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Star Words: Episode VI, Part 16
Mar. 11th, 2021 09:46 amThis scene, though quite exposition-heavy, is really economical in telling us just enough backstory without dragging. We move swiftly from Obi-Wan's regret over failing as Anakin's teacher, on to the first surprising intimation that Luke has sensed good in Vader. Whether this is wishful thinking or something deeper will be explored later, as we then segue to Luke balking at the thought of killing his father, while Obi-Wan's You were our last hope provides a reason to address the 'other' Yoda mentioned.
Of course it's Leia, because we haven't been introduced to any other significant female characters around Luke's age. But within the story, imagine Luke's astonishment. That connection he's always felt with her -- on some level, he's always known. This revelation does lead to a lot of quibbling about their previous interactions, particularly the infamous kiss, but whatever. I feel like, for all that their sibling relationship wasn't planned until this film, it still works. It helps a lot that Mark and Carrie had a very brother-sister dynamic throughout the filming, while there was always far more romantic tension between Leia and Han. Or, er, Carrie and Harrison, but we'll leave it at that.
Luke has been alone, family-wise, ever since his uncle and aunt were killed. Finding out his true parentage wasn't exactly an improvement. But now, at last, he learns that he has a sister, already beloved to him, all the more precious with this newfound connection. He doesn't even need Ben to tell him explicitly. As soon as he searches his feelings, the truth becomes clear. But Obi-Wan has a warning about that.
"Your insight serves you well. Bury your feelings deep down, Luke. They do you credit, but they could be made to serve the Emperor."
Seems a bit harsh. Like the Jedi Council condemning Anakin for missing his mother. Come on, let Luke feel a little softness at this life-changing discovery. But once again the concern proves to be prophetic. It will be Luke's connection with Leia that most imperils his soul during the showdown with Vader and the Emperor.
So...bury your feelings deep down? Suppress them? Or does it have a more metaphysical meaning, in terms of hiding their existence from the psychic intrusion of the Sith? I hope Obi-Wan has learned to take the old Council's teachings with a little grain of salt. Anakin tried to suppress his feelings, and it didn't go well. Maybe Obi-Wan figures he just didn't suppress them enough, I don't know. We can speculate all day about this. In any case, I find it deeply intriguing that Luke's feelings are both his greatest weakness and, ultimately, his greatness strength. As paradoxical as it might seem, there is power in vulnerability. The Sith seek dominance, control, compulsion. The true Jedi way is passive, meek and yielding. To overcome not by force (with a lowercase f) but by unconditional love and compassion.
Next, a new dynamic between old friends....
Of course it's Leia, because we haven't been introduced to any other significant female characters around Luke's age. But within the story, imagine Luke's astonishment. That connection he's always felt with her -- on some level, he's always known. This revelation does lead to a lot of quibbling about their previous interactions, particularly the infamous kiss, but whatever. I feel like, for all that their sibling relationship wasn't planned until this film, it still works. It helps a lot that Mark and Carrie had a very brother-sister dynamic throughout the filming, while there was always far more romantic tension between Leia and Han. Or, er, Carrie and Harrison, but we'll leave it at that.
Luke has been alone, family-wise, ever since his uncle and aunt were killed. Finding out his true parentage wasn't exactly an improvement. But now, at last, he learns that he has a sister, already beloved to him, all the more precious with this newfound connection. He doesn't even need Ben to tell him explicitly. As soon as he searches his feelings, the truth becomes clear. But Obi-Wan has a warning about that.
"Your insight serves you well. Bury your feelings deep down, Luke. They do you credit, but they could be made to serve the Emperor."
Seems a bit harsh. Like the Jedi Council condemning Anakin for missing his mother. Come on, let Luke feel a little softness at this life-changing discovery. But once again the concern proves to be prophetic. It will be Luke's connection with Leia that most imperils his soul during the showdown with Vader and the Emperor.
So...bury your feelings deep down? Suppress them? Or does it have a more metaphysical meaning, in terms of hiding their existence from the psychic intrusion of the Sith? I hope Obi-Wan has learned to take the old Council's teachings with a little grain of salt. Anakin tried to suppress his feelings, and it didn't go well. Maybe Obi-Wan figures he just didn't suppress them enough, I don't know. We can speculate all day about this. In any case, I find it deeply intriguing that Luke's feelings are both his greatest weakness and, ultimately, his greatness strength. As paradoxical as it might seem, there is power in vulnerability. The Sith seek dominance, control, compulsion. The true Jedi way is passive, meek and yielding. To overcome not by force (with a lowercase f) but by unconditional love and compassion.
Next, a new dynamic between old friends....
