#and i wouldn't be surprised if i do the same to various OPs by adding my additional personal microlabels to their posts

[kyanitedragon]

The fun thing about the a-spectrums being so big, is that whenever I go tag-diving into one of my microlabels, I inevitably find another microlabel that also fits me

[the-far-bright-center]

That's a good and diplomatic response. The point about the world-building in the Prequels is undeniable—without the incredible world-building from those films, Star Wars as we know it today would be much poorer, its universe much less well-realised. The PT added so much that is now considered iconic to the story. The Jedi vs. Sith struggle. The Clones. Naboo and the entire space-baroque aesthetic. Finally getting to see Coruscant on-screen (instead of just as concept art that they lacked the tech to bring to life during the OT-era). And so on.

That being said, I also agree that one cannot simply dismiss the OT or say it's overrated. After all, Star Wars wouldn't exist without it. Also, Anakin's storyline in the Prequels is deliberately constructed to 'mirror' Luke's, so without the OT, the PT would not have been made the way it was in the first place. As a huge Prequels fan myself, I can certainly empathise with those who prefer those films, but as OP says you can't separate the PT from the OT. They are two parts of the same story. To fully appreciate both trilogies, we have to keep in mind the context which they were made as well as how they function together as one single, complete story. The OT has immense merit in its own right and great value as a piece of cinematic history. Perhaps it's just cause I grew up with them, but to me, the Original Trio are unparalleled in their on-screen chemistry and iconic dynamic. But because the OT's initial success (Ep IV) was such a surprise, it was always a bit...unpolished as a story. There were things left unexplained, backstories that were never elaborated, and so on. While many fans of the day clamoured for a sequel to the continue Star Wars in the vein of the Expanded Universe stories, Lucas rightly sensed that the more compelling story lay before the Original Trilogy, not after it.

In the years after the OT, Lucas also realised that there was a great deal about Anakin/Vader's backstory that fans misunderstood (such as fans still not realising that Anakin was truly a good person prior to his fall, despite this being confirmed in RotJ). So part of what motivated him to make the Prequels was that he wanted to correct the various misinterpretations that had grown and spread over the years. This is likely why so many fans met the PT with such vicious hostility— it was deliberately overturning their preconcieved notions about who and what 'Vader' really was.

In my opinion, the main difference between the PT and the OT is that Lucas had matured as a storyteller by the time he was working on the PT, and he spent many years meticulously planning the entire Prequels Trilogy out in advance. And planning it out in such a way that it mirrored and complemented the OT both visually and thematically, and filled in many of its gaps, all while simultaneously telling a story in its own right. Lucas says repeatedly that the Prequels completed the story he began telling via the Original Trilogy. This is something that many fans still seem to completely ignore (possibly because they like to pretend Disney's continuations post-RotJ are 'justified'). But that famous line from the RotS novelization that says 'this story is already over. nothing can be done to change it' is actually about the fact that, with the release of RotS, Lucas's six-film saga was now complete. And it told one single story: the Skywalker saga. The story of Anakin's rise, fall, and redemption.

That's the key part: redemption. Without the OT as the ending of the story that begins with the Prequels, the Prequels seem like just a complete and utter tragedy. Without the OT already existing and being the true ending of the story, I wouldn't love the Prequels as much as I do. The OT gives the Prequels a glimmer of light and hope that turns the story into something mythic and transcendent. Lucas has quoted Joseph Campbell about how, in myths, the darkest moment brings forth the dawn, and that's what RotS is supposed to be. THE darkest moment. The abyss from which hope is reborn. After that, the Light seeps back in. Until it fully returns with Luke at the end of the Return of the Jedi. :)

Unpopular opinion (and I know everyone will come after me, but idc), but I find the OT kinda overrated, sorry not sorry. I prefer the PT more.

i wouldn't call it overrated, exactly. the original trilogy was really unique and special and very different from anything that was around at the time, especially in terms of sci-fi. plus, they're just really fun movies, so i think they deserve the recognition and love they've received over the years. my problem with the original trilogy isn't even with the actual movies but with entitled fans who associate the ot with their childhood and act like they know more about star wars than the guy who made it.

i do prefer the prequels, though. in terms of characters, story, and worldbuilding, i find them to be much more interesting films. but i really do love the original trilogy as well (it has my boy luke, afterall!). the ot and prequels compliment each other and tell a complete story. so even though i'm a pt girl first and foremost, i don't really separate the two trilogies from each other all that much. they're two parts of the same whole.

[anxious-witch]

Hey op, this is shitty and very much unfinished but I couldn't resist despite being tired so here you go:

"Please repeat that one more time?" Yanli said slowly.

Zixuan took a deep breath.

"I would like to propose to you. Again. Properly. I know we had our misunderstandings and that I didn't treat you well and that...your family needs you now as well but if you give ke a chance I would like to..."

He took a moment to breathe before continuing.

"I would like to fix my past mistakes and renew our engagement."

Yanli blinked, then blinked again. Smiled slightly.

"Luo Qingyang taught you that speech."

Zixuan sighed, covering his face with his hand.

"Yes, Luo Qingyang taught me that speech."

To Zixuan's surprise, Yanli giggled quietly. She sat down, motioning for him to do so as well. Served them both tea is silence before speaking up again.

"You want a political alliance with Jiang clan."

She waited until he nodded.

"And you can't marry A-Cheng because you are both sect leaders."

Zixuan choked on his tea.

"No-I-"

Yanli raised her hand silencing him.

"You like my didi. There is no use in denying it. I won't tell him, seeing it's something the two of you must solve between yourselves. If we do get married thought, I am going to ask for one thing right from the start."

That got her a raised eyebrow.

"I want Luo Qingyang to be my personal guard. "

Now it was Zixuan's turn to stare at her, dumbfounded.

"I am very fond of her," she added, a phantom of a smile on her lips.

Realizatiom dawned upon Zixuan's face.

"Consider it done."

And that was how it all started.

"Jiang Cheng just listen-"

"No," Jiang Cheng hissed, spinning on his heel, "I am not going to 'just listen'! You are engaged to my sister!"

Zixuan took a slow step back under Jiang Cheng's hostile gaze.

"It's not like that. It's...it's a political thing."

Zidian sparkled on Jiang Cheng's finger. Zixuan eyes it cautiously and then took another step back.

"A political thing? You are marrying my sister because of a political thing and then confessing to me?"

Zixuan grimanced.

"That's not what I meant! She agreed to it, anyway."

If Jiang Cheng's face got any deeper red, it would probably turn more purple. He looked one second away from murdering him. Why didn't Zixuan ask Mian Mian to write this down for him?

"The fact that she agreed to it makes it alright?! I cannot believe you told her about this! Did she not have anything to say to that?"

Zixuan stared at him for a moment. Then he couldn't help it-he laughed.

"Jiang Cheng. She and Mian Mian. They are...together. she asked me to make her her personal guard once we get married. As I said, political thing."

Jiang Cheng's face went through various shades of colors and expressions as he took his words in.

"Yanli and...Luo Qingyang?" He asked quietly, as if trying to imagine it.

Zixuan shrugged.

"Yes, it seems so. And I did ask her if it's alright to talk to you. I understand if you...don't feel the same but I really really wouldn't cheat on Yanli we just had an arrangement that we are marrying for political reasons because neither of us could openly be with the person we want."

Zixuan fidgeted as he finished speaking. He definitely should have asked Mian Mian to write him a soeech for this. At least it was unlikely for Jiang Cheng to fry him wirh Zidian? Although-

Jiang Cheng stepped forward, grabbed the lapels of Zixuan's robe and Zixuan only had a second to contemplate his death before Jiang Cheng kissed him.

Or well, more like knocked their mouths together. Quite painfully. Not that Zixuan was complaining.

Once he went over his brief surprise he put his hand gently on Jiang Cheng's waist and tried to soften the kiss. Once they didn't knock their teeth against each other the kiss was...quite nice. Zixuan coukd get used to that.

They had to part for air eventually, though. Jiang Cheng's cheeks were lightly flushed, his eyes dark. He swallowed at Zixuan's staring.

"Well as far as idea go...this isn't your worst one."

Zixuan smiled. He smiled way too wide for polite standards, but he couldn't care less in that moment.

"I liked idea you just had much better. Maybe we should try it again."

Jiang Cheng rolled his eyes. And then kissed him again. And again. And again.

Zixuan could definitely get used to that.

Jin zixuan: I love you

Jiang cheng: you fucked my sister

Jin zixuan: it was political!

Jiang cheng: does marriage mean that little to you? How could you do that to my sister??

Meanwhile, jiang yanli: *making out with mianmian*