On the heels of my most read and commented on blog, WHEN ANAKIN BECOMES VADER found here http://blogs.starwars.com/bachsolosblog/10. I bring you my newest entry into the blogosphere. And that is why the live-action Star Wars television show should be on HBO.
My first point as to why the show should be on HBO, is because I believe HBO will give Lucasfilm more freedom to do what they want. I believe that during the troubled times between trilogies there will need to be dark topics brought to the forefront, something that may pose a problem for commercial television execs. And we all know how George Lucas feels about people changing, or trying to change his vision.
The second reason is of course that there will be no commercial breaks. The new show will be cinematic in scope and also in its telling of the story. Nothing breaks up the emotional investment that has built up more than fade to black and then a fast-food commercial. The action on-screen, the swelling orchestra, the drama unfolding, the story being told and then a car commercial. That is not the way I wanna see Star Wars. Do you?
And then there is the timing issue of episode lengths. On netowrk television all shows need to be wrapped up neatly in 42 minutes. On HBO, given a 45 minute guide, certain shows can go over those extra few minutes when a story just takes a little longer, and anything cut-out, will be a great loss. With an open block of an hour, they can aim for 45 minutes, but take up to 60 if need be. That is something they will never get on commerial television.
So, in closing I think the best choice for the storytellers and the viewers, is to put this show on HBO.