When the 2011 second-wave sets were first leaked, the reactions for most sets was the same we’d felt in recent years: “meh, too expensive.” But then everyone glanced at the revision of the Episode I classic podracers, and what was in there, and the buzz was on. Early previews pointed to a sharp looking, well designed set from an area that didn’t get a lot of love in recent years.
Episode I is rightfully hated by pretty much anyone who’s ever had it inflicted on them, but the podracer scene was one of the highlights. Edit: Okay, I relent. I was apparently confusing Anakin in this with the video game, or the rest of the movie. I stand by the fact that it was too long. Changing it above to reflect what everyone has been telling me, so I don’t have to go watch Episode I again!
But LEGO managed to take a bad scene and make an awesome set in its original run; 7171 Mos Espa Podrace was a great set with good build quality and a lot of parts that had never been seen before (and a few that haven’t been seen since). It wasn’t without its flaws, especially in the minifigure area, but it was a welcome site to see updated. Especially around here, with some of the fun FBTB has had with podracers in recent years.
So, the real question here is, can a set live up to the hype, revisisted 12 years later? Especially when it comes in with (a few) less parts and one less podracer?
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With all the Black Friday goodies available in the US, we here in the UK will have to console ourselves with the fact that Toys R Us have knocked 50% off 4 Lego sets this weekend … 2 of which are basic brick boxes, but they’ve also heavily discounted :
for $112.49, MSRP $139.99
for $97.49, MSRP $119.99
for $71.49, MSRP $89.99
as well, $84.99 down from MSRP $99.99. 
