Star Words: Episode V, Part 37

Leia's not a fool; she knows something is off in this idyllic city in the clouds. Threepio's disappearance is truly troubling, and none of Han's attempts to reassure her do any good -- possibly because she doesn't trust Lando, but maybe also because even in the best case scenario, Han is likely going to leave her life forever.

"Then you're as good as gone, aren't you?"

We have a very expressive, non-verbal reply from Han. There's definitely progress here in their relationship compared to the beginning of the film, when both of them are too stubborn to acknowledge their feelings (Leia by denying it completely; Han by focusing on her feelings instead of his own). Now they've at least stopped denying that there is something between them; they know that the prospect of being separated is painful. But full disclosure remains elusive.

An earlier version of this scene can be found pretty easily, in which they actually kiss and behave a little more openly. While I appreciate that it contains a mention of Luke, it's otherwise much stronger in the rewrite. Leia needs to remain uncertain, withholding, until the moment of crisis in the carbon-freezing chamber. The tension is so much more delicious that way.

Next time, fateful words from Lando...