Since Star Wars: Episode I was playing at the $2.00 theater near my home, I decided to watch it one last time on the big screen (until they re-release it 25 years from now with new scenes and special effects, of course). This time around, I wasn't so bothered by the attempt to explain the mechanics of the Force through microscopic organisms called "mitichlorians" (sp?). In fact, I started to actually like the idea somewhat.

In the first place, mitichlorians allowed for a very measurable gauge of Anakin's power, or potential power -- more so than a Jedi Master simply saying, "I sense that the Force is strong with this one." The kid's readings are off the charts, which also helps me make sense in my own mind of Darth Vader's fighting style in Star Wars movies and books. He doesn't show off incredible athleticism ala Darth Maul, because he doesn't need to. It may also be that all the robotic parts he's accumulated over the years prevent him from being more agile, but I can better accept his ability to survive in that hampered state if he simply has immense Force power.

Secondly, mitichlorians help to explain several things about the Star Wars universe as it's presented in the films and novels, starting with the reason why some beings are stronger in the Force than others. I always used to wonder why, if the Force were some kind of mystical field tied to *all* living things, some characters can use it while others can't. It also suggests an explanation for why certain species might have an immunity to mind tricks and similar uses of the Force, like Watto in Episode I, Jabba in Episode 6, or certain animals in Timothy Zahn's SW novels (ysalamiri).

Finally, the existence of mitichlorians brings a more naturalistic, rational cast to the Force, as opposed to to sort of spiritual/mystical flavor it's always had up until now. On a purely subjective and personal basis, I'm more comfortable with the "scientific" explanation than the mystical one; it actually makes the Force somewhat more palatable for me. But that's mere opinion -- for others, the rational explanation might kill the intrigue that might have kindled their interest in the Force.

It'll be interesting to see how this is developed in the next episode.

Iss "Arrgh -- I have to wait another whole year!!!" achar