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Skywalker Ranch, CA - George Lucas confirmed there would be an
inquiry into the intelligence on midichlorians and the events that
lead to Star Wars Episode 2: Attack of the Clones.
"Many people, including myself, expected there would be midichlorians
in Attack," said Lucas. "Now, I would like
to stress that this was never the only reason for Episode 2. Showing
the overthrow of the Republic, the sufferings of young Jedi, the
disregard for sentient rights shown by the man who calls himself
'Emperor.' These were all important issues, and I will always say
that the world is a better place after Attack of the Clones."
 Midichlorians were introduced in Star Wars Episode 1: The Phantom
Menace, as a physical, scientific component of The Force. Previously
The Force had been thought by most to be purely spiritual or
mental in nature.
Critics say Lucas overstated the case for midichlorians in Episode
1, and that they were invented to appease the 'hard sci-fi'
or 'Star Trek' demographics. Josh Vanderbilt, editor of the JediBlog
forum,
said he agrees with both these conclusions: "In the previous
films, there was no attempt at justifying anything from even a pseudo-scientific
point of view," said Vanderbilt. "In the old days good
was Good, the Empire was Evil, and Jedi fought for what they believed
in and were honest about it. There was none of this, let's say, making
up evidence to fit certain conclusions."
Another aspect is the commercial one. Lisa Dimarco, journalist
and writer of Consumer Report's 'SF-Watch' column, expressed
surprise that this had gone unnoticed. "Many people close to Lucas have
made millions in the aftermath of Attack of the Clones," said
Dimarco. "Even Lucas himself is likely getting some money from
all the merchandising. Could this have been such a success without
the 'midichlorian hype?' I don't know. What I do know is that the
Lucas franchise suffered a heavy blow after what they found - or
perhaps didn't find - on Endor. It's obvious they didn't want that
to happen again."
Few believe this inquiry will be the final word in what has
been a highly divisive issue in an otherwise tolerant community. "These
people will be hand picked by Lucas. Does anyone think they are going
to criticise him in any way?" wrote Di3Di3Di3JJB in a posting
at JediBlog.
Vanderbilt concurred: "Even if some small blame falls on Lucas,
we still will not know until after Episode 3. By then it's too late."
Whatever the outcome of the inquiry, fans around the world
think Attack of the Clones was worth the cost just to
get rid of Jar-Jar.
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