That's right, baby!! Listeners of the Audiocast (Hyperspace members can click here for the interview) with Rob Coleman and Frank Oz, were treated to this gushing response to the Exiled Gungan:

Frank Oz: "...Just about Jar Jar; I remember flying over London and reading the script. And after I read the script....I said to George, oh I love Jar Jar, he's going to be a breakout character. I know he is. I have never understood to this day...I *LOVE* Jar Jar! And this whole [flustered]...I don't understand the nonsense, he was TERRIFIC! I mean, as an adult, I love this guy, I think he's hysterical, he just cracked me up!"

From a man who has created some of the funniest characters in film and television, that's very high praise. And it just goes to show you that The Phantom Menace is for kids of all ages, and not for the damned cynical fanboys that the Internet generation has produced.

I also loved Rick's comment, regarding whether Jar Jar was "given a smaller role" because of the negative reaction to him:

"We probably had him more in Episode II BECAUSE of the reaction, than we would have had if there had NOT been a bad reaction to him." That is awesome...The chutzpah! I loved to see Jar Jar in Episode III as well, especially giving him a line - "Oops! 'Scuze me."

Like a lifted middle finger to the mopey-black-t-shirt crowd!