Episode one was in fact fairly important. However, its importance is only seen by members of the Eu who are able to realize things such as: First sith/jedi battle in centuries.
Fulfillment of prophecies
The shady dealings within the politics of the time period
To the movies, it may have been unnecessary. To the universe, it had many important points
Also, Jar-jar screwed up the galaxy and thus despite being an annoying incompetent fool(actually because of that), he is VERY important as he in his own way helped cause episodes 4-6.