So, we're all panting at the notion that Lucas is developing a live-action Star Wars television series, but what could he have in mind? By all accounts, the Clone Wars animated series will be a sure hit having already established itself as fan favorite. Two years back, when the series was merely a splinter in Genndy Tartakovsky's mind, Cartoon Network blew away San Diego Comic-Con attendees with its flashy presentation, and the series delivered on its explosive promise. But how will devoted Star Wars fans react to a live-action series? Who remembers The Yound Indiana Jones Chronicles? Although they might have been technically sound, they couldn't capture the energy of the films and were cancelled after 22 episodes (I hear they're coming to DVD soon). Could the Star Wars series follow in Indy's failed footsteps? I hope not.

Some suggestions for the series (if it does come to fruition):

1. Do What Bantam Did. In the mid-ninties, Bantam Books published a series of short stories titled Tales from the Mos Eisley Cantina, Tales from Jabba's Palace, Tales from the New Republic. They proved immensely popular because they featured secondary characters within familiar setting.

2. Do What Dark Horse Does (For Now). Dark Horse Comics has exclusively published Star Wars- related material since the early-nineties. By their nature, comic books are Expanded Universe, but no title as greatly stretches the notion of expansion as Star Wars Tales. Set beyond the constraints of continuity, the book even featured a classic showdown between Darth Vader and Darth Maul. Guess who won?

3. Stick to the Concept. Star Wars is science fantasy; mix in all the best parts of the movies: romance, adventure, suspense. The Clone Wars series was able to hit all the high points of the saga, and, hopefully, the live-action series will do the same.

4. Aim for Star Trek. For over thirty years, that other space saga has ruled the television format. Each incarnation has built upon what came before, thus establishing a complex narrative with varied characters and locales. It also balanced serious drama with campy fun; take note.

5. No Dash Rendar. Avoid replacement characters. Rendar was introduced in the video game Shadows of the Empire which took place during the events of Episodes V and VI. In the end, he couldn't match Han Solo's charm, and Dash was forgotten as quickly as the Star Wars Christmas Special.

UPDATE
theforce.net is reporting that the upcoming Star Wars television series will feature:

● 100 episodes
● "spin-off" characters
● 1-hour running time
● George Lucas directing the first season
● events that take place during Episodes III and IV

Also, Lucas (in a USA Today article) hinted that Boba Fett might appear in the series.

UPDATE
Steve Sansweet, Lucasfilm's head of fan relations announced that pre-production on the Star Wars animated series is underway, and that it will begin airing in the fall of 2007. He described the look of the series as "a melding of Asian anime with unique 3-D animation styling." Although no new details were discussed (the animated series is set between Episodes II and III), it was confirmed that a live-action series is also going ahead, and it appears that both series will have full support from Lucasfilm Animation, a brand-new division with a planned workforce of 300+ animators and artists.

In the last decade, Lucasfilm has attempted to capitalize on several popular culture phenomena with mixed results (remember that Masters of the Teras Kai video game?) Here's hoping that adapting Star Wars to the anime style is beneficial to its spirit as science fiction/fantasy. On second thought, anime is best suited to episodic format; storylines in the vein of Dragonball might also attract new fans to the series (but who's left that doesn't already enjoy the Saga?).

Without any revelations of the live-action series, I can only speculate: it won't begin airing until spring (or fall!) or 2008. That gives it just enough time to fall off our collective fanboy radar until it reemerges after two-years' slumber. Prepare for a glut of hype.

UPDATE
theforce.net is reporting the Star Wars televion series will not begin production until sometime next year. That means it won't hit the airwaves until 2008(!)

UPDATE
theforce.net reports from the SIGGRAPH Conference with disheartening news: Lucas' live-action television effort might be lacking. "We're going do something that would normally cost [$20 million-$30 million] and try to do it for $1 million," Lucas said. Furthermore, the series is slated to be shot digitally, but with cameras readily available at your local electronics store.
I'm not one to complain (although blogs do afford a rare opportunity to voice concern to the masses), but I must say that a decision to severely restrict the budget on this series is narrowminded. Are they concerned with a return on their investment? Is Lucas concerned with a lukewarm reception of his series?
First, Star Wars are nothing if not loyal, so I can guarantee a receptive (and paying) audience. Why skimp when they could be splurge? Star Wars is arguable the most profitable film franchise is cinema history; what have they got to gain by cutting corners? Now, there is no short list of interested persons for this project; I'm sure that Lucasfilm's mailbox is full with résumés. For this reason alone the series is worth watching. I mean, what is one capable of producing when budget is limited? It leaves little room for error, however, and one must step lightly as they go forward. Star Wars fans may be loyal, but they also seem (at times) impatient (this rant nonwithstanding).