Return of the Jedi

Special Edition Laserdisc Chapter 23

Leia Meets an Ewok

No BS here -- just a question. When Leia is accosted by a Stormtrooper and the Ewok whacks him on the knee and Leia overpowers him and shoots another Stormtrooper making his getaway, the Stormtrooper on the scooter crashes, falls off, and rolls down a hill. Immediately the camera pans down a Sequoia, and as it does, to the right of the frame, almost out of sight, it appears that large vine, perhaps a giant swing, descends from the tree. So what’s going on? Is that a blooper?

Chapter 24, The Emperor’s Orders

<Vader approaches the Emperor, who is seated in a captain’s chair with a very nice view of the universe>

E: I told you to remain on the command ship.

V: A small rebel force has penetrated the shield and landed on Endor.

E: Yes, I know.

V: My son is with them.

E: Are you sure?

V: I have felt him, my master.

E: Strange that I have not. <Leaning forward in his chair> I wonder if you feelings on this matter are clear, Lord Vader?

V: They are clear, my master.

E: Then you must go to the Sanctuary Moon [Endor] and wait for him.

V: He will come to me?

E: I have forseen it. His compassion for you will be his undoing. He will come to you, and then you will bring him before me.

V: <Bowing> As you wish.

1) The Emperor is well aware that Luke is Vader’s son. This must mean that his use of the phrase "son of Skywalker" and so forth must have been just Lucas’ way of hiding Vader’s identity from the audience, and had no real meaning.

2) In this scene Lucas lays the groundwork for Vader’s eventual rejection of the Dark Side. By saying "I wonder if your feelings...are clear," he suggests Vader’s feelings just might not be so clear at all.

3) The Emperor has forseen Luke’s arrival, but he hasn’t felt Luke’s presence. Interesting.