Star Wars TV Show

incorporate zahn's books by ShakuniMama · 2004-09-29 11:02 · Score: 4, Insightful

hmm... maybe they'll be smart and incorporate some of the excellent books written by timothy zahn as screenplays.

Re:incorporate zahn's books by Anonymous Coward · 2004-09-29 11:05 · Score: 4, Funny

Or Paula Zahn, for that matter...
Re:incorporate zahn's books by techsoldaten · 2004-09-29 11:16 · Score: 1

I sense the sarcasm in the parent poster.

M
Re:incorporate zahn's books by Eeknay · 2004-09-29 11:17 · Score: 2, Informative

Actually, it wasn't a plant, it was an animal called a Ysalmari (sp) that created an anti-Force bubble that was hardly big at all. The problem was when large amounts of Ysalmari were grouped together, then their collective bubbles formed a giantic anti-Force area.

Some Star Wars fanboy you were.
Re:incorporate zahn's books by Zocalo · 2004-09-29 11:29 · Score: 4, Insightful
Possible premises:
- The Old Republic - Plenty of scope here for what things were like "before the dark times", but will probably become a "Jedi of the week" show soon enough
- The Clone Wars - kind of covered in the animated series though
- Young Luke Skywalker. Cute^H^H^H^H Irritating kids, races though Begger's Canyon and shooting womp rats...
- What ever Lucas has in mind for VII-IX this week. Probably closest to your option, and the one I'd like to see; could even keep the extended universe stuff intact with a little effort.
  - Face it though, this is the person who brought us Jar-Jar Binks - it's going to be a rehash of Young Indy, isn't it?
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UNIX? They're not even circumcised! Savages!
Re:incorporate zahn's books by TykeClone · 2004-09-29 11:48 · Score: 3, Interesting

Their best bet would be the Old Republic or the Clone Wars - anything that wouldn't regularly overlap on the movies. I think that fans would have a better time accepting a show that has a similar timeline to the movies, but doesn't feature any of the major characters from the movie.
Might be interesting to see the Old Republic from the perspective of a different Jedi (one of the others from the movies - not one of the main ones) where you can also have some of the main Jedi showing up from time to time.

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A fine is a tax you pay for doing wrong and a tax is a fine you pay for doing all right.
Re:incorporate zahn's books by drinkypoo · 2004-09-29 11:59 · Score: 1

Young luke skywalker? Womp rats? I think it would be better to go with the stuff that ended up as the rogue squadron game(s).

--
"You're right," Fisheye says. "I should have set it on 'whip' or 'chop.'"
Re:incorporate zahn's books by Ralph+Wiggam · 2004-09-29 13:08 · Score: 1

I liked the explanation. These predators used the force to hunt prey. As an adapatation, the prey were able to become invisible to the force. Once you accept the whole "force" thing, it's a good plot device.

-B
Re:incorporate zahn's books by Ralph+Wiggam · 2004-09-29 13:21 · Score: 4, Funny

The fact that the Zahn books exist make me so much madder about the new SW movies. There would have made excellent sequels. In episodes 4/5/6 the rebels fight the Empire and win. The books take place soon after that and involve the former rebels setting up a new government and defending against remnants of the Empire. Lando blew up the Death Star, but there are still a whole fleet of star destroyers out there. There's a very cool parallel involving Luke's growth from a kid with a disco haircut to Jedi master and the rebellion's growth from ragtag fighters to a galactic government.

I have a bad feeeling that Lucas is going to leave instructions in his will that nobody can make any more SW movies.

About the TV show: I imagine Kevin Smith sitting in a meeting going "I'll pay you a million dollars if you let me direct the show...no two million!"

-B
Re:incorporate zahn's books by blincoln · 2004-09-29 13:51 · Score: 1

some of the excellent books written by timothy zahn

I see that once again I've been pulled across to a parallel universe similar to my own, but with substantial differences nonetheless.

--
"...always new atoms but always doing the same dance, remembering what the dance was yesterday." -Richard Feynman
Re:incorporate zahn's books by xa0s · 2004-09-29 14:24 · Score: 1

yeah it did repel the force.. that was how the empire could grow clones so fast (because the force influence on clones is what made them mad if you grew them too fast)

dammit im a star wars nerd.. well of the books anyways..
Re:incorporate zahn's books by orin · 2004-09-29 17:32 · Score: 2, Insightful

I see this comment all the time. Tim Zahn's books would not make great movies. I really want you to think about these books for a moment.

What REALLY GREAT scenes are there in the books? The Katana fleet battle doesn't compare to any space battle in the Star Wars movies.

The great ending of the books - Luke versus Clone Luuke? That wouldn't make a really good bit of cinema either.

Face it - none of the characters really grow in the Zahn books. Luke is pretty much the same at the start as he is at the end. The same as Han and Leia. There are few grand scenes and few things that I read and thought "wow - I wish I could see that on the big screen". The whole Mara and Luke wandering through the forest scene - wow that would drag on for ever!

Also - in Zahn's books the clone wars were Jedis being cloned and going nuts rather than the pre-cursors to the Stormtroopers.

Zahn's books are good as books. They wouldn't work as movies. Although I wasn't a great fan of the Dark Empire stuff - that at least would work better as a series of movies or a TV series - the idea of Luke falling to the Dark Side and being redeemed by Leia is far more in line with what is in the movies in terms of being epic.
Re:incorporate zahn's books by Stormwatch · 2004-09-29 18:08 · Score: 1

As a reply to your sig, I point to my sig:

--
Circumcision is child abuse.
Re:incorporate zahn's books by ahmusch · 2004-09-29 18:24 · Score: 1

The whole Mara and Luke wandering through the forest scene - wow that would drag on for ever!

You must have that confused with the Tom Bombadil interlude in FoTR.
Re:incorporate zahn's books by McNally · 2004-09-29 18:50 · Score: 3, Funny
Don't forget:
- Law and Order: Jedi Investigations Unit
Re:incorporate zahn's books by Andrew+Aguecheek · 2004-09-29 20:01 · Score: 1

"it was an animal called a Ysalmari (sp)"

IIRC it was in fact called "an" "Ysalimiri."

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Tomorrow, I may eat another house plant
Re:incorporate zahn's books by DrXym · 2004-09-29 21:18 · Score: 2, Insightful

Face it though, this is the person who brought us Jar-Jar Binks - it's going to be a rehash of Young Indy, isn't it?

Young Indiana Jones was fairly good TV - up to a point. What made it so ludicrous by the end of it all was how many 'famous people' were crammed into every episode and the consequent contrivances that had Indy leaping from war to war, continent to continent to fit them all in. If he wasn't meeting Charles De Gaulle it was Ho Chi Minh or Pancho Villa or someone else.

And that's the issue that Star Wars faces. One guest appearance is a pleasant 'twist'. A whole series of them and brings the whole lot crashing down.

We can already see the way it has gone in the so-far shitty prequels. The inclusion of R2D2 & C3PO and other 'famous' characters from the later stories leads to one stupid contrivance after another. For example, we're supposed to believe that Darth Vader *built* C3PO as child, that this robot C3PO travels the entire galaxy, and 20 odd years later while being pursued jettisons over Tattooine and ends up being bought by his son! How more fucking ridiculous can you get?
Re:incorporate zahn's books by master_p · 2004-09-29 22:13 · Score: 1

"There's a very cool parallel involving Luke's growth from a kid with a disco haircut to Jedi master and the rebellion's growth from ragtag fighters to a galactic government."

Not only that, but they can create the basis for the rebels turning to an evil empire in the far future, with a new generation of rebels fighting them, etc.
Re:incorporate zahn's books by R.Caley · 2004-09-30 00:06 · Score: 1

The inclusion of R2D2 & C3PO and other 'famous' characters from the later stories leads to one stupid contrivance after another.
The robots being there all the way through isn't a guest appearence thing, it is the structural thing he nicked from The Hidden Fortress, it's been the assumption from the start of the first/fourth film that they would tie the series together.
If the robots ends up in the household chattels of Leia's mother, it's unsuprising they are given to Leia when she needs servents while playing rebel.
Having 3PO built by the irritating kid is just a stupidity caused by Lucas needing to do everything according to some cookie-cutter format. The irritating kid just has to do this kind of thing in order to make all self respecting human beings hate the movie.

--
_O_ .|< The named which can be named is not the true named
Re:incorporate zahn's books by nosaj72 · 2004-09-30 00:13 · Score: 3, Funny

or CSI:Mos Eisley.
They can figure out who really shot first!
Re:incorporate zahn's books by Cat_Byte · 2004-09-30 00:23 · Score: 1

or Troops!!!

--
Two roads diverged in a wood, and I - I took the one the bus load of girls just went down.
Re:incorporate zahn's books by Zab+UvWxy · 2004-09-30 00:32 · Score: 1

...Which brings up an interesting point; if you remember the dialogue between 3PO and Luke in ANH, C-3PO and R2-D2 were *not* owned by Leia, they were owned by a "Captain Antilles". A relative of Wedge? Or of "Bail Antilles", who was in the running for Supreme Chancellor in Ep. I?

I'm curious to see how the droids part ways with Anakin/Padmé and wind up involved with the Rebellion years down the line.

[geek mode off]

--
"I don't get it." -- ObviousGuy
Re:incorporate zahn's books by tarpat1 · 2004-09-30 00:57 · Score: 1

You said: The whole Mara and Luke wandering through the forest scene - wow that would drag on for ever!

Oh kind of like Leia and the Ewoks trek through the forest.......
Re:incorporate zahn's books by MBaldelli · 2004-09-30 01:04 · Score: 1

I have a bad feeeling [sic] that Lucas is going to leave instructions in his will that nobody can make any more SW movies.

Does the Star Wars: Christmas Special remind anyone else that making anything television from the Star Wars Universe a really, really bad idea?

--
"The truth points to itself." - Kosh, Babylon5
Re:incorporate zahn's books by Anonymous Coward · 2004-09-30 01:15 · Score: 1, Insightful

There's a comic series Tales of the Jedi that would be an extremely cool time period to place the TV series. It takes place about 4000 years before Episode 4, and has a really well written story line and great characters.
Re:incorporate zahn's books by Anonymous Coward · 2004-09-30 01:24 · Score: 1, Insightful

Well you have to remember that Lucas has the convenient excuse of "the force" for any unbelievable coincidences that occur. Cause um... the force made sure R2-D2 was on that ship leaving Naboo that day... and um... the force knew that decades later R2-D2 would be the only robot in the galaxy that could possibly have stored and played back a holographic message... it was.. um... his fate yeah. Good ol' force!
Re:incorporate zahn's books by CrashPoint · 2004-09-30 01:57 · Score: 2, Interesting

Re: "Face it - none of the characters really grow in the Zahn books. Luke is pretty much the same at the start as he is at the end. The same as Han and Leia."
Yes and no. The preexisting characters (Luke, Han, Leia, etc) don't grow all that much over the course of the books. Some, but not a lot.
Zahn's own characters are another matter entirely. Mara Jade, Talon Kardde, Joruus C'Baoth- all of them grow immensely as characters throughout the series.
Re: "Also - in Zahn's books the clone wars were Jedis being cloned and going nuts rather than the pre-cursors to the Stormtroopers."
No, the clones were not Jedi. I think you were a bit confused by the explanation. Zahn's reasoning for the clones' insanity is that genetically identical beings create some kind of resonance in the Force that slowly drives them insane. The clones didn't have to be Jedi or other Force-sensitive types to be affected this way, or else Thrawn wouldn't have needed ysalimiri in the cloning chambers to clone soldiers and pilots. Good fucking Christ, I am such a geek.
These points aside, I do agree that the Thrawn series would not work as a third movie trilogy. The pacing is completely different from what's appropriate for a two-hour film, for starters. Furthermore, the plot is much more complicated, and couldn't be sufficiently simplified without gutting many great subplots and axing a lot of characters. Aves and Niles Ferrier would likely end up sharing an unmarked grave with Tom Bombadil.
You could make a pretty good miniseries out of the Thrawn books, were it not for two things:
1. The original actors are far too old (or too dead) and probably wouldn't want to reprise these roles anyway.
2. Few Star Wars fans would accept any replacements no matter how good they might be. Even if they did a better job than the original actors, they'd be vilified for having the nerve, the sheer audacity not to be the original actors. And how many actors would want to face the liklihood of being labeled "not as good as Mark Hamill"?
Re:incorporate zahn's books by AdolChristin · 2004-09-30 02:29 · Score: 1

Yeah, that Tom Bombadil scene does drag on forever. People (at least some of them) have complained about the length of the LoTR movies but can you imagine how long the movie would have been with Bombadil included?

--
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Re:incorporate zahn's books by orin · 2004-09-30 02:47 · Score: 2, Interesting

IIRC the explanation for the dark place on Dagobah was a cloned Jedi that had gone nuts. Given that the stormtroopers are themselves clones, it seemed kind of odd that Thrawn would need all that force damnpning gear to make his own set of clones - given that he already had lots of clones in his storm trooper legions. Perhaps something happened to the Kaminoans - though given the Empire's rather substantial supply of Stormtroopers up until Endor, there doesn't seem to be any suggestion anywhere in the books that the supply of clones suddenly dried up.

The clones thing is an area where it becomes difficult to reconcile the Zahn books with the prequels.

Although I agree that Mara somewhat developed (at least she dealt with her impulse to kill Luke), I didn't feel that Kaarde was much more than a two dimensional character. I'm also not sure about Joruus - he just kinda seemed nuts the whole time.

I disagree about the mini-series being a good idea. The X-Wing books might work that way - but I really felt that Dark Force Rising and The Last Command weren't nearly as strong as Heir to the Empire. All the cool stuff happens in the first book - the second and third never seem to catch up. The later Hand of Thrawn books are better - but I think that the person who writes the "most Star Warsy" books of that type is Stackpole. Shatterpoint - with Mace Windu - would make a good film as well.

But I'm amused that whenever a Star Wars thread pops up on Slashdot, someone responds "they should make the Zahn books". I think that most people tha tmake this comment really don't remember what was in the Zahn books other than that they enjoyed them when they came out in the early 1990's before the Prequels were announced.
Re:incorporate zahn's books by ahmusch · 2004-09-30 03:26 · Score: 1

No, because I do not believe the human mind can comprehend time on the geologic scale. 8-)
Re:incorporate zahn's books by CrashPoint · 2004-09-30 05:17 · Score: 1

Star Wars Geek Powers, ACTIVATE!
Re: " IIRC the explanation for the dark place on Dagobah was a cloned Jedi that had gone nuts."
There was no real "explanation" that settled this matter. Luke postulated that a powerful Dark Jedi had died in that place, and from there inferred that he was killed by Yoda. But none of that was confirmed, and even if it's true it only proves that the Jedi in question was dark, not that he was a clone or that he was insane.
Re: "Given that the stormtroopers are themselves clones, it seemed kind of odd that Thrawn would need all that force damnpning gear to make his own set of clones - given that he already had lots of clones in his storm trooper legions."
Though I'm not too well read on the expanded-universe stuff, I've never seen anything that even suggests, much less proves, that the stormtroopers were clones. Cloning technology was illegal under the Empire- even the Emperor kept it locked away unused (not that he cared about legality, it's just that cloning was considered to be that dangerous). Furthermore, the references made by various characters to frequent conscription of civilians on Imperial worlds give a pretty good idea of where stormtroopers come from. Also, recall the scene at the end of Dark Force Rising where Luke and Han are looking at the dead troopers and going "Holy crap, they're clones!". Surely this would not come as a surprise if cloned troopers were routine for the Empire.
Re: "Although I agree that Mara somewhat developed (at least she dealt with her impulse to kill Luke)..."
And she dealt with it gradually, in a thoroughly believable manner. She didn't have some sudden contrived epiphany, she followed a realistic progression from venomous hatred to genuine friendship, with every step in between flowing logically to the next. It's my opinion that Mara is the real protagonist of the series.
Re: "I didn't feel that Kaarde was much more than a two dimensional character. I'm also not sure about Joruus - he just kinda seemed nuts the whole time."
I disagree here as well, but I also don't want to argue the point.
"But I'm amused that whenever a Star Wars thread pops up on Slashdot, someone responds 'they should make the Zahn books'. I think that most people that make this comment really don't remember what was in the Zahn books other than that they enjoyed them when they came out in the early 1990's before the Prequels were announced."
I think it's more that they don't realize that what works fantastically well in one medium often fails dismally in another. Even in the best cross-medium translations (LOTR for example), sacrifices must be made.
Re:incorporate zahn's books by orin · 2004-10-01 15:19 · Score: 1

The clones in "Attack of the Clones" and "Revenge of the Sith" are the precursors to the Storm Troopers. As the Zahn novels were written prior to the release of the prequels - it is reasonable to assume that Zahn didn't know the origins of the Storm Troopers.

Interestingly - prior to the release of Attack of the Clones, someone over at TheForce.net found an article from the late 70's talking about the tech of Star Wars. It was one of those promotional dodads released by Lucasfilm. The scan showed the text stating that Storm Troopers were clones. The point they were making was that that if you looked really hard, the whole clone issue had been around since the release of Star Wars.

Lucas also mentions in the DVD commentaries that the Storm Troopers are clones. Specifically in the Ep II commentary, where he gets Jango to bump his head (which he said was a deliberate homage to the fact that Stormtroopers in the original trilogy were seen bumping into stuff in the background). He also mentiones them as clones in the original trilogy commentary (though I've only watched it once, so I couldn't give you the exact timing on it).

So Luke and Han's reaction was written prior to Zahn knowing the "real story". Just like the origins of the Death Star (Maw installation in EU books, Geonosians according to the Prequels) and a lot of other stuff was "broken" by the Prequels - so was a lot of the clone stuff from Zahn's books.

I'm guessing that whoever did the original approvals over at Lucasfilm for the Zahn books didn't run them by George himself. There would have been a lot of stuff that he could have nixed to keep everything consistent.

Anyway - if you want to take this to email. orin.thomas@gmail.com

Lucas is not involved by Anonymous Coward · 2004-09-29 11:02 · Score: 2, Funny

Lucas is not involved - YAhoo!!!

Clerks Animated by SpooForBrains · 2004-09-29 11:03 · Score: 2, Insightful

The brain behind the excellent Clerks Animated helming Star Wars? Now *that* I'd pay money for!

--
"The dew has clearly fallen with a particularly sickening thud this morning"

Re:Clerks Animated by garyisabusyguy · 2004-09-29 11:20 · Score: 1

Then maybe Kevin will give Jim Mahfood a chance to do the animation design/artwork instead of using him for the comic (like in Clerks) and dumping him for the series...

--
Wherever You Go, There You Are

bad Idea by pyro101 · 2004-09-29 11:03 · Score: 5, Insightful

Kevin would have to be a moron to do it. No matter how good the tv series is it will be slammed as not as good as the original. Expecially if you expect 3-5 seasons worth of good stuff. There is no pleasing the star wars fans.

Re:bad Idea by FuzzzyLogik · 2004-09-29 11:17 · Score: 2, Insightful

Sorry, not all of us think the movies were that good. In fact, I welcome Kevin's rendition on this because I found most of the new star wars material to be boring and "pretty." The old movies were ok... granted I can't even tell you what happened in each movie, but if it's directed by kevin smith i'll watch it because i love his other work and at least give this a chance. Lucas sucks as a director, sorry. I don't give a rip if han or luke shot first or whatever. I don't care, where's the story in the first 2 episodes? 4-6 actually had a story, but the new ones don't, at least i'm not piecing it together real well. I'm sorry if i offend any of you guys, i just don't like star wars that much, but an animated/live action tv series might work if someone new tries something new. It's not for lack of liking the universe created, but the dialog lucas put together sucks and doesn't sound natural.. this is where kevin smith really shines.. his movies are all about dialog. he's great at that.

--
Kyle
http://www.unlogikal.net/
Re:bad Idea by Jeremiah+Cornelius · 2004-09-29 11:18 · Score: 3, Funny

I hope it's as good as the old Holiday Special!

--
"Flyin' in just a sweet place,
Never been known to fail..."
Re:bad Idea by nomadic · 2004-09-29 11:22 · Score: 1

Yeah, but at least it will be praised as better than the prequels...
Re:bad Idea by N8F8 · 2004-09-29 11:23 · Score: 2, Funny

You mean the Ewok shows or the Christmas special?

--
"God fights on the side with the best artillery." - Napoleon, Marshal of France - speaking truth to power
Re:bad Idea by Gooba42 · 2004-09-29 11:25 · Score: 4, Interesting

Smith himself has said he wouldn't touch the Star Wars franchise with a ten foot pole. After seeing the uproar over Episode 1 & 2 he refuses to be accused of "raping someone's childhood".

--
I just found out there's no such thing as the real world. It's just a lie you've got to rise above. - John Mayer
Re:bad Idea by erick99 · 2004-09-29 11:33 · Score: 1

I don't know that you have to please the die hard Star War fans. I mean, you're right, you probably can't please them. However, if you can please the folks who watch tv at night to the extent that ratings are good, then it will fly. It may even be the case that the obsessed fans of Star Wars don't like the series at all. It's probably too small a group to make a difference. I am not a die hard fan - I only saw the original movie and I saw that once. I liked the movie. I think there are a lot more people like me than there are die hard fans. Just a thought.

--
http://www.busyweather.com/
Re:bad Idea by nine-times · 2004-09-29 11:59 · Score: 2, Informative

Kevin would have to be a moron to do it. No matter how good the tv series is it will be slammed as not as good as the original. Expecially if you expect 3-5 seasons worth of good stuff. There is no pleasing the star wars fans.
In case you don't know, TV series are never directed by a single director. They hire a director with a lot of style to do the pilot, and he sets the tone for the rest of the series. Following that, there might be some directors that direct a lot of episodes, and by a lot, I mean a couple per season. But each episode has a different director.
So, first of all, I'm not sure what the original posting meant by 'Kevin Smith...is named as a possible director,' except that he may direct an episode or two, which really wouldn't be that big a deal.
Re:bad Idea by Anonymous Coward · 2004-09-29 12:09 · Score: 1, Funny

Don't you mean Seasons 4-6?
Re:bad Idea by tolan-b · 2004-09-29 12:34 · Score: 5, Funny

Yeah but tell me Silent Bob wouldn't make a kick arse sith lord..
Re:bad Idea by Chuqmystr · 2004-09-29 13:07 · Score: 1

LOL! Sweet fancy moses! THAT'S what I'm talkin' 'bout! Where in the hell are my meta-mods when I need 'em. Somebody mark this cat up, please.
K, all kidding aside, someone further up the thread made the point of Smith being great with dialogue. I must agree, he kicks ass there. It's also been said he won't go near SW. All I personaly want to see is someone who can interject some good dialogue into the acting, dialogue that builds a good story. Think old 'Trek vs. New 'Trek. For it's time I think the dialogue caried the show. By todays standards the effects just sucked those things that ought not to be sucked. I think they even sucked back then but we never realized it because we usually had a good story to listen to and let our little brains fill in the rest. That made it fun.
I see the same thing developing here. The money guys are probably just going to dictate some flashy CGI crap to apeal to the ADD in us all with a bunch of name-brand actors standing around spewing superflous dialect to support the pretty, flashy effects.
I'm no rabid fan of SW, I like 4-6 and grew up with it and I just want to see something to give me interest in TV again and to not see it die an early death. Kinda like Firefly was. Damn the big $$$ plan, just give us some good entertainment for once and the ca$h will come around in due time. Hollywood, put it back in your pants please...
Re:bad Idea by Achoi77 · 2004-09-29 13:12 · Score: 1

I wonder if this is get something to do with tv considerations on what is and is not considered 'appropriate mainstream television.' I suppose the directors (or writers) can have a lot more creative control if they went over to cable television, but then the risk if the show hitting it big would be too scary for producers to think about.
Too bad. It looks like all the good star wars stories will be regulated to areas where there is less 'upper managment creative control,' like books and Knights of the Old Republic.
Re:bad Idea by Myolp · 2004-09-29 21:36 · Score: 1

Silent Bob is a Jedi.
Re:bad Idea by beowulfcluster · 2004-09-30 00:08 · Score: 1

I think he only has to manage to make them better than the prequels to please most people. "Well, maybe it wasn't as good as the originals but at least it doesn't have Jar Jar", like. If he knows his stuff, that task shouldn't appear too daunting.
Re:bad Idea by pete-classic · 2004-09-30 02:13 · Score: 1

He also said that Jay & Bob were permanently retired. That he didn't want to be Pauly Shore. He asked what he would do, Jay & Bob in space?

He said that "Hardly Clerkin'" became "Jay & Silent Bob Strike Back." He said that the Jersey Chronicles were a closed book.

Then he announced "The Passion of the Clerks."

Hrmph.

-Peter
Re:bad Idea by pete-classic · 2004-09-30 05:43 · Score: 1

I can't belive this isn't +5 informative.

Bob is clearly connected to the Jedi in "Mallrats" and "Chasing Amy."

Jay calls him "Jedi bitch." in their scene in "Amy." Classic.

-Peter
Re:bad Idea by pete-classic · 2004-09-30 05:47 · Score: 1

They hire a director with a lot of style [. . .]

Well, that puts Kev right out.

-Peter

PS: No flames, I'm a fan. But he has no style what-so-fucking-ever.

-P

My opinion by networkBoy · 2004-09-29 11:03 · Score: 3, Insightful

Bad idea. You want to run a franchise into the ground this is the way to do it.

I'd think Star Trek would have demonstrated that already...
-nB

--
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Re:My opinion by gl4ss · 2004-09-29 11:05 · Score: 2, Insightful

hehheh.. but the thing that is.. somebody other than lucas is doing it so it might not be _that_ bad.

it's already in ground. ep1 and ep2 make good kids flicks.. but had they been the first films in the series to be made would it be so huge? i doubt not.

--
world was created 5 seconds before this post as it is.
Re:My opinion by bob+beta · 2004-09-29 11:08 · Score: 5, Funny

You're right. If Star Trek hadn't made the mistake of making a TV Show, all the paperbacks and Souvineer LPs and stuff would have been far more successful.

--
"What's the frequency Kenneth?"
Re:My opinion by sloshr · 2004-09-29 11:11 · Score: 3, Funny

Wait... you're saying it can still dig a deeper hole than Episode I? Now that's scary...
Re:My opinion by networkBoy · 2004-09-29 11:24 · Score: 1

Lucas will still have *lots* of control as producer. With that control will come mucking about with the directors ideas.

Star Trek was good, the movies, TOS, TNG, but after that things got too drawn out. DS9 was fine when it was part of TNG plotline, but as those diverged both suffered. I won't go beyond those series because I think that's when things really went downhill.

My big concern with a Star Wars series is that it's going to be like Voyager was. Little purpose other than some T&A, along with some continuous plotline that got very monotonous very fast.

Finally as a previous poster mentioned it will be impossible to please all the fanatics out there, and honestly I think they should not try. The mini director in me says break out the Amiga video toaster and get going on the animations. If you can't do it on a Toaster it shouldn't be in the series. I realize that the Toaster wasn't around for the original movies, but if the series used the old effects styles it would take forever to produce and edit each episode (not to mention it'd be too campy).

-nB

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whois gawk date unzip strip find touch finger mount join nice man top fsck grep eject more yes exit umount sleep dump
Re:My opinion by BurritoWarrior · 2004-09-29 11:36 · Score: 1

Wait... you're saying it can still dig a deeper hole than Episode I? Now that's scary...

Yes. Go watch Episode II.
Re:My opinion by Average_Joe_Sixpack · 2004-09-29 11:41 · Score: 1

Bad idea. You want to run a franchise into the ground this is the way to do it.

How about a Star Wars vs Star Trek crossover TV series?? Though the Star Wars franchise is supposed to take place the past ... maybe Berman and Braga can come up with some sort of time travel wormhole that bridges the 2 storylines.
Re:My opinion by erik_fredricks · 2004-09-29 11:48 · Score: 2, Insightful

Bad idea. You want to run a franchise into the ground this is the way to do it.

No, the way you run a franchise into the ground is to release a theatrical series of "prequels," which systematically betray and murder the mythology you spent the better part of a decade building. It also helps to utilize an alien that talks like Buckwheat and a younger, whiny version of your most classic villain.

--
THE GOOD HUMOR MAN CAN ONLY BE PUSHED SO FAR
Bart Simpson on chalkboard in episode 2F18
Re:My opinion by jmccay · 2004-09-29 11:51 · Score: 1

Actually, it could work. Especially if they cover stuff AFTER ROTJ--especially the New Jedi Order series because it has the most potential. You could also incorporate a lot of flashbacks too!

--
At the next eco-hypocrisy-meeting, count the private jets used to get to the meeting. Should be interesting to see that
Re:My opinion by Maserati · 2004-09-29 12:10 · Score: 2, Insightful

Useful tip:

When watching Ep. II, skip the "frolicking" scene entirely; the rest of the movie improves remarkably with that simple omission - yes, even the rest of the Anakin-Amidala scenes. What that one scene did to the pacing of the film should cost Lucas the most prestigious of the awards he's ever won, even just a high school debate trophy.

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Veteran, Bermuda Triangle Expeditionary Force, 1992-1951
Re:My opinion by freqres · 2004-09-30 02:33 · Score: 1

It could be set up like Tales from the Crypt. You could have Yoda instead of the Cryptkeeper and have a tale about a different Jedi for each show. Throw in a couple of guest appearances by big actors and some T&A (it would have to be on HBO). The only thing left would be to have some episode with a Jedi and his mutant little brother that's still attached to his hand.

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Rampant Ninja related crimes these days...Whitehouse is not the exception

Um by Minwee · 2004-09-29 11:03 · Score: 5, Funny

Is there anything that Kevin Smith has not been named as a possible director for? I'm still waiting for his Green Lantern movie.

Re:Um by random256 · 2004-09-29 11:16 · Score: 1

Green Hornet, not Green Lantern... completely different thing
Re:Um by objekt · 2004-09-29 11:46 · Score: 1

Not to mention the fact the Smith said he does not want to direct it anymore. he doesn't feel confident that he can direct an action movie. I seriously doubt he'll direct this show..

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-- Boycott Shell
Re:Um by heptapod · 2004-09-29 12:02 · Score: 2, Funny

Don't you mean Green Arrow? So many verdant superheroes nowadays.
Re:Um by Class+Act+Dynamo · 2004-09-29 12:53 · Score: 1

Wasn't Green Hornet accused of being racist in the seventies? Or was it the Lantern; or the Arrow? So confusing...

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My other computer is a Jacquard loom.

Kevin Smith, eh? by fiannaFailMan · 2004-09-29 11:04 · Score: 5, Funny

Kevin Smith (Silent Bob, the clerks series) is named as a possible director.

I can see it now.

Darth: "No Luke, I am your father!"

Luke: "You're my dad? Oh boy, and you know what the worst thing is?"

Darth: "What, my son?"

Luke: "I'm not even supposed to be here today!"

--
Drill baby drill - on Mars

Re:Kevin Smith, eh? by fiannaFailMan · 2004-09-29 11:24 · Score: 4, Funny

Yet that already reads better than the dialogue in the prequels.
The dialogue in the original trilogy wasn't much better.
"Ah! Governor Tarkin! I should have expected to find you holding Vader's leash. I thought I recognised your foul stench when I came on board!"
"I've got a bad feeling about this!"
"Laser brain!"
"Lap it up Fuzzball!"
But then it was a long time ago in a galaxy far far away, so maybe that was how people did talk back then.
The 'far away galaxy' thing was a good fudge, explains how they managed to develop all this technology to traverse a galaxy in a few hours but didn't figure out how to fire weapons that locked on target. (Hang on, they did, Jango Fett had one. But how come they couldn't do it years later... )

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Drill baby drill - on Mars
Re:Kevin Smith, eh? by gamgee5273 · 2004-09-29 11:35 · Score: 4, Interesting

Ummm... it's "Laugh it up, Fuzzball."
You should watch Ken Burns's documentary in the new DVD set. Carrie Fisher says that they used to tell Lucas that you can write lines like the "stench" one and people accept it on the page, but not when actors say it...
Re:Kevin Smith, eh? by mikeophile · 2004-09-29 11:59 · Score: 3, Funny

I believe the porn movie Star Whores had the line, "Lap it up, Fuzzball."
It's an easy mistake to make.
/should have posted AC
Re:Kevin Smith, eh? by bckrispi · 2004-09-29 12:01 · Score: 4, Funny

Actually, Carrie is paraphrasing a complaint that Harrison Ford would make:
Jesus George. You can read this shit, but you can't say it!

--
Xenon, where's my money? -Borno
Re:Kevin Smith, eh? by Anonymous Coward · 2004-09-29 12:17 · Score: 1, Insightful

Sure, but you must concede that "You came in that thing? You're braver than you look" is a classic line. Lucas ain't perfect, but he's not as bad as he's made out to be.
Re:Kevin Smith, eh? by kalidasa · 2004-09-29 12:37 · Score: 1

Correct me if I'm wrong, but didn't Bogart say practically the same thing to the Epstein brothers?
Re:Kevin Smith, eh? by real_smiff · 2004-09-29 12:52 · Score: 2, Informative

The quote is so famous that there are several versions of it going around, but i believe the usual one given (and funnier) is:
You can write this shit, George, but you sure can't say it.
Also fits the Han Solo character quite well ;)

--
This is my Sig, this is my Gun. One is for Slashdot and one is for Fun.
Re:Kevin Smith, eh? by gamgee5273 · 2004-09-29 13:45 · Score: 1

No, really. "Empire of Dreams" is Ken Burns of "Civil War" and "Baseball" fame.
When you're George Lucas, you can get Ken Burns to make a documentary for you...
Re:Kevin Smith, eh? by gamgee5273 · 2004-09-29 13:53 · Score: 1

Well, interesting, we were both kinda right. I went to IMDB and found out the director is Kevin Burns.
Kinda explains why I thought the documentary glossed over a lot - like Lucas's divorce, the fights with Kirschner over ESB, etc.
Re:Kevin Smith, eh? by duggie · 2004-09-29 15:20 · Score: 1

explains how they managed to develop all this technology to traverse a galaxy in a few hours but didn't figure out how to fire weapons that locked on target. (Hang on, they did, Jango Fett had one. But how come they couldn't do it years later... )

I'm not an expert in Star Wars, but it's my understanding that the galaxy went into a technological recession after the Empire was created. Hence the less-technologically-advanced starships in the original trilogy.
Re:Kevin Smith, eh? by fiannaFailMan · 2004-09-29 16:25 · Score: 1

it's my understanding that the galaxy went into a technological recession after the Empire was created. Hence the less-technologically-advanced starships in the original trilogy.
I don't think this is possible. The Empire would have been a strong government with a huge R&D budget for its weapon systems, a bit like Nazi Germany. Weapons systems would have gotten better, not worse. You can't 'uninvent' things, unless you sink into something like the Dark Ages when a lot of the achievements of the Romans went down the drain and all the knowledge of the ages was almost lost but for the industriousness of a handful of monks in places like Ireland.
Have you ever seen some of the hardware the Nazis were experimenting with at the end of the war? Rocket-powered planes, guided missiles like the V2, the mistels, the list goes on. And that was when Germany was getting pounded by the allies. The galactic empire would have had no such problem, their weapons would have gotten a lot more advanced - they had the time, the peace and the funds to develop them. Hell, they came up with a weapon that could nuke a whole planet without the weapon being destroyed itself by the enormous amount of flying debris!
Gawd! I sound like Randal!

--
Drill baby drill - on Mars
Re:Kevin Smith, eh? by fiannaFailMan · 2004-09-29 16:30 · Score: 2, Interesting

IAAW (I Am A Writer) and I can tell you that the golden rule of dialogue in literature is to make it believable. A different set of rules applies to movies, movie characters talk in a certain way. Close your eyes and listen to the dialogue sometime, then ask yourself who actually talks like that. Who actually says things just for the purpose of explaining or revealing something to a watching audience? Nevertheless, some of the script in the original trilogy was truly dire, and the point I'm making is that people conveniently forget this (because of nostalgia) when slating the new trilogy as being inferior to the original one.

--
Drill baby drill - on Mars
Re:Kevin Smith, eh? by Simon+Garlick · 2004-09-29 17:17 · Score: 1

One word: BLACK RAGE

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PGP Key ID 0xCB8FF658
Re:Kevin Smith, eh? by duggie · 2004-09-29 18:17 · Score: 1

This is true, but (refering to your Nazi Germany reference) what about the occupied countries? You can't say that occupied Poland (or any other occupied country at that) was capable of making advancements in technology (that wasn't Nazi-based). I would say that they were prevented from doing so or were just too frightened. In addition they did fall behind in technology and it took years for them to get it back to the standards at the time.

Back to the Star Wars universe, the same can be applied. You saying that the Empire was well funded and such would be true, but I would say that it was only true for those planets that fully embraced the Empire. Any planet that had to be forced to abide by the Emipre's rule would probably be in the same situation as the occupied countries: they would not be able (or allowed) to make/research advancements. With that if these planets wanted to build, say for example, a spaceship without the Empire's knowledge they would most likely revert to older technology that is easier and cheaper to build. Therefore the planets are not 'uninventing' technology but rather relying on previous technology, hence a technological recession.

About your comment on the Death Star, the plans for this baby was developed in pre-Empire times, therefore ruling out the Death Star as a post-Empire technological advancement.
Re:Kevin Smith, eh? by lukestuts · 2004-09-29 22:00 · Score: 1

The 'far away galaxy' thing was a good fudge, explains how they managed to develop all this technology to traverse a galaxy in a few hours but didn't figure out how to fire weapons that locked on target. (Hang on, they did, Jango Fett had one. But how come they couldn't do it years later... )

Simple - the Empire introduced draconian Intellectual Property laws that stifled technological development.
Re:Kevin Smith, eh? by CrazyTalk · 2004-09-30 00:33 · Score: 1

Reminds me of a Simpsons episode where they acknowledged that:
Homer: Well, here we are at the seminar
Bart: What an odd thing to say.
Re:Kevin Smith, eh? by nine-times · 2004-09-30 03:16 · Score: 1

What do you mean? These are fantastic lines.
"Ah! Governor Tarkin! I should have expected to find you holding Vader's leash. I thought I recognised your foul stench when I came on board!"
Come on. It's kind of clever and terrifically gutsy. Yeah, Leia's line is too formal to come out of the mouth of a normal person, but she's a princess from long ago in a galaxy far far away.
"I've got a bad feeling about this!"
Nice, simple, what's to complain about?
"Laugh it up Fuzzball!"
I could definitely see an argument that this line isn't the best, but Ford still delivered it well. Either way, it worked.
There may well be worse lines in the original trilogy, but the lines you've chosen certainly don't prove your point. They're good- far better than the writing in the prequals...
Anakin to Padme: "Are you an angel?..." WFT?! I mean, if George was trying to make the point that the force is so strong in Anakin that, as a 10 year old, he can get away using weird and creepy pickup lines on a full-grown Natalie Portman, than mission successful. Otherwise...

Excuse me... by Cyno01 · 2004-09-29 11:05 · Score: 1

But i need to change my pants...

--
"Sic Semper Tyrannosaurus Rex."

OMG! by xenostar · 2004-09-29 11:05 · Score: 4, Funny

Does that mean it will have Mark Hamill as Cock-Knocker?

Re:OMG! by Dynedain · 2004-09-29 11:09 · Score: 2, Funny

"George Lucas is gonna sue!!!" - Chris Rock ...oh...wait...

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I'm out of my mind right now, but feel free to leave a message.....

Next time, on Star Wars... by Anonymous Coward · 2004-09-29 11:05 · Score: 1, Funny

Did Han really shoot first? The jedi cousole investigates. And the Empire Strikes Back, again! All this crap and 20 minutes of Jar-Jar on the next -- Star Wars!

(ugh)

Re:Next time, on Star Wars... by fraudrogic · 2004-09-30 03:00 · Score: 1

or how about "Join us next time! Same Jedi Time, Same Jedi Place!"

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I only mod up parents of "mod parent up" posts...

Uh oh by Anonymous Coward · 2004-09-29 11:05 · Score: 2, Funny

I have a bad feeling about this.

Hear that sound? by anzha · 2004-09-29 11:05 · Score: 2, Interesting

That, folks, is someone milking it for all its worth.

Lucas has always done that, but gaaaaaah...New. Levels. Of. Yanking. That. Teet.

Oh well, I guess I just pity the poor cow...

--
Do you know why the road less traveled by is littered with the bones of the unwary?

Re:Hear that sound? by El · 2004-09-29 11:16 · Score: 2, Insightful

Oh well, I guess I just pity the poor cow... The problem is, we are the cow!

--
"Freedom means freedom for everybody" -- Dick Cheney
Re:Hear that sound? by builderbob_nz · 2004-09-29 11:36 · Score: 5, Funny

New. Levels. Of. Yanking. That. Teet.

Oh no, please don't tell me that William Shatner is going to be in it... [runs away screaming]

--

Karma? Hey I just call it as I see it.
Re:Hear that sound? by Moofie · 2004-09-29 13:24 · Score: 1

I'm a cow.

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Why yes, I AM a rocket scientist!

Is this real? by lothar97 · 2004-09-29 11:06 · Score: 4, Insightful

I checked USA Today, Google News, and Yahoo News, and was not able to find the actual story in USA Today. Doesn't USA Today put everything on the web? Shouldn't a rumor like this be substantiated a little bit more?

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Re:Is this real? by ari_j · 2004-09-29 11:08 · Score: 2, Informative

Maybe because it's an old dupe, Luke!
Re:Is this real? by sik0fewl · 2004-09-29 18:31 · Score: 1

What do you mean? It's on slashdot isn't it? How much proof do you need? Do you need them to post it twice?

--
I remember when legal used to mean lawful, now it means some kind of loophole. - Leo Kessler

Big Deal by Anonymous Coward · 2004-09-29 11:06 · Score: 1, Interesting

I wish you "underground" and "alternative" folks would realize that you are slopping up movies like "Clerks" because that is what the mass *mainstream* media is feeding you. You are being played worse than the "pop" culture you wish you really did despise.

Re:Big Deal by seringen · 2004-09-29 11:10 · Score: 1

you obviously don't realize how cult clerks really was when it was released. Only after it's original run did most people see it
Re:Big Deal by Tom+Dunne · 2004-09-29 11:23 · Score: 2, Insightful

So I don't *really* like Clerks, I just think I like Clerks because the mass media has told me to? Bah. You're just telling me that becaue that's what the cynical counter-culture has forced you to reply with
Re:Big Deal by seringen · 2004-09-29 11:34 · Score: 1

Yeah, I saw the movie at a small art house having heard from a friend that it was a weird movie and then I enjoyed it. So therefore I'm obviously a whore of popular culture, thanks for bringing that to light!
Re:Big Deal by mikeophile · 2004-09-29 12:04 · Score: 1

By being knee-jerk counter to "mainstream" media, instead of seeing it as one choice amongst many, you become just as played.
Re:Big Deal by Jormundgandr · 2004-09-29 12:06 · Score: 1

Well I don't watch TV, don't listen to the radio, and don't pay attention to the crap movies coming out every year... but I still liked Clerks!? What in buttery goodness? Clearly they've developed some kind of diabolical mind control ray beam and are forcing me to do their evil blue bidding!

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-sig removed for tax purposes-
Re:Big Deal by krymsin01 · 2004-09-29 13:31 · Score: 1

Yeah.

--
stuff
Re:Big Deal by AvantLegion · 2004-09-29 14:11 · Score: 1

I wish you "underground" and "alternative" folks would realize that you are slopping up movies like "Clerks" because that is what the mass *mainstream* media is feeding you. You are being played worse than the "pop" culture you wish you really did despise.

That's why I randomly choose my DVDs out of the dustiest, most pathetic looking porn racks. Nobody's media-whoring ME!
Re:Big Deal by blighter · 2004-09-30 03:12 · Score: 1

Man do I wish I had some mod-points!
That's hysterical.
Cheers.

Why not!?! by Moby+Cock · 2004-09-29 11:06 · Score: 2, Insightful

It seems the Beflanneled One is intent on ensuring complete media saturation in perpetuity for the SW universe.

All things considered, this show could be pretty cool, but it likely won't be. The prequels have fallen short and I find it difficult to imagine fresh material coming out often enough for a TV show. A mini-series would be perhaps more appropriate.

I gotta say, everytime I see another part of Star Wars being sold out, a little part of me dies.

Re:Why not!?! by Tom+Dunne · 2004-09-29 11:19 · Score: 2, Funny

"I gotta say, everytime I see another part of Star Wars being sold out, a little part of me dies."

Cool. A few years of a television series and you'll be dead. One less 'George Lucas raped my childhood' Slashdot poster is fine with me :D
Re:Why not!?! by Moby+Cock · 2004-09-29 11:40 · Score: 1

When I'm dead, I'll come and haunt the shit out of you. I'll be like Obi-Wan haunting Luke but with a heck of a lot more belligerence.

Oh boy... by Kid+Zero · 2004-09-29 11:06 · Score: 1

This has "Doomed" written all over it.

Bah. by Telastyn · 2004-09-29 11:07 · Score: 2, Insightful

Star wars seems as though it is ill-suited for TV status. Giant space operas don't mix with 1 hour [plus commercial] slots.

Hell, I'd rather see the afore mentioned Spaceballs sequel made into a TV series.

Re:Bah. by DrDoombender · 2004-09-29 11:24 · Score: 4, Interesting

I'd have to dissagree with that. As far as I'm concerned Babylon 5 was a giant space soap opera. If you look at it from beginning to end, there is a giant purpose to how JMS wrote it. In fact, there was even hints that how the story turned out was not his true vision. That Sinclair was supposed to be the only "the one". In any case, babylon 5 is a giant soap opera, and it worked in a 1 hour time slot. Star Wars can do the same, it will all come down to the writers, and pray they aren't like the Star Trek writers.
Re:Bah. by Telastyn · 2004-09-29 11:41 · Score: 1

Hrm.

That is a fine point.
Re:Bah. by bckrispi · 2004-09-29 11:57 · Score: 3, Interesting

On the contrary, Lucas' original inspiration for SW, and later Indiana Jones were the Saturday afternoon serials he grew up with. A well done SW TV series could harken back to the classic sci-fi/western/adventure cliffhangers of the 50's. With all the pointless "reality TV" shit that the media demogaugs are cramming down our throat, having some escapist adventure once a week would be a fine alternative.
Can he pull it off? Absolutely. Whine about GL all you want; you can not deny the fact that he and the team he personally assembled single handedly changed movies and fimmaking forever. THX, Pixar, ILM - all creations of the flannelled one. If he surrounds himself with the right talent, and maintains a level of quality control, it could be quite successful, and we can avoid a redux of the Holiday Special.
Star Wars is ubiquitous to every single form of media except television. It only seems to be the next logical step after the prequels are finished. What Lucas needs to keep in mind is when to let it go. The idea is to stop when you see the shark you're about to jump.

--
Xenon, where's my money? -Borno
Re:Bah. by Glytch · 2004-09-29 12:16 · Score: 1

I for one am glad that B5 turned out the way it did (seasons 1 through 4, anyway); Sinclair's actor was painfully wooden. Bruce Boxleitner's Sheridan was much more fun to watch. I cheered when Sinclair went back a thousand years into the past; it meant that he would probably never again make cameos in the show.

And as it happens, one of the rumours flying around is that JMS himself is the guy in charge of this SW TV show. If anyone can pull it off, he and the writers from B5 can.
Re:Bah. by bar-agent · 2004-09-29 13:09 · Score: 5, Interesting

I think the best way to do a Star Wars TV show would be to do it as a combination of the old serials and short stories.

The writers should be telling several stories. Each episode would cover a segment of one story. They might do one or two episodes of one story in a row, then switch over to another story for the next episode.

Maybe they could follow an agent of the Imperial Scouting Service as they explore a new hyperspace route, or a couple of Corporate Sector Authority investigators checking out an industrial espionage situation. Maybe we could see the Black Sun organization, or do a couple of episodes on a Stormtrooper squad, like Troops.

With this format, the show wouldn't be tied to any particular era. They could mix up genres. It certainly wouldn't get boring. There would be unlimited room for growth.

As the series matures, maybe a couple of the storylines could touch each other. Perhaps the industrial espionage operation being investigated by the CSA is the same operation we see getting set up in the Black Sun story.

I tell you, this idea is brilliant! Brilliant, I say!

Now I just need to know who to send it to...

--
i'd hit it so hard, if you pulled me out you'd be the king of britain [bash.org]
Re:Bah. by DrDoombender · 2004-09-29 13:40 · Score: 1

I agree. I really like Bruce Boxleitner. As for JMS being in charge of the show. If that were true, then it would be a step in the right direction. His writing is typically top notch, and at the very least it wouldn't be any worse than what we've seen on tv so far.
Re:Bah. by mdfst13 · 2004-09-29 15:23 · Score: 1

Yes, he did so well with the Young Indiana Jones series. 28 whole episodes! http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0103586/
Re:Bah. by ahmusch · 2004-09-29 18:22 · Score: 1

There were other writers on B5?
Could have fooled me.
Re:Bah. by 10Ghz · 2004-09-29 19:20 · Score: 1

Among others: Harlan Ellison, Neil Gaiman and David Gerrold.

full list. Of course, JMS wrote most of it, but not all.

--
Lesbian Nazi Hookers Abducted by UFOs and Forced Into Weight Loss Programs - -all next week on Town Talk.
Re:Bah. by master_p · 2004-09-29 22:18 · Score: 1

If anyone watched Star Blazers as a kid, you know what it takes for a successful space opera: a mission, heroics, a love story, great battles, drama, evolving characters. The original Star Wars had most of these attributes.
Re:Bah. by beowulfcluster · 2004-09-30 00:33 · Score: 1

Apparently Michael O'Hare (who played Sinclair) got a role on Broadway and couldn't do B5 at the same time and rather than having another actor play the same role for season two they wrote Sinclair out (sort of) and Sheridan into the show.

Can't remember where I heard that now but I think it was from one of the season dvds.
Re:Bah. by ahmusch · 2004-09-30 01:57 · Score: 1

Sarcasm detector broken, is it?
As a college student who chased it from station to station, time slot to time slot, (Oh, what I would have given for TiVo in those days!) I was fully aware of the fact that JMS wrote the preponderance of the episodes as well as the entirety of season 3.
Re:Bah. by bckrispi · 2004-09-30 04:53 · Score: 1

Ehm... Lucas didn't have anything to do with Pixar. Pixar was formed by John Lassiter, ex-Disney animator, and Steve Jobs came on board to handle it company-wise, I think.
Dammit, I keep promising not to respond to AC's. Oh well...
BZZZZZZZT!!! WRONG! Pixar started out as the computer animation division of Lucasfilm. Steve Jobs came on board after he bought Pixar from Lucas

--
Xenon, where's my money? -Borno
Re:Bah. by bckrispi · 2004-09-30 04:59 · Score: 1

Yes, he did so well with the Young Indiana Jones series. 28 whole episodes!
Yes, he did so well with the Young Indiana Jones series that it only took 28 episodes to win ten Emmy Awards.

--
Xenon, where's my money? -Borno

I'm waiting for Quentin Tarantino's Star Wars... by Senjutsu · 2004-09-29 11:08 · Score: 5, Funny

"Do you see a sign on my lawn that says 'Dead Wookie Storage'??"

SG1.. by Manip · 2004-09-29 11:08 · Score: 5, Insightful

Before everyone suggests this is a bad move I just want to say look at SG1. The original movie was at best 'ok' but thanks to the series the brand is highly valued.

Re:SG1.. by Zebbers · 2004-09-29 11:27 · Score: 2, Insightful

Ok, you debuffed your own argument.
The movie was so-so, so it was easier for the tv show to be better.

It would be hard to do a SW series on par or better than the movie- or at atleast the percieved quality of the movie.
Re:SG1.. by Webmonger · 2004-09-29 11:50 · Score: 3, Insightful

Yeah. Hardly any one liked the Buffy movie, but the TV show has its fans...

But the TV show was better because its creator had more control. Lucas needs less control, if anything.
Re:SG1.. by No+Such+Agency · 2004-09-29 11:58 · Score: 2, Interesting

The movie was so-so, so it was easier for the tv show to be better.

While the TV show is better, it did have a lot more time to explore characters and themes than the original feature film. "Stargate" is definitely not a Great Movie, but it's visually innovative, has decent enough writing and no cringey eye-rolling moments (though I'd edit out a few of the scenes with Kurt Russell and the kids, just to keep it well on the safe side of the cheese threshold). I've watched it several times and it's still *fun*.

--
Freedom: "I won't!"
Re:SG1.. by Iffy+Bonzoolie · 2004-09-29 12:06 · Score: 1

I liked Stargate the movie. I even bought the DVD. Does that make me a bad nerd? James Spader in a role that doesn't creep me out!

The TV series seemed really uninteresting to me, but I don't think I ever watched an episode.

-If

--
Run a pencil-and-paper RPG campaign with your far-off friends: Gametable!
Re:SG1.. by Roofus · 2004-09-29 12:16 · Score: 1

I'll add to that.

I really enjoyed the Highlander TV series, but damn, those movies doled out some of the foulest smelling stink I've ever had the displeasure of experiencing!
Re:SG1.. by G-funk · 2004-09-29 13:37 · Score: 1

Movies? Of what do you speak?

There is only one Highlander film *rocks back and forth*

There is only one Highlander film

There is only one Highlander film

There is only one Highlander f....

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Send lawyers, guns, and money!
Re:SG1.. by gl4ss · 2004-09-29 14:15 · Score: 1

***It would be hard to do a SW series on par or better than the movie- or at atleast the percieved quality of the movie.***

why do you suppose lucas has been making these prequels?-)

of course, this is is master plan, to level the way for the series :)

--
world was created 5 seconds before this post as it is.
Re:SG1.. by mdfst13 · 2004-09-29 15:29 · Score: 2, Funny

No, no.

There can be only one Highlander film.

There can be only one ...

After all, there's only one Queen soundtrack.
Re:SG1.. by rilian4 · 2004-09-29 20:18 · Score: 1

I have to ask how you can possibly judge any tv series uninteresting w/o watching a single episode? Ask the majority of people who have seen the movie *AND* have watched the series at all and they'll tell you the movie doesn't hold a candle to the series...HBO made a gigantic mistake in letting SG1 go. The Sci-Fi channel saved its financial backside w/ that show.

--

...quicker, easier, more seductive the darkside is...but more powerful, it is not.
Re:SG1.. by kria · 2004-09-30 02:46 · Score: 1

While this will obviously never be modded up, with all of the negative SG-1 comments you've gotten, I thought someone should show that there are people who agree with you.

Namely, I think it's a wonderful show, and even makes a more interesting RPG than Star Wars, since you don't have to worry about wannabe Jedi who don't pay attention to the Jedi code... anyway, as far as I can tell, my friends fall into two groups: those that like SG-1 quite a bit, and those who have never watched it, really. (ie, they may have caught an episode or two)
Re:SG1.. by Iffy+Bonzoolie · 2004-09-30 12:44 · Score: 1

I have to ask how you can possibly judge any tv series uninteresting w/o watching a single episode?

Hehehe... well, easy, but not necessarily accurately, I suppose. Maybe their advertising just sucked. I saw the ads a lot and not one made me want to watch the TV series. Also, I'm already wary of TV series spawned from movies, as they are usually pretty bad, with the exception of M*A*S*H. Just like computer games spawned from movies. With a couple exceptions usually really bad. So when I see an ad and it seems crappy and it's based on a movie, and it's sci-fi - I'll wait for someone to reccommend it to me rather than waste my time.

I love sci-fi, but I HATE bad sci-fi.

-If

--
Run a pencil-and-paper RPG campaign with your far-off friends: Gametable!
Re:SG1.. by rilian4 · 2004-10-07 11:03 · Score: 1

"I'll wait for someone to reccommend it to me rather than waste my time."
So be it. I heavily recommend the show based on its content...

--

...quicker, easier, more seductive the darkside is...but more powerful, it is not.

Building the Death Star (from Clerks) by ChangeOnInstall · 2004-09-29 11:08 · Score: 5, Funny

Sorry, can't resist, I just have to post it :)
(taken from http://www.whysanity.net/monos/clerks5.html)

Building the Death Star
written by Kevin Smith

Randal: So they build another Death Star, right?
Dante: Yeah.
Randal: Now the first one they built was completed and fully operational before the Rebels destroyed it.
Dante: Luke blew it up. Give credit where it's due.
Randal:And the second one was still being built when they blew it up.
Dante: Compliments of Lando Calrissian.
Randal: Something just never sat right with me the second time they destroyed it. I could never put my finger on it-something just wasn't right.
Dante: And you figured it out?
Randal: Well, the thing is, the first Death Star was manned by the Imperial army-storm troopers, dignitaries- the only people onboard were Imperials.
Dante: Basically.
Randal: So when they blew it up, no prob. Evil is punished.
Dante: And the second time around...?
Randal: The second time around, it wasn't even finished yet. They were still under construction.
Dante: So?
Randal: A construction job of that magnitude would require a helluva lot more manpower than the Imperial army had to offer. I'll bet there were independent contractors working on that thing: plumbers, aluminum siders, roofers.
Dante: Not just Imperials, is what you're getting at.
Randal: Exactly. In order to get it built quickly and quietly they'd hire anybody who could do the job. Do you think the average storm trooper knows how to install a toilet main? All they know is killing and white uniforms.
Dante: All right, so even if independent contractors are working on the Death Star, why are you uneasy with its destruction?
Randal: All those innocent contractors hired to do a job were killed- casualties of a war they had nothing to do with. (notices Dante's confusion) All right, look-you're a roofer, and some juicy government contract comes your way; you got the wife and kids and the two-story in suburbia-this is a government contract, which means all sorts of benefits. All of a sudden these left-wing militants blast you with lasers and wipe out everyone within a three-mile radius. You didn't ask for that. You have no personal politics. You're just trying to scrape out a living.
(The Blue-Collar Man (Thomas Burke) joins them.)
Blue-Collar Man: Excuse me. I don't mean to interrupt, but what were you talking about?
Randal: The ending of Return of the Jedi.
Dante: My friend is trying to convince me that any contractors working on the uncompleted Death Star were innocent victims when the space station was destroyed by the rebels.
Blue-Collar Man: Well, I'm a contractor myself. I'm a roofer... (digs into pocket and produces business card) Dunn and Reddy Home Improvements. And speaking as a roofer, I can say that a roofer's personal politics come heavily into play when choosing jobs.
Randal: Like when?
Blue-Collar Man: Three months ago I was offered a job up in the hills. A beautiful house with tons of property. It was a simple reshingling job, but I was told that if it was finished within a day, my price would be doubled. Then I realized whose house it was.
Dante: Whose house was it?
Blue-Collar Man: Dominick Bambino's.
Randal: "Babyface" Bambino? The gangster?
Blue-Collar Man: The same. The money was right, but the risk was too big. I knew who he was, and based on that, I passed the job on to a friend of mine.
Dante: Based on personal politics.
Blue-Collar Man: Right. And that week, the Foresci family put a hit on Babyface's house. My friend was shot and killed. He wasn't even finished shingling.
Rand

--
What has *science* done?!? -- Dr. Weird (ATHF)

Re:Building the Death Star (from Clerks) by QEDog · 2004-09-29 12:39 · Score: 1

Just imagine a Wookie dancing to:
My love for you is like Mack Truck. Berserker! Would you like some making fuck?. Berserker! My love for you is ticking clock. Berserker! Would you like to suck my cock? Berserker!

--
"There is no teacher but the enemy."-Mazer Rackham
Re:Building the Death Star (from Clerks) by spiralscratch · 2004-09-29 12:44 · Score: 2, Funny

Did he just say "making fuck"?
Re:Building the Death Star (from Clerks) by Anonymous Coward · 2004-09-29 21:08 · Score: 1

On a serious note....

With 2 dead American contractors (and possibly a third British one) in recent weeks in Iraq it all comes down a 'no win scenario': I heard on the BBC news radio program not long ago concerning the British contractor: (paraphrasing, not 100% accurate -- exact quote would be nice to archive for posterity....)

Negotiating with terrorists is a sign of [political] weakness. Allowing their captives to die [for whatever reason] is a [political] disaster.

This may sound cold, but Kevin Smith said it best about such situations such as these....

Blue-Collar Man: (paying for coffee) I'm alive because I knew there were risks involved taking on that particular client. My friend wasn't so lucky. (pauses to reflect) You know, any contractor willing to work on that Death Star knew the risks. If they were killed, it was their own fault. A roofer listens to this... (taps his heart) not his wallet.

The contractors went to Iraq to earn big money.

Some of them didn't come back home alive afterward--caught up in combat and killed or grisly murdered in cold blood--they knew the risks. If they were killed, it was their own fault.

Had they been soldiers, they would have died on behalf of their respective countries and not for a large sum of money....
Re:Building the Death Star (from Clerks) by analog_line · 2004-09-30 00:48 · Score: 1

More likely that they'd be moshing to "CHEWBACCA!!! *guitar riff* WHAT A WOOKIE!!!!"

Gotta love the BOB by antibios · 2004-09-29 11:08 · Score: 1

And I now think that his dream of being a Jedi has come true. Remember Mall Rats? I wonder if he'll use the Circus Seal joke again.

Lucas by nbert · 2004-09-29 11:09 · Score: 5, Funny

Lucas will not direct it just produce it.

I guess that's the good part of the story

--
I don't read replies by ACs.

What does it really matter? by Gadgetfreak · 2004-09-29 11:10 · Score: 1

It's a business, people. There's a market and they'll continue to make stuff like this as long as someone will watch it.
Whether you think it's a good idea or bad idea, at least it will be creative. And likely better than most of the reality TV crap that's on the air.

I'm not asking people to like Lucas, or love everything Star Wars. But they're right... there is no way to please everyone.

--
"No fair, you changed the outcome by measuring it!" - Professor Hubert J. Farnsworth

Already mentioned on Slashdot by mooser · 2004-09-29 11:11 · Score: 1

It was posted on Slashdot before, with confirmation: http://slashdot.org/article.pl?sid=04/09/11/182725 7&tid=101&tid=214&tid=129&tid=1

Though the Kevin Smith rumor wasn't mentioned, and I see no way he would ever do it. That series will be the end of someone's career sadly.

Re:Already mentioned on Slashdot by Gadgetfreak · 2004-09-29 11:22 · Score: 1

Or it could be the beginning of a career for someone who's not mainstream. Kind of like the actors in the original Star Wars.

It's an opportunity for the many other creative people who never really get the door open.

--
"No fair, you changed the outcome by measuring it!" - Professor Hubert J. Farnsworth
Re:Already mentioned on Slashdot by Kehvarl · 2004-09-29 11:55 · Score: 1

Who the hell is Mark Hamill? ...*googling*...
Oh! That guy from Laserhawk. Yeah, he was alright, but crazy though. You mean he was in Star Wars?

A great disturbance in the force by Anonymous Coward · 2004-09-29 11:12 · Score: 1, Funny

As if millions of dollars suddendly cried out, and Lucas thought, "Why not, I sold out years ago anyway."

Troops by RotJ · 2004-09-29 11:13 · Score: 2, Interesting

There's already been a pilot for a Star Wars spinoff show that has gotten favorable reactions. They should consider turning it into a series.

A great Disturbance in the Force... by SparksMcGee · 2004-09-29 11:14 · Score: 5, Funny

...As if the voices of a million Star Wars fans suddenly cried out in terror, and were suddenly silenced...

Re:A great Disturbance in the Force... by Jormundgandr · 2004-09-29 11:59 · Score: 1

I sense a great disturbance in the force, as if the voices of millions of Star Wars fans suddenly cried out in sanctimonious indignation... and they won't shut up!

--
-sig removed for tax purposes-
Re:A great Disturbance in the Force... by inertia187 · 2004-09-29 15:20 · Score: 1

I sense a great disturbance in the force, as if the voices of millions of Star Wars fans suddenly cried out in sanctimonious indignation... and they won't shut up!

I sense a great disturbance in the force, as if millions of people suddenly cried out, "I sense a great disturbance in the force, as if millions of people suddenly cried out, "I sense a great disturbance in the force, as if millions of people suddenly cried out, "I sense a great disturbance in the force, as if millions of people suddenly cried out, "I s.ense a great disturbance in the force, as if millions of people suddenly cried out, "I sense a great disturbance in the force, as if mdillions of people suddenly ;cried out, "I sense a gresat disturbance in the force, as if millions of people suddenly cried out, "I se.nse a great disturbance in the fsorce, as if millions of people suddenly cried out. . .

--
A programmer is a machine for converting coffee into code.

Not another...... by sweetshot97 · 2004-09-29 11:15 · Score: 1

Did someone say Battle for Endor?

Jumped the Shark? by sho-gun · 2004-09-29 11:15 · Score: 1

I think if the franchise has a tv series, it would have officially Jumped The Shark!

You know, kinda like when the brady bunch put the blonde kid with glasses into the story line, or when Chrissy left three's company..

Re:Jumped the Shark? by nitemayr · 2004-09-29 11:30 · Score: 1

Umm, hello There have been TWO Star Wars franchise TV shows already! Droids that covered the further adventures of of C2PO and r2D2 (I think these ar eplaced between ep3 and ep4, but I dunno. and The Ewoks Cartoon Is this a "Sharked already jumped" point, or do those cartoons not count? For the record, I loved them both, but then I am addicted to cartoons. so, you know, meh.

--
Hello Kettle,
You, my friend are as black as pitch.
With love, Pot.

This could be good... by lawpoop · 2004-09-29 11:16 · Score: 4, Interesting

If they steer away from the Save the Universe Big Deal stuff, and get into the nitty-gritty underworld of an entire galaxy. I enjoyed the Han Solo trilogy because they were something of a noir detective series -- a smuggler struggling to make it with only his wits. And Kevin Smith has already shown that he's concerned with some of the details of the SW universe (contractors on the Death Star). This might work out.

Just show more Mos Eisleys, Death Stick Dealers, smugglers in crappy starships, malfunctioning droids, bounty hunters, weird aliens...

--
Computers are useless. They can only give you answers.
-- Pablo Picasso

Re:This could be good... by BenjyD · 2004-09-29 11:36 · Score: 3, Insightful

But wasn't that the strength of the first trilogy (eps 4-6)? Because it started off half way through the story, with the saving the universe bit, it drew the audience into the world. They wanted to find out what was going on in this world the films so suddenly started off in.

The prequel trilogy was doomed to fail because the story they tell isn't that interesting really, it's only interesting as a backdrop to episodes 4-6. All you really need to know about the story line of episodes 1-3 is summarised in about ten minutes in episodes 4-6.

The movies make a big point of having little bits of the background world intrude into the films to create an interesting universe - the rubbish collecting gnome creatures in episode 4, all the aliens living their lives in the background. But, just like episodes 1-2(+3 probably), if you concentrate too much on that background, you realise it's not as interesting as it appeared from a distance.

It's the same with Lord of the Rings. There's a huge backstory to the trilogy, but by starting the main story (Frodo and the Fellowship etc.) in the middle of that, you create a whole interesting world the reader wants to read about without having to bother with laboriously explaining it.
Re:This could be good... by el-spectre · 2004-09-29 12:06 · Score: 1

The problem is keeping dramatic tension over a long period of time is really tough. For example, I love the miniseries 'V' (except for the cop-out ending). And the sunsequent TV series was pretty damned good for about 10 episodes or so... got into politics, some backstory, etc.

Then, for some reason it became a friggin' lizard soap opera, and it got cancelled.

--
"Faith: Belief without evidence in what is told by one who speaks without knowledge, of things without parallel." - A.B.
Re:This could be good... by dancingmad · 2004-09-29 12:44 · Score: 4, Interesting

That was the good thing about the X-Wing/TIE Fighter/XW Alliance PC games. For the most part, especially in the X-Wing games and the first campaigns in TIE Fighter you were a grunt, just another fighter pilot. You got a soldier's eye view of the Rebellion (from both sides) and it was interesting. Far more interesting than the bullshit prequel movies. You weren't saving the world, just doing your job in this universe and that was engaging and entertaing.

I'd love to see some intelligent show that went along the same lines as that. I read those Han Solo books too, way back in the day, and I agree; you saw the "universe," people's lives, not just the world changing events.

--
"There is no time, sir, at which ties do not matter," Jeeves, (Jeeves and the Impending Doom)
Re:This could be good... by TiggsPanther · 2004-09-29 19:02 · Score: 1

The movies make a big point of having little bits of the background world intrude into the films to create an interesting universe - the rubbish collecting gnome creatures in episode 4, all the aliens living their lives in the background. But, just like episodes 1-2(+3 probably), if you concentrate too much on that background, you realise it's not as interesting as it appeared from a distance.

I think this is a really valid point, and maybe one that gets overlooked. The main drawback to Episodes 1-3 is that they are primarily backstory. And not only that, but backstory to a hugely popular and well-known story.
And that's a very dangerous step to try and take, as fans will obviously have their own ideas about various ideas and motivations. And to suddenly go back and make what are probably some huge changes to preconceptions that people have held for some twenty-odd years is inevitably going to get backlash.

A TV series would have similar problems. For the Star Wars name it would inevitably have to deal with something major. But prequels have been done, and any sequels that dealt too closely with the events of RoTJ would be too far in the shadow of the original trilogy. Plus with the novels and stuff you'd risk either alienating a lot of their fans if you deviated too far from them or risk retreading material that many already know if you followed their ideas too closely.

To me it seems the bast way would be if they purposely aimed for something low-key. Maybe focus on one or two planets in the aftermath of Jedi. Make it part of the Universe without it having to be The Next Big Adventure. (You're right that background details really don't work for an attempt at a major movie trilogy, but a weekly TV show has a somewhat higher chance of making it work.)
Unfortunately that idea wouldn't have the brand identity and would probably alienate some fans, many fanboys, and any chance of commercial backing.

--
Tiggs
"120 chars should be enough for everyone..."
Re:This could be good... by spectrum21 · 2004-09-30 00:35 · Score: 1

These are the best ideas I've seen yet. I would like to see the story behind everyone else. We've seen Luke's, and Vader's stories; the big ones, but I would like to see everyone else's story, and how they all tie in with the whole scheme of things. Make it like a pulp fiction and snatch, and how everyone is plays a key role in the galactic civil war.
Re:This could be good... by Jtheletter · 2004-09-30 02:03 · Score: 1

Just show more Mos Eisleys, Death Stick Dealers, smugglers in crappy starships, malfunctioning droids, bounty hunters, weird aliens...
If you can live without the universe having some great mysterious super power, I suggest you go rent the Firefly DVDs. You'll find they have all you're asking for, and much better dialogue. ;)

--
-- I'm not a pessimist, I'm a realist. It's not my fault that life sucks so much. --

Quality won't suffer by LucidBeast · 2004-09-29 11:16 · Score: 1

If anybody bothered to watch the recent two additions to the saga it is obvious that George is on his way. Both movies could have been one hour episodes cosidering the script. Even the special effects are propably now easy enough to do that it wouldn't add to the cost too much.

Besides the original movies especially second one Empire Strikes Back still look better than Lucases computer animations.

Re:Ner..d? by Pantero+Blanco · 2004-09-29 11:17 · Score: 3, Funny

A .nerd tld might be amusing...Perhaps I'll go email the OSRC.

In a Galaxy Far Far Away by amichalo · 2004-09-29 11:17 · Score: 1

Where was this when anyone wanted it? (about twenty years ago)

The Special Editions were about as special as Bush's "Shock and Awe" and the prequils have been a huge disapointment. From the same person who gave use these back to back well-hyped-but-under-delivered duds, I don't want to waste more time with a TV show.

So what channel did you say it was coming on?

--
I only came here to do two things; kick some ass, and drink some beer...looks like we're almost out of beer.

Works better 5000 years before ANH by scoser · 2004-09-29 11:19 · Score: 5, Interesting

In my opinion, a Star Wars TV series would work best with the timeline about 5000 years before the Battle of Yavin, which is around the time of action of Knights of the Old Republic. You've got the Sith Wars, the Mandalorian War, and the conflict with Exar Kun going on about that time, and there's a good amount of Jedi and Sith to do battle and tons of interesting worlds as well. With this we could avoid the same old "Empire vs. Rebels/Republic vs. Separatist" nonsense.

Re:Works better 5000 years before ANH by FlopEJoe · 2004-09-29 12:51 · Score: 1

Then they could have "guardians" come from the future and help the sith thereby completely fscling the timeline? Ach!
Re:Works better 5000 years before ANH by JakiChan · 2004-09-29 14:50 · Score: 1

My only problem with that idea is the problem I had with KOTOR is: technology has changed so much in the time since I was born, how could it NOT change incredibly over 5000 years?

--
"Where quality is like a dead stinking rat - you just can't miss it."
Re:Works better 5000 years before ANH by ryen · 2004-09-29 15:47 · Score: 1

i would have to disagree, mainly because lucas (and his influence on the director) would then just focus on battle scenes and special effects, ya know-all the crap that made the episodes I & II well.. shitty.
I hope that good dialog and some decent drama make its way into these shows, else they are nothing more than rehashes of the cliche star-wars battle scenes.
Re:Works better 5000 years before ANH by Moraelin · 2004-09-29 18:39 · Score: 1

Well, I don't think the problem is whether it's 5000 years before or 5000 years after or in SW days but other corner or the galaxy.

The problem is that KOTOR, while it did have flashy fights and effects too, focused first and foremost on the story. That's what IMHO was missing from Lucas's own prequels.

Now setting it in another millenium did play some part in KOTOR. It allowed them to completely decouple it from SW, and give them free hand to write their own story where _you_ are the most important person in the galaxy. As opposed to yet another game whose only point is that you get to meet Luke, Bobba Fett and the rest of the gang.

Still, I'm not sure that being the most important person in the galaxy is that mandatory even in a game. And it's even less mandatory in a TV show.

Basically what I'm saying is that what matters the most is simply having someone who can write a good script.

--
A polar bear is a cartesian bear after a coordinate transform.
Re:Works better 5000 years before ANH by Dehumanizer · 2004-09-29 20:03 · Score: 1

Or a bad enough dude to rescue the President? :)

--
The Tlog - a technology blog

Who clicks the remote first? by Ianing · 2004-09-29 11:22 · Score: 5, Funny

Who is gonna change channel first? Me or Greedo?

Re:Who clicks the remote first? by WhatAmIDoingHere · 2004-09-29 12:13 · Score: 1

My original plan was to reply 3 different times to this post.

The first would say "You, of course."

The second: "Greedo, to make you look less like a cold hearted bastard."

The third: "I can't stop changing a work of art now that I'm an old fat man who doesn't know what his own dreams mean any more."

I decided I was too lazy to wait 2 minutes between each posting.

--
Not a Twitter sockpuppet... but I wish I was.

Contempt by Moderation+abuser · 2004-09-29 11:22 · Score: 1

This really just shows the contempt the American viewer is held in. They aren't even attempting to come up with anything new and original. Any old recycled crap will do it seems.

--
Government of the people, by corporate executives, for corporate profits.

Is this a joke? by Man+in+Spandex · 2004-09-29 11:24 · Score: 1

This will just make it easier for /.ers to bash star wars in the future.

I just hope they take the Star Wars Lo Mein flash movie and turn it into an actual episode. That would maybe lift my spirit.

Vader: But master..
Emperor: and stop calling me butt master!

Good choice by jvalenzu · 2004-09-29 11:27 · Score: 1

Kevin Smith and George Lucas have a lot of parallels as directors. They both peaked early (Mallrats and The Empire Strikes Back) and have produced increasingly shitting movies since.

Re:Good choice by bandy · 2004-09-29 11:30 · Score: 1

Dogma was a great movie. Sure, Jay & Silent Bob SB sucked, but...

--
"You might as well get your son a ticket to hell as give him a five string banjo." -unknown minister
Re:Good choice by Sabaki · 2004-09-29 11:45 · Score: 2, Interesting

A) Lucas didn't direct Empire, that was directed by Irvin Kershner.

B) I always thought Mallrats was Smith's low point. But that's just personal opinion.
Re:Good choice by gilmet · 2004-09-29 11:50 · Score: 1

Thank you for point this out. People don't realize that George Lucas is not a director. I mean he *is*, but why do you think episodes 1 and 2 stink so bad? I think Kevin Smith would be great as the director for the series -- he's a major geek with a penchant for delving into fantastic worlds. He probably won't be writing though, so you don't have to worry about the series being nonstop dialog filled with pedantic sophistry.

--

Every time you read this, I am going against my principles.
Re:Good choice by Frogbert · 2004-09-29 12:12 · Score: 1

Jay and Silent Bob SB was a crap movie plotwise but was definitly funny. Its a good movie in exactly the same way Zoolander or Dodgeball are good movies.

Re:Lucas' Career by Tom+Dunne · 2004-09-29 11:28 · Score: 1

American Graffiti, 1973. Before that, THX-1138 in 1971. George Lucas was nominated for best director, best original screenplay and best picture Academy Awards before anyone had ever heard of Star Wars...

StarWars The Series, Scene 352: Amidala's PMS by apostrophesemicolon · 2004-09-29 11:31 · Score: 1

Jay & Silent Bob comes in as guest star. They meet Queen Amidala who's having PMS & getting bored playing with her 5 playmate bunnies at her palace.. QA : "Chancellor JayJayBinx, how do you think Silent Bob performed?" Jay: "SMOOCHIES BOOCHIES POOCHIES! I think he's awesome duuude.. but he aint be talkin to me!!" SB : "......" QA : "Silent Bob, youre fired!"

theforce.net? by JakiChan · 2004-09-29 11:32 · Score: 4, Informative

They had it on their front page yesterday but pulled it or something and I can find no reference to the story today. They are tied very closely to Lucasfilm so it makes me wonder...

--
"Where quality is like a dead stinking rat - you just can't miss it."

Star Wars Via Lens of Star Trek by reporter · 2004-09-29 11:33 · Score: 3, Insightful

Television is inherently inferior to the big screen. The plot of Star Wars (Chapter IV) is full of depth, and gems of this nature simply cannot be pumped out week after week.

The weekly treadmill is precisely what television is.

For further insight, consider "Star Trek V". It was the only movie (based on the original characters) to lose money. However, when "Star Trek V" was broadcast on television, the movie seemed okay, compared to the junk food on the other channels.

The only conceivable way for Star Wars on the boob tube to not deteriorate to the level of Star Trek is to develop plots requiring at least 3 episodes to tell. In other words, across a 21-week viewing season, Star Wars, the boob tube show, would essentially be aired as 7 movies, each movie being 3 hours in length.

For fate's sake, please try to get good actors and actresses.

Re:Star Wars Via Lens of Star Trek by sloshr · 2004-09-29 11:37 · Score: 1

In other words, across a 21-week viewing season, Star Wars, the boob tube show, would essentially be aired as 7 movies, each movie being 3 hours in length.

ya know what... that seems like a really good idea.
Re:Star Wars Via Lens of Star Trek by Moofie · 2004-09-29 13:30 · Score: 1

I wish to pick a nit.

"Television is inherently inferior to the big screen"

Horse shit.

Would you argue that short stories are inherently inferior to novels?

Different media. Different methods. Different requirements. Different standards.

I've seen TV shows that I like more than movies. I've seen movies that I like more than TV shows. Your point is ridiculous.

--
Why yes, I AM a rocket scientist!
Re:Star Wars Via Lens of Star Trek by Have+Blue · 2004-09-29 14:02 · Score: 1

The big screen is inherently inferior to television. The plot of Babylon Five is full of depth, and gems of this nature cannot be crammed into a single 2-3 hour block.

(Obviously we're both wrong. They both have their advantages and costs, and require different styles and methods of storytelling.)

Ah, yes... by el-spectre · 2004-09-29 11:34 · Score: 1

I loved the scene where Luke got sent to kill Han. Then Jabba got mad and fed him to a giant space-worm or something...

--
"Faith: Belief without evidence in what is told by one who speaks without knowledge, of things without parallel." - A.B.

Re:Ah, yes... by el-spectre · 2004-09-29 13:51 · Score: 1, Insightful

Self important? Nah. Self evident maybe... go look up Ambrose Bierce's stuff, I'm sure more will offend :)

Since I'm biting on this troll:

Belief without evidence: true, by definition...

in what is told by one who speaks without knowledge,: Hint: the priest is just repeating what's in the book...

of things without parallel." - A.B.: What, is there another universe you can point me to?

Also, a Deist and an Atheist are nothing alike... you'd better go check your definitions.

Regarding zeal: Am I zealous to observe the sky is blue? That fire is hot? No, these things (given an analytical - scientific - method) are provable, or at least very very likely. So, I base all my 'beliefs' on evidence... I see no reason to make an exception on this particular point, just because many people in society hang on to ancient superstition.

Yes, I believe that most religions are probably wrong. No, I don't think they should be abolished, forbidden, whatever. I respect your (presumed) right to believe, whilst disrespecting the belief itself. What's the big deal?

Finally (and here we clearly cross into Flamebait territory)... my 'zeal' is derived from an interest in advancing the species, not a fear of damnation. You might consider your motives before giving me grief for not blindly following some mythical god.

--
"Faith: Belief without evidence in what is told by one who speaks without knowledge, of things without parallel." - A.B.
Re:Ah, yes... by rking · 2004-09-29 19:08 · Score: 1

"The majority of atheists are happy to sit back and not stir up a ruckus."

Really? Explain your grandparent's sig. I don't see a lot of god sigs around here.

The poster you refer to does does not constitute the majority of atheists.

The majority of Catholics don't live in the Vatican. Pointing to prominent exceptions doesn't change that. See?
Re:Ah, yes... by el-spectre · 2004-09-29 20:26 · Score: 1

I could maybe buy (altho we have no proof) that we were somehow created by a higher power... but that we were created so we could worship seems silly. I don't write an app for the sole purpose of it praising me..

--
"Faith: Belief without evidence in what is told by one who speaks without knowledge, of things without parallel." - A.B.
Re:Ah, yes... by kev0153 · 2004-09-29 23:17 · Score: 1

I find your lack of faith disturbing.
Re:Ah, yes... by Minna+Kirai · 2004-09-30 00:20 · Score: 1

There are very very few faithful that will say they listen to the word of someone without knowledge on the subject.

If you first explain the difference between knowledge and belief, then most will agree. Indeed, some theists are proud of this, and say that their faith in the unproven shows they are inherently good people.

Just look at the word they use all the time: "believe". They don't say "this is what we know", but "this is what we believe". "Believe" is a qualified form of "know", meaning you're not really sure, because you don't have real knowledge.
Re:Ah, yes... by el-spectre · 2004-09-30 08:18 · Score: 1

No, I do not... thank god :)

Besides, atheists don't have some defining set of 'rules', we just don't believe. that is all. Of course we're not all alike.

--
"Faith: Belief without evidence in what is told by one who speaks without knowledge, of things without parallel." - A.B.
Re:Ah, yes... by el-spectre · 2004-09-30 08:21 · Score: 1

As the perpetrator of said sig... it was intended to rile someone up. And it also expresses my point of view. Freedom of speech and thought is a bitch, huh?

--
"Faith: Belief without evidence in what is told by one who speaks without knowledge, of things without parallel." - A.B.
Re:Ah, yes... by el-spectre · 2004-09-30 08:23 · Score: 1

Interestingly, atheists tend toward 2 camps:

"Soft" Atheism - I do not believe in a god
"Hard" Atheism - I believe there is no god

The former is my camp, and makes a lot of sense. The latter strikes me as almost a faith in an of itself. Agnosticism if similar to the 'soft' camp.

--
"Faith: Belief without evidence in what is told by one who speaks without knowledge, of things without parallel." - A.B.

NewsAskew by SkippyTPE · 2004-09-29 11:34 · Score: 1

I think I have to come down with the View Askew news folks on this one. I can see him writing for the show (and maybe directing an episode or two), but I really would hate to see him tie his career to this thing (for a number of reasons).

Re: sig (OT) by Anonymous Coward · 2004-09-29 11:35 · Score: 3, Informative

_ _ _ _ _ _ _ _
We smoke when we shoot the bird. -- An anonymous mooninite.

For future reference, you may like to know that the little pink mooninite you quoted is called Irr and the larger green one is called Ignignokt.

The brand? by Moderation+abuser · 2004-09-29 11:36 · Score: 1

The original film was ok and the series is just about watchable if you're not doing anything else, largely due to Richard Dean Anderson. The brand? Fuck the brand.

--
Government of the people, by corporate executives, for corporate profits.

I am both astonished and ashamed... by crashnbur · 2004-09-29 11:36 · Score: 1

Why?! Why on earth...? Why should anyone ever clarify that Kevin Smith is Silent Bob, and even further clarify that Silent Bob is from the "clerks series"?! That should be universally accepted as one of those things that earn the line, "Dude, if you don't know, I'm not telling."

Luke and Silent Solo by sfjoe · 2004-09-29 11:39 · Score: 4, Funny

Luke: Don't you never say an unkind word about the Time. Me and Silent Solo modeled our whole fucking lives around Morris Day and Jerome. I'm a smooth pimp who loves the pussy. And Tubby here is my black man servant. What.

[Silent Solo nods vigorously]

--
It's simple: I demand prosecution for torture.

Battlestar Galactica! by huphtur · 2004-09-29 11:40 · Score: 1

jarjar binks on tv? *yawn*
In more important news: NEW Battlestar Galactica is on SciFi January 2005!

Use it to replace 7,8, and 9... by Shivetya · 2004-09-29 11:40 · Score: 2, Interesting

I could put up with a couple of years if they use it to somehow cover what could have happened in 7-9.

After all the celebrations at the end of the 6th movie are kind of silly, its not like the Empire evaporated with their Emperor. There would be many years of putting the whole back together.

Now, how to make a movie out of that I don't know. I do not think fans would stand for Luke, Leia, or even Han being transformed into bad guys.

Attempting to fill in gaps between the movies would not make a great story because everyone knows how it came out. The best comparison is Enterprise. Every Trekkie knows how the universe played out, hence a lot of them hate Enterprise for changing that!

We need good science fantasy/fiction on the TV. Who is to say that Star Wars cannot do that? At least give it a shot. Even Lucas is better than Beavis and Butthead over at Star Trek.

--
* Winners compare their achievements to their goals, losers compare theirs to that of others.

Re:Use it to replace 7,8, and 9... by Zcipher · 2004-09-29 11:52 · Score: 3, Funny

The best comparison is Enterprise. Every Trekkie knows how the universe played out, hence a lot of them hate Enterprise for changing that!

Funny you should mention Berman. From TFA:

Berman: When asked if he had any other advice for George, "He can always hire me if Enterprise doesn't work out".

I think I speak for everyone with a geeky bone in his body when I say . . .

Nooooooooooooo!

Or, perhaps more thematically appropriately:

KHAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAN!!!!
Re:Use it to replace 7,8, and 9... by user32.ExitWindowsEx · 2004-09-29 12:56 · Score: 1

even better: BERMAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA AAAAN!!!!!
(same style as the Khan yell, of course...needed to explain it for the damn lameness filter)

--
"Evil will always triumph because good is dumb." -- Dark Helmet

Wait a Minute... by techsoldaten · 2004-09-29 11:40 · Score: 3, Insightful

Wait a minute guys, this is a TV SCI-FI SERIES we are talking about here. There is no problem with them making Star Wars into the next Babylon 5, and here's why:

What do you always get in a TV Sci-Fi series?

Cheesecake.

That's right, Cheesecake. The only compelling reason to watch sci-fi, and directors like to serve up big, heaping slices topped with insincere gravitas and skin tight costumes.

Jerri Ryan, that Vulcan from 'Enterprise', Erin Grey, Lt. Orora, Tasha Yar (I think that was her name), Debbie from Sealab, um... someone from Babylon 5, uh...

I actually don't watch that much TV, so I don't really know the whole list. I am certain there are some other people who can help fill in the details.

But you get the drift, and I, for one, cannot wait until the first time someone has to swing across a vast chasm.

Hoping to see Pam Anderson as a Grand Moff,
M

Re:Wait a Minute... by Anonymous Coward · 2004-09-29 11:58 · Score: 1, Funny

Hoping to see Pam Anderson as a Grand Moff

Grand Muff, don't you mean?
Re:Wait a Minute... by drinkypoo · 2004-09-29 12:03 · Score: 1

Hoping to see Pam Anderson as a Grand Moff

Grand Muff, don't you mean?

Given the appropriate definition of "grand", she's that already.

--
"You're right," Fisheye says. "I should have set it on 'whip' or 'chop.'"
Re:Wait a Minute... by WhatAmIDoingHere · 2004-09-29 12:10 · Score: 2

Tasha Yar? I never saw her as a very hot chick. She was too.. manly.. to be the "Hot Chick" on TNG.

--
Not a Twitter sockpuppet... but I wish I was.
Re:Wait a Minute... by nuhonda · 2004-09-29 12:43 · Score: 1

Yeah. Debbie is a babe.

I'd hit it.

--
(pretend there's something witty here)
Re:Wait a Minute... by Anonymous Coward · 2004-09-29 12:44 · Score: 1, Insightful

Jerri Ryan, that Vulcan from 'Enterprise', Erin Grey, Lt. Orora, Tasha Yar (I think that was her name), Debbie from Sealab, um... someone from Babylon 5, uh...

Ivanova is always Hot. I will Fantasize about Ivanova. I will not ignore Ivanova's Sexiness. Ivanova is God.
Re:Wait a Minute... by rainman_bc · 2004-09-29 12:48 · Score: 1

Yeah, personally I was a fan of Dr. Beverly. Hot, single mom. A cougar to be had IMHO. Counsillor Troy just revealed too damn much.

--
09 F9 11 02 9D 74 E3 5B D8 41 56 C5 63 56 88 C0
Re:Wait a Minute... by lukestuts · 2004-09-29 22:03 · Score: 2, Funny

Jerri Ryan, that Vulcan from 'Enterprise', Erin Grey, Lt. Orora, Tasha Yar (I think that was her name), Debbie from Sealab, um... someone from Babylon 5, uh...
Kryten from Red Dwarf?
Re:Wait a Minute... by techsoldaten · 2004-09-30 04:33 · Score: 1

In the future, Muff is pronounced Moff.

M
Re:Wait a Minute... by snuf23 · 2004-09-30 07:36 · Score: 1

Lt. Orora
That would Lt. Uhura. And man she showed some tight abs in that mirror universe episode.

--
Sometimes my arms bend back.

Re:Ner..d? by GFLPraxis · 2004-09-29 11:43 · Score: 5, Interesting

Interesting. Hopefully, they'll either be based on:

A) After Return of the Jedi- in this case, following the X-wing series (liberation of Coruscant and all) and the Thrawn trilogy (yay!) by Zahn. The problem with this is that the actors are way too old to play Luke and Wedge and Han and Leia and Lando.

B) New Jedi Order. Some of the best books in all of Star Wars. The character shields are GONE- Chewbacca dies, along with a number of Expanded Universe characters throughout the year. The especially useful part is that it takes place 25 years after Return of the Jedi, meaning they could use Mark Hamill and he'd fit right in ;) The problem is twofold- 1) It'd be very, very easy to screw it up and make it really bad, and 2) To the people who haven't read the books in between, it'd look really silly- they finish the Clone Wars to have a Galactic Civil War, then after that go straight to the Yuuzhan Vong Invasion. One enemy for another.

Here's an idea for a show. by RotJ · 2004-09-29 11:45 · Score: 1

The Emperor's Court

This will suck. by trouser · 2004-09-29 11:45 · Score: 1

Lucas must die.

And Greedo did not shoot first. He didn't even make disparaging remarks about Han's mother. He was just all green and tentacley and 'Jabba wants you as his new wife' and such so Han shot him. Fair call too.

--
Now wash your hands.

It might work if... by Clark_Griswold · 2004-09-29 11:54 · Score: 5, Funny

It was shot as a reality show. Close your eyes and imagine... A house in the Hollywood hills where Chewbacca, an Ewok (yea, stock up on the Drano, the shower will DEFINETLY clog up), a couple of washed up robots, Jar-Jar and the rest of the gang are all living together. They all have to perform idiotic stunts to earn their food (Skippy peanut butter, Jell-O pudding pops and Schlitz malt liquor!) Every week the characters will put on a talent show (with themes like "Reenact Jack Soo's final episode on Barney Miller" or "Queer Eye for the Storm Trooper (they can keep the codpiece)". The television audience will then vote to eliminate or freeze in carbonite the character who puts on the worst act. The winner of the series will earn a dream vacation/vegas wedding with George Lucas himself!

If its any different than that, it will be pure crap, nobody will watch it and it will be filed away in the history of TV Land failures, right behind Cop Rock.

--
-- Mace only makes me hornier.

Four words about SW and TV.... by Anonymous Coward · 2004-09-29 11:55 · Score: 1, Funny

"STAR WARS HOLIDAY SPECIAL."

Nonsense by artemis67 · 2004-09-29 11:57 · Score: 4, Insightful

There is no pleasing the star wars fans.

You're absolutely right! How could the man who gave us Howard the Duck ever do wrong?

Sarcasm aside, Episodes I and II are dumbed-down versions of Star Wars. They were more about the special effects than about the story. I find it ridiculously simplistic that Senator Palpatine could so easily engineer the takeover of the Empire; are there no other senior politicians who are in this with him? And the acting is wooden; even Ewan McGregor, one of my favorite actors, stumbles through these movies like he's not quite sure how to handle the material. Given how gifted McGregor is, I have to assume that it's Lucas's direction and writing that are the problem.

Thr first trilogy was made in the late 70's/early 80's, before the tech revolution. For most of us, it pushed the boundaries of science fiction. Two decades later, the tech concepts of the prequels are ho-hum. Lucas really needed to hand these off to someone who had a little more of a vision than he did.

Can you imagine if Lucas had contracted the Wachowski Brothers to write and direct the prequels? Even the least favored movie in the Matrix trilogy blows away the Star Wars prequels.

The best of the five Star Wars movies, SW:TESB, was not directed by Lucas. I think that that speaks volumes.

Re:Nonsense by erik_flannestad · 2004-09-29 12:22 · Score: 1

>Can you imagine if Lucas had contracted the Wachowski Brothers to write and direct...

Well, the Wachowski's haven't made quite as many bad movies as Lucas, just yet. Given time, I'm sure they will.

By the way, wouldn't it be better to refer to them as, "the Wachowski siblings," as one of them is reportedly prepping for a sex change after years of dressing as a woman?
Re:Nonsense by jokell82 · 2004-09-29 12:28 · Score: 4, Interesting

The best of the five Star Wars movies, SW:TESB, was not directed by Lucas. I think that that speaks volumes.

And he didn't write it either. THAT is the main reason I think it's the best. He had a hand in ROTJ which is probably why we got the Ewoks.

He has shown in the prequels that his writing ability is laughable at best.

--
I dunno who it is
but it prolly is fhqwhgads.
Re:Nonsense by Queer+Boy · 2004-09-29 13:20 · Score: 1

Given how gifted McGregor is, I have to assume that it's Lucas's direction and writing that are the problem.

Ewan McGregor? Hell, look at how horrible Natalie Portman is in SW and how great she is in movies like The Professional, Beautiful Girls and Where the Heart Is. I thought Episode 1 was quaint and Episode 2 just stunk.

--
Not since Marie-Antoinette played milkmaid has looking simple and honest been so fake and complicated.
Re:Nonsense by garroo · 2004-09-29 13:59 · Score: 2, Funny

Fagoo-goo-Grass? oh man, where can I get some of that awesomest burninations?

--
Oh my gawd, they killed kenny's mod points!!!!
Re:Nonsense by jcenters · 2004-09-29 15:15 · Score: 1

I tell all my friends that the fact that they managed to fuck up both "Star Wars" and "The Matrix" proves that the end is nigh. Hell, they even fucked up Star Trek.

Music sucks nowadays, everything on television is crap. America's one true stronghold, entertainment, has really gone down the tubes.

Oh well, there's always reading.

--
vi ~/.emacs
Re:Nonsense by gowen · 2004-09-29 19:26 · Score: 1

Can you imagine if Lucas had contracted the Wachowski Brothers to write and direct the prequels?
Good idea : Hand off the film from an egomaniac with a special effects obsession and no sense of narrative.

Bad idea : Hand off film to two egomaniacs with special effects obsessions and no sense of narrative.

(Disclaimer : Matrix excellent, sequels awful)

--
Athletic Scholarships to universities make as much sense as academic scholarships to sports teams.
Re:Nonsense by 16K+Ram+Pack · 2004-09-29 23:04 · Score: 1

The main studios seem far more interested in franchises and merchandising, generally not really giving a damn about the fundamentals.
I'm watching a lot of "alternative" movies. Things from Europe, US documentaries and independent cinema.
Some of the American TV is better than most American movies we get in the UK - things like The Sopranos and Nip/Tuck.
Re:Nonsense by bludstone · 2004-09-30 00:43 · Score: 1

Thats because he filmed most of the scenes in ONE TAKE, and proposed to just fix everything in post.

He managed to make Samuel L Jackson give a poor performance. And that man can _act_

No guidence, no multiple cuts, no practice. Just film and go. Its no wonder the acting is for shit.

(i dont remember where i read this, i think it was an interview with the actors)

--

no .sig
Re:Nonsense by stalky14 · 2004-09-30 01:50 · Score: 1

You beat me to it. If you've seen Garden State, you know that Lucas should be bitchslapped for wasting a talent like hers.
...Sean.
Re:Nonsense by freqres · 2004-09-30 02:13 · Score: 1

That could all change in Episode 3 if Anakin falls in a pool of hot lava and Padme/Amidala falls in a pool of hot grits.

--
Rampant Ninja related crimes these days...Whitehouse is not the exception
Re:Nonsense by Pope · 2004-09-30 02:15 · Score: 1

Funny, that. In the behind the scenes footage for "Star Wars" they show interviews with Carrie and Harrison, saying that Lucas would never tell them when they had a take he liked, only when something went wrong. Cut to footage of Luke, Leia and Han running down a Death Star corridor, Lucas yells "Cut!" and mumbles something about the mic being in the frame. All 3 actors start yucking it up and sarcastically imitating Lucas "Oh! The MIC was in the FRAME!" Really shows you that he didn't have the confidence to direct actors back then.

--
It doesn't mean much now, it's built for the future.
Re:Nonsense by freqres · 2004-09-30 02:18 · Score: 1

So should we start calling Cheney Count Dookie?

--
Rampant Ninja related crimes these days...Whitehouse is not the exception
Re:Nonsense by nine-times · 2004-09-30 02:55 · Score: 1

Can you imagine if Lucas had contracted the Wachowski Brothers to write and direct the prequels? Even the least favored movie in the Matrix trilogy blows away the Star Wars prequels.
No. Please no. The original Matrix movie was great, but with the sequals to the Matrix, they basically did the same thing Lucas has done to Star Wars, they just got around to it faster.
Really, I think they're both examples of the danger of directors being allowed to 'fulfill their artistic vision'. What happens with some artists, of whatever medium, is that when they are small-time and people are still allowed to question their 'vision', they are forced to refine it. They're forced to get rid of some of the ideas that they think are great, but just don't pan out in the context of the whole. In short, the fact that they have to fight with vapid studio executives keeps them grounded.
But then they get famous and big-time, and suddenly no one's allowed to say 'boo' to them, suddenly they get to 'fulfill their artistic vision'.
They (some artists, including Lucas and the Wachowskis) get this idea firmly planted in their minds that, "I'm such a freakin' genius that I should be able to make movies however I want, and people should like them, because I can't make anything bad- 'cause I'm a freakin' genius! If you don't like what I'm doing, you're being petty and small-minded, so blow off."
They think it's not their job to please anyone. They just make these movies that are so perfect that it should be required that everyone likes them. Then they just fill up their work (movies in this case) with every little crappy whim that crosses their mind, and they stop self-filtering, and everyone else is afraid to filter, and they start churning out crap.
Of course, it gets tricky, because sometimes great art isn't all that popular. So how do you separate the stupid artists who think they're geniuses from the geniuses? I don't know. How do you convince someone who really believes in 'stupid artists who think they're geniuses' that these artists aren't geniuses? Again, I don't know.
But what I do know is that the Matrix 2 and 3 sucked pretty bad, and if they never wrote/directed anything again, I doubt it would be much of a loss. Not that those guys are talentless, but they're the sort of talent that needs to get rid of the yes-men around them and hire some no-men. Unfortunately, people who really need no-men are, by nature, the sort who will never recognize they need no-men.
Re:Nonsense by GeckoX · 2004-09-30 03:16 · Score: 1

No doubt, I have to second this.
I wasn't sure what to expect when I went to see Garden State, I was a little worried about Natalie's performance due to jaded perceptions from SW.

I was thoroughly surprised.
Great movie with great acting.

I will never hold any actors performance in the SW prequels against them ever again. It's your fault George, quit it already!

--
No Comment.
Re:Nonsense by GeckoX · 2004-09-30 03:18 · Score: 1

Which conveniently hid the fact that he doesn't have the skill to direct actors now, nor did he then.

--
No Comment.
Re:Nonsense by nine-times · 2004-09-30 06:04 · Score: 1

Even the guy who plays Anikin isn't that bad an actor. The whole whiney teenager bit works well in "Life as a House". He's good in that. I just get the feeling that Lucas never wrote a character for Anikin, but saw "Life as a House" and thought, "hmmm... This movie's good. Maybe if I have the kid from this movie play the exact same character, my movie will be good too."

JMS! Yes! by MsGeek · 2004-09-29 12:02 · Score: 1

Bingo! Just as JMS is the one person who can save the Star Trek franchise, he's also the guy who can save the Star Wars franchise.

Lucas: stop the insanity and hire JMS to helm the TV series. Then get him to do episodes 7, 8 and 9. This is the only way to redeem yourself for all the violence you've done to our childhoods.

--
Knowledge is power. Knowledge shared is power multiplied.

Dear God. NO. by GMFTatsujin · 2004-09-29 12:05 · Score: 1

In a recent interview that we had with Star Trek head honchos Rick Berman and Manny Coto we asked them what kind of advice they would offer George Lucas regarding a weekly Star Wars TV series. "Its one thing to have three years and over a 100 million dollars to create a one 2 hour movie compared to 22 to 26 one hour episodes in a year with a very limited budget and still have to remain fresh in the eyes of your audience", said Berman. Manny Coto also had a good point when he said " You have to concentrate on the story and also the characters and not make a weekly special effects show." When asked if he had any other advice for George, "He can always hire me if Enterprise doesn't work out". (My emphasis)

It's as if a million voices inside me all cried out... and then fell silent.

George, I know your track record is spotty, but if you're going to take advice from Berman, you might as well douse the whole shebang in gasoline right now...

Re:Dear God. NO. by kalidasa · 2004-09-29 12:46 · Score: 1

Why the hell is parent still stuck at +2? Insightful, Informative, and Funny in that dark sort of way all at once.

I have always wanted....... by Sean+Johnson · 2004-09-29 12:07 · Score: 2, Funny

to know what life is like back at C3PO's family homestead. I want to hear every bleep and bloop that they converse with as they prepare for the great droid holiday called "Gordon Moore's Birthday".

Maybe they could get Conan O'Brian to drop in as a suprise special guest since Art Carney prob won't make it. Then the C3PO family gets all worried cuz R2D2 is late getting there cuz he is caught in a barfight over at the Cantina on Mos Eisley (cuz you know they don't like droids there!)

That would be cool. It would be like the SWHS all over again except without all those annoying wookies.

--
>>>>>> Chewie, take the professor in the back and plug him into the hyperdrive.

Re:I have always wanted....... by Sean+Johnson · 2004-09-29 12:25 · Score: 1

Oh yeah...I forgot....C3PO's homestead would be Anakin's home on that one desert planet. Oh well! Maybe it would be scenes where C3PO's droids friends all come over and party. Bender from that one cartoon show could crash the party every week providing comic relief. But the important thing is that they all talk in native "droid" language so we can't understand shit.

--
>>>>>> Chewie, take the professor in the back and plug him into the hyperdrive.

Don't let the TV execs get their hand in... by tm2b · 2004-09-29 12:08 · Score: 5, Funny

We'd then be stuck with:

CSI: Coruscant
Law & Order: Imperial Sedition Unit
Extreme Makeover: Padawan Edition
The Darth Vader Factor
Survivor: Dagobah
Who Wants To Marry A Sith Lord?
The Apprentice

Damn. Actually I think I'd enjoy some of those.

--
"It is our blasphemy which has made us great, and will sustain us, and which the gods secretly admire in us." - Zelazny

Re:Don't let the TV execs get their hand in... by bluesnowmonkey · 2004-09-29 14:02 · Score: 2, Funny

Imperial Eye For a Jedi
Re:Don't let the TV execs get their hand in... by Luyseyal · 2004-09-30 02:22 · Score: 1

Oh shit, I'm laughing my ass off with Darth Vader touting his "no spin zone" and choking all the liberal interviewees.
-l

--
Help cure AIDS, cancer, and more. Donate your unused computer time to worldcommunitygrid.org. Join Team Slashdot!
Re:Don't let the TV execs get their hand in... by tm2b · 2004-09-30 12:59 · Score: 1

I find your lack of faith in the "no spin zone" ... disturbing.

--
"It is our blasphemy which has made us great, and will sustain us, and which the gods secretly admire in us." - Zelazny

No need to get upset by Jormundgandr · 2004-09-29 12:09 · Score: 5, Insightful

You know guys, you could always not watch it.
That pretty much works for me when I don't want to see a TV show.

--
-sig removed for tax purposes-

Re:No need to get upset by tade · 2004-09-29 22:36 · Score: 1

Yeah but imagine that the majority starts to watch and talk about it and then you, the geek, won't know the latest twist in the scifi-show. They'd make you rip your membership card and remove the tinfoil from your propeller hat right there.

Re: sig (OT) by Anonymous Coward · 2004-09-29 12:25 · Score: 2, Informative

For future reference, you may like to know that the little pink mooninite you quoted is called Irr and the larger green one is called Ignignokt.

It's "Err", not "Irr".

Try a different timeline by dgagley · 2004-09-29 12:27 · Score: 1

I would like to see if they could do it well but I would like to see a different timeline. Mabey the Sith wars or as the game had the Mandelorian wars or a new character after Luke.

--
I can't use my sig - my computer can't read my handwriting.

odd... by kjones692 · 2004-09-29 12:27 · Score: 1

The potential choice of Kevin Smith makes "Jay and Silent Bob Strike Back" oddly prophetic...

--

Love the Third Amendment?

Kevin Smith directing?! by Anita+Coney · 2004-09-29 12:27 · Score: 1

Damn, I guess that means we'll have to put up with too many homosexual references and innuendos... not that there's anything wrong with that.

--
If someone says he and his monkey have nothing to hide, they almost certainly do.

Great! New Star Wars TV show! by FatTux · 2004-09-29 12:29 · Score: 1

Is this Star Wars Holiday Special Edition? I've been holding my breath for years!

Han and Silent Chewie! by Chuqmystr · 2004-09-29 12:29 · Score: 2, Funny

That's all I got to say man, bring it on! I can see it now, Han and Chewie going over stick-man schematics of mad-cap rubes of plans to overtake some imperial fortress, a-la Mall Rats!

"C'mon LUNCHBOX! Fix that fuckin' hyperdrive already!"

i'd vote for Genndy Tartakovsky to direct by evilmousse · 2004-09-29 12:30 · Score: 1

creator of dexter's lab, samurai jack, and the cartoon network starwars miniseries.

wow.. if Tartakovsky AND Kevin Smith worked on it...
drool~~~

He's not directing Green Hornet by objekt · 2004-09-29 12:31 · Score: 1

Kevin Smith's Green Hornet Blog

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-- Boycott Shell

It won't be for Schlitz. by Glytch · 2004-09-29 12:32 · Score: 1

Everyone knows that they'll be competing for the smooth taste of Colt 45.

Re:It won't be for Schlitz. by Clark_Griswold · 2004-09-29 13:05 · Score: 1

That's right! "Works every time..."

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-- Mace only makes me hornier.

Re:Lucas' Career by bckrispi · 2004-09-29 12:33 · Score: 1

Ever hear of Indiana Jones???

--
Xenon, where's my money? -Borno

Can't wait for the spin offs by BlindRobin · 2004-09-29 12:35 · Score: 1

Jar-Jar and son. The rollicking misadventures of the elderly Mr Binks and his more articulate son as they attempt to make a living as scrap dealers on various backwater planets of the Republic All JAr-Jar all the time.....

Re:Can't wait for the spin offs by Minna+Kirai · 2004-09-29 14:04 · Score: 1

Republic All JAr-Jar all the time.....

Car-bo-NYTE!

Finally! by khrtt · 2004-09-29 12:35 · Score: 1

A format worthy of the content!

JMS by Anonymous Coward · 2004-09-29 12:43 · Score: 1, Informative

Everybody keeps forgetting about Joe Michael Straczynski when Star Wars TV is brought up (and it is brought up often enough here).

http://www.jmsnews.com/msg.aspx?ID=1-17162
Has a bit of info regarding some TV series he's been offered a job on. "...one of them could be insanely
successful. I should know more about this situation in late October. (Neither
is Trek-related, just to nip any potential rumors in the bud.)" He's already said it isn't Dr. Who, but not responded yet (afaik) to Star Wars TV.

Given that he created Babylon 5, one of the best space opera TV shows ever made, I think he'd be an excellent (or at least the obvious) choice for Star Wars TV. One thing he made a lot of noise about when he made Babylon 5 is that there wouldn't be any annoying kids or robots (and this is before the SW prequels), it's clear from his various posts that he can't stand insulting sci-fi. This could easily wind up like the Knights of the Old Republic game or the Timothy Zahn novles.

But if JMS isn't involved, I fully expect a live-action Ewoks adventure given the way the franchise has been going lately. Although Clone Wars was good, even if I still hate Tartovsky's character designs and overall art style.

Farscape anyone? by Malacon · 2004-09-29 12:44 · Score: 1

I was just thinking that if the guys who did Farscape (Writers, directors etc.) were tapped for this, it has huge potential.

Farscape was an hour long huge story arc type of show. Featred a group of rogues on their own in the universe just trying to get by. Blaster fights, space battles and interesting Non-CG aliens (courtesy of Henson),

The upcoming mini-series is likely the end of the Franchise (books and maybe games not withstanding) and these guys will have a lot of time on their hands.

Put these guys in the setting/time frame of KotOR game as someone esle sugested, and you could have a hit on your hands.

I could also see this going south way quick.

Kevin Smith to make slashdot film? by sien · 2004-09-29 12:49 · Score: 1

Surely he will make one for us, a true haven of fanboy culture and yes men.

Has George learned? by Mike+Van+Pelt · 2004-09-29 12:52 · Score: 1

"I just hope that he [George] doesn't just do the TV series for the money that it will make and end up giving us a weekly kiddie show, he needs to learn from the mistakes from Star Trek and give sci-fi fans a quality show,"

George needs to learn from the mistakes of the Ewoks in "Return of the Jedi", the two Ewok made-for-TV movies, Jar-Jar Binks, the Star Wars Christmas Special...

... Howard the Duck ...

I have a really, exceptionally, horribly bad feeling about this, as if a billion brain cells cried out in horror, and were suddenly silenced.

Re:Has George learned? by inkswamp · 2004-09-29 13:36 · Score: 1

Are those really "mistakes" or are they things you just don't like?
For all the griping I hear about how "cute" the Ewoks were, I never hear people acknowledge the somewhat darker undertones to the whole Ewok thing. The weapons and the aggression they hint at as well as the attempt to roast the main characters as well as the fighting and the scene of the Ewok dying as well. If you focus on the single aspect that bothers you (the cuteness) and ignore the rest of it, you can certainly make it seem much worse that it really is.
The same holds true with Jar-jar although it's harder to see due to the fact that he was supposed to be a contrast to the other characters (although I think if his voice had been toned down a bit, his antics would not have been nearly as annoying to so many people.) Not that it was a bad decision to have him there. The prequels were quite different from the originals in that they didn't focus on a ragtag band of rebels, but instead centered on the power struggle between the upper crust of the old republic. Lucas clearly wanted a goof in the mix to stop things from getting too stuffy, but I think he went a little too far with the goofiness. So that old argument that he was supposed to be annoying is true. It just went too far. I don't know if it should be called a mistake.
And remember, the jawas in SW were originally viewed as cute and funny as was R2D2 and C3PO to an extent. The cuteness angle in SW films is nothing unique to Jedi or Phantom Menace.

--
--Rick "If it isn't broken, take it apart and find out why."
Re:Has George learned? by Minna+Kirai · 2004-09-29 13:59 · Score: 1

For all the griping I hear about how "cute" the Ewoks were,

Cuteness signifies powerlessness (biologically, infants have evolved to be cute as a signal that adults should protect them). If you look at them objectively, the Ewoks were darn weak: 1 meter tall, slow, clumsy, and with limbs too short to even rub their palms together.

The only thing they could do well is magically and invisibly move around 15-ton tree trunks- and of course, they could only do that offscreen.

Yet despite all this pathetic weakness, they still manage to tear through a squadron of armed imperial troops with just 1 casualty, demonstrating that the stormtroopers must be even weaker than the puny Ewoks.

And that proof just destroys any grandeur of the heros' accomplishment. How can they be proud about beating up on a bunch of guys so retarded that teddy-bears with rocks could beat them?

Lucas clearly wanted a goof in the mix to stop things from getting too stuffy,

Jar-Jar Binks was hardly "in the mix" at all. He was sprayed on top of it. Since the heros are smart enough to basically ignore Jar-Jar's random whinging, he normally just flops around on one side of the screen or the other. For proof of this, watch the Phantom Edit, and see how easy it was to remvoe Jar-Jar and leave the film intact. (You can't do the same for c3po)
Re:Has George learned? by Mike+Van+Pelt · 2004-09-30 09:50 · Score: 1

I guess my biggest gripe with the Ewoks in RotJ was that this was supposed to have been Chewbacca's home planet; they were supposed to have been wookies. Lucas's lame explanation of why he switched (that he wanted "noble savage" primitives to beat the storm troopers, and Chewbacca's demonstrated use of technology in the previous movies had, in his mind, contaminated all Wookiedom for all time) was what really annoyed me about the Ewoks.

(In RotJ, at least. The Ewok TV movies were much much worse, but I don't know how much Lucas actually had to do with them. He's certainly disowned the unspeakably rancid "Star Wars Christmas Special", which as far as I know, he may have had nothing to do with at all.)

I actually kind of agree with you about Jar-Jar. I just threw him in because "everybody hates Jar-Jar." He did have one line which, along with a line by Amidala, hinted at something of non-Jedi attitudes about the Jedi which proably should have been explored more. (Amidala's crack about "legendary Jedi recklessness", and Jar-Jar saying their piloting was insane and was going to get them all killed.)

(I'd still love to have one of those Ewok T-shirts that some of the Lucasfilm people were wearing at cons after RotJ: Ewoks with knives, guns, Ewok in glider clutching a large bomb, chief Ewok holding a machine gun, cartridge belts across his chest, knife clenched in his teeth, saying "Damn right we're cute!")
Re:Has George learned? by inkswamp · 2004-10-02 13:38 · Score: 1

Dunno if you'll see this or not, but...
Apply what you just said to Yoda and how he was introduced. I remember hearing the audience laughing at how cute and goofy this shriveled alien creature was, fighting with R2D2 over a flashlight, throwing Luke's food around and being generally goofy. Lucas has a standard sort of motif with this kind of stuff. Cute on the surface can sometimes mean deeper and darker beneath the surface. The Ewoks were very cute but still had that darker side. I think some people couldn't get over the cuteness thing.
You can either view the Ewoks as pathetically weak or understand that that's just your first impression of them. Clearly, they know how to kick some butt. Should you retain that first impression of Yoda too and refuse to allow that there may be more to him or does his ability later also destroy the hero's accomplishments? I think that's a half-empty/half-full kind of argument. Depends on how you look at it. Do the Ewoks drag down the heroes or do they bring themselves up above the "cute" thing? I think your interpretation is inherently negative.
It's like right-wingers who claim that animal rights activists cheapen the important of human life. Is that right? Maybe they just want to elevate animals to the high level of humans? Does that cheapen anyone or just elevate the ones below? You can adhere to a negative or positive view of this kind of thing.

--
--Rick "If it isn't broken, take it apart and find out why."

Re:I'm waiting for Quentin Tarantino's Star Wars.. by rk · 2004-09-29 13:06 · Score: 4, Funny

Or the classic: "Bocce, motherfucker, do you speak it?"

Re:Ner..d? by suckmysav · 2004-09-29 13:06 · Score: 5, Interesting

" The problem with this is that the actors are way too old to play Luke and Wedge and Han and Leia and Lando."

That is not necessarily a problem. Many movies have gone onto TV series using entirely different casts than the original. The most obvious one that springs to mind is M*A*S*H. Ask just about anyone today "who played Hawkeye in MASH" and I doubt a single person would answer you with "Donald Sutherland"

Granted, the bigscreen version M*A*S*H is not quite on par with Star Wars pop-culture-wise (although when it was first released it was highly successful and the main stars were very identifiable at the time). Also, M*A*S*H fans were probably never quite as obsessive as their Star Wars counterparts.

--
"You can't fight in here, this is the war room!"

Oh, they have a huge problem here... by garroo · 2004-09-29 13:08 · Score: 1

" You have to concentrate on the story and also the characters and not make a weekly special effects show."

Ummm... er... did anyone point this out to Lucas?

I'm afraid if he has any hand in it - even just as executive - that note above just won't happen.

--
Oh my gawd, they killed kenny's mod points!!!!

Bah humbug by Sandman1971 · 2004-09-29 13:27 · Score: 1

You know what irks me? The fans who say Lucas is in it just for the money. The guy runs, on top of Lucasfilm, Skywalker Sound (well renowned), ILM, get residuals for THX, same with digital editing hardware/tools, created (and sold) Pixar, etc.. etc.. etc... The guy is already loaded. Other than Episode 4, the guy made these movies using his own money, and still had plenty to spare.

You people who bitch at one thing because the story he wants to tell somehow 'raped' the memories of your childhood. Episodes 1-2 do tell a story that deeply ties into the original trilogy. Even my 12 yr old nephew was able to recognize this. If you don't like the new trilogy, then just don't watch em!

--
It's better to burn out than to fade away

Re:Bah humbug by dowobeha · 2004-09-30 03:39 · Score: 1

Thank you. It's nice to occasionally hear from someone who recognizes that Episodes I and II actually do have some value.

--
I am concerned about any program, any piece of hardware, any treaty, any law that treats me as a consumer, not a citizen

Counter example by HuguesT · 2004-09-29 13:35 · Score: 1

Twin peaks, directed by David Lynch.

Re:Counter example by nine-times · 2004-09-29 13:57 · Score: 1

Really? I didn't know that. That's amazing that one director would direct the whole thing, every episode.
Ok. maybe it's an exaggeration to say 'never', but practically never. I mean, it's so rare that 'almost never' isn't strong enough. Even when you have a executive producer/director/creator who is very hands-on, they usually will direct a handful of episodes a season, and that's it.
Along with everything else, the way these things tend to work is that multiple episodes are being worked on, each at a different stage of the process, at the same time. While one episode is being shot, the last couple are still in post-production (editing), which, for a one hour drama, takes about a month per episode. At the same time, the next one is starting pre-production (scouting locations, casting, etc.), which takes about a week.
Since the director is involved at each of these stages, it's pretty hard for one person to direct back-to-back episodes, let alone twenty in a row. I can't imagine it.
Re:Counter example by Madcapjack · 2004-09-29 14:47 · Score: 1

I"ve heard, but cannot confirm, that there was some kind of tussle between Lynch and the producers in the second season, and that a few of those were actually directed by others. Can anyone tell me more?

--
Logic, macros, and more
Re:Counter example by mdfst13 · 2004-09-29 15:12 · Score: 1

Lynch only directed six episodes (of 29) of Twin Peaks: http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0098936/fullcredits

He was one of the series creators and the executive producer. Executive producer is more what the original poster meant, not director. An executive producer is the one who controls story direction, etc. in most tv series.
Re:Counter example by owenb · 2004-09-29 15:56 · Score: 1

Not all episodes of Twin Peaks were directed by Lynch. In fact, when watching it, it was always pretty easy to tell which episodes were Lynch directed - they had a different feel/style. Well, that and the credits which gave it away.
Re:Counter example by MalachiConstant · 2004-09-29 16:30 · Score: 1

An executive producer is the one who controls story direction, etc. in most tv series.
"Executive Producer" is generally a Hands-off position. Jerry Bruckheimer "executive produces" CSI: and Steven Speilberg "executive produced" Tiny Toons. In music videos the EP is generally the money man, or the studio contact. EPs of television series' generally have no creative input except for the initial pilot and tone of the series.
Re:Counter example by mdfst13 · 2004-09-29 21:13 · Score: 1

Lynch, Joss Whedon, and James Cameron (Dark Angel) were all listed as executive producers. Whedon especially is described as very hands on.
Re:Counter example by nine-times · 2004-09-30 06:20 · Score: 1

"Executive Producer" is generally a Hands-off position.
It can be a very hands-off position. For example, the show's creator will often be credited as "Executive Producer" even if all they really did was write the pilot episode.
Some of these titles get to be prestige things. A given series might have a bunch of producers, each taking on different responsibilities. Depending on your contract or how-big-a-deal you are, you might get listed as 'Executive Producer', 'Producer', or 'Co-Producer'. It's not necessarily an issue of what you do so much as where you stand on the ladder.
So, Lucas won't necessarily have to do anything with the series except allow it to happen, signing something saying "I won't sue you if you make this show", and he could still get 'Executive Producer' credit. On the other side of the spectrum, there are executive producers who are very hands-on- involved in writing every episode, direct a few episodes a season, making all the decisions about long-term story arcs and such, etc.

Jay Jay Binks and Silent Boba Fett? by jolyonr · 2004-09-29 13:37 · Score: 2, Funny

I hope not!

--

Please read my Canon EOS tech blog at http://www.everyothershot.com

Re:Jay Jay Binks and Silent Boba Fett? by WhatAmIDoingHere · 2004-09-29 14:23 · Score: 1

I wouldn't mind a silent Jar Jar...

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Not a Twitter sockpuppet... but I wish I was.

A project worth of Steven Spielberg by Matarick · 2004-09-29 13:54 · Score: 1

I don't think the TV miniseries would be out at 2006 since good ole Steven Spielberg is currently working on War of the Worlds (no not that World of the Worlds even thought it would be nice to see that one) and he definately wants to be involved in the Star Wars television project.
I have a funny feeling that it would be about the rise of Darth Vader and how he became feared in the Galaxy.

Re:I'm waiting for Quentin Tarantino's Star Wars.. by Trogre · 2004-09-29 13:55 · Score: 4, Funny

Say MIDICHLORIANS again, I double dare you!

--
"Nine times out of ten, starting a fire is not the best way to solve the problem." - my wife

Whine whine whine... by H0p313ss · 2004-09-29 13:56 · Score: 1

... and then you're going to watch every damned episode, buy them on DVD, and complain bitterly when the series is cancelled. Five years from now there will be a Save Star Wars campaign. Just watch...

Just hope they don't figure out you would mortgage your house and hock the car just to buy the action figures all over again or you could kiss the whole economy goodbye.

--
XML is a known as a key material required to create SMD: Software of Mass Destruction

Re:I'm waiting for Quentin Tarantino's Star Wars.. by Jardine · 2004-09-29 13:59 · Score: 1

It already exists.

Stop Motion Goodness

Greedo doesn't shoot first but he and Han do a bit a dancing first.

Re:Ner..d? by grammar+fascist · 2004-09-29 14:17 · Score: 2, Funny

C) Battle for Endor. Oh, yeah. Cindel returns, and aids the Ewoks in a battle against the evil Marauders. I just can't get enough of Ewoks battling evil Marauders. And...TEEK! We need TEEK!

Like, old Teek. Crippled. But he hobbles faster than beans through a Texan with the flu.

CINDEL SHOOTS FIRST!

--
I got my Linux laptop at System76.

Attack on the Death Star, K. Smith style: by H_Fisher · 2004-09-29 14:19 · Score: 4, Funny

ADMIRAL JAY AKBAR: All right, plan A. We wait 'till the Death Star's right about in orbit, then WHAM! Smack two fuckin' proton torpedoes right up its trench. We're all on 'em with the snub fighters, which Grand Moff LaFours won't be expectin' - their pitiful-ass defenses are designed for capital ships, baby! Then it's back to the Temple on Yavin for some hot Wookie sex and a fattie blunt. May the force be with us! Snootchie-bootchies!

Re:Attack on the Death Star, K. Smith style: by ChaoticLimbs · 2004-09-29 16:55 · Score: 1

There ought to be a +10 funny for that one. You are a funny funny dude.

It's a sitcom by soft_guy · 2004-09-29 14:30 · Score: 1

called "The Ewoks". Its a satire on modern ewok life.

--
Avoid Missing Ball for High Score

Why don't they improve on what exists already? by mike_lynn · 2004-09-29 14:44 · Score: 1

Didn't anyone else see "TROOPS"? If anything were to be turned into a tv show, it should be TROOPS. It's got everything you need: Live action, inside jokes, authentic costumes, references only Star Wars fans would catch, explosions, Jawas ...

And most importantly: Stealing a working television show structure.

YAY by helmespc · 2004-09-29 14:45 · Score: 1

Yay.... now we can see the fat, old Princess Leia in a gold slave-girl outfit...

Great, just what we need, another Starwars Cult by r_jensen11 · 2004-09-29 14:46 · Score: 1

I say that the old Starwars Cult and the StraTrek cults join up just for once to destroy the Dark Side and the Borgs.

here's an alternate suggestion by jannesha · 2004-09-29 14:52 · Score: 1

Joss Whedon. I doubt that he'd be interested, but man, wouldn't he do an amazing job?!

Thank you George for not directing! by ellisDtrails · 2004-09-29 15:01 · Score: 1

ST Ep 1 and 2 : Some of the worst direction of all time.

--
GetTheJob.com : Nothing but Real Jobs.

Well, before George's brain melted. . . by Fantastic+Lad · 2004-09-29 16:14 · Score: 1

There was this show called, "The Young Indiana Jones Chronicles." It was amazing. --Some of the best story telling I've ever seen on TV.

The VHS releases were a disappointment because the editors chopped out the narrative thread of Old Indy as story-teller. It's amazing how much this damaged the overall effect of the show. I still pull out the old VHS copies I taped of the unadultered versions to show during that whole media cross-pollenation period when you meet new friends. They are always blown away.

Young Indy was amazing for several reasons. . .

1. They hired real, well respected writers to pen the episodes. The fellow who did the screen treatment for Shawshank Redemption wrote a couple of my favorites.

2. They shot them on location, touring all over the world, and they used the proto-version of Lucas's non-linear editing system and digital graphics department to bring the viewer astonishing visuals you still never see in low-budget TV. (Each episode cost only about 2 million!)

3. They only made a dozen or so episodes per season. The crews worked themselves to the bone and spent the time to do their best work. Each episode watches with movie quality.

The experiment was a success; Lucas demonstrated that he could make amazingly high quality television for rock-bottom prices.

And yet. . .

Smart, exciting, lovingly shot and perfectly edited, this series somehow managed to achieve popular failure. I've only ever been able to deal with this by crying, "WHAT IS THE MATTER WITH YOU STUPID PEOPLE?!?!" (Clearly a redundant question.)

Further, when the hatchet job VHS copies hit the market, the show was all but a dead critter. Apparently, Lucas has this ability to create wonderful things and then suck the life out of them. Although the recent Star Wars films would suggest that he's skipping past the 'wonderful things' part, and jumping right into 'life-sucking'.

But maybe if he keeps his fingers out of the project and gives it to the right people, (as he says he wants to), Star Wars TV may have a chance of being as good as the Young Indy series. I don't have my hopes up. The intense desire to create something special at the Ranch has taken rather a lot of hits to the moral. But you never know. There's always a chance. We'll have to wait and see.

-FL

Re:Ner..d? by lunatick · 2004-09-29 17:19 · Score: 1

I am really hopeing for the x-wing series myself, or the comics like Empire and Republic that have little stories about lesser known (or just created) characters.

Oh and YES!!! I finally achieved a posting to /.

--
The Lunatick, Carpe Corpus!

In Other News... by Apostata · 2004-09-29 17:36 · Score: 1

...everything in the world that once held true dignity is now being openly whored.

--

This wasn't just plain terrible, this was fancy terrible. This was terrible with raisins in it. - Dorothy Parker

Make an animated version of Star Wars... by Stormwatch · 2004-09-29 18:20 · Score: 1

...oh wait, it already exists! It's called Jayce and the Wheeled Warriors.

--
Circumcision is child abuse.

"Pass on what you have learned!" Luke/Hammil story by cathryn · 2004-09-29 19:56 · Score: 1

"Pass on what you have learned." Luke, played by an older Hammil, needs to train the next round of Jedi. Here's the key to the next arc. Aunt Beru gave the clue -- "Luke just isn't a farmer!"

Luke restarts the Jedi in the 'big city' -- but the recruits are too distracted. They're picking fights using Jedi mind tricks to get women to have sex and causing other dark side trouble. A couple recuits go dark-side and run off. Luke has a vision from Yoda. Take the Jedi training back home, back to the farm.

To fulfill Yoda's quest, Luke has to become a farmer -- exactly what he isn't. That's it. Bring Luke back, have him do the 'Green Acres' thing for a little bit, teach the recruits a little bit of work and discipline, make buddies with the sand people and Jawas after a few conflicts, and halfway into the season work in the next story, bring back the recuit who went dark-side before the move back to the farm.

In the season finale, resolve the Luke as farmer arc completely, and link that up with the battle with the neo-dark side guys.

Piece of cake. Also huge nostalgia force...

--
http://junglevision.com -- Shamus for Gameboy

Star Wars TV by rock_climbing_guy · 2004-09-29 20:35 · Score: 1

I have a bad feeling about this...

--
Wh47 d1d j00 541, 31337 15n't t3h r0xor5 ne m0r3???

how do i explain this. by leuk_he · 2004-09-29 21:11 · Score: 1

I just got the difference between star wars and star trek explained to my wife ("ouch that dude has a ugly mask..." she still sees men in mask).

Star wars is a movie, and star trek is a tv series that also has some movies made about the series.

Now lucas trek is makeing the universe even more difficult.

The "good" thing is that we will not see the star wars series in europe for some years so i have some time to prepare her.

TV for rock bottom prices by adzoox · 2004-09-29 23:32 · Score: 1

"The experiment was a success; Lucas demonstrated that he could make amazingly high quality television for rock-bottom prices"

One of the "other" reasons for Star Trek TNG going off the air was skyrocketing visual effects costs - from; none other than ILM.

ILM does not produce their effects cheap - now maybe they can with inhouse - but they certainly don't come cheap when they are producing for someone else.

--
Yell & scream & rant & rave... it's no use... you need a shaaaave ~ Bugs Bunny

Re:TV for rock bottom prices by Fantastic+Lad · 2004-09-30 01:56 · Score: 1

One of the "other" reasons for Star Trek TNG going off the air was skyrocketing visual effects costs - from; none other than ILM.

No kidding? I didn't realize this was an issue. I remember reading somewhere during the earlier seasons of of TNG that episodes cost about 1-2 million per. Considering that the show was shot largely on permanent sound stages, this did seem quite expensive, (especially when compared to the Young Indys which cost about the same.)

Interesting!

-FL
Re:TV for rock bottom prices by carsonc · 2004-09-30 03:34 · Score: 1

The TNG special effects were done by ILM only for the first episode. i.e. the upfront costs of models and stock fly bys. All their SPX for the rest of the series were done on video by some other cheaper company.

Re:I'm waiting for Quentin Tarantino's Star Wars.. by beowulfcluster · 2004-09-30 00:23 · Score: 1

When preparing the special editions, Lucas was clearly influenced by how Jules and Vincent seem like decent, honorable good guys throughout the film after letting the hand cannon guy fire first before they take him out.

Star Wars good writing? by Mordaximus · 2004-09-30 00:25 · Score: 2, Insightful

"Sarcasm aside, Episodes I and II are dumbed-down versions of Star Wars."

Maybe it's just me, and maybe it's just because I've rewatched it recently. I wouldn't exactly call SW:ANH good or smart writing. It was a fun movie, with bad acting, Sir. Alec Guinness notwithstanding (actually, everyone but Han, Obi Wan and Tarkin were annoying this time around,) a pretty cheesy storyline, held together by three things (for me) : amazing special effects, an outstanding soundtrack and memories of when I saw it at the drive in when I was 5.

Come to think of it, the end has always bothered me : a small fleet of rebel starfighters attack a battle station the size of a moon, that housed "legions of Imperial troops and fightercraft" (starwars.com), yet, the Imperials only launch at best an equal number of fighters to repel the attack?! They were there to eliminate the Rebel threat, but they leave the vast majority of their fighters in the hangar??! Vader says (paraphrased) "Several of the fighters have broken attack formation, follow me." he brings TWO pilots with him!! This is supposed to be a fully operational battlestation ; did they forget the fighters and pilots somewhere?! Actually, if they intended to end the Rebel threat forever, why isn't the majority of the Imperal FLEET there? Two movies later, it took the entire fleet to (almost) repel the Rebel attack!

I'd hate to admit it, but I had the same "What did I see in this movie when I was kid" feeling that I had when I rewatched Krull. It was fun, too, but lacked substance. It had acting on par with SW:ANH but the soundtrack was great and the effects were very well done.

Empire Strikes Back was another beast however : that will always be Star Wars to me.

Re:Star Wars good writing? by Zab+UvWxy · 2004-09-30 01:05 · Score: 2, Insightful

...they leave the vast majority of their fighters in the hangar??!

Luke hit the answer to this in RotJ, in dialogue with the Emperor: "Your overconfidence is your weakness."

I haven't watched ANH in a while (I should, since I got the DVDs a few days ago), but I do recall one of the officers telling Tarkin that they've underestimated the danger faced by the rebel ships (X- and Y-wings). They probably saw what was coming around Yavin from the fourth moon, and when they stopped laughing, launched what they considered to be an appropriate response.

"Oh, those pesky rebels in their little fighters. Send a couple of squadrons of TIEs out so we can get back to enjoying watching the planets blow up with our uber-cannon."

Probably wasn't until the first barrage of proton torpedoes barely missed the exhaust port that they started getting worried.

--
"I don't get it." -- ObviousGuy
Re:Star Wars good writing? by artemis67 · 2004-09-30 01:28 · Score: 1

True, SW:ANH also had some bad acting in it, but it had a charm that the prequels don't. Farm boy gets caught up in a galactic struggle and realizes that his destiny is to change the universe. That's powerful stuff.

I think part of the problem of the prequels is that they are focusing too much on Anakin Skywalker. Thre's no surprises coming, and no tension building.

Remember when the original trilogy came out, and there were a lot of questions about it? "Is Obi-Wan's name really Old Ben 1? Is he a clone?" "Is Vader really Luke's father, or did he lie to him?" "Who's this Boba Fett guy and why's he so important?" And on and on. Some of the buzz Lucas never really did anything with (like the first question). But the prequels have NO mystery to them, no plot twists that engage us, no burning questions that non-fanboys are eager to find the answer to. No cleverness at all.

Ok, I just thought this up, but suppose in the prequels there had been TWO padawans who had a more-than-friendly competition going on... one of them happens to be named Skywalker, and everybody thinks, "Ooo, he's going to be Darth Vader!" Except that he's always doing right, and it's the other padawan that seems to have some ethical issues. Then in the third movie, the other padawan kills Skywalker and assumes his identity. BAM, you just floored the audience.

Come on, where's the plot twists, Lucas?!? Something... anything! I mean, fer cryin out loud, don't show me DARTH VADER as a happy, well-adjusted little slave boy!

What he's giving us is a plodding march towards the obvious. Bleh.
Re:Star Wars good writing? by nine-times · 2004-09-30 06:01 · Score: 1

Ok, I just thought this up, but suppose in the prequels there had been TWO padawans who had a more-than-friendly competition going on... one of them happens to be named Skywalker, and everybody thinks, "Ooo, he's going to be Darth Vader!" Except that he's always doing right, and it's the other padawan that seems to have some ethical issues.
I'm not sure about the plot twist you came up with (I like Vadar being Luke's father for real), but Lucas should have done this much at least. He should have had Anakin be really stellar. Anakin should have been tough, strong, and a generally all-around good guy. You should have loved him, if anything he should be overly-idealistic, and keep the viewers asking throughout the prequals "How does this guy go evil?"
Then, somewhere near the end of the last movie, turn it all around. Have some plot-twist, or just some stupid mistake be the cause of his downfall. Have it be a single moment, where the audience goes, "Oh, I get it. That's why." and then have to totally reorient themselves as to who they thought Anikin was. Preferably it should have had to do, specifically, with the mother of Luke and Leia and a hatred of Obi-Wan (possibly love-triangle?)
Instead, they have Anikin start out as a whiney b*tch, and it's just like, "Ok, we get it. You're a whiney b*tch who misses his mommy. Turn evil already!"
Re:Star Wars good writing? by maw · 2004-09-30 06:55 · Score: 1

Ok, I just thought this up, but suppose in the prequels there had been TWO padawans who had a more-than-friendly competition going on... one of them happens to be named Skywalker, and everybody thinks, "Ooo, he's going to be Darth Vader!" Except that he's always doing right, and it's the other padawan that seems to have some ethical issues. Then in the third movie, the other padawan kills Skywalker and assumes his identity. BAM, you just floored the audience.
Well, it would be difficult to reconcile that with the end of ROTJ, but I think you're absolutely right - they had an opportunity to totally blow away the audience, but never took it.

--
You're a suburbanite.
Re:Star Wars good writing? by artemis67 · 2004-09-30 08:27 · Score: 1

Personally, I think all of Episode I and most of Episode II should have been about Obi-Wan and the Clone Wars. Period. Introduce Anakin in Epsiode II as a sullen lad with great potential, and then have Anakin co-star with Obi-Wan in Episode III.

It doesn't take three movies to tell us that Anakin is an angry young man who succumbs to the temption of his power; a good movie could do that in one.

And let the universe be bigger than the lives of a handful of people. That's what I liked about the original trilogy; you always felt like the struggle was much, much greater than Luke, Leia, Han, and Chewie. In the prequels, every major battle seems like it's conveniently wrapped around our heroes to promote them.
Re:Star Wars good writing? by nine-times · 2004-09-30 09:18 · Score: 1

Well, it may be useless to talk about how we'd do it if we were Lucas, but I'll put in my two cents. This would be my basic outline for Ep. I-III:
Personally, I agree that I'd have it start with Obi-Wan, but early in Episode One, I'd have had him run into Anakin as a young (as in around 18) pilot, still green, in the middle of the clone wars. I wouldn't have had either seem like central figures in the clone wars (which I think is part of the problem with the prequals).
I'd try to mirror Anakin's life to Luke's journey a bit. By the end of the first movie, I'd have the ObiWan/Anakin relationship look a little like Han/Luke. By the end of the first episode, I'd have ObiWan agree to show Anakin a thing or two, but I wouldn't show Anakin as having any particular skill with the force until you meet him again in episode 2, and even then he's not too good. I mean, he'd be the big hero-type around episode 2, but not a Jedi Master. Episode 2 would look like a fairy tale, with Anakin as the hero, barely scraping by.
Then, episode 3, you find that Anakin's grown so strong that he can overcome pretty much anyboy- both physically and in the Force. I'd have ObiWan keep warning him to be careful, but Anakin ignoring it. Not so much because he's cocky or anything, just because he's affable, or because his friends are in trouble.
Finally, I'd have him face a test, similar to what Luke faced when he faced Vader. But Anakin would fail. I think I wouldn't even show him become Vader or anything. It would be enough to show him make a terrible mistake that there's no repairing and no going back on.

I hope it is as good as Clone Wars by Bz3rk · 2004-09-30 00:49 · Score: 1

I wish the new movies were as good as the Clone Wars animated mini-series! There was some GREAT action that would be awesome in a movie!

Episodes 7, 8, and 9 by Kumorigoe · 2004-09-30 00:50 · Score: 1

I'm still trying to cope with the fact that after Ep. 3, there will likely be no more SW movies. I think that the Thrawn Trilogy would make a great finisher, but I highly doubt it would ever happen.

--
"What I cary in this box is your utter subjugation."

Force Countermeasures by SeanDuggan · 2004-09-30 00:51 · Score: 2, Insightful

Really, it does make sense. After all, we have at least two races (Hutts and whatever Watto was) who are apparently immune to the Force. Nature has a way of adapting to circumstances and I don't see it as all that unlikely that some creature out there would develop some abaility to "jam" something like the Force; it likely gave them some kind of evolutionary advantage.

As to why it would work, I don't remember an explanation from the books, but I could see it as being a matter of actually generating their own version of the Force that happens to jam regular users much in the same was as jammers are used in electronic warfare measures.

--
This sig has absolutely no significance and serves only to take up screen space and waste the time of the reader.

Re:"Pass on what you have learned!" Luke/Hammil st by {tele}machus_*1 · 2004-09-30 01:07 · Score: 1

Oddly, this basic story arc would be pretty interesting (if you cut out the mind tricks for sex bit). Even though you seem to be writing this somewhat tongue in cheek, it's a better idea than what Anderson did with the Jedi Academy trilogy.

Gotta love the optimistic view by walterbyrd · 2004-09-30 01:08 · Score: 1

Clearly, the future will be a guys paradise. Woman will all be engineered to have great boobs. Everybody will dress alike, no need for fashion. Guys will spend their time in hot-rod spaceships shooting lazers at one another.

SW:TTVS by jzarling · 2004-09-30 01:33 · Score: 1

Hopefully Luca$ will allow for the more mature tone of a primetime 10pm-11pm show. I would love to see the series develop the universe more and shy away from the expaneded universe books with the exception of the Zahn trilogy. That would make for a great mini series. Powers that be hope you're listening.

--
It is better to be the hammer than the anvil.

Re:I'm waiting for Quentin Tarantino's Star Wars.. by AntiChris · 2004-09-30 01:47 · Score: 1

"Is he a bitch?!" "NO!" "Then why'd you try to fuck him like one?" "I DIDN'T!!" "Yes you did, TK421... Yes you did."

--
From 0 to drunk in $20

Re:Ner..d? by FingerDemon · 2004-09-30 03:04 · Score: 1

I'd be cool with an x-wing series, as long as one or more of the characters were Jedi, so there could be some saber battles. A Star Wars show without cool light saber battles would be a horrible waste. In fact, I'd prefer some pre-Empire setting, so there could be more Sith or Dark Jedi to have climactic battles with.

I guess the Yuzhang Vong (or however you spell that) had their saber-resistant sticks. But that is a lame saber wannabe. You can't cut someone in half with a stick. I dunno, I stopped reading the New Jedi Order books after the first one, so maybe they were better than sticks.

I hope they don't go with the Timothy Zahn stuff, as I thought they were horribly written. Maybe it was just a style thing for me, since the ideas weren't so bad. I had no problem with the Ysalamiri thing. But how many times did people say things through clenched teeth in those books. I mean seriously, my whole life I've only seen people do that a couple of times. But if I'm remembering the right books, everybody in them has intermittent lockjaw.

What's the deal with Kevin Smith anyway. Has he written any good SF? All I know of has been comedy stuff. Anyone have confidence in his ability to do this?

Man, you really don't know how much of a fanboy you are, until something like this comes along.

--

"Contrarily the lookaside buffer might not be the panacea... "

Steppin' Softly in the Danger Zone by centauri · 2004-09-30 04:15 · Score: 1

Anyone remember "Droids," the cartoon centered around Artoo and Threepio's latter-day adventures? It was pretty good, at least compared to "Ewoks." I think a new Star Wars show could have potential.

--
Don't blame me, I voted for Durga.

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