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Star Words: Episode VI, Part 23
Apr. 29th, 2021 12:12 pmWhile Leia goes deeper into the woods with her new fuzzy friend, we learn that Vader has returned to speak with the Emperor, though his master is displeased that he has left the command ship against orders. His apparent omniscience is belied by that fact that though he knew about the Rebels landing on Endor's moon, he was not aware of Luke's presence. Strange that I have not. I can't help feeling a savage satisfaction that something slipped past the Emperor's radar.
It's interesting, too, that instead of acknowledging that Vader has a deeper connection with Luke, the Emperor questions whether Vader's feelings have clouded his senses. Of course the Emperor would want Vader to doubt himself; it's all part of that parasitic master-apprentice Sith relationship. Vader coldly responds that his feelings are clear. But are they?
When the Emperor tells Vader to wait for Luke on the moon, Vader is openly surprised.
"He will come to me?"
That uncertainty and shock is so intriguing to me. Vader has been obsessed with finding Luke since the beginning of Episode V; he sent out thousands of probes and pursued him into the far reaches of the galaxy, laid traps and lured him and tempted him. But now he doubts.
He has seen something in Luke that makes him question whether his son will come willingly. Was it that moment in Cloud City when Luke responded to Vader's claim "It is the only way" by finding a different way, letting go, preferring to fall to apparent doom rather than join the Dark Side? Has Vader sensed a new resolve in Luke that is stronger than the despair that led Anakin down the cruel and lonely path to Vader?
Or is it just, you know, the fact that any sensible person would run as far from a Sith Lord as they possibly could, especially after suffering such a brutal defeat and losing a hand? Maybe that too.
In any case, the Emperor has at least one thing right. Luke will come to Vader. And Vader will bring him to his master. The stage is set for a tremendous confrontation, and I have many many feelings.
Next, Han shows the teensiest hint of his vulnerable side....
It's interesting, too, that instead of acknowledging that Vader has a deeper connection with Luke, the Emperor questions whether Vader's feelings have clouded his senses. Of course the Emperor would want Vader to doubt himself; it's all part of that parasitic master-apprentice Sith relationship. Vader coldly responds that his feelings are clear. But are they?
When the Emperor tells Vader to wait for Luke on the moon, Vader is openly surprised.
"He will come to me?"
That uncertainty and shock is so intriguing to me. Vader has been obsessed with finding Luke since the beginning of Episode V; he sent out thousands of probes and pursued him into the far reaches of the galaxy, laid traps and lured him and tempted him. But now he doubts.
He has seen something in Luke that makes him question whether his son will come willingly. Was it that moment in Cloud City when Luke responded to Vader's claim "It is the only way" by finding a different way, letting go, preferring to fall to apparent doom rather than join the Dark Side? Has Vader sensed a new resolve in Luke that is stronger than the despair that led Anakin down the cruel and lonely path to Vader?
Or is it just, you know, the fact that any sensible person would run as far from a Sith Lord as they possibly could, especially after suffering such a brutal defeat and losing a hand? Maybe that too.
In any case, the Emperor has at least one thing right. Luke will come to Vader. And Vader will bring him to his master. The stage is set for a tremendous confrontation, and I have many many feelings.
Next, Han shows the teensiest hint of his vulnerable side....
