The much publicized upcoming link got me thinking about the optimal viewing order for the Star Wars saga. The logical approach is to view the movies in episodic order (which is how Cinemax plans to air it). But I'm not so certain that this is the best way to watch Star Wars.

What follows is a rundown on the only four *viable* ways to view the Star Wars saga that I can think of. Sure there are other viewing orders, but these are the only ones that make sense from the standpoint of storytelling and continuity.

Here goes:

Method 1: By Order of Episode

This approach is clearly the viewing order intended...

Song (Start at 0:17): link

Colonel Turner: Here he is. At the Schloss Adler. The Castle of Eagles. Believe me, it's well named, because only an eagle can get to it. Our job is to get inside there, and get him out as soon as possible.
Colonel Kramer: Major Debeldun, in charge of shipping in weapons.
Republic Soldier: Green light go!
Men: *Jump out of the Landing Craft*
Colonel Kramer: Colonel Weissner, head of security.
Republic Soldiers: *Using parachutes after jumping out of the landing craft*...

On the planet of Phytal-after the first battle of Geonosis.

Ticara bowed low to the Keeper, the old man came forward and placed a loving kiss upon his only remaining heir. His grand-daughter." What brings our gracious king's newest passion to see an old man?" Sicar saw the disgust on her face as she rose up from her bow. " When?" It was a question all to often asked these days, one that he had no answer for as of yet. He looked out the window at the cherry tree that had grown so well in these 35 years. Under it the sad bundle that the Imprinted one had asked to bury in their garden. With only...