Star Wars: 10 Reasons The Prequel Trilogy Is Better Than You Remember

While the prequels definitely get looked at with an overly critical eye at times, a lengthy opening sequence about the taxation of trade routes isn't the most exciting start to our first insight in to the era of the Galactic Republic.

That being said, it's a believable conflict that is necessary to establish the dynamic between the Republic and the Separatists, and goes a long way in grounding the story with realistic issues. The Republic connects every planet in the galaxy to one another and gives the prequels a feel of cohesion; that everywhere is part of the same galaxy no matter what planet is visited. This helps to establish planets such as Tatooine that aren't part of the Republic as lawless, wild places where even the authority of the Jedi isn't respected.

It's also a breath of fresh air to witness the universe governed by democracy rather than one evil overlord reigning supreme, and the transition from Republic to Empire is a carefully measured, methodical transformation that cements Palpatine as a certified mastermind. The Jedi council's relationship with the senate is also intriguing, and begs the question of whether or not the Jedi are truly as morally just as they claim to be, or if their influence on the senate is more important to them as they let on.

It should have been obvious however that any government that featured Jar Jar Binks as a representative was destined for failure from the start.