There's a more interesting story in “Star Wars: The Phantom Menance” than we ever got to see

The Star Wars prequel trilogy was more political than the original series. I mean, “Star Wars: The Phantom Menance” started the film with a blockade and trade negotiations. And I felt that the plot was more sophisticated than the original series, as the main protagonist, Senator Palpatine/Darth Sidious, arranged events to come out on top no matter what happened: By convincing the Trade Federation to blockade Naboo, his own homeworld, and coerce Queen Amidala to sign a treaty legitimizing the Federation occupation, he has already won the day and now must keep up appearances with the Trade Federation so they don't rat him out. Having the Federation attack the Jedi, symbols of the Republic's power, he only strengthened his position. No matter what, all roads led to Valorum's removal, and the path forward for his ascendancy to the Chancellorship out of sympathy for his planet's plight was clear. Should Queen Amidala sign the treaty, Palpatine can lobby against this action in the Senate…