Return of the Jedi

Special Edition Laserdisc Chapter 33, Luke and the Emperor; Chapter 35, The Emperor’s Taunt

<Vader brings Luke into the Emperor’s chamber. The Emperor is still sitting in his captain’s chair, gazing out the very nice picture window. He turns, and addresses Luke.>

E: Welcome, young Skywalker. I have been expecting you. You’ll no longer need those. <Luke’s handcuffs fall away.> Guards, leave us. <To Luke> I’m looking forward to completing your training. In time you will call me Master.

L: You’re gravely mistaken. You won’t convert me as you did my father.

E: Oh no, my young Jedi. You will find that it is you who are mistaken. About a great many things.

V: <Hands Luke’s lightsaber to the Emperor> His lightsaber.

E: Ah yes. A Jedi’s weapon. Much like your father’s. By now you must know you father can never be turned from the Dark Side. So will it be with you.

L: You’re wrong. Soon I’ll be dead, and you with me.

E: <Cackles> Perhaps you refer to the imminent attack of your rebel fleet. Yes, I assure you, we are quite safe from your friends here.

L: Your overconfidence is your weakness. <Vader looks sharply at Luke>

E: Your faith in your friends is yours.

V: It is pointless to resist, my son.

E: <Returning to his chair.> Everything that has transpired has done so according to my design. Your friends, up there on the Sanctuary Moon [Endor], are walking into a trap, as is your rebel fleet. It was I who allowed the alliance to know the location of the shield generator. It is quite safe from your pitiful little band. An entire legion of my best troops awaits them. Oh, I’m afraid the deflector shield will be quite operational when your friends arrive.

<Lando and friends begin their attack on the new Death Star>

E: Come, boy, see for yourself. <Luke comes to the window.> From here you will witness the final destruction of the alliance, and the end of your insignificant rebellion. <Luke glances at his lightsaber, which lies beside the Emperor.> You want this, don’t you? <Touching the lightsaber.> The hate is swelling in you now. Take your Jedi weapon. Use it. I am unarmed. Strike me down with it. Give in to your anger. With each passing moment you make yourself more my servant. <Vader glances at Luke>

L: No.

E: It is unavoidable. It is your destiny. You, like your father, are now mine.

1) Not much to comment on here, except that Vader appears impressed that Luke is willing to defy the Emperor. He even cautions Luke that it’s pointless to resist. We’re just seeing a little more of the evolution of Anakin’s thinking. And we’re watching Luke refuse to give in to his anger and hate.