Return of the Jedi

Special Edition Laserdisc Chapter 28,

<The Ewoks are cooperating -- Han is no longer destined to be the main course at a banquet, and everyone’s untied. Luke steps outside alone, and Leia follows him.>

PL: Luke, what’s wrong.

L: Leia, do you remember your mother? Your real mother?

PL: Just a little bit. She died when I was very young.

L: What do you remember?

PL: Just images, really. Feelings.

L: Tell me.

PL: She was very beautiful. Kind, but sad. Why are you asking me this?

L: I have no memory of my mother. I never knew her.

PL: Luke tell me, what’s troubling you?

L: <Sensing something> Vader’s here. Now, on this moon.

PL: How do you know?

L: I’ve felt his presence. He’s come for me. He can feel when I’m near. That’s why I have to go. As long as I stay I’m endangering the group and our mission here. I have to face him.

PL: Why?

L: <Pause> He’s my father.

PL: Your father?

L: There’s more. It won’t be easy for you to hear it, but you must. If I don’t make it back, you’re the only hope for the alliance.

PL: Luke, don’t talk that way. You have a power I don’t understand, and could never have.

L: You’re wrong, Leia. You have that power too. In time, you’ll learn to use it as I have. The Force is strong in my family. My father has it; I have it; my sister has it. <Leia begins to realize> Yes, it’s you, Leia.

PL: I know. Somehow, I’ve always known.

L: Then you know why I have to face him.

PL: No! Luke, run away! Far away! If he can feel your presence, then leave this place. I wish I could go with you.

L: No you don’t. You’ve always been strong.

PL: But why must you confront him?

L: Because, there is good in him; I’ve felt it. He won’t turn me over to the Emperor. I can save him; I can turn him back. To the good side. I have to try. <Luke gives Leia a brotherly peck on the cheek and leaves.>

1) We learn that Padme/Amidala dies long before Alderaan is destroyed by the Death Star, but not until Leia (and Luke, if he'd been there) would be old enough to form at least hazy memories of a mother. I assume we’ll see Amidala die. Wonder if we’ll see Jar Jar die too? I suspect the destruction of Alderaan will turn out to be Lucas’ way of disposing of most of the cast of the first three films.

2) This scene can really become even more touching than it already is, if the audience has become emotionally involved in whatever the reason Luke has no memory of his mother. "I have no memory of my mother. I never knew her." That’s always been a rather sad, but not particularly meaningful line for us. But golly, it could become a genuine tearjerker if Lucas plays things right.

3) Leia’s aptitude for the Force is talked about and alluded to, but it’s never actually explored. It’s a plot thread that’s never developed, and I still wonder why. I wonder if the children of Han and Leia Solo were ever going to be the basis for Episodes VII through IX?