Background: I think the original films are great, particularly Empire. Didn’t like the prequels, thought VII was okay, haven’t seen the rest.

The original films were inspired by the Vietnam. Skywalker is essentially a Victor Charlie. Darth Vader is basically William Westmoreland.

As any even amature historian knows, Vietnam was a pretty complex situation. It’s also very compelling. So maybe run with the analogy. For example:

- why does anyone support the Empire? Have they been lied to? Do people at home think the Empire is doing good? Is there any foment?

- a lot of people in the Empire have died in the empire’s quest for power. Do moms wonder why the Empire is being so careless with their sons’ lives.

- what about a Jane Fonda? Someone who is so popular among the Empire that the Empire would see revolt if they did away with her, but who opposes the Empire politically?

- think about a Joseph McCarthy like figure.

- maybe a Ronald Reagan like figure who is initially against the Empire (ie, liberal) but then becomes a big supporter and then a leader.

- what about atrocities committed by the rebels? The VC raped murdered tortured and plundered.

- what about stories where people do evil things to promote what they believe to be just ends?

- what about “Ussr” and “China” - maybe some rival empires want to help the rebels because the Empire is a common enemy.

- what about the romance? US soldiers fathered 50,000 children during the war. A lot of the guys in the rear basically had wives.

Anyway - Star Wars has an amazing universe. Love the weapons, tech, robots, etc. But the storylines are so repetitive and trite. I think moral complexity would make it so much more interesting. And I don’t think someone tying to resist temptation for evil is that interesting. People not knowing what is good or evil; or not knowing the best way to achieve good is much more interesting.

By the way, I think comparing the US to the Empire is ridiculous. I think communism is fully evil, I won’t watch anything with Hanoi Jane, etc. But just thinking about Vietnam like Lucas originally did could yield some much better storylines.