A Thousand Stars: Episode I, Part 39

Four battlefronts is a lot to keep track of, but the editing keeps the pacing consistent. One by one we see each group reach their low point.


Padmé's line acknowledges this. Put down your weapons. They win this round. (But only this round. The battle's not over yet.)

On the Jedi front, we have the cruelest blow with the defeat of Qui-Gon. Just like his future apprentice Luke, Obi-Wan doesn't handle this well.


"Agggh! Where are my arms!"

Just kidding. Here's the image that sums up the loss.


Then little Ani, in way over his head as the engine overheats.


Then the Gungans are rounded up by victorious battle droids.


The tide turns, however. Back to the palace, with the conflict that everything else is revolving around.

At the sight of the apparent queen the Viceroy redirects his soldiers. This one's a decoy. Ha. You've got it backwards, Nute. And so Padmè, with a few tricks up her sleeve/in her throne's secret compartment, earns her victory.


Consider once again the contrast. The Trade Federation leaders are towering, imposing figures -- and they're the cringing cowards. Diminutive Padmé is the strong and capable one, handily taking out battle droids with perfect aim and confronting the Viceroy fearlessly. Decoys, indeed. The battle plans were built on one decoy after another, from the distraction of the Gungan army to the apparent surrender (conveniently giving Padmé access to the throne room) and the multiple queens. Never judge by appearances. I could also say: Your eyes can deceive you, don't trust them.

Next time, another ironic symbol....