Case Study: Does Watching 'Star Wars' in Chronological Order Diminish the Original Trilogy? - Star Wars News Net
A Tale of Two Perspectives: When to Watch Star Wars
A couple of years ago, a friend of mine shared an exciting plan: she wanted to watch all the Star Wars films for the first time. I was thrilled, and we set out on this cinematic journey together. The decision was made to watch everything in chronological order, a choice influenced by my preference for experiencing the saga as a seamless, linear tale. I believed that since she was already familiar with the iconic 'I am your father' twist, its impact wouldn't be as dramatic if we watched it first.
However, as we embarked on this adventure, I discovered that watching the films in chronological order had unexpected consequences for the original trilogy. Let's explore how this approach affected her experience, starting with her thoughts on the prequel trilogy.
The Prequel Trilogy: A Nostalgic Journey
We began with The Phantom Menace, choosing a sunny Saturday morning for our first watch. The slightly grainy visuals added a nostalgic touch, reminiscent of a 90s film you'd catch on TV during a lazy weekend. My friend loved it, especially the podrace, the Battle of Naboo, and the thrilling Darth Maul fight. She even delved into Tales of the Jedi afterward, eager to learn more about Qui-Gon and Count Dooku.
Attack of the Clones also captivated her, particularly the Battle of Geonosis and the intense confrontation between Count Dooku and Yoda. However, it was Revenge of the Sith that revealed her true feelings about the trilogy's middle film. By the end, she declared it the best of the three, finding it packed with action and intrigue.
The Disney Prequels: A Light-Hearted Interlude
We skipped The Clone Wars due to its animation style and my friend's lack of interest. Instead, we moved on to Solo, which she adored for its lighter tone and entertaining gags. She even considered signing a petition for a sequel! Obi-Wan Kenobi followed, and she enjoyed the series, especially the climactic duels between Darth Vader and Obi-Wan.
Andor: A Slower Pace, A Deeper Impact
Our next stop was Andor, which we watched together. Despite my initial plan to finish Season 1 before Season 2, we only managed to complete it shortly after the Season 2 finale. The show's slower pace took some getting used to, but my friend was engaged from the Ghorman Massacre onwards, particularly during the Narkina-5 prison break and the Ferrix revolt.
Rogue One: A Whiplash of Pacing
After Andor, we watched Rogue One. While she appreciated the narrative continuity and the return of Director Krennic and Cassian, she was shocked by the deaths of the heroes. The film's pacing, however, left her disoriented. Having grown accustomed to Andor's slow build-up, she found the rapid events in Rogue One jarring, almost as if the story could have been stretched over more episodes.
The Original Trilogy: A Mixed Bag
Finally, we arrived at the original trilogy. A New Hope was enjoyable, but its impact was diminished by her prior knowledge of Obi-Wan's fate. The deaths of Bail Organa and his wife after Alderaan's destruction also felt less impactful, as she had grown accustomed to the tragic losses in Rogue One. However, the destruction of the Death Star in the first film left her feeling disappointed, as she had expected it to be a central threat throughout the trilogy.
The Empire Strikes Back was a hit, and Return of the Jedi was equally entertaining, with the Ewoks and the lightsaber duel between Luke and Vader capturing her imagination. Yet, the reveal of the second Death Star didn't generate the excitement she had anticipated.
Was Watching Star Wars in Chronological Order Worth it?
In the end, I concluded that watching Star Wars in chronological order wasn't the best approach. If I were to introduce someone new to the franchise, I'd recommend watching it in release order, starting with the original trilogy. While my friend developed a stronger attachment to Obi-Wan and was deeply affected by the deaths in Rogue One, the pacing issues in the original trilogy were jarring after the slower pace of Andor and Obi-Wan Kenobi.
Watching in release order preserves the Death Star's iconic status as a formidable threat and avoids the pacing problem encountered in chronological order. It's a more satisfying experience, allowing the audience to appreciate the saga as it was originally intended. So, while chronological order has its merits, I believe release order is the way to truly immerse yourself in the Star Wars universe.
