the thing i love most about the prequel trilogy: fait accompli
the ending is already written, there’s no subverting the future, the tragedy has been carved into the stone monolith.
watching Anakin grow from a child, to a teenager, to a young adult, theres a hope that he won’t become the monster everyone fears. he grows up, surrounded by people that are for peace, he experiences loss, he falls in love, and is hailed as a hero. despite the sub-text of grooming and abandonment, there’s still a bright spot that maybe he will fulfill the prophecy another way, he won’t turn his back on the jedi to save Padmé, he won’t Fall and become Vader.
not only the prequel movies, but the clone wars series, both the 2003 and 2008 versions, give a look into the time gap between AotC and RotS. new characters are introduced, existing ones get more development, the clones are given names, faces, and personalities. new planets, new species, new plot lines, all with the ability to give the existing characters a new path.
it still doesn’t change what has already happened. Anakin will still Fall. Obi-wan will still lose the Order. Padmé will still lose her life. the clones will still be phased out and the stormtroopers will still take their place.
all the planets and battles, the laughter and tears shared, every relationship built in war time, will all be for naught.