Tusken Raider...The Phantom Menace.

I am reading the book on my Kindle, so I am not sure how this works out page wise, but I finished chapter 6 last night. It was a bit of struggle as my other half had a friend over and things escalated to the point to losing the ability to form an intelligent sentence. I, on the other hand, was mildly annoyed...that's another story for another day. It was not my intention to keep blogging every few chapters, but things keep niggling at me or are pushing me to make a comment.

I have mentioned the start of the book departs from what we have seen on screen, but is mentioned later on in the film. Chapter 6 is all new or was back when it was released. I like it. It shows again shows an Anakin that is more mature than we know. Watto, the flappy Jewish stereotype alien dude who owns Anakin and his mother, sends Anakin off to barter for some droids and other parts he can sell on (including the parts needed to repair a certain ship's engine). Anakin heads off into the desert to meet some Jawas. The hooded little fellas who sell Threepio and Artoo to Uncle Owen in A New Hope (or Star Wars, if you are old school). This is also our first proper introduction to C-3PO. He is described as being pretty much as we see him in the book, but the Threepio we all know and love is very much here. An anxious droid with a habit of talking constantly. Once the deal is made, they head home and it's still early during the day. While Threepio rambles on and the droids follow their transport, they come across a Tusken Raider (one of the Sand People) who has been partially buried under a landslide. Despite the need to get home and Threepio's urging, Anakin stops to help. They dig the raider out and then patch him as best they can and nurse him through the night. Anakin acts like an adult and his thought processes are very mature for someone his age. I am not going to lie, I would have run like fuck and left the wanker there. It is also in this chapter we see shadows of things to come in Anakin's dream. Dream or Force vision? Who knows for definite, but it definitely foreshadows what is to come further down the line. Not just in this episode.

I love this chapter. This is an Anakin we don' t really get to see on screen. He's either a irritating moppet or an irritating tween. Too much whining and not enough substance...but that is for later on. That is the problem with films. They have a short time make an impact with a character and if they get it wrong, there is no going back. Books and TV shows can develop them in more detail. It's a shame really, the overall arc we will see Anakin go through from start to finish is a great one. I don't want to reveal too much though. That's for you to enjoy for yourselves. I am sure there are more little nuggets to find in this book. I just need more time on the bus to get through it.

I know I may come across as over critical, but I have spent hours, days, weeks watching and reading Star Wars. I am not at the point where I am throwing my hard earned a a bunch of pricks who want to remake The Last Jedi, which I liked. Yes, I even liked Rose. I don't even want to start on that mob because I know I will give them the sharp side of my tongue.

Until next time...