My mind is wandering on this fine Saturday. I was thinking about the new Clone Wars film and TV series, quickly browsing the blogs, caught one by JediMaster Jessica_ about the idea of Anakin having a padawan, and was struck by what these new additions to the GFFA might mean to me.

I feel as if I have a vested interest in the success of the Clone Wars film and TV series. Don't we all, really? Much of the EU is strictly the territory of die hard fans, those like ourselves who devour all things Star Wars and thirst for more. The fact that we'll be lining up in droves on August 15 to see the new film is a given. We aren't the ones who need to love this new stuff. It's the borderline fans and potential new fanatics who must feel the Star Wars tractor beam's effects. Bring on the newbies!

For those of us who are already addicted, the Clone Wars film and series offer mainstream chances to flesh out the story that had to be contained within the time constraints of Revenge of the Sith. I don't know about you, but I wanted to know everything that happened after Anakin and Padme said, "I do." Though I loved ROTS, and it remains my favorite of the six films, the opportunity to know even more about the events leading up to it gives me a little thrill.

This is prime time in the realm of the PT! With the exceptions of Qui-Gon, Shmi, and Darth Maul, all of our favorite characters from the PT films are in place (and there's room for blue ghost visions of Qui-Gon, thanks to that well timed "Noooooooooooooooo!" when Anakin killed the Tuskens in AOTC). Count Dooku, a fascinating and somewhat undeveloped character, should be featured during the new film and series, along with his cyborg partner in crime, General Grievous. Jango might be gone, but there's Boba in the wings, hitting puberty and fueling the rage at losing his father that eventually compels him to take up the bounty hunter's mantle and trap Han for Darth Vader years later. Perhaps we'll get to see Obi-wan morph from the suave Jedi Master he is in AOTC, thrust into the position of father to the young man he loved like a brother, into the time-worn but clearly rejuvenated and more equal partner to Anakin that we briefly saw him as in ROTS. I loved the dynamic between Obi-wan and Anakin in the beginning parts of ROTS, and I can't wait to see more of that relationship.

Most intriguing to me, not unexpectedly, is the opportunity this new film and series will give us, to see Anakin and Padme, joined by their secret love, fighting the fights that need to be fought on the front lines, behind the political scenes, and in their most intimate moments together as husband and wife. Before the twins. One of the biggest criticisms of Padme as a character is her transformation from passionate defender of the ideals that eventually led to the Rebellion, to an emotional, quivering wreck of a hormonally charged pregnant babe, concerned with nothing more than brushing her hair and getting cozy with Anakin in her dreamworld on Naboo. Too few people recognize the subtleties of her increasing strength as she gives birth to the rebellion and its guardians inside her. It makes me crazy.

So where does Ahsota fit into all of this, I wonder? There is already enough in place from the films themselves to fuel hundreds of plot lines during the Clone Wars time period. I can only hope that this highly-touted new character will compliment the plot that is already in place and not detract from it. Anakin...a mentor? Most of us are still trying to picture Anakin as a husband and father. I trust that these new productions will allow us to see the best of both worlds of Anakin Skywalker, to see the heart that will continue to beat beneath the black suit that Darth Vader will wear.

This is an exciting time for us! Especially if you're a fan of Anakin Skywalker.
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...link to rappingrancor's entry on the subject of Boba Fett...