When you really break it down, the Padmé/Anakin storyline isn’t the only weak point in “Star Wars.” While it starts out strong, George Lucas’ universe has gone through plenty of ups and downs over the decades.
The original trilogy’s story arc, the concept of the Force, lightsabers, Darth Vader, the entire “Empire Strikes Back” experience — these are some of the high watermarks of this masterful sci-fi universe. Other areas struggle a bit more. Some of “Star Wars'” biggest mistakes include introducing Midi-chlorians, excessive digital recreations of past characters, and out-of-place fan service (as exemplified in the Boba Fett spin-off series).
Fortunately, every negative hasn’t stayed that way. Some things that were initially considered unmitigated disasters have been rehabilitated over time. The infamous holiday special, for instance, has become a nostalgic must-watch for fans every Christmas. And while “Solo: A Star Wars Story” flopped at the box office, it has made a comeback in recent years as a respectable addition to the Star Wars canon. Even so, it seems unlikely that the rushed Padme-Anakin love story will ever be seen in a positive light —especially considering Lucas’ own thoughts on the matter.
