Star Words: Episode IV, Part 9

After our first look at the dreaded Death Star, we are introduced to a roomful of Imperial officers and their discussions about...politics? Yes, that's right. The very first Star Wars film had a scene chock full of phrases like "Imperial Senate" "bureaucracy" and "regional governors." Of course we all know the iconic line that this scene is leading up to, but I for one find the exchange fascinating even before Vader's quote. We see that the officers are divided about how to deal with the Rebellion, how much of a threat it presents, and how the Death Star ought to be used. Of course ultimately, as Tarkin curtly states, "this bickering is pointless" because this is not a democracy. The last remains of the Republic have been disbanded in favor of tyrannical, dictatorial decisions. Whatever Tarkin says, that's what everyone else has to do -- even Vader.

Meanwhile, Vader has no patience for all this braggadocio over who has the biggest gun. All the firepower in the world is nothing next to the Force. One of the officers has a sneering response that indicates just how completely the Emperor has discredited the Jedi and any concept of the Force. And then his response is cut off mid-sentence by a telekinetic chokehold.

"I find your lack of faith disturbing."

Infinitely quotable, but also a brief line that speaks volumes. Vader is a fanatic who bullies and threatens anyone who disagrees with his zealotry. Isn't that more disturbing than any lack of faith? We can cheer and laugh at the officer being put into his place, but let's be honest -- Vader isn't going to make any converts with this kind of behavior. Just consider the officer's face after Tarkin orders his release. He's not wide-eyed and penitent. He's resentful, embittered. It's not faith that governs him, only fear.

So Vader's fanaticism about the Dark Side isn't really all that different from Tarkin's fanaticism about brute force ("Fear will keep the local systems in line -- fear of this battle station"). Presumably Tarkin has acquired great favor with Palpatine, which is why Vader obeys him. Fears him. Everyone in that conference room is living in fear, grasping for power in the desperate hope that they can stay at the top and keep everyone else fearfully cowering beneath them.

And with the prequels we have an extra layer of disturbing. Vader's signature move, used so casually here, originated in a blinding jealous rage against his wife. No matter how many people he chokes, he can't undo the thing he feared the most -- losing her. Fear destroyed Anakin. It destroyed the Republic. Faith will restore them both.

Next time, Luke makes his fateful decision....