Who else could have been the Han Solo figure? You know, it might have helped things considerably if Qui-Gon had run into a sassy, wisecracking Gungan instead of a bumbling innocent. I think Jar Jar Binks would have been much more popular if he mouthed off with his opinion that the Force is a load of crap, and called Qui-Gon a damn idiot for betting their ship on Anakin. That could have been interesting, but believe it or not, I actually like Jar Jar the way he is. Lucas was going for something different with Jar Jar, tapping into the mythological archetype of the wise fool. In ancient legends and stories (King Lear being a good example), there's a fool who tags along with the heroes, getting in the way and annoying everybody, but his innocence and good heart ultimately provide the heroes with some crucial insight or assistance that saves the day.
Jar Jar Binks is the wise fool. Yes, he's annoying. Supremely, ultimately annoying. But repeat after me: HE IS SUPPOSED TO BE. If everybody in the movie loved him and thought his wacky antics were adorable and precious, that would suck. But take note: they don't. Nobody likes Jar Jar. For Pete's sake, his own people banished him because he was so damn aggravating. Critics accuse Lucas of sticking Jar Jar in the movie purely for kiddie appeal, and yet the kid in the movie doesn't even like him. Anakin only bothers to speak to Jar Jar once, to warn him away from his podracer's energy binders, and steers clear of the Gungan the rest of the time. Only Qui-Gon seems to see any worth in Jar Jar's existence, and whatever it is, he keeps it to himself.
Ultimately, Jar Jar is directly responsible for setting in motion the entire third act of the movie. When all seems lost and dark, he inspires Queen Amidala to shed her dependence on the ineffectual bureaucracy of the Republic, and he gives her the courage to go back and fight for their home planet, on her own terms. He is the liaison who facilitates an alliance between the Gungans and the Naboo. He doesn't manage to lead his troops to victory over the battle droid army, but he does his best. Jar Jar the fool is indispensable to the plot, and a fine character. Okay, I could do without him saying "Ex-squeeze me," but nothing's perfect.
