A Thousand Stars: Episode V, Part 29

[matril]

I just adore the design of Cloud City, the dreamy orange color palette and the glittering skyline. It's a first glimpse at something beautiful and warm in contrast to the Empire's cold sterility, or the Rebellion's grungy makeshift necessities.

But there's an ominous undertone as well. Our heroes are given a rather hostile welcome at first, and even after Lando's severe demeanor switches to playful teasing, we see a wariness in Leia's expression that keeps us from relaxing.

Now the peachy horizon could be seen as an eternal sunset, the beginning of the end. That liminal space where nothing is certain or settled. Even without the warning of Luke's vision, we would know something is troubling about this apparent slice of paradise.

Next time, a study in contrasts...