I’m sure I’ve mentioned in a previous post that one of my very few claims to fame - possibly my only one - is that I’ve seen all ‘Star Wars’ films in the cinema on first release.

From the first moment I saw ‘Star Wars: A New Hope’, I was hooked.

Thanks to reading countless fantasy novels and watching many Westerns, the basic storyline was familiar, but there was something ‘extra’ with the films. Maybe it was the almost seamless melding of the two but there was instant appeal.

So much appeal, I was happy to spend my precious spare cash – still a student in a foreign country – on more than one viewing.

I can’t remember who I watched ‘The Empire Strikes Back’ with, probably my sister, but I do remember the gut-punch of Han Solo being encased in carbonite and the jaw-dropping reveal of, “I am your father”. And then wondering how I was going to survive until the next film – ah, the drama of youth.

For ‘Return of the Jedi’, I clearly remember going to see it with a bunch of college friends, which was fun.

The cinema was packed. As the story unfolded, it felt like everyone was equally invested with every collective gasp and laugh.

When the Millennium Falcon shot out of the flames of the bombed Death Star, everyone cheered and clapped. That memory still makes me smile.

I wasn’t expecting anything more from ‘Star Wars’ even though ‘A New Hope’ was clearly labelled, ‘Episode 4’.

By the time ‘The Phantom Menace’ came along, I’d had the boys, but they were still only 2 and 4 years old. So, I watched that on my own, as I did most films back then. The characters that interested me most were Qui-Gon Jinn and the young Obi-Wan.

For ‘Attack of the Clones’, Gordon was old enough to be interested, more for the spaceships than anything else, and wanted to watch it in the cinema. Liam opted to go with swimming with Neil instead.

When ‘Revenge of the Sith’ opened, both boys were up to speed with the original trilogy, and we watched the film together in the cinema. I’d already watched it first to prepare myself to explain inevitable whispered questions – that’s my excuse and I’m sticking with it!

I thought the prequel trilogy showed us convincingly how Darth Vader came to be. I loathed Senator/Emperor Palpatine – Ian McDiarmid did a great job portraying him as a humble senator who only wanted to do the right thing while quietly bringing his grand scheme together. It was creepy, the way he played Anakin. And I still find it heart-breaking, the awful rift between Obi-Wan and Anakin.

There are so many terrible, gut-wrenching scenes in ‘Revenge of the Sith’, made all the more distressing because it’s leading to the death of Anakin and the birth of Darth Vader.

In the original trilogy, my favourite character is Luke Skywalker. I enjoyed his character arc, from over-eager farm boy to confident wielder of the Force.

In his confrontation with the Emperor, although he did almost succumb to his fear and was only stopped from striking the Emperor by Darth Vader, at the end, when forced to fight his father, he ultimately showed he was stronger than Anakin.

He refused to kill his father, refused to join the Emperor and the dark side. Even though that left him vulnerable to the Emperor’s attack.

It was Luke’s courage that saved Anakin, giving him the strength to break from the dark, giving him a chance at redemption by choosing his son over his master.

In my review of the final film in the much-derided sequel trilogy, I said, for me, it worked as a ‘Star Wars’ film. Time has somewhat altered my view.

While I maintain it works as a ‘Star Wars’ film, I now view it as a story that isn’t connected with the Skywalker story, as if it’s part of a parallel universe or something like that. I say that because there are aspects of the films I enjoy, but the more I think on it, the more I feel it doesn’t do much for the Skywalker story that flows through Episodes 1-6.

I know I’m in a teeny minority – quite possibly a minority of 1 – when I say Luke’s portrayal as a grumpy old man in the sequel trilogy didn’t bother me that much.

Maybe it’s because of things I’ve been through, I can understand how someone might take that turn in life especially if they choose a solitary life with only their memories and their own grumpy thoughts for company.

I’m now going to put up the customary SPOILERS AHEAD warning for those who haven’t watched ‘The Mandalorian’ season 2.

‘Star Wars’ fans were treated to the best surprise ever in the final episode of ‘The Mandalorian’.

Kudos to all those working on the series – there was speculation, wishful thinking on the part of fans, but absolutely nothing concrete to get anyone into even a hint of a tizzy.

It was the almost throwaway line, “It’s an X-wing”, that was the first hint for us – the boys and me – and disbelief started jostling with hope.

Our first sight of the newcomer is the same as what the characters see, through a monitor, so it’s in black and white and a little fuzzy.

The newcomer is hooded and has a lightsaber, which is used to cut through the attacking Dark Troopers (droids).

Then the viewer sees what’s happening as the Dark Troopers see it, in colour.

The lightsaber is green, one hand is in a black glove.

At that point, Gordon’s almost hyperventilating, I’m trying so hard not to squeal too loudly and grinning so widely my cheeks hurt, and Liam’s in tears!

The one character on the bridge of the ship who represents the Empire knows who it is and the look of terror on his face is unmistakable.

The figure battles his way through the droids with ease, using the Force effortlessly, to get to those on the bridge. It’s only then he removes the hood to show his face.

Luke Skywalker!

Oh, my goodness! Just thinking about that scene is giving me chills.

To see him again, in his prime, was the best thing ever.

It’s only afterwards, when we were having our big discussion, did it occur to us –the remnants of the Empire fear Luke Skywalker as much as the rebels feared the Emperor and Darth Vader. As far as they know, he single-handedly defeated both the Emperor and Darth Vader.

And that, for me anyway, put my favourite original trilogy character on a whole other level.

So, what shall I watch today?

I’ve written before how ‘Rogue One’ could, possibly, be my favourite ‘Star Wars’ film. Before that, my favourite was ‘Return of the Jedi’.

I can’t decide which I like better, so I’ve decided they’re tied in first place.

To celebrate May the 4th, I shall watch my original favourite, ‘Return of the Jedi’.

And to all ‘Star Wars’ fans out there, May the 4th be with you!

May the 4th - Personal Memories of 'Star Wars'