My last dip into fantasy Hollywood was to armchair screenwrite 'The Phantom Menace' with an imaginary George Lucas and produce a prequel story that both stuck with Lucas' vision/ideas for his universe while molding it a little bit into a more cohesive story that I (at least) wanted it to be.
Doing that, though, assumed that I'd be following it up with a Maybe Studios re-do of 'Attack of the Clones,' which I've found a little more challenging because, to be honest, I didn't hate that movie. Now, I didn't hate 'Menace' either, but my recent re-watching of the prequels showed that 'Clones' was pretty good if you cut out all the scenes with C3PO and ended all of Padme and Anakin's scenes together about 90 seconds early.
So mostly this version will be to integrate some of the minor changes I did in 'Menace' and set the stage for some much bigger changes in 'Revenge of the Sith.'
Again, it isn't my intent to actually re-write the movie. Many other fans have done that and a lot have done it better than I probably could. Holding true to my original intent, this re-do will take the elements Lucas created for the story, and just kind of trim and refocus them to align more with my tastes. In other words, we at the Maybe Machine are pretending that we're working with George Lucas rather than replacing him.
Setting the Stage: The Galactic Senate
I don't know how the Galactic Republic has been running for a thousand years because the Senate I see in action is indecisive and powerless. It feels a lot like a space-United Nations, with individual member nations/planets pushing for their own interests and only cooperating with others when it benefits them. Obviously there are power blocks within the Senate, such as however many systems have united to form the Trade Federation, and they would wield more clout than any other single system. That's how they were able to stalemate the Senate during their embargo of Naboo.
The Senate itself (and the position of chancellor) doesn't have any real authority beyond that which the planets grant them. Obviously Palpatine is trying to change this, but as we enter Episode II, the Republic is fracturing as the Separatists chip away at the Senate, enticing away systems and groups who don't feel the benefit of staying. It's a parallel to the American Civil War (or any civil war, I guess), where the nation couldn't survive if the member states were allowed to pack up and leave whenever they disagreed. Frankly, I have a hard time understanding why Amidala was opposed to the idea of a Republic Army, but there you go...
The Plan:
Again, I think it's important to spell out Palpatine's original plan here to fully appreciate the string pulling as well as identify when the heroes have disrupted a part of it that he needs to adapt to.
When last we left him, he'd just been elected chancellor of the Galactic Senate. Although our experience with that body shows that it's actually pretty powerless, Phase Two of his plan involves the Senate granting an increasing amount of power to the position. He does this by manipulating Count Dooku into forming a secessionist movement and then pushing him to greater acts of violence against the Republic. Of course the senators will agree that they need an army to defend themselves rather than leaving it up to each planet alone. Once he's been granted control of a galaxy-spanning army, he'll be ready to tighten his grip on the Republic systems.
To sway the Sentate to his way of thinking, though, he'll need to strike closer to the heart of the Republic where those indecisive Senators have gathered.
That's our stage as we roll the opening crawl.
Star Wars Episode II: Attack of the Clones
Act I
Three years have passed since the end of 'Phantom Menace,' and Obi-Wan and Anakin have been trucking around the galaxy doing good deeds. Despite their best efforts, though, they've been unable to stem the tide of Dooku's secessionist movement. They've been recalled to Coruscant to brief the Senate on what they know of Dooku's actions.
So far, the Secessionists are just a political movement backed by a terrorist group. Amidala believes that fielding an army against them will only unify the rebel systems and escalate things. In the Senate, she and Organa oppose the formation of a Grand Army and promote the Jedi as the peacekeeping solution against Dooku's terrorist forces.
Her efforts take a sudden blow when an explosion rips through the Senate building and a hologram of Dooku takes credit for it. Anakin, of course, is mostly concerned with Padme and races to find her in the wreckage. Fortunately, she was kept safe by her now-fiance Bail Organa, and Anakin doesn't know whether to be happy or jealous.
For those who knew Dooku as a Jedi, this terrorist attack doesn't seem like him, but Anakin and Obi-Wan saw first hand what his forces were doing in the Outer Rim and wouldn't put it past him.
Act II pt 1
In the wake of the Senate bombing, Palpatine takes on some additional executive authority to preserve the security of the Republic. The senate approval of the Grand Army looks imminent, and only catching those behind the bombing can halt the coming war. Of course Anakin makes vast, empty promises to her, which only adds to the pressure he's under to produce.
Obi-Wan and Anakin investigate the source of the bombing through some good old fashioned sleuthing and they report their findings to the Jedi Council. Of equal importance is Anakin's growing frustration with his lack of control over the great powers at his command. He hides it well, but it's there under the surface for the darkly observant Palpatine to notice.
Ultimately, they track the explosion to a Mandalorian clan which had proclaimed for the Separatists. The two Jedi infiltrate their hideout, and a battle between them and a handful of Mandalorians ends with the Mandos taking their own lives rather than being captured.
Meanwhile, Padme is attempting to block the formation of an army by blocking its funding, but in the process uncovers evidence that Palpatine has already begun illegally outfitting an army and traces it to a planet called Kamino.
Act II pt 2
Padme wants to go on a fact-finding mission to Kamino and asks Bail to go with her. He needs to stay and continue their work at the Senate and actually suggests Anakin be the one to go with her. For Obi-Wan's part, he saw a bit of the rage that Anakin was displaying during the fight with the Mandos and suggests it might be good for him to get away for a bit. He assures him that the Mandalorian situation is resolved and he can spare some time off.
He's lying, though, because as soon as Ani is gone, he begins following up on the head of the Mando clan. He knows how they work and knows those on Coruscant wouldn't be acting without orders from their clan head. A Mandalorian named Jango Fett was calling the shots. He ultimately tracks Fett to a planet called Geonosis.
While all this is going on, Anakin and Padme are on their way to Kamino. It's obvious there's some romantic tension between them, but there still remains a class barrier. Anakin has the Jedi Order guiding his life, and Padme is ruled more by politics than by heart. Such talk is spread out over their discovery of, and introduction to, the massive army of clones that is being prepped for Republic service and has been in the works for a few years.
On Geonosis, Obi-Wan infiltrates the compound and discovers the headquarters of the Separatists, but is captured half-way through giving his report.
On Kamino, Padme is reporting her discoveries to Organa who agrees to reveal it at the next Senate assembly. Their conversation is interrupted, though, by the receipt of Obi-Wan's report. They witness his capture by Fett and the battle droids. Organa also witnesses the transmission and says he'll inform the Council. Anakin heads out immediately to rescue Obi-Wan, and Padme won't be left behind.
Dooku has a talk with Obi-Wan, explaining his suspicions about a Dark Side presence in the government, but Obi-Wan doesn't believe him. It's worth mentioning that, in this version, Dooku is not a Sith. Rather, he's a former Jedi who left the order when he sensed it falling under the control of the Dark Side. Everything he says to Obi-Wan is his true belief, and it's a real shame he doesn't believe him.
Act III
The finale plays out almost exactly like it did in the original film. Anakin, Padme and R2 maneuver through the droid factory until they too are captured, and all three are dumped into the arena. Thinking they're going to die, Padme admits her love to Anakin before they and Obi-Wan are trussed up in the arena to face off against the three space monsters.
They're a hair's breadth away from being executed by the Geonosians when the rest of the Jedi Council shows up. What started as a rescue, though, turns into a war as the Geonosian droid factory opens up and spills out squads of battle droids and tanks. The Jedi are saved by the timely arrival of Bail Organa and the Clone Army, and the battle of Geonosis begins.
Padme declares that they can end the war before it starts if they can get Dooku, and she leads Obi-Wan and Anakin after him.
He leads them into a trap, though, and Padme is seriously injured. Anakin loses his shit and goes after Dooku hard. His power can't match Dooku's skill, though, and he manages to defeat him by lopping off one of his arms. As more back-up arrives, Dooku flees.
Anakin's last sight before blacking out is seeing Padme being cared for by Bail Organa.
Credits.
So again, it's recognizable as the original 'Attack of the Clones', but with some adjustments to play up Palpatine's manipulations (Dooku is not a Sith but rather an unknowing tool) and stay true to the original trilogy characters (Yoda is not a great warrior).
The love story between Anakin and Padme gets a little help by being introduced more in Phantom Menace and allowed to grow over the course of this film.
Friday, March 18, 2016
Sunday, March 6, 2016
A little less Phantom, a little more Menace
I'm sure it's no coincidence that, on the heels of the release of Star Wars VII, my local single-screen theater decided to have an all-day marathon of the first six Star Wars movies. It'd been a long time since I'd seen the original trilogy on the big screen so of course I jumped at the chance.
You'll be happy to know that those older films still hold up today as some solid examples of film making (and shows that even the hokiest story can be salvaged by some great character work). To be honest, seeing the orig trig again just made me really sad about how the prequel trilogy turned out. The saga of Luke Skywalker proves that George Lucas really knew how to make a movie, and I can't help but wonder what happened in between the trilogies to give us the much-poorer-by-example saga of Anakin Skywalker.
I've read (and watched) more than one fan pitch on what they would do if -they- were making the prequels. And since that's the whole premise behind the Maybe Machine, I figured I too could give my ideas for a better prequel trilogy. However, while many of those other synopses were based on total rewrites and clean slates, I don't have the hubris to think that I know better than Lucas how to use his characters and universe.
Rather, I'd like to imagine this as a more collaborative effort. A process where George and I teamed up for a week at Skywalker Ranch to take his ideas and turn them into a more cohesive and fan-pleasing product. Effectively, I'll try to keep as many of his characters, locations and events in place, but might be shifting those elements around a bit.
Our first stop, of course, is 'The Phantom Menace,' but first let's set the stage for the opening chapter of our re-prequel series:
Setting the Stage: The Jedi Order
By the time of Star Wars IV: A New Hope, the Jedi Order was already faded from the galaxy, often derided as a hokey and ancient religion. Our Phantom Menace takes place just 25 years before that, and we're already seeing the Jedi Order in decline. Their numbers are diminished with fewer and fewer force sensitive youths found to join their ranks. Their glory days as galactic peacekeepers are well behind them, being relegated now to an almost ceremonial presence.
Where once they could claim to have been on the front lines in the war against the Sith Empire or leading the way in galactic expansion in the outer rim, now they serve as political escorts or mediators in trade disputes. The Jedi Temple on Coruscant is an old, dusty edifice far too large for the less-than-100 Jedi currently occupying it. Their clothing is more like ancient robes and frontier-wear than the modern clothing and uniforms worn by the citizens of the Republic.
In all ways they're fading in the eyes of the average Republic citizen, which is why it's so important when a young slave is discovered to be so strong in the force...
The Plan:
Before we get too deep into the weeds, I think we need to understand what Palpatine's plan is. As much as I liked the idea of seeing the master string-puller work things to catapult himself into the seat of ultimate power, his actual plan was never very clear. I'll at least want it spelled out here so we have some context of what drives Episode I.
Phase One of his plan is to be elected to the leadership position of the Galactic Senate. Even as that political body seems ineffective and powerless, it's a place to start building power and getting there is all that concerns us in Phantom Menace.
Through his alternate identity as Darth Sidious, Palpatine engineers a political upheaval on his home planet of Naboo. When the current chancellor of the Senate sends a couple Jedi to mediate the dispute, all Palpatine has to do is make sure they fail and he'll have grounds to declare the chancellor a failure and move for a new election (and, as the wounded party, would have the best chance of getting elected). As a Sith, his assumed way of ensuring this failure is to kill the Jedi on Naboo. Of course they escape, but at least we know Palpatine's plan as the movie starts.
And that's where our saga starts. Cue John Williams music!
Act I
Jedi Knight Qui-Gon Jinn and his apprentice Obi-Wan Kenobi arrive on Naboo to mediate a dispute between the planet and the Trade Federation which has placed an embargo around the planet. Obi-Wan is frustrated with this menial task and longs for the days when Jedi were respected peacekeepers rather than glorified honor guards. Qui-Gon sends him to check the building exterior where he meets a 14-year-old slave named Anakin. This acerbic, acid-tongued teen gives Obi-Wan some insights into the dichotomy of Naboo society, only lightening his tone when he catches sight of the beautiful young Princess Padme as she makes her way to observe the meeting.
Because Obi-Wan is wandering the grounds, he's in the perfect spot to notice the additional landing ships which have come to Naboo and recognizes the occupation for what it is. He and Anakin race back to the council chambers to warn them, but they arrive too late to save the royal family from the assassin droids. Instead, the two Jedi, with the aid of Anakin, are only able to spirit away now-Queen Amidala.
Trade Federation leaders occupy the city, but their cloaked master reports his displeasure. The new queen and her Jedi escorts must NOT reach the capital. Despite the manhunt, they manage to make it to a hangar and break through the embargo.
Act II pt 1
Qui-Qon watches Anakin closely during their flight, pointing out to Obi-Wan some strange intuitions and "lucky" moments that aided their escape. Obi-Wan thinks he's suspicious of him, but Qui-Gon doesn't voice his real concerns yet. Meanwhile, Anakin gets some face time with Padme and starts trying to break down those social barriers between the new queen and the former slave. They're of the same age, and Padme becomes a little smitten with the rough young man she owes her life to.
Unfortunately, their ship was damaged during its escape from Naboo (and I don't mind introducing R2-D2 as a ship's maintenance droid here) and they need to lay low while they gets some parts. Fortunately, Obi-Wan knows somebody on the nearby Hutt-controlled world of Tatooine, and he leads them there.
On the desert planet, the fugitives hook up with Obi-Wan's friend, Owen Lars, and eventually learn that their best bet for escape from the planet is to participate in a dangerous but potentially rewarding pod race. Obi-Wan offers to pilot, but when Anakin volunteers, Qui-Gon backs him. It all goes as originally written, Anakin wins the race, they claim their winnings, and they buy the parts they need.
As in the original version, this is when Darth Maul makes his first appearance. The battle is brief but one-sided. Qui-Gon only barely manages to hold off the dark warrior while Obi-Wan gets the rest to safety before making his escape himself.
Act II pt 2
On Coruscant, Maul's master, Darth Sidious, voices again his displeasure of their escape. However, he's prepared to intercept them at the capital. Perhaps he can still work this to his advantage. He cuts communications and pulls back his hood to reveal his true face. He's showing some of the dark side deformities we'd come to expect since 'Empire Strikes Back', but with great concentration, he represses those features until he's finally Ian McDiarmid again.
When Amidala arrives on Coruscant, she goes to meet with Naboo's Senator Palpatine where it's revealed he's secretly the Sith master we'd just seen transformed. She calls on him to get her a meeting with the senate where she can notify them of the unjust invasion of her homeworld. Meanwhile, Qui-Gon and Obi-Wan take Anakin to the Jedi Council. They have news of an enemy warrior they believe to be trained in the ways of the Sith, but have good news in the discovery of Anakin. It's been a while since they've discovered anybody strong enough in the force to become a Jedi, and it's Qui-Gon's opinion that he's stronger in the force than anybody they know. This is news to Obi-Wan (who's not as perceptive as Qui-Gon, I suppose). Qui-Gon declares that Obi-Wan is ready for the trials of knighthood and that he wants to take Anakin as his new apprentice.
At the Senate, Amidala puts forth her case, but just as in the original film, the Trade Federation refutes her claim and the bureaucrats start weighing in. The only ally she has, it seems, is Bail Organa, the representative from Alderaan. His planet regrettably has no military force to offer her (they're a peaceful planet with no weapons), but promises to fight for her cause in the Senate. It doesn't hurt that this Bail Organa he's a handsome and charming man.
When reunited with her Jedi companions, she voices her frustration. Qui-Gon says they need to allow time for the Senate to work, but Obi-Wan remembers a time when Jedi were committed to protecting peace on all planets of the Republic. Anakin agrees, and has a plan for Naboo to earn its own freedom. Palpatine is skeptical and agrees with Qui-Gon to let the Senate do it's thing, but Amidala is determined.
This, by the way, is also his first meeting with Anakin, and he quickly (but subtly) perceives his power as well as his obvious affection for Amidala and slight jealousy toward Organa.
Act III
Organa doesn't have a fleet of ships, but he -does- have a fast corvette that might work to run the blockade around Naboo. With his help, the heroes smuggle themselves back to Naboo and into the capital. There, Anakin arranges a meeting between the queen and the heads of the underclass and slaves. They agree to rise up and overthrow the occupiers, but only if all class barriers are broken. Amidala agrees, and a rebellion (of sorts) is born of the planet's underclass and the queen's surviving security volunteers. If they can capture the viceroy, they can force him to deactivate the battle droids, ending the conflict and the occupation. The rebellion lays siege to the palace and engages the droid forces while Amidala and the Jedi sneak in to capture the viceroy. They all know the Naboo-ians can't hold out for long, but they only need to hold out long enough for the heroes to get the viceroy and shut down the opposition.
Unfortunately, there's a slight delay as the heroes arrive at the throne room to find it protected by Darth Maul. Anakin wants to help his master fight, but the two Jedi remind him the viceroy is the true target. They'll hold off the Sith while Anakin and the queen go after the leader.
The initial stages of the saber battle are scattered, but when Obi-Wan sets aside his rambunctiousness and they start working as a team, they're able to corner Darth Maul. It culminates in a flurry of lightsaber strokes that sees Obi-Wan taking advantage of an opening Qui-Gon created to finish off Maul. It's only when the Sith falls that Obi-Wan realizes that opening came at the cost of Qui-Gon's life.
Meanwhile, Padme and Anakin have been fighting their way through the Viceroy's guards and/or using shortcuts known to the queen to reach the palace hangar. Unfortunately, they get pinned down and can only watch as the viceroy's shuttle lifts off. That is until Anakin senses Qui-Gon's death. That combines with a sudden awareness of all the Naboo-ians dying around them pushes him across a line that Qui-Gon had warned him about. He taps into his rising anger and is able to use the force to actually grab hold of the fleeing shuttle and ground it.
With the viceroy in their grasp, the battle droids get powered down. The war for Naboo is over.
In the end, the now-free and united planet celebrates, and Palpatine arrives to congratulate them on their victory in achieving what an impotent Senate couldn't do. Their actions have lead the Senate to select a new chancellor, and sympathy for Naboo has made him the top contender.
End credits.
So basically it's the Phantom Menace we saw in theaters, but with an older Anakin introduced a lot earlier in the story and 100% fewer Gungans.
You'll be happy to know that those older films still hold up today as some solid examples of film making (and shows that even the hokiest story can be salvaged by some great character work). To be honest, seeing the orig trig again just made me really sad about how the prequel trilogy turned out. The saga of Luke Skywalker proves that George Lucas really knew how to make a movie, and I can't help but wonder what happened in between the trilogies to give us the much-poorer-by-example saga of Anakin Skywalker.
I've read (and watched) more than one fan pitch on what they would do if -they- were making the prequels. And since that's the whole premise behind the Maybe Machine, I figured I too could give my ideas for a better prequel trilogy. However, while many of those other synopses were based on total rewrites and clean slates, I don't have the hubris to think that I know better than Lucas how to use his characters and universe.
Rather, I'd like to imagine this as a more collaborative effort. A process where George and I teamed up for a week at Skywalker Ranch to take his ideas and turn them into a more cohesive and fan-pleasing product. Effectively, I'll try to keep as many of his characters, locations and events in place, but might be shifting those elements around a bit.
Our first stop, of course, is 'The Phantom Menace,' but first let's set the stage for the opening chapter of our re-prequel series:
Setting the Stage: The Jedi Order
By the time of Star Wars IV: A New Hope, the Jedi Order was already faded from the galaxy, often derided as a hokey and ancient religion. Our Phantom Menace takes place just 25 years before that, and we're already seeing the Jedi Order in decline. Their numbers are diminished with fewer and fewer force sensitive youths found to join their ranks. Their glory days as galactic peacekeepers are well behind them, being relegated now to an almost ceremonial presence.
Where once they could claim to have been on the front lines in the war against the Sith Empire or leading the way in galactic expansion in the outer rim, now they serve as political escorts or mediators in trade disputes. The Jedi Temple on Coruscant is an old, dusty edifice far too large for the less-than-100 Jedi currently occupying it. Their clothing is more like ancient robes and frontier-wear than the modern clothing and uniforms worn by the citizens of the Republic.
In all ways they're fading in the eyes of the average Republic citizen, which is why it's so important when a young slave is discovered to be so strong in the force...
The Plan:
Before we get too deep into the weeds, I think we need to understand what Palpatine's plan is. As much as I liked the idea of seeing the master string-puller work things to catapult himself into the seat of ultimate power, his actual plan was never very clear. I'll at least want it spelled out here so we have some context of what drives Episode I.
Phase One of his plan is to be elected to the leadership position of the Galactic Senate. Even as that political body seems ineffective and powerless, it's a place to start building power and getting there is all that concerns us in Phantom Menace.
Through his alternate identity as Darth Sidious, Palpatine engineers a political upheaval on his home planet of Naboo. When the current chancellor of the Senate sends a couple Jedi to mediate the dispute, all Palpatine has to do is make sure they fail and he'll have grounds to declare the chancellor a failure and move for a new election (and, as the wounded party, would have the best chance of getting elected). As a Sith, his assumed way of ensuring this failure is to kill the Jedi on Naboo. Of course they escape, but at least we know Palpatine's plan as the movie starts.
And that's where our saga starts. Cue John Williams music!
Star Wars Episode I: The Phantom Menace
Act I
Jedi Knight Qui-Gon Jinn and his apprentice Obi-Wan Kenobi arrive on Naboo to mediate a dispute between the planet and the Trade Federation which has placed an embargo around the planet. Obi-Wan is frustrated with this menial task and longs for the days when Jedi were respected peacekeepers rather than glorified honor guards. Qui-Gon sends him to check the building exterior where he meets a 14-year-old slave named Anakin. This acerbic, acid-tongued teen gives Obi-Wan some insights into the dichotomy of Naboo society, only lightening his tone when he catches sight of the beautiful young Princess Padme as she makes her way to observe the meeting.
Because Obi-Wan is wandering the grounds, he's in the perfect spot to notice the additional landing ships which have come to Naboo and recognizes the occupation for what it is. He and Anakin race back to the council chambers to warn them, but they arrive too late to save the royal family from the assassin droids. Instead, the two Jedi, with the aid of Anakin, are only able to spirit away now-Queen Amidala.
Trade Federation leaders occupy the city, but their cloaked master reports his displeasure. The new queen and her Jedi escorts must NOT reach the capital. Despite the manhunt, they manage to make it to a hangar and break through the embargo.
Act II pt 1
Qui-Qon watches Anakin closely during their flight, pointing out to Obi-Wan some strange intuitions and "lucky" moments that aided their escape. Obi-Wan thinks he's suspicious of him, but Qui-Gon doesn't voice his real concerns yet. Meanwhile, Anakin gets some face time with Padme and starts trying to break down those social barriers between the new queen and the former slave. They're of the same age, and Padme becomes a little smitten with the rough young man she owes her life to.
Unfortunately, their ship was damaged during its escape from Naboo (and I don't mind introducing R2-D2 as a ship's maintenance droid here) and they need to lay low while they gets some parts. Fortunately, Obi-Wan knows somebody on the nearby Hutt-controlled world of Tatooine, and he leads them there.
On the desert planet, the fugitives hook up with Obi-Wan's friend, Owen Lars, and eventually learn that their best bet for escape from the planet is to participate in a dangerous but potentially rewarding pod race. Obi-Wan offers to pilot, but when Anakin volunteers, Qui-Gon backs him. It all goes as originally written, Anakin wins the race, they claim their winnings, and they buy the parts they need.
As in the original version, this is when Darth Maul makes his first appearance. The battle is brief but one-sided. Qui-Gon only barely manages to hold off the dark warrior while Obi-Wan gets the rest to safety before making his escape himself.
Act II pt 2
On Coruscant, Maul's master, Darth Sidious, voices again his displeasure of their escape. However, he's prepared to intercept them at the capital. Perhaps he can still work this to his advantage. He cuts communications and pulls back his hood to reveal his true face. He's showing some of the dark side deformities we'd come to expect since 'Empire Strikes Back', but with great concentration, he represses those features until he's finally Ian McDiarmid again.
When Amidala arrives on Coruscant, she goes to meet with Naboo's Senator Palpatine where it's revealed he's secretly the Sith master we'd just seen transformed. She calls on him to get her a meeting with the senate where she can notify them of the unjust invasion of her homeworld. Meanwhile, Qui-Gon and Obi-Wan take Anakin to the Jedi Council. They have news of an enemy warrior they believe to be trained in the ways of the Sith, but have good news in the discovery of Anakin. It's been a while since they've discovered anybody strong enough in the force to become a Jedi, and it's Qui-Gon's opinion that he's stronger in the force than anybody they know. This is news to Obi-Wan (who's not as perceptive as Qui-Gon, I suppose). Qui-Gon declares that Obi-Wan is ready for the trials of knighthood and that he wants to take Anakin as his new apprentice.
At the Senate, Amidala puts forth her case, but just as in the original film, the Trade Federation refutes her claim and the bureaucrats start weighing in. The only ally she has, it seems, is Bail Organa, the representative from Alderaan. His planet regrettably has no military force to offer her (they're a peaceful planet with no weapons), but promises to fight for her cause in the Senate. It doesn't hurt that this Bail Organa he's a handsome and charming man.
When reunited with her Jedi companions, she voices her frustration. Qui-Gon says they need to allow time for the Senate to work, but Obi-Wan remembers a time when Jedi were committed to protecting peace on all planets of the Republic. Anakin agrees, and has a plan for Naboo to earn its own freedom. Palpatine is skeptical and agrees with Qui-Gon to let the Senate do it's thing, but Amidala is determined.
This, by the way, is also his first meeting with Anakin, and he quickly (but subtly) perceives his power as well as his obvious affection for Amidala and slight jealousy toward Organa.
Act III
Organa doesn't have a fleet of ships, but he -does- have a fast corvette that might work to run the blockade around Naboo. With his help, the heroes smuggle themselves back to Naboo and into the capital. There, Anakin arranges a meeting between the queen and the heads of the underclass and slaves. They agree to rise up and overthrow the occupiers, but only if all class barriers are broken. Amidala agrees, and a rebellion (of sorts) is born of the planet's underclass and the queen's surviving security volunteers. If they can capture the viceroy, they can force him to deactivate the battle droids, ending the conflict and the occupation. The rebellion lays siege to the palace and engages the droid forces while Amidala and the Jedi sneak in to capture the viceroy. They all know the Naboo-ians can't hold out for long, but they only need to hold out long enough for the heroes to get the viceroy and shut down the opposition.
Unfortunately, there's a slight delay as the heroes arrive at the throne room to find it protected by Darth Maul. Anakin wants to help his master fight, but the two Jedi remind him the viceroy is the true target. They'll hold off the Sith while Anakin and the queen go after the leader.
The initial stages of the saber battle are scattered, but when Obi-Wan sets aside his rambunctiousness and they start working as a team, they're able to corner Darth Maul. It culminates in a flurry of lightsaber strokes that sees Obi-Wan taking advantage of an opening Qui-Gon created to finish off Maul. It's only when the Sith falls that Obi-Wan realizes that opening came at the cost of Qui-Gon's life.
Meanwhile, Padme and Anakin have been fighting their way through the Viceroy's guards and/or using shortcuts known to the queen to reach the palace hangar. Unfortunately, they get pinned down and can only watch as the viceroy's shuttle lifts off. That is until Anakin senses Qui-Gon's death. That combines with a sudden awareness of all the Naboo-ians dying around them pushes him across a line that Qui-Gon had warned him about. He taps into his rising anger and is able to use the force to actually grab hold of the fleeing shuttle and ground it.
With the viceroy in their grasp, the battle droids get powered down. The war for Naboo is over.
In the end, the now-free and united planet celebrates, and Palpatine arrives to congratulate them on their victory in achieving what an impotent Senate couldn't do. Their actions have lead the Senate to select a new chancellor, and sympathy for Naboo has made him the top contender.
End credits.
So basically it's the Phantom Menace we saw in theaters, but with an older Anakin introduced a lot earlier in the story and 100% fewer Gungans.
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