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Star Words: Episode V, Part 48
Nov. 19th, 2020 10:29 amHere we are at the end of Episode V at last. If this trend of ever-increasing posts continues, I suspect that Episode VI will easily exceed 50. That's perfectly fine with me; I'd be happy to spend another year on this series!
In any case, this middle film in the trilogy ends as any second act of a three-act story, with many questions and problems still unresolved amid a wistful, uncertain tone. Our heroes have made it to the Rebel fleet at last, and Lando is fully on their side now. But Han is still in the clutches of a bounty hunter, presumably frozen, Luke has lost a hand, the Rebellion has been forced to the very outskirts of the galaxy, and Vader's ominous declaration of parentage has yet to be addressed.
What else can be done except to move on? Our heroes don't give up; that's what makes them heroic. More than any extraordinary powers or mysterious origins, it is the determination to keep going no matter how great the challenges, no matter how hopeless the situation appears. Lando and Chewie are already embarking on a quest to rescue Han; Luke and Leia will follow soon after. Luke has a new mechanical hand that looks to function just as well as a real one. And his last line is full of hope.
"May the Force be with you."
(My husband likes to point out that technically, Luke's last line and the concluding line of the film is "Ow!" But let's not nitpick.)
This is the first time we've heard Luke speak this line. It's significant in its timing. It would have easy for him to declare at the end of Episode IV, when he was giddy with the success of his newfound powers and had every reason for optimism. Now he's had to confront a much darker view of the Force, not only from Vader but within himself. He could be questioning whether Ben was ever honest with him, doubting all his teachings. Still he affirms his faith. Invokes the blessings of the Force on their mission. Still he hopes.
I love Luke.
Then, with the final shot of the (unwitting) twins facing a vast vista and their uncertain future (paralleled quite poetically by the final shot with their parents in Episode II) we conclude this episode and move on to the final film!
In any case, this middle film in the trilogy ends as any second act of a three-act story, with many questions and problems still unresolved amid a wistful, uncertain tone. Our heroes have made it to the Rebel fleet at last, and Lando is fully on their side now. But Han is still in the clutches of a bounty hunter, presumably frozen, Luke has lost a hand, the Rebellion has been forced to the very outskirts of the galaxy, and Vader's ominous declaration of parentage has yet to be addressed.
What else can be done except to move on? Our heroes don't give up; that's what makes them heroic. More than any extraordinary powers or mysterious origins, it is the determination to keep going no matter how great the challenges, no matter how hopeless the situation appears. Lando and Chewie are already embarking on a quest to rescue Han; Luke and Leia will follow soon after. Luke has a new mechanical hand that looks to function just as well as a real one. And his last line is full of hope.
"May the Force be with you."
(My husband likes to point out that technically, Luke's last line and the concluding line of the film is "Ow!" But let's not nitpick.)
This is the first time we've heard Luke speak this line. It's significant in its timing. It would have easy for him to declare at the end of Episode IV, when he was giddy with the success of his newfound powers and had every reason for optimism. Now he's had to confront a much darker view of the Force, not only from Vader but within himself. He could be questioning whether Ben was ever honest with him, doubting all his teachings. Still he affirms his faith. Invokes the blessings of the Force on their mission. Still he hopes.
I love Luke.
Then, with the final shot of the (unwitting) twins facing a vast vista and their uncertain future (paralleled quite poetically by the final shot with their parents in Episode II) we conclude this episode and move on to the final film!
