We shouldn’t tell people what to do, however
What a contradiction to like Star Wars and Sci Fi and not be wanting to get immersed in good, better, best sound, especially directional cues.
A simple 5.1 setup is not "speakers all over the place".
Stereo Pair, normal
Good Center below the TV (where your soundbar would be)
pair of small surround speakers, mine are out of sight, between the wall and the back of the sofa, on their backs, firing up.
Sub only if desired/needed, mine is mostly out of sight, under a table right next to me, essentially out of sight.
AVR: simple 5.1 mode, same remote as the TV, 'remotes all over the place' is probably part of the resistance.