Post Four: Quick analysis of Vader
This didn't quite fit in my last post, but it occurred to me while typing up my review of Episode III: Darth Vader is really kind of a wuss. Sure, he can choke people with his mind, lift people off their feet with one hand, and the breathing thing is kind of creepy. But really, he talks a good game about his desire for power, but really can't bear being alone which constantly proved to be his undoing.
In Episode I, his security blanket is his mommy. Granted, he's six years old. But with his skills at mechanics, he could have arranged some sort of "accident" for the shop-owner: then, sky's the limit. But no, he settles for a secure, safe existence as a slave. Wuss.
In Episode II, it's Padme. If he would have just done what a Jedi was supposed to do (i.e., control his desires and lead a celibate life), he would have eventually achieved the much-desired rank of Master. But that whole "I'm in love" thing just screwed that whole idea to hell.
In Episode III, again, it's Padme. After going to the dark side, he tells Padme that he will one day overthrow Palpatine, and he and she can rule the galaxy as husband and wife; she rejects him outright. Lonely and dejected, he goes totally off the deep end putting all thoughts of ruling the galaxy out of his head. I put part of the blame on Padme for this one: just think how things might have turned out had Padme said, "Great idea, Annie. I'll put up with this Sith thing for awhile. Just try to hide it around Mom."
In Episode IV, it was General Moff Tarkin. Recall that in III Vader had talked about overthrowing the Emperor. Twenty years down the line, and he's still waiting in the wings. And with a fully-functional Death Star at his bidding. Obviously, he was Moff Tarkin's boy (and ain't that always the way? Surprised this point wasn't addressed in Chasing Amy): Moff Tarkin wouldn't oppose the Emperor, so he wouldn't either. Again, can't do anything on his own.
In Episode V, he really has no excuse for not overthrowing the Emperor. No one really close as a second in command. He eliminates several high-ranking underlings who "fail" him. He seems about ready to make that final turn to take over the Empire. But does he? No. He still needs someone to hold his hand, and finds it in his son, Luke Skywalker. He begs Luke to join him so they can rule together. Yet Luke rejects him, and Vader lets him escape.
In Episode VI his desire for his son to join him (i.e., his desire not to be alone) becomes his obsession. This, as we know, is his fatal flaw. During the last battle, Luke is at the Emperor's mercy, but instead of ramming his lightsaber through the Emperor's chest when his back was turned, then dispatching Luke who rejected him not once but twice, he engages the Emperor hand-to-hand, allowing the lightning bolts to hasten Vader's end.
Clearly, Vader simply did not have what it took to rule.
In Episode I, his security blanket is his mommy. Granted, he's six years old. But with his skills at mechanics, he could have arranged some sort of "accident" for the shop-owner: then, sky's the limit. But no, he settles for a secure, safe existence as a slave. Wuss.
In Episode II, it's Padme. If he would have just done what a Jedi was supposed to do (i.e., control his desires and lead a celibate life), he would have eventually achieved the much-desired rank of Master. But that whole "I'm in love" thing just screwed that whole idea to hell.
In Episode III, again, it's Padme. After going to the dark side, he tells Padme that he will one day overthrow Palpatine, and he and she can rule the galaxy as husband and wife; she rejects him outright. Lonely and dejected, he goes totally off the deep end putting all thoughts of ruling the galaxy out of his head. I put part of the blame on Padme for this one: just think how things might have turned out had Padme said, "Great idea, Annie. I'll put up with this Sith thing for awhile. Just try to hide it around Mom."
In Episode IV, it was General Moff Tarkin. Recall that in III Vader had talked about overthrowing the Emperor. Twenty years down the line, and he's still waiting in the wings. And with a fully-functional Death Star at his bidding. Obviously, he was Moff Tarkin's boy (and ain't that always the way? Surprised this point wasn't addressed in Chasing Amy): Moff Tarkin wouldn't oppose the Emperor, so he wouldn't either. Again, can't do anything on his own.
In Episode V, he really has no excuse for not overthrowing the Emperor. No one really close as a second in command. He eliminates several high-ranking underlings who "fail" him. He seems about ready to make that final turn to take over the Empire. But does he? No. He still needs someone to hold his hand, and finds it in his son, Luke Skywalker. He begs Luke to join him so they can rule together. Yet Luke rejects him, and Vader lets him escape.
In Episode VI his desire for his son to join him (i.e., his desire not to be alone) becomes his obsession. This, as we know, is his fatal flaw. During the last battle, Luke is at the Emperor's mercy, but instead of ramming his lightsaber through the Emperor's chest when his back was turned, then dispatching Luke who rejected him not once but twice, he engages the Emperor hand-to-hand, allowing the lightning bolts to hasten Vader's end.
Clearly, Vader simply did not have what it took to rule.
posted by Juggernaut at
10:50 PM
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