You all seem really smart and I have a question about Star Wars.

[DUlover2909]

Why was episode 1 called "The Phantom Menace"? Isn't a phantom like, not real? And doesn't "Menace" just imply a benign distraction?

Can someone help me understand that?

[TZ]

1. There is no understanding episode 1 and 2 IMO

Freaking POS that nearly ruined the franchise, IMO. Episode three was acceptable but I almost wish the first three had never been done. Seemed to be mostly about money and ego for Lucas, so don't look for logically explanations on them

[Jamastiene]

6. This is the right answer.

We have a winner and I'm not talking about Star Wars episodes 1 or 2. :D

[YankeyMCC]

9. I almost hate the make the comparison but

I now put Episodes 1-3 of Star Wars in the same category as all the subsequent Highlander Movies. I liked the original and the rest just mucked up a perfectly good story. Same thing happened with the 'new' Star Wars movies. So I just sort of pretend they don't exist. :)

[pokerfan]

2. My take on the reasoning behind the title...

George Lucas thought it sounded cool.

[JVS]

3. A menace is not benign.

[texas1928]

4. The trade federation was trying to start a War with Naboo...

And that is what the Senate thought was going on. The phantom part of it was that the Sith Lord was behind it, and toward the end they were attacked by the Sith, but they did not know if they killed the Lord or the apprentice. And the events were put in motion that would change the galaxy.

[stuntcat]

5. .

:headbang:

[DS1]

7. Because George Lucas is a shitfuck

but obviously, it's a reference to Vader/Sidious.

[Dr. Strange]

8. Or perhaps a reference to George's role in the first three episodes?