The Skeptic Awakens

I am admittedly a Star Wars nerd. A long time ago, in a galaxy far, far away, I wanted to name my son Anakin. Be glad that didn't happen. But I know the characters down to Dak Ralter, Captain Needa, and Admiral Ozzel. I've studied how to build a lightsaber and why they have a variety of colors. I can even whip my brothers in a round of trivia.

So why am I not super excited about The Force Awakens?

Well, I wish I could answer that. My stomach flipped just like everyone else's when, during the latest trailer, Han Solo stepped from the Falcon and said, "Chewie...we're home." Goodness, I wrote a blog post about the trailer itself.

But now, I'm sitting back and watching the whole thing unfold. The new trilogy. The spinoff movies. The merchandise. The theme park. And it's making me a little sad.

Star Wars used to be this great secret we nerds held onto. We'd test people we'd meet...

"So...are you a sci-fi fan?"
"Yeah."
"Trek or Wars?"
"Wars, of course."
"Oh, my goodness, what's your favorite? Mine's Empire."
"Really, I like four, five, AND six. But the prequels don't count."
"Oh, I know! Do NOT get me started on Jar-Jar..."
"What are your thoughts on the EU? Canon?"

Yes, Star Wars will be introduced to a whole new generation. It will live on. It's an exciting moment in sci-fi history...

...but I am skeptical.

I'm not looking forward to a theater full of screaming high school girls who are there just because this series is the latest thing. Screaming fans is one thing...high school girls, quite another.

When Episode 2 came out, my brother and I took the day off work to go buy the new figures. It was the best day ever! But the merchandising is going too far...as predicted by that great prophet Yogurt in Spaceballs.

I really enjoyed reading the sequel books. The story lines involving Jaina, Jacen, and Anakin Solo were so good...at least in my opinion. To know they "no longer count" is indeed rather depressing.

I think the main thing that did me in was earlier this week when Disney announced plans for a Star Wars themed land. Okay, we all dreamed of that as kids. But George Lucas let go of the reins (and yes, I agree that it was time for that...), and the whole thing explodes! I love Disney. I'm glad they have the money to do big things with this...but I pray it's done carefully. And done right.

I do plan to see the new movie, but I'll probably wait for the crowds to die down. I won't buy any of the new stuff that's out. (Unless they have a really sweet lightsaber.) And I may consider watching the spinoffs. Now that there's enough Star Wars to go around, I will pick and choose what I like and discount the rest.

I guess we'll always have Firefly.

Help me, Obi-Wan Kenobi. You're my only hope...