I cannot deny the wrongness of the way certain actors, as real live human beings, were treated as a result of many fans' (including-- God knows--my own) intense disappointment with the PT.

To my credit, I never got around to actually harassing the person who portrayed Jar Jar Binks. But this might just be my laziness. I really did not like Mr. Binks at all. So I guess, ya know: "there but for the grace of God go I, etc..."

And actors who are children. Who are always pretty weird & annoying. So why pick on this one? Plus, they are children. Don't be mean to children, even if they're weird and/or annoying, as indeed, many are.

But really now, t would be far too silly to pretend that the PT was in any "superior" to the middle 3.

For sure, the inferiority of the clearly, almost-objectively not as good 3 was--esp. at the time of their release--was greatly magnified by the lofty expectations established by IV-VI, and the time elapsed since that trilogy's releases. We'd had years & years to watch and rewatch them, and to observe how we as a species* had collectively latched onto them as a great and unique cultural treasure. Never really thinking there really would be more, prequels or sequels or anything. Sure, we knew in theory, but obv. it was just an idea.

Then wow it was actually going to happen! Amazing! And then at last it was here & so we went & saw "Phantom Menace," and felt like "Uh...shucks."

Getting back to the long interval between the trilogies, we were coming to it expecting something as supremely excellent as the "first" 3. But this expectation was bolstered by the notion that Lucas et al had had sooo much time to make it that good. So many years to think about it, come up with new creatures and planets and all. Plus, all that extra money and blah blah blah. Can you imagine how awesome it's gonna be? Then..."Phantom Menace," featuring Jar Jar Binks.

You know?

I realize this is ultimately a subjective judgement that many (including myself) feel vehemently about, with my own vehement feeling very much the minority opinion. BUT

I'm so over the ongoing denunciation (presented so often as an objective assessment)of ROT's Luke. Come on, people....

I thank you for acknowledging at least some worthwhile intention behind the controversia