When people first see the Star Wars saga starting with Episode I, many would think Anakin was the central hero

Question

How do people expect that the protagonist would turn evil? What kind of film director is George Lucas?

I can't believe Anakin's quest to be a jedi was like in vain. I can't believe he thought it was about saving people from death.

Answer 1

In fact, Anakin Skywalker is the central character of the saga. But for him, there won't be any plot at all. The only thing is that the original trilogy uses as central character his son Luke, but it's Darth Vader (Anakin) who fulfills the prophecy by killing Palpatine and abandoning the Dark Side.
What makes Anakin evil is his humanity, his passion and his fear of death (Mother, Amidala). That's his weak spot, that he can't see the people that he loves die. It's this humanity also what ends up saving him from his dark fate.

Answer 2

This is probably why he started with Episodes, 4,5 &6. I quite enjoyed 1,2 &3- but I have also maintained that had he released Episode 1 first, there would not have been anymore.

I think if someone watched the whole series, starting from Episode 1, you would find yourself hoping that Anakin could become, that great person he was in the begining.

Part of the entrigue to me in watching Episodes1-3 was to see how Anakin became so evil, what choices he made and what lead him down that path. When he started going against the oath he took as a Jedi, that is what led him to the dark side.

Answer 3

Anakin IS the Central character of the films. He is redeemed by his son. That's the only role that Luke plays. Lucas made the second trilogy first because that's the one he thought was the most marketable, and he was right because he's paid for the second trilogy (episodes 1,2,3) out of his own pocket, so all the profits go right back in there. There are many films where the main character goes evil or in this case destroys himself. It's the very fact that he can't let go that leads him to see right and wrong in a different light. His possession of people comes from his upbringing as a slave. He never really gets over that slave mentality. You see it very clearly at the end of episode one where Anakin asks what will happen to me now. He means his master is dead, so who does he belong to, but Obi-wan mis-interprets his comment to mean will I still reach my dream. In essence Obi-wan takes over 'ownership' of Ani until he breaks free and runs away to be owned once again by the emperor. He is property his entire life.

Answer 4

I thought that was the WHOLE point.

And it wasn't in vain because Anakin/Vader ended up killing the Emperor by chucking him off the catwalk and rescuing his son thus redeeming himself.

I think you need to watch it again.

Answer 5

I think it's pretty obvious that he is the main person of the saga. I just think that the prophecy of him being the one to destroy the SITH, insn't true.It's luke reminding him of his humanity, i mean, for cying out loud he is the last thread of padme that's left so to speak. How could he allow something that he and his true love padme create die.