SPACE BATTLES
I don't know how reliable this www.supershadow.com is and it has this statement from George Lucas, but it didn't say where the statement is from. Anyway, it is rather interesting to read.
"I kind of want Episode 2 and 3 to parallel the plot development of Episode 5 and 6 respectively," says Star Wars creator, George Lucas, "Episode 5 ended with a duel, a surprising revelation and a cliff-hanger or two so that is the way Episode 2 will end. Episode 6 ends with a stunning space battle that ends with the defeat of the reigning government, the evil Galactic Empire. Hence, Episode 3 will end with the largest space battle I have ever attempted where the fate of the Republic is at stake. The villains win the battle and the Republic falls just as the Empire fell in Episode 6."