space opera

The main, and most interesting characters, not to say the star power, in this space opera are Valya Harkonnen, played by Emily Watson, and her sister Tula, played by Olivia Williams.

Invoking George Lucas' multi-generational appealing space opera indicated a level of seriousness about world-building and expansion.

“That’s what I love about it. It’s like a space opera, western, samurai series, but at the core of it, emotionally and fundamentally, is always this compelling story about love and loss and family.”

“The Phantom Menace” left no doubt of that, revealing Lucas to be less of some space opera guru than a guy more skilled at whiz-bang effects than character development or thoughtful exposition.

Science fiction and fantasy aficionados may argue that, in the case of a space opera like Star Wars, highlighting these characters is hardly the point — that it’s about immersive visuals and the thought-provoking experience of contemplating alternate universes and hyper-advanced technologies.