details. When writing the prequel trilogy, Lucas took significant risks with his narrative, aiming to challenge fan expectations with his ‘narrative laser sword’. Some aspects were confusing, like the character development in the Original Trilogy. Despite building a vast mythical universe, George Lucas always remembered he was a filmmaker and aimed to express his complex ideas in the simplest cinematic form possible. This approach led to one of The Phantom Menace’s most contentious additions to viewers’ understanding of the Force: microscopic organisms called midi-chlorians, which Lucas found significant but are often overlooked by viewers.

Introducing Midi-Chlorians Wasn’t Just Controversial, It Was Confusing

While a Vital Part of Force-Lore, the ‘M-Count’ Is Not Supposed to Be Definitive

As a movie enthusiast, I must say that no other film has faced such towering anticipation as the one following “Return of the Jedi” after a 16-year hiatus. Although there are fewer critics now than before, the unexpected elements in this Star Wars film stirred a whirlwind of reactions among fans who grew up with the originals. Many found it hard to embrace “The Phantom Menace,” as their passion for the saga clouded their judgment and hindered objective thinking about the questions George Lucas intended us to ponder.

The introduction of midi-chlorians, a concept introduced in this film, has sparked intense debate among fans. Those who despise it claim that it trivializes the Force by stripping away its mystique. On the other hand, ardent supporters view the information about midi-chlorians as sacred Jedi teachings. In truth, neither perspective is entirely accurate.

Although there’s no documented proof, Lucas suggests that this concept has been present since 1976, referring to midi-chlorians as a connection to the Force that harmoniously resides within living cells. In the DVD commentary for “Episode I,” Lucas clarifies that the midi-chlorian scenes were used to illustrate Anakin’s incomprehension of the Force, while emphasizing his importance at the same time. The movie doesn’t delve into the technical aspects of midi-chlorians. The Cosmic Force possesses a “will,” and these organisms subtly communicate that will through the Living Force. Anakin’s M-Count serves as a numerical demonstration of why he was both extraordinary and intimidating to the Jedi Council. Qui-Gon trusts the Force, regardless of whether it aligns with the Council’s bureaucratic details.

Star Wars can be considered as more fantasy than traditional science fiction, despite its technological dressing. Midi-chlorians, a recurring element, blend into this fantasy realm while adding depth to the saga’s themes. They represent power that’s independent of size and function as conduits for the Force’s will. These elements also serve as philosophical shortcuts. While the ideas in the Original Trilogy were straightforward (like the Light and Dark Sides of the Force), those in the Prequel Trilogy are more complex, presenting concepts such as balance, destiny, and choice not as stated facts but through demonstration.

Both Star Wars Fans and Detractors Miss the Prequel Trilogy’s Indictment of the Jedi

Star Wars Suggests the Order, and the Republic Succumbed to Institutional Rot

Just as on Dagobah, Yoda and the other Jedi Council members declined to train Anakin Skywalker due to his emotional instability and advanced age. Unlike Luke, it wasn’t crucial for the galaxy that Anakin be the one to defeat a universal evil. His exceptionally high midi-chlorian count made the decision complex, but not straightforward. What many fans fail to realize is that this portrays the Jedi Order as an organization that may discriminate against potential students based on their genetics or, more accurately, their ancestry. Luke and Leia possessed their Force abilities due to their parentage; Shmi Skywalker seemed devoid of any notable Force skills. Whether it was a natural occurrence or deliberately manipulated, the outcome was the same.

In his promotion of “The Phantom Menace”, Lucas depicted the Jedi not as peacekeepers and defenders of justice, but rather as a group that acted like bullies. Instead of portraying them as heroic figures in their prime, Lucas presented them as a community of well-meaning individuals who lost their ideals due to excessive adherence to rules. Palpatine was able to bring down the Order because they prioritized arbitrary rules over the will of the Force. The Sith Lord merely took advantage of a weakness that the Jedi had created themselves. Instead of focusing on counting midi-chlorians, they should have been paying attention to them. Qui-Gon Jinn understood that the Cosmic Force determines a path, but it’s up to each individual Jedi to walk it. The prophecy of the Chosen One added to the confusion and made matters even more complicated.

In the Star Wars saga, Obi-Wan pointed out that his master, Qui-Gon, often went against the Jedi Council’s protocol, which ultimately prevented him from joining their esteemed council. This apparent defiance led some to believe that adhering to the Order’s rules was synonymous with following the Light Side. However, the reality was quite different. The prophecy about the ‘Chosen One’ was not predetermined; it could be shaped by choices made along the way.

As shown in “Return of the Jedi,” what truly separated the Light and Dark Sides were the choices individuals made. Qui-Gon disregarded the Council’s rules instead of surrendering his autonomy to make the correct choice. He emphasized to Anakin, “Your focus determines your reality.” Qui-Gon concentrated on the will of the Force and maintaining balance, while the Jedi Council prioritized their regulations. When they couldn’t see a clear path ahead that conformed to their preconceived notions, they were filled with fear.

Anakin, on the other hand, was driven by his sense of entitlement stemming from his immense power and perceived destiny. This is how the story unfolded, demonstrating how choices ultimately decide the fate between Light and Dark.

Lucas’s Ideas on Star Wars and the Force Evolved in Detail but Not Philosophy

From Yoda in Episode V to Qui-Gon In Episode I, the Force Belongs to Everyone

In essence, as many followers would recognize, events unfolded differently than what’s commonly known, much like the parts left out from ‘A New Hope’, particularly the Prequel Trilogy, underwent transformations over time. The workings of the Force also saw changes throughout this period. Initially, his wife at the time and editor for the Original Trilogy, Marcia Lucas, along with his filmmaker peers and collaborators, assisted him in shaping these films. However, the concept of a unifying energy field that linked all living things remained constant, initially called “the Force of Others,” as mentioned in ‘Rogue One.’ Additionally, the spiritual aspect was introduced to the anti-authoritarian themes present in both the shorter and longer versions of ‘THX-1138.’

In both the Original and Prequel Star Wars series, the Force significantly influences the political landscape. The Light Side embodies qualities such as selflessness, empathy, respect for life, and a rejection of harmful emotions. Conversely, the Dark Side is its opposite, a twisted version of the natural order. The specific rules governing the use of the Force are not strictly defined. When preparing for ‘Return of the Jedi’, George Lucas believed that anyone could potentially wield it, but only the Jedi had the self-control and dedication to fully master it. With the introduction of midi-chlorians, Lucas introduced the idea that certain beings, including entire alien races, were naturally more adept at using the Force due to higher M-Counts. This means the Force comes more easily to them than others.

In James Cameron’s “The Story of Science Fiction,” Lucas explained that mitochondria (the energy source within cells) and ongoing research about microbiomes sparked this idea. Given their delicate yet expansive link to life forms, they are both incredibly tiny and the most extensive entity in the universe. They serve as a bridge between the Cosmic Force’s (or “God’s”) will and individual beings, who must then decide whether to follow this righteous path or choose personal desires instead. However, it’s essential to note that this philosophy does not imply an M-Cout (a person’s unique genetic code) is fixed or has the power to influence the Cosmic Force in response to one’s choices.

Despite the Initial Controversy, Adopting Lucas’s Original Vision Earned Fan Backlash

Star Wars Fans Complained About Sabine Wren’s Force Talent in Ahsoka

In the series, Ahsoka stirred up debate among fans due to her challenges with Jedi training, given she doesn’t appear to have a natural aptitude for the Force. This mirrors Lucas’s early belief that anyone could master Jedi skills through proper training. Although it’s not explicitly stated, her low M-Count (the measure of one’s connection to the Force) in Ahsoka and throughout Star Wars: Rebels seems to be so minimal that testing it wasn’t deemed necessary.

It’s worth noting that characters such as Sabine and Rey have sparked debate among fans. While some found her teenage demeanor off-putting, others raised concerns about her proficiency with the Force. This criticism might not be rooted in Star Wars lore like midi-chlorians or other established rules, suggesting that some resistance to Sabine’s development (and even Rey’s abilities in the movies) could stem from underlying sexism. The response to their stories doesn’t mirror the reception given to characters like Ezra Bridger, Cal Kestis, or Luke Skywalker, without any focus on their Force sensitivity or detailed explanations of their training. However, Sabine stands out because her character was never portrayed as particularly sensitive to the Force.

In George Lucas’ on-screen portrayal of Star Wars, it is only those concepts that are considered canonical, particularly those involving the Cosmic Force and individual choices. For instance, midi-chlorians, a life form that embodies the will of the Force, influence other beings. If they intensified within Anakin’s cells before his choice to defy fate, this process could work in reverse. Characters like Sabine, who prioritized Light Side values such as selflessness, protection, and loyalty, saw an increase in their M-Count. This suggests that the midi-chlorians, the Cosmic Force, or both recognized and chose her.

You can stream the Star Wars movie collection, which features episodes like The Phantom Menace and Ahsoka, on Disney+.

2025-05-20 04:37