matril

Back at the Imperial fleet, we see an officer coming to bring Darth Vader a report. While this scene does bring to my mind the humorous edited video of many years back, with Vader opening and closing the doors to mess with the admiral, its actual impact is very intriguing.

Up till this point we've only seen Vader masked, with no real idea of what's underneath. He could be anything, considering all the alien types we've seen in the Star Wars universe. Maybe he's all robot. But here, for just a brief shot, we're finally shown the back of Vader's head. No face, but it still reveals human-looking flesh. And extensive injuries -- scars and damaged skin. It confirms the notion that Vader wears his suit not simply as an intimidation tool, but as essential life support. He sits alone in his chamber, never able to take off his mask except in this private context, never able to be vulnerable, genuine or human with anyone.

And look at the admiral's reaction. Barely contained disgust. Certainly not pity or compassion. The only emotions that Vader evokes are negative - fear, cowering, intimidation, or disgust. Maybe a kind of respect, but only the inferior sort that's based in fear.

Next time, a different tension heightens....