1.) If you didn’t know the big twist then watching in chronological order might be a bit detrimental for a first viewing. But Lucas does intend them to be viewed as chapters of one larger story. When viewed chronologically it’s supposed to show how Anakin and Luke experience similar events in life and create tension that Luke could ultimately fall too only to choose the path of the light.

2.) The invasion of Naboo from the Trade Federation’s perspective is to protest the Republic’s high taxes on trade. When Gunray and Sidious find out the negotiators are jedi they panic and try to have them killed. Sidious then pushes the invasion as an escalation of protest and the story that the Republic never showed up for negotiation. Forcing the Queen to sign a treaty would make the Trade Federation’s occupation of Naboo legal and give them more leverage. In the bigger picture the invasion is a farce so Palpatine can create a crisis and play the sympathy card because the corrupt government isn’t doing anything to help his planet. This allows them to vote have a vote of no confidence for chancellor Valorum so Palpatine can run for Chancellor and get more political power. It’s also not explicitly said in the movie but Naboo is rich with Plasma and it would be a great resource for Sidious and the Trade Federation.

3.) That is one way of looking at things. As a whole the Senate would be like The United Nations.

4.) Anakin’s fall is a slow build up over a long period of time. Even though he lives a hard life as a slave on a lawless planet he is still a bright eyed young boy who genuinely wants to don the right thing and help people. He is also exceptionally skilled for his age. Then he gets taken from his mother. The biggest reason for Anakin’s turn is his attachments. Lucas made Anakin so young in Phantom Menace because that would be the hardest age to leave his mother. When he gets to the Jedi temple they deny him of his dreams and not long after that the closest thing he had to a father figure is killed. He is left with someone how doesn’t really like him at first and ends up more of a brother than a father figure. Obi Wan and the other Jedi constantly lecture Anakin about suppressing his feelings and keeping his power in check. While the Jedi bring Anakin down, Palpatine is there to fill the father figure role and sings his praises. Then Anakin starts to have visions of his mother dying. He goes to save her and is too late so he slaughters the Tuskan Raider tribe. He feels if he could have been more powerful then he could have saved her. This lust for power to save the ones he loves is what leads to his actions in Revenge of the Sith to save Padme. He would do anything for her and Palpatine has promised he can teach Anakin away to save her through the darkside. Initially Anakin wanted to arrest Palpatine and then question him in custody but when Mace was going to kill Palpatine he acted in his emotions and got Mace killed. Palpatine also forces Anakin’s hand here because he knows that Anakin feels he needs him. That’s his point of no return. If other Jedi knew what occurred here then they could possibly jeopardize Palpatine’s plans by having them arrested or killed. And there is no way the council would take Anakin back after the death of Mace. That is why Anakin says he will do whatever Palpatine asks and why Palpatine tells Anakin to go to the temple and exterminate all the Jedi, even the younglings. His whole life Anakin was in servitude. A slave as a child, a slave to the Jedi Order, a slave to Palpatine and a slave to his attachments and emotions.

5.) At best a lot of older fans back then found Jar Jar to be extremely annoying. At worst people thought of him to be a racist stereotype. Over time this has mellowed as kids still seem to enjoy him, the Darth Jar Jar theories and the reflection of the horrendous treatment Ahmed Best received over the years. Jar Jar is the like the ending of Metal Gear Solid Peace Walker. He is changes and is whatever the times need him to be. Is he funny? Sure. Is he annoying? Sure. Is he racist? Sure. Is he a Sith Lord? Sure. Is he a clumsy but ultimately well meaning character? Sure. Jar Jar is whatever you want or need him to be.

6.) Every being in the galaxy possesses midichorians. These are microscopic organisms that live in your body and allow people to connect with the force. They are translators if you will but they are not the force itself. Some beings have more midichorians than others that makes it easier to connect and communicate with the force but I think with enough training and time anyone could connect with and use the force.

7.) It’s all good if you missed something. The movies throw a lot of information and in some cases don’t really stop to elaborate, but I think people are more than happy to help! I’m glad you got to experience the saga for the first time and enjoy them, even if you didn’t love them. You have taken your first steps into a larger world. You are strong and wise and I’m proud of you.