So what about… Star Wars? Alright guys, this week I’ll tackle a question that’s been on the mind of a lot of people... the epic story of Star Wars. I have heard some questions dealing with what the hype is all about. If you have not been living under a rock, then you know there is a new installment of the famous story coming out in December. The movie, Episode VII: The Force Awakens, has been long anticipated, and fanatics everywhere are becoming re-obsessed with the epic originally written by George Lucas. But before discussing Episode VII, I’m going to fill in all you non-Stars Wars geeks about where this all began. Note: This summary does not do justice to the complex and exciting plot of Star Wars. The first movie released really begins in the middle of the story. The first trilogy, A New Hope, The Empire Strikes Back, and Return of the Jedi, are Episodes IV, V, and VI. The second trilogy produced, which is a prequel, begins 32 years before the original films. Basically, in Episodes IV, V, and VI there is a galactic empire that has fallen into turmoil under an emperor who had others on the Dark Side, or the evil side of the mystical concept of The Force that affects all elements in the universe, working for him. The most powerful of those on the Dark Side is Darth Vader. There is also a Rebel Alliance with Jedi Knights that fights against the empire . One boy, Luke Skywalker, who does not know his parents, is taken under the wing of a great Jedi, Obi-Wan Kenobi. They fight the dark side, often with lightsabers, to try and take back Princess Leia, a member of the rebellion. There are other battles to destroy key strongholds, like the Death Star, where Luke uses “the force” to take down the enemy. Later, Luke travels to find Yoda, a legendary Jedi master. When he finds him on his deathbed, Yoda tells Luke that Darth Vader is his father and Princess Leia is his sister. Plot twist! Rebels then attack the second Death Star, and Darth Vader dies in his son Luke’s arms. The rebels then defeated the empire. In prequel trilogy, we are introduced to Anakin Skywalker (who will eventually become Darth Vader). Anakin is believed to be the chosen one with the power of the force. He is trained by Obi-Wan Kenobi, as his son will be, by decision of the Jedi council. Throughout the rest of trilogy we see Anakin’s gradual transition to the Dark Side while he battles in war. Anakin falls in love with Queen Padme of Naboo, and they have twins (Luke and Leia). Padme dies during childbirth. Anakin believed he could prevent this by joining the Dark Side where he is eventually renamed Darth Vader.Anakin/Vader’s children are hidden away until the time has come for them to be used to help overthrow the dark Empire. Fast-forward nearly a decade after the last film produced when Disney bought the entire franchising rights for over $4 billion and hired director J.J. Abrams to lead the next generation of Star Wars with “The Force Awakens.”. Abrams directed Lost and the newest reboot of the Star Trek franchise. Both ventures, as well as many others from him, were very popular, so many are waiting to see if he can make Episode VII a hit as well. It is set 30 years after Episode VI and will continue to follow the adventures of Luke, Han Solo (another leader of the Rebel Alliance), and Princess Leia. I talked to history teacher Brian Boyd to hear what he is most excited about with the newest addition to the Star Wars saga. Boyd is supposedly the master of all things Star Wars here on campus. He told me he enjoys Star Wars so much because it is basically America’s take on mythology. He said it is our country's views on classic heros and villians from around the world all wrapped up in one easy-to-understand story. Being a history teacher, he believes this is legendary. The good versus evil theme makes sense to a 5 year old, and he thinks that this view can be put in context with the rest of the world. He wants the newest film to be as great to him now as when he was a child and saw Episode I: A New Hope. Seeing the trailers of the newest movie got him really pumped for some glorious space battles. He is also looking forward to seeing Han Solo back in action. At the end of our discussion, he wanted to be sure and add his opinion on the theory of the new masked villain with the red lightsaber. Boyd does not agree with many people who believe this new character is a Luke Skywalker who turned to the Dark Side. However, he is dying to know why C-3PO (a droid robot built by Anakin Skywalker) has a single new red arm in the trailer, instead of his classic all gold finish. Someone a little closer to my life who is ecstatic about the new film is my Uncle Hennen. He is an absolute Star Wars maniac. A miniature R2D2 rolls around his home, and he has lightsabers mounted on the walls. I watched the original trilogy with him when I was 5 years old. Hennen even named his son Luke, his daughter’s middle name is Skye, and he would have named their dog Walker had my aunt not denied him. Needless to say, he cannot wait for The Force Awakens to premiere. Some fans are more intense than others, but maybe you can “awaken” a new passion for the epic saga as the anticipation of the newest film builds.