A Thousand Stars: Episode IV, Part 16

Luke returns from the wreckage of his home, his slow somber movements a direct contrast to the rush of his departure. We don't see his face right away, just a shot from behind and then his lowered head as Obi-Wan consoles him.

When he does lift his face, it reveals a steely-eyed determination. He has nothing left here; he's going with Obi-Wan to become a Jedi like his father.

Like his father.

We all know Luke is going through the steps of the hero's journey, and after a reluctant beginning he is stepping over the threshold into adventure. The image of him standing at the brink is a perfect visual for that concept. But it's significant in terms of his larger journey that he takes this step because of grief, pain, and perhaps a bit of vengeance. If we only had this one film, it wouldn't have been an issue. Luke gets his heroic moment of triumph and a happy ending. Thanks its box office success we get Episode V and VI, where we explore the -- well, dark side of Luke's motives. How being driven by fear and anger can lead to a perilous path, the same path that claimed his father. And ultimately, how to let go of hate and become a greater hero than anyone imagined.

Next time, the wretched hive...