10 Lessons Star Wars Episode 7 Can Learn From The Prequels
3. Killing Off The Villains Too Early
The one aspect of Star Wars Episode I that fans got really excited about was the introduction of Darth Maul, a dark-side Jedi with menace, mystery, and impressive skills. He surfaced as the type of villain audiences love to hate. And then he was killed off. In Star Wars Episodes IV, V, and VI, Darth Vader was clearly the villain. And it was his overall story archis redemption through the faith of his sonthat gave the first trilogy its narrative spine. While the prequels tell the story of Anakin Skywalkers rise and descent into the dark side of the Force, Anakin is more of a protagonist than an antagonist. The emperor is the prequels true villain, but he doesnt fully assume that role until Episode III. Whatever villains Episode VII has in store for us, director J.J. Abrams would be wise to focus on the arc of their characters and cohesion into the storyline as opposed to using them merely as devices to foil the heroes. With Vader and the Emperor dead, the development of an archetypal villain is a must for bringing Star Wars fans back into the cinematic fold.
