Kyle Reignites The Vader Pyre

There I was at the store, all prepared to do something I swore I was never, ever going to do. The item was in my hand, my other hand was preparing to reach for my wallet, and I was already rationalizing the purchase.

I was mere seconds away from buying Star Wars Episode I: The Phantom Menace on DVD. And I knew that that purchase would just be a gateway drug, and soon enough I’d be buying the original trilogy DVD set, the first volume of Clone Wars, and getting into line for Episode III. But it was worth it! It was worth it, right?

I chickened out, in the end. I was like, “Wait, I hate The Phantom Menace!” I decided to rent it instead, and watch my old largely-un-updated VHS copies of Episodes IV-VI. It was fun, and I’m looking forward to Episode III anyway (all the positive buzz is helping on that front).

What brought me to this place, where the soul and enthusiasm-destroying effects of Episodes I and II were cast off and I was free to bask in a love for Star Wars reminiscent of my childhood? Well, it’s a little embarrassing, but here it is: the Lego Star Wars game for my Game Boy. It ROKS! OMG LOL!!!!!

I’m not kidding at all. Some people got “juiced” by the innovative and highly-satisfying Clone Wars cartoons. That helped, but I couldn’t get into the characters. Why should I care?

Lego Star Wars was the real difference. It combined two of my all-time favorite things: Lego and Star Wars (hence the title). More importantly, it’s the first video game I’ve played that allowed me to play as any of the notable Star Wars characters. Well, not Palpatine, but all the rest from the prequels: Count Dooku, Darth Maul, Yoda, Chewbacca, Anakin Skywalker, R2-D2, and General Grievous. Yeah! As I write this, I’m taking a little break from playing, though I’ll immediately pick it up when I’m done to get the few thousand more points necessary in order to unlock Darth Vader for free play. That’ll be awesome!

I was largely through with Star Wars. I would have always been fond, to be sure, but I never anticipated being enthusiastic again. But here I am again, thinking about the intricacies of motivation in the various Sith lords, and trying to determine who the best character in the entire trilogy is (well, Han Solo. Duh.).

So in this time of heightened attention to Star Wars, and sci-fi in general, don’t be afraid to admit you’ve lost that lovin’ feeling towards Star Wars, Star Trek, or anything you’re into. No worries: that’s life, especially life where some of the greatest properties around are commanded by idiots, egotistical freaks and burned-out morons (I’m just speaking in general, with no specific people in mind, so “calm down” to all sensitive readers and zealous lawyers out there). Rediscovering what you loved about your old favorite things is possible, and sometimes takes just the smallest thing.

And sometimes, it takes a fresh approach to your favorite universe and characters. Whether they’re in Lego form, animated, or novelized, that fresh perspective can be just the thing to stop you from throwing out all your old toys and embracing a new, more commercial/cynical hobby. Go for it!

And thanks, Lego Star Wars! That Lego General Grievous is the best. Thank goodness George Lucas doesn’t mind the extra income merchandising brings in. Woo hoo!