Star Wars: Blogs | Musings from the Maw | Star Wars on T.V.?! (Now With Intersperced Ranting!)

Musings from the Maw

by: Jejlep

date posted: Mar 16, 2006 12:03 AM | updated: Mar 17, 2006 10:59 AM

Star Wars on T.V.?! (Now With Intersperced Ranting!)

Now we've some particulars concerning the (still?) proposed live-action series, and from Rick McCallum, too. As reported by BBC News the yet-unnamed series, set to begin filming (and broadcasting!) in 2008, is slated to "run at least 100 episodes." Wasn't Babylon 5 similarly produced? I mean to ask, wasn't an overarching plotline established prior to production? I'm sure that any foresight applied to our beloved Star Wars would be of welcome benefit. Of course, pre-production of the prequel trilogy accounted for almost two years' work, so, Lucas and Co. are no strangers to 'prep' work.

The article continues:
"The series will be set between episodes three and four of the film saga" and "It would cover the 20 years in the life of Luke Skywalker growing up that remains a mystery to most film-goers." Frankly, I'm (cautiously) excited at the prospect of 'filling in' those proverbial gaps. For any of you fellow fans who indulge a comics fix, an aside:
Didn't the (now defunct) series Star Wars: Empire attempt to revisit and 'flesh out' those uncanonized moments in lore? Only that most recent storyline ("The Wrong Side of the War") featured Luke's long-lost Tatooine pal, Tank (an Imperial officer, natch). What I'm ranting is that we could/should have seen this coming; Star Wars: Empire is no longer an active Dark Horse title (It has, however, been replaced by Star Wars: Rebellion, but that title focuses on events between Episodes IV and V. Astutely done, Dark Horse).

Furthermore: "McCallum said there would be 'a whole bunch of new characters' and the series would be 'much more dramatic and darker.'" Have the brains behind Episode III noticed a shift in (fanboy) wind? For some time (post-Jar-Jar) we fanboys have cried for 'serious' stuff. In some way, it's meant to salve our wounded pride at having endured Kitster. But could this series finally deliver the goods? And on a consistent basis? Only time, and McCallum, will tell.

http://blogs.starwars.com/jejlep/10

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	jettrooper101sw
date Posted: Mar 16, 2006 4:30 PM I just dont want starwars to turn in to something like star trek. If it did I would have to denounce my love for starwars. I hope they keep it down to the 100 episodes.

The Short Stormtrooper
Confessions of a Short Stormtrooper

date Posted: Mar 16, 2006 5:27 PM

I found it such a shame the Star Wars: Empire went belly up. I really enjoyed seeing things from the perspective of the Empire. A chance to see Vader, Palpatine and the gang chumming around over a little cocoa. If the series was able to progress, perhaps we would have been able to see a little more of Palpatine's Empire era Grand Admiral Thrawn. That would have pleased me mightily. Oh yes, quite mightily.

	darthsins9 LORDSINS
date Posted: Mar 16, 2006 5:36 PM hope its not a dissapointment........off topic but does anybody know how can i subscribe to starwars insider. i have recieved one at the time i signed up to be a member. I need to get some more. please help

	KingoftheATATs
date Posted: Mar 16, 2006 5:43 PM I hope it's official! They better come through for us! When I first heard that they might do a live-action T.V. series, I freaked. I also hoped it'd be between 3 & 4... great minds think alike, right?

	BobaFett4001
date Posted: Mar 16, 2006 5:56 PM It sounds interesting, but I hope they do each episode as part of a larger chronicle instead of having standalones (think Battlestar Galactica's style). If there is a Boba Fett appearance, even if it's in just one episode for 2 minutes, then I'll be content.

	darth vinsidious
date Posted: Mar 16, 2006 6:02 PM I would love to see a show about Vader, but another farm boy series I could do without. There is no doubt in my mind this will be a disapointment. I thought the animated Clone Wars was great. I wish they could do something like that maybe eps 7-9

	BobaFett4001
date Posted: Mar 16, 2006 6:07 PM It's interesting how everyone has an opinion as to what timeframe would make the best show. I've heard people wanting this one, the KOTOR era, side stories from the Old Republic, post-Endor, and even the founding of the Republic and the Jedi Order itself.

	Kataar Read, Write, Watch, Enjoy!
date Posted: Mar 16, 2006 7:18 PM I think it's going to be a great show! At least, I need to stay optomistic about it, heh. How did we 'endure' Kitster by the by? We saw him for 1/3rd of an entire movie and he had all of five lines!

	Master Jacen Solo1
date Posted: Mar 16, 2006 8:35 PM interesting, this sounds like it might be similar to Smallville in style. More serious though. I'm hopeful, but worried. May the Force be with all those who are behind it. Wait a minute, WHO WILL PLAY LUKE? Mark Hamil's pretty old to play a teenager.

Uki-and-Yaki

date Posted: Mar 16, 2006 9:01 PM

I really hope that it's not about Luke.The whole point is that his life was pretty boring on Tatooine. Besides, no one could play Luke and pull it off.The differences between different Yodas and Jabbas in the films is enough, and they're only puppets and animation! I think it'd be cool (and even necessary) to show how bad the Empire is, to follow a character (or several) throughout the galaxy as it comes to grips with the tyrannical New Order. Guest appearances by Boba Fett and even a few other Hunters would be awesome, as well as cameos by Jabba and his ilk. Heck, we could follow Chewie a bit, since you know Peter Mayhew would jump at the chance and he runs off in the end of Dark Lord.We could see Tarkin as well as Vader.

darthvolgen

date Posted: Mar 16, 2006 9:15 PM

this blog conserns jettrooper101st starwar will never be like satr trek what with all cheezzy sound effects like chhhhiiinggg (doors) and chew chew (guns) like what the hell is wrong with the producers of star trek like onistly who says beam me up scotty why cant they say somthing cool like starwars dose but jettrooper101st the shattner is using his phazer to cloude your mind focus on starwars you must.

	DanDwinnells
date Posted: Mar 16, 2006 9:30 PM I have to agree with Uki-and-Yaki. I'd love to see some of the other charecters, but leave Luke alone. His live needs to be dull and boring.

gabriel3

date Posted: Mar 16, 2006 10:19 PM

GUYS, GUYS! Remember that OBI-WAN is not far, far away. Maybe Luke's story will be told through Obi-Wan's perspective. Maybe we will learn a bit about how he communicates with Qui-gon. Tatoonie is like Casablanca, where life forms go to get away fron the Republic and the Empire. There will be lots of characters there..including Han Solo..Jabba...and Boba...and lots of new interesting characters.

darthgenious7
Chickens only cross the road after coercion.

date Posted: Mar 16, 2006 10:43 PM

interesting, this sounds like it might be similar to Smallville in style
Oh god please no!

For some time (post-Jar-Jar) we fanboys have cried for 'serious' stuff. In some way, it's meant to salve our wounded pride at having endured Kitster.
I am not wounded by these unnecesary characters they only enhanced the vision of Anakin's lost interest instead of being characters I needed to enjoy seeing.

	darthgenious7 Chickens only cross the road after coercion.
date Posted: Mar 16, 2006 10:55 PM lost interest \I meant lost innocence sorry meds kicking in.

	darth_complicated
date Posted: Mar 17, 2006 3:32 AM I can't wait to see the series, how else do I fill my bookshelf of star wars?

Darthflaga

date Posted: Mar 17, 2006 4:54 AM

I'm rather curious to know the cast that will play this new show. Just so I can make a judgement as to whether it is going to be good or bad. It's not likely that the movies major characters like Ewan and Hayden to be in this show. If they make cameos from time to time they might pull it off although I still think it is a bad idea.

If anyone know anything about it please tell me.

	darth vinsidious
date Posted: Mar 17, 2006 5:39 AM Smallville is a good show but I would rather see the empire not Luke

obxcrew
Order 66 Survivors

date Posted: Mar 17, 2006 7:20 AM

If this series is going to be mostly about Luke, I am going to be severely dissapointed. What, are they going to an episode about when Owen and Beru give Luke an allowance? His life is supposed to be dull, the life of a poor Tatooine farmer. Plus, who would play Luke?

Anyway, it would be cool if Boba Fett made an appearance, and maybe there could be a few episodes about Jedi who survived Order Sixty-Six. (Please see my blog for a list of Order Sixty-Six survivors.)

jediholteh

date Posted: Mar 17, 2006 7:29 AM

Ick.. I just don't want SW to be ruined. GL has put everything into his movies..lets hope his TV series won't be a flop. And what about actors and actresses? Ewan is Obi-Wan. Hayden is Anakin. Mark Hamill is Luke. Harrison is Han. They portray these characters well, in my opinion. Let's just hope these new actors will be believable! I'm interested to see what the storyline will be... I really want to know more about Obi-Wan. His past, and what he lived like during those 20 years on Tatooine.

Jedi Man6

date Posted: Mar 17, 2006 7:45 AM

Not only will there be 100 episodes, but each episode will be 1 hour long!

I just hope they have the budget to make something serious and good quality. Im sure they do, I mean GL wouldnt do his unless it were good.....hopefully? I also have read that GL himself will be VERY involved in the project, and not just say : "ok, yes, aproved, do it"

That`s also good news right?

Rick McCallum has recently said that the main characters from the movies would NOT be in the series (definately not Hayden and Ewan) and that they might "drop in some bunty hunters at the start, to give it some initial strength to the series".....

rj_peters
Memos from the Imperial Finance Department

date Posted: Mar 17, 2006 8:36 AM

I'd be surprised if the series is 100 hours of Luke. I thought part of the point of Luke's character in ANH is that he's a simple farm boy who hasn't experienced much interesting or exciting. I suspect that the series will be a broader exploration of those 20 years and have little or nothing to do with the characters that we already know. Just my guess.

This live-action show will be a critical point in the Star Wars universe. If it's not done right, it could come off like a typical syndicated sci-fi show. Nothing against those shows, but Star Wars is much more than that. If it's done right and with the budget to make it feel like Star Wars, then it could be amazing. I'm going to remain optimistic for now.

	Jedi Lord Archangel
date Posted: Mar 17, 2006 9:00 AM Personally I could see them maybe flashing to show Luke and Leia growing up over the years, but not focusing on either of them. I would really like to see some Jedi that went into hiding after Order 66 was executed and those Jedi being hunted down or avoiding Imperial detection.

Frogg�

date Posted: Mar 17, 2006 9:44 AM

Well, i really gotta say im sceptic towards the series. I mean: the story is over, can George come up with a new plot, or will it just be a StarTrek expanded universe mix that will drive StarWars legendary status to the bottom. Besides a 100 episodes seems a little too much, can he really create a masterwork that will be at least 50 houors long? Maybe its just a feeling that StarWars has to go on, maybe he wont let it go to history, or is it just a question of greed? I REALLY hope George will put his heart and soul into this (just like he did when he first created StarWars) or the story of StarWars will be a story of a movie going under.

	Darth SinVegas
date Posted: Mar 17, 2006 10:53 AM I think that the series would be great if each episode covered a different planet adjusting to the change of becoming the Empire. Focusing on characters not familiar to the Star Wars universe. Then throw in a few guest spots such as Vader, Obi- Wan, Chewie. Have a perspective of Leia as a pre-teen finding out what life is like as a Princess and Senator.

	Tigerith_Kenobi_02
date Posted: Mar 17, 2006 12:12 PM I think it would be cool if they did a TV series on Obi-Wans life before Ep.I or Obi-Wan and Anakins adventures between Eps I and II. I know that there are books on those times but I think it would be cool to actually see it.

wubacca da cookie

date Posted: Mar 17, 2006 12:23 PM

Love the concept but I really dislike the time period. As far as I am concerned the Anakin story arc (Episodes I-VI) is over. There is a thousand years of Jedi history that needs be told and this TV show is the perfect medium. I want to see epsoidic (1 shot stories) dealing with Jedi, Smugglers, swoop racing, spice mines,Sith Lords (not name Vader and Sidious) and all things Mandalorian. This would also allow for a wider range of actors to work on the show (Jedi Master Morgan Freeman, Sinister Sith Lord Gary Oldman or dare I dream of Jedi Knight Edward Norton) Instead of being totally episodic it could work in mini series type story arcs kind of like comic books. 3-5 episodes per arc would be cool.

	sherpajones
date Posted: Mar 17, 2006 1:58 PM I would prefer to see something either far removed from the story of Anakin, like ancient replublic times, or something in between III and IV that does not focus too much on any one beloved character, but is exciting none the less. I'm sure whatever they pull off will have it's share of fame and infamy.

	shaneac1
date Posted: Mar 17, 2006 2:27 PM i think everyone is missing the big picture here like what network will it air on that could make a huge differance on the series i think the sci-fi channel would be the best place for starwars with the succes they,ve had with stargate sg-1/ sg atlantis/ and battlestar galactica it would be a way cool friday night

	ZagnutTW Continuity Confusion
date Posted: Mar 17, 2006 4:33 PM That would be awesome! SG-1 and Atlantis are my favorite tv series, Star Wars is my favorite movie series... Putting them together would make every Friday perfect. I once read that characters such as Obi-Wan and Paplatine would be included with the original actors... but now I'm guessing that was just speculation.

	DanDwinnells
date Posted: Mar 17, 2006 5:58 PM I dont mind the idea of episodes taking place on Tatoonie, or being about Obi Wan, it just shouldn't have anything to do with Luke. I would much prefer seeing leia and her perspective of her "fathers" invoulvment with the rebelion.

	darth revan142
date Posted: Mar 17, 2006 5:59 PM Yes! a t.v. show ,but NO!!!!! if it dose not fit with every thing .It shouldn`t be about luke he had a boring life leave ,it that way! it would be okay if they did one episode of luke dust`in crops but make it boring because thats how it was .Maybe they could folow a different character every episode ,But it should show the empire

	darth revan142
date Posted: Mar 17, 2006 6:03 PM it should show the empire most of the time because thats what was happening .I can`t wait .

	Jejlep Musings from the Maw
date Posted: Mar 17, 2006 7:49 PM I don't want to divert attention from this lively discussion, but I've had posted a similar blog since June. Many of us would love to see a particular Mandlorian pop by for a bit, and Lucas has hinted that Boba Fett might make his presence felt in the series.

	Jejlep Musings from the Maw
date Posted: Mar 17, 2006 7:49 PM As far as broadcasting is concerned, SciFi seems like a perfect fit. But let's not forget the special relationship that exists between Disney and Lucasfilm; perhaps we could see this series featured on ABC (assuming it's still managed by Disney when this series is ready to air).

	Jejlep Musings from the Maw
date Posted: Mar 17, 2006 7:49 PM And speaking of which, most signs point to this series debuting in late 2008. According to Time.com Lucas is putting the finishes touches on his current 'pet' projects: Star Wars in 3-D(!) and Young Indiana Jones on DVD.

	KingoftheATATs
date Posted: Mar 17, 2006 9:06 PM it should show the empire most of the time because thats what was happening .I can`t wait . Oh, they'll show the Empire form... they can't make a show between 3 & 4 without that!

stevie2074

date Posted: Mar 17, 2006 10:19 PM

i think the sci-fi channel would be the best place for starwars with the succes they,ve had with stargate sg-1/ sg atlantis/ and battlestar galactica it would be a way cool friday night

This show will be on a major network. This is Star Wars. The fan base is much larger then any out there with the possible exception of Star Trek. If it's even close to the quality of say "Lost" or even "Battlestar Galactica" then it's going to be a bidding war for this series.

	jediknight2210 Where did you dig up that old fossil?
date Posted: Mar 17, 2006 10:32 PM Hey watch the Kitster cheap shot, hes with me.

DarthPlaguies99

date Posted: Mar 18, 2006 9:12 AM

i think it should have to do with the empire, give some insight into the new relationship between vader and sidious. Maybe a flashback to all the Jedi he killed...you know like most people I did want to see a big showdown between Anakin and some Jedi sparring off. But this should be about the empire in general. How its affected people. Not so much about Luke and Leia. There story has already been written out. But glimpses on them should not be bad.

DarthRasinci
And so it is...

date Posted: Mar 18, 2006 9:14 AM

I am very optimistic about the show. They've already said it won't deal primarily with the main characters, so we don't have to worry about watching Luke doing farm chores. Plus, they could deal with anything from bounty hunters going after Jedi, to stormtrooper assaults against rebel cells, this series is going to be action packed and just plain awesome. And with GL working on it, you know it will be high quality. (He's not going to waste all the resources needed to make a live-action show by making a flop. How embarrasing would that be?)

DarthPlaguies99

date Posted: Mar 18, 2006 9:19 AM

I also think that some bounty hunters in there would not hurt, showing up to take care of some renegade Jedi...I'm sure that there will be other actors playing favorites like Luke, Leia, and Ben. But like i said, they are not the central part of the story. Maybe some more insight into the Sith lore. Who knows...? I don't think anyone would be fool to turn down the idea of airing star wars mini-series. Maybe even see Vader making his new lightsaber.
That would be a cool thing.

DarthPlaguies99

date Posted: Mar 18, 2006 9:21 AM

Ke Knivek
Reflections of a Middle Aged Star Wars Junkie.

date Posted: Mar 18, 2006 9:58 AM

This series should STAY AWAY from the MAIN CHARACTERS from the movies. I agree with a previous post that Luke is Hamill, Han is Ford. I will have a very hard time accepting anyone else. Obi Wan as Ewan could make a cameo, but the life of Luke and Obi Wan is really just a dull existance in Tatooine.
The show needs bounty hunters, smugglers, Imperials, surviving jedi, and only CAMEOS of characters like Vader, Fett, IG-88, etc. that are easy to duplicate without knowing the actor.
My other concern is that it looks more like Battlestar, or Stargate and less like the Ewok adventures.

	Mr.Music68
date Posted: Mar 18, 2006 12:22 PM I think it should follow Vader's exploits. There's a lot that fans want to see in between ROTS and ANH. I (being a fan since about 1980) still would like to see a "young" Vader grow into the person we see in ANH (i still call it Star Wars) and possibly be thinking of Padme from time to time.

darthbater9

date Posted: Mar 18, 2006 12:27 PM

I am excited about seeing a t.v. series as well but my concern, like others, is the timeline. I think that doing the show between III and IV is limiting in the same way that episodes I,II and III were in that certain things must be shown or else it doesn't fit and we already know where the story is headed. Wouldn't it be much more satisfying to see how the galaxy rebuilds and how Luke reestablishes the Jedi order after ROTJ? I know there is the problem of getting the original actors to commit, but really what in the sithspit is Mark Hamill and Cariie Fisher doing now anyway? For an actor work is work, and even Harrison Ford is supposed to be doing a new Indiana Jones movie.

	lumberjack jedi
date Posted: Mar 18, 2006 12:49 PM Your thoughts betray you. You are focusing on the negative, young ones. Have faith in Master Lucas.

jdavecurlee
The Corellian System

date Posted: Mar 19, 2006 8:27 PM

" I just don't want SW to be ruined. GL has put everything into his movies..lets hope his TV series won't be a flop"..........

Well what did y'all think of the Young Indy Chronicles ? I thought they were pretty cool. That was one of those series that helped push episodic TV beyond the Cagney and Lacy, St Elsewhere, Night Rider type of stuff and paved the way for more cinematic episodic TV like, Babylon 5, NYPD Blue, and now even 24 and The Unit.

I'd suspect that there will be continuity, tremedous production value as well as rich character development.

cont...

jdavecurlee
The Corellian System

date Posted: Mar 19, 2006 8:27 PM

...cont
As for topic. I wanna see the rebellion begin and grow right up to the point of the Tantive IV making a pass by (Dantoine?) to snatch the trasmission of the Deathstar plans.

The birth and growth of the rebellion will give plenty of storyline for both the Rebs and the Empire. Shoot just think about all the opportunity we'll get see the hot young Mara Jade... as one of Palpatine's hands..... This should could have a little sex apeal going on....

cont...

jdavecurlee
The Corellian System

date Posted: Mar 19, 2006 8:29 PM

...cont
I'm a die-hard fan. Star Wars is my hobby. George Lucas said that he loves TV. Loves the medium and what can be done.... So, as long as his fingers are in it. I trust that it's gonna rule.

What I'm wondering though...... will it be a Fox series? Or will it be an F/X series? Or will it be done in like the now crashed and burned Enterprise? Will it be a Sci-Fi series? Can they squeeze it in between StarGate shows? ? ? Will they dare put it up on Friday nights?

We'll find out....

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