Star wars what if

Star Wars Fans Create What If? Scenarios That Completely Change the Galaxy

Star Wars fans ask «What If» and come up with the some very interesting alternate takes on the galaxy far, far away.

“What if Darth Plagueis was a light sleeper?” journalist Charlie Ashby responded on Twitter to the question “What If?” It’s a stunning pitch for an alternate Star Wars timeline, brilliant in its simplicity but with major implications for the galaxy far, far away.

Let’s think about Plagueis’ alternate sleeping habits for a second. Were Plagueis a light sleeper, Palpatine probably wouldn’t have been able to murder him in his slumber, which would have likely led to Plagueis killing the future Emperor before he even had a chance to become Supreme Chancellor in The Phantom Menace. This means Plagueis would have been the Dark Lord of the Sith in charge throughout the Prequel Trilogy. Would Plagueis have next taken Maul as his apprentice, sparking a chain of events that led to Plagueis or Maul becoming Emperor? Without Palpatine to manipulate the midi-chlorians, would Anakin have been born? Would there BE a Skywalker Saga at all?

Ashby’s is just one of the many pitches currently being circulated on Twitter, thanks to a prompt from The Star Wars Underworld handle that reads: “If Lucasfilm created a ‘Star Wars: What If…?” series and asked YOU to come up with an alternative scenario in the Star Wars universe base an episode on, what would you choose?”

With Marvel’s What If? currently exploring alternative scenarios set within the MCU on Disney+, Star Wars fans didn’t waste any time dreaming up their own takes, some of which lead to really interesting possibilities.

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What if Leia had been raised on Tatooine and Luke on Alderan? https://t.co/zYUGYe7hxd

Writer and translator Zack Davisson asked, “What if Leia had been raised on Tatooine and Luke on Alderaan?” We can assume Leia would have been the Skywalker to be trained as a Jedi by Obi-Wan Kenobi, which would have led to her rescuing Prince Luke Organa from the Death Star in A New Hope, and later her life-altering confrontation with her father in The Empire Strikes Back. Funny enough, there already is a What If-style comic series where Leia became the last hope of the Jedi after Luke was killed by the Wampa in Empire.

How about it, Disney? Greenlight the Star Wars Infinities animated series, please.

What if Wedge Antilles was the one who blew up the first Death Star? https://t.co/WkCkbcD5yX

“What if Wedge Antilles was the one who blew up the first Death Star?” asked comic book writer and artist Jamal Igle. Would that have put Wedge on Vader’s immediate shit list? We know that the Sith lord spent the years between A New Hope and Empire chasing Luke, even before he learned the young rebel was his son. Why? Because he wanted revenge for the humiliation he suffered during the Battle of Yavin. But replace Luke with Wedge, and how does that change things? Well, for one thing, Wedge isn’t Force-sensitive and definitely wouldn’t be able to hold his own in a fight against Vader. Let’s just say Wedge’s career would have ended much more quickly.

What If… Rogue One Failed to Steal the Death Star Plans? https://t.co/qMI6qlW9TY

— DEJ #BlackLivesMatter #TransRights #FreePalestine (@DawsonEJoyce) August 17, 2021

Speaking of short careers, Luke, Leia, and the rest of the Rebellion would have been extinguished by the time the credits rolled on the first Star Wars movie had “Rogue One failed to steal the Death Star plans.” No plans means the Rebellion never finds the Death Star’s single weakness and Yavin IV is obliterated. Wait…without those Death Star plans, Leia never sends R2-D2 on a mission to find Obi-Wan, which means the droids never run into Luke on Tatooine. Without those Death Star plans, there’s no Original Trilogy at all!

1. Anakin never turns to the dark side
2. Order 66 fails.
3. Ahsoka raises Luke And Leia
4. Qui Jon lives and trains Anakin
5. Maul kills both Obi-Wan and Qui Jon and trains Anakin.
6. Ahsoka never leaves the Order
7. Starkiller/Galen Marrik gets reintroduced. https://t.co/4K6M3s3HIY

YouTuber Cy Smith shot out a whole list of fun pitches but my favorite is “[What if] Maul kills both Obi-Wan and Qui Jon and trains Anakin?” We can all agree The Phantom Menace hardly did our eternally sad Zabrak Sith boy justice. He’s the coolest character in the movie, yet he gets one line of dialogue and is then cut in half in the third act. While he eventually returned in The Clone Wars, better and pettier than ever (and with spider legs made out of trash. ), there’s no doubt that Maul deserved more time on the big screen, something he seemed poised to get in a sequel to Solo: A Star Wars Story had the first movie not bombed. Regardless, I would love to watch an alternate version of Episode II and III where young Anakin served Maul. Would they have teamed up to take down Palpatine and Dooku during the Clone Wars? There’s probably some really good fanfic about this already!

Star Wars: What If?

Everybody knows what happened in that galaxy far, far away. But what if those characters and stories played out differently? Check out these 12 “What if?” scenarios that turn Star Wars on its head.

What if Yoda went to the Dark Side?

Can you imagine Yoda as a Sith Lord? It’s a wickedly tantalizing notion. He’s one of the most powerful Jedi of all time, and certainly the wisest. All of that power and wisdom applied to the Dark Side would give Darth Sidious a run for his money.

What if Anakin never became Darth Vader?

In a parallel universe, Anakin Skywalker never succumbs to the Dark Side. He refuses the temptations of the Emperor and helps overthrow him instead. The Chosen One goes on to become a highly respected Jedi Master, allowed to raise his twin children alongside his beloved wife. One day, he even rises to take Yoda’s place (after he dies) at the head of the Jedi Council.

[“Jedi Master Anakin Skywalker” image credit]

What if Chewbacca became Palpatine’s apprentice?

When Chewie unexpectedly presents strong Force powers, the Emperor dispenses with Vader and arranges for the murder of Han Solo. With his life debt unpaid and his future suddenly uncertain, the powerful Wookie turns to the Dark Side to feed his pain. Under Palpatine’s tutelage, he becomes Darth Chewbacca — the galaxy’s first Wookie Sith Lord.

What if Vader turned from the Dark Side — and made Leia his Padawan?

Managing to recover from his wounds at the hand of the Emperor after saving his son’s life on the dying Death Star, the man known as Darth Vader renounces the Dark Side and becomes a Jedi once more — Jedi Master Anakin Skywalker. With his son Luke already a full-fledged Jedi Knight, Anakin takes his daughter Leia as his Padawan learner. Father and daughter now serve the New Republic alongside Luke, rebuilding the Jedi Order. The road to redemption isn’t an easy one for Anakin, especially since his injuries from the Emperor’s attack render him incapable of ever living outside his suit and mask — the very gear that once helped him strike fear into the hearts of citizens across the galaxy. To aid in his struggle for redemption and vouch for his change of heart, Leia stands with her father and takes the last name of her true heritage, becoming Jedi Knight Leia Skywalker.

“…Then Perhaps She Will.” — What if she did?

On the flip side of the last scenario, instead of helping restore her father’s good name and legacy, what if Vader instead killed Luke and succeeded at turning Leia to the Dark Side? As father and daughter Sith Lords, this deadly duo together destroy the Emperor and take control of the galaxy. Leia becomes the dark counterpart to her father that Padme refused to be, ruling the galaxy together with ruthless efficiency.

What if Vader returned to Tattooine after Padme’s death?

Having second thoughts about his vow to serve Darth Sidious, Darth Vader finds an excuse to visit his mother’s home on Tatooine. Shocked, he discovers a baby boy in the care of Owen & Beru Lars, and instantly feels the child’s strong connection to the Force. Deducing the truth, his eyes are opened to the error of his ways, and he realizes that his wife isn’t truly gone as long as their child is still alive. He leaves the boy in the Lars’ care, returning to serve the Emperor. But it’s only a ruse. He’s able to mask his true feelings just long enough to overthrow the Emperor and bring the Empire to an end. He then fakes his own death and returns to Tatooine, where he lives as a hermit with help from his oldest friend, watching over Luke from afar until his son is old enough to know the truth.

[“Anakin Skywalker / Darth Vader” image credit]

What if Darth Vader and Obi-Wan’s final fight on the Death Star was more brutal and destructive?

It’s the climactic fight as it would be filmed today: 20 years after their pivotal fight on Mustafar and Anakin’s defeat, Obi-Wan and Darth Vader meet again on the newly-completed Death Star. Old men now but no less powerful than they were decades ago, Vader’s lust for revenge is insatiable. Using every part of the environment as a weapon against Obi-Wan, Vader is brutal in what he sees as a no-holds-barred grudge match. But Master Kenobi, having defeated him once before, doesn’t take it laying down and gives as good as he gets. Both men are injured in the fight, and Obi-Wan even pulls off part of Vader’s mask in an attempt to weaken him. Even in this condition, Vader’s hatred is too powerful, and he succeeds in destroying his former master… Or does he?

What if C-3PO masqueraded as Darth Vader?

To facilitate a Rebel infiltration mission, C-3PO’s ability to mimic the voices of others is put to use as he’s conscripted into fooling any Stormtroopers the team encounters into thinking he’s Darth Vader. Needless to say, Threepio wouldn’t exactly enjoy this assignment and comedy hijinks would ensue. Yet somehow it would all work out in the end.

What if a Clone presented Jedi powers?

Clones. They’re grown and bred to follow orders and fight for the glory of the Republic/Empire. Midichlorians are filtered out of their DNA sequencing to prevent Clones from ever developing Force powers. But somehow, one Clone defies his breeding, possessing Midichlorians and presenting Force powers. Unlike his teammates, he also develops a conscience, questioning the sanctity of the Empire. Secretly, he researches Jedi training, attempting to hone his abilities, and eventually he even builds his own lightsaber. He doesn’t believe that any surviving Jedi would accept a Clone as a true Jedi, but no longer able to follow the Empire’s orders, he goes AWOL. He travels the farthest reaches of the galaxy, staying off the radars of the Empire and the Rebellion both, but trying to right wrongs and help the innocent wherever he goes — all while trying to decipher the meaning of his existence. Is he more than his DNA? Is he a real person?

What if Darth Vader is haunted by his victims in his dreams?

Of all the scenarios listed here, this one is the least far-fetched. For all we know, Vader may have been haunted by his victims. He was once a good man, after all, and it was the purest of emotions — love — that led to his downfall. Anakin Skywalker is a true victim of his own choices, and with all the collateral damage he racked up along the way, he deserved nightmares for the rest of his miserable life.

What if Boba Fett had Force powers?

The galaxy’s most dangerous bounty hunter has been keeping a big secret. He’s got a lot more than mercenary skills to fall back on: he’s got Force powers, too! Neither Jedi nor Sith, he follows his own code, and only uses the Force when all other avenues have failed him — and only when his prey won’t survive the encounter, keeping his secret well hidden. Judging by that arm sticking up out of the fog, it looks like someone’s recently felt the sting of his lightsaber. A lightsaber he no doubt stole from one of his victims.

What if a former slave-turned-Sith returned to Jabba the Hutt for revenge?

She was once his best dancer, the object of both his affections and abuse. But after years as his slave, this nameless waif managed a daring escape from Jabba’s palace, using her fledgeling Force powers. Alone and afraid, she wandered the deserts of Tatooine until she came to Mos Eisley, where she used a primitive version of the Jedi mind trick to arrange passage off the planet. One day, she’s found by a Sith Lord who senses her potential and trains her as his apprentice. But before she can graduate to the ranks of the Sith she must return to the place where her personhood was stripped from her and take bloody revenge on the one who took it. Slaying guards, bounty hunters, and other wicked denizens of Jabba’s palace, she works her way to his inner court, where the memories of her life as a slave come rushing back. She hesitates, the emotions overpowering, the memories of years of pain and abuse and denigration washing over her. Tears spill from her eyes as she focuses on the object of her greatest hatred: Jabba the Hutt. Instead of wiping the tears away, she uses them to fuel a ferocious attack on his final guards, felling them one after another in quick succession. At long last, she focuses her rage on Jabba himself, first choking him with the Force, then pulling back at the last second to let him breathe. Twice more she repeats this, bringing him to the brink of death, letting him feel the excruciating pain and horror of impending doom, before letting him live. Just as the tiniest grain of hope is planted within him that she might show mercy and let him live, she activates her lightsaber and moves like lightning, severing his head with cold, quiet vengeance.

She is a victim no more. She is now only Sith.

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10 What If. Star Wars Scenarios We’d Love To See In A Spinoff

Marvel’s «What If. » series explored what the MCU would look like if just one thing went differently. What if Star Wars did the same?

Star Wars fans may not know it, but the classic film franchise once got the «What If. » treatment of its own. Titled Star Wars Infinities, this trilogy of comics explored different realities in which one moment changed the entire Star Wars universe.

With Marvel’s What If. Disney+ series wrapping up its first season and Star Wars breaking onto the streaming television scene with hits like The Mandalorian and The Clone Wars Season 7, what scenarios could a Marvel-Star Wars pseudo-crossover explore in a Star Wars: What If. series?

10 What If. Qui-Gon Survived?

The first major loss in young Anakin Skywalker’s life was that of Qui-Gon Jinn, the first Jedi Knight he’d ever met and his would-be master. Slain at the hands of Darth Maul, Qui-Gon died in his Padawan Obi-Wan’s arms, bidding that he pick up where he left off and train the boy. But what if Qui-Gon had lived to take on Anakin as his new apprentice?

This episode could explore a potential universe in which Anakin is trained by a more experienced Jedi, one who would be like a father to him rather than the volatile brotherly relationship he had with Obi-Wan. Perhaps, this time, when Anakin is tempted by Palpatine, he’d have the experience and dedication necessary to refuse the offer. It may be that one man’s survival could change the destiny of the galaxy.

9 What If. Ahsoka Never Left the Order?

Ahsoka Tano’s journey on The Clone Wars ends with her departure from the Jedi Order. While the final season of the show eventually brought her back for its last eight episodes, she was never a member of the Order again. But, what if she hadn’t left in the first place, choosing to remain Anakin’s Padawan?

This episode would have the unique ability to showcase Anakin’s fall from a different point of view. Audiences could watch as Ahsoka witnesses her master’s descent into the Dark Side. The audience could see whether or not her presence would make any difference. If not, then it would no doubt come down to a master-apprentice duel—and only one would survive such a battle.

8 What If. The Brain Worms Spread?

The Clone Wars season 2 episode «Brain Invaders» saw Geonosian worms take over the minds of a Republic ship’s crew, completely overriding all free will. Thanks to the wiles of Ahsoka Tano, however, the brain worms were stopped before they could spread beyond the confines of the ship. But, what if they had managed to escape?

In the vein of What If‘s zombie episode, this scenario would depict the slow takeover of the Republic and Jedi Order as the brain worms spread. Most interesting, however, would see how Chancellor Palpatine would deal with such an occurrence. Would it fit into his schemes, or would he be forced to reveal himself as a Sith Lord in order to stop the spread?

7 What If. Jar Jar Binks Was a Sith Lord?

Jar Jar Binks has a complicated history with Star Wars fans. Originally intended to be a fan-favorite for fans new to the series, Jar Jar ended up being widely despised by the community. Yet, theories about the true plans for Binks’s character have circulated the Internet for years, including one very popular suggestion that he was a Sith Lord all along.

Darth Jar Jar might seem a bit far-fetched, but could add depth to the character. Perhaps he played dumb for Qui-Gon and Obi-Wan as a ruse to get them to underestimate him—perhaps he could even emerge as a rival to then-senator Palpatine. With the reveal of his dastardly plans, fans could finally see Jar Jar as a serious character, and witness the true potential of his powers.

6 What If. Leia Was Trained as Jedi?

The original trilogy strongly suggested to viewers that Leia Organa was force-sensitive, just as her brother and father were. It was even hinted, and later confirmed, that Leia was Yoda’s first choice as their last hope against the Empire. What if Yoda had gotten his wish to train Leia instead of Luke?

If Leia was the one sent to Dagobah to be trained by Yoda, it could change the course of the franchise. It would be she that would eventually battle Darth Vader, and face his startling revelation. Perhaps Yoda’s original plan would have gone smoother than Luke’s substitution—or perhaps things would have taken a darker turn.

5 What If. Vader Supreme?

Darth Vader is one of the most imposing villains ever put to screen. However, he never truly achieved the height of his power. Because Anakin Skywalker’s had to become more machine than man in order to survive his grievous injuries, Vader, though still immensely powerful, was never quite the Force wielder that Palpatine sensed he could be.

An episode following a more powerful Darth Vader could begin with him winning his duel against Obi-Wan, leaving his master to burn on the fiery slopes. From that point on, Vader could scour the galaxy, subjecting its citizens to his unmitigated power. It would not be long before Vader Supreme turned on Emperor Palpatine, overthrowing him and taking control of the galaxy for himself.

4 What If. Mortis Revealed Itself?

The Mortis episodes are often thought of as one of the best arcs in the Clone Wars. The introduction of the ethereal beings, the Father, the Son, and the Daughter, brought the franchise’s depiction of the Force to new heights. However, this planet and its inhabitants were never discovered by the galaxy at large. What if that changed?

Certain Force users would not be happy at the revelation that there were beings with powers greater than their own—chiefly Darth Sidious. No doubt he would have designs on defeating these beings, and a battle between them and his apprentices would be inevitable. Sidious’s forces would no doubt fall to the powers on Mortis—and the galaxy would then have to face a new reality altogether.

3 What If. Luke Became Darth Vader?

The ending of Return of the Jedi sees Luke Skywalker refuse the Dark Side, managing to redeem his father, who kills the Emperor. However, the original ending took a darker turn, as Luke donned his late father’s mask and declared that he was now Darth Vader. What if this is how the ending remained? What if Luke turned to the Dark Side?

An episode such as this has the previously unmatched opportunity to explore the galaxy immediately after the fall of the Empire, with a dark twist. The New Republic’s establishment would be stalled by Luke’s decision. His friends would have to deal with the fallout, and make plans to stop him.

2 What If. Kylo Ren Found Rey First?

Rey’s journey began when she met Finn and BB-8 on Jakku, getting caught up in the mission to join the Resistance and bring an end to the First Order. But, with a planet crawling with First Order stormtroopers, and the evil Kylo Ren, it would not be a stretch to assume that they could have found her first.

Had Rey been taken in by Kylo Ren, she would be forced to choose between the Dark Side and Light much sooner than in her original arc. With unsavory characters as her only friends in this universe, perhaps she wouldn’t choose the Light Side so easily. This episode could finally deliver on the Dark Rey imagery shown in Rise of Skywalker, and show just how unstoppable a Rey and Kylo Ren dyad could be.

1 What If. Mando Abandoned Grogu?

One of the defining moments of the Mandalorian is when Mando returns to the Imperial outpost to rescue Grogu. He manages to overcome their forces and proceeds to look after the youngling from that point on. But what if he had never returned for the child?

This scenario would finally give fans a chance to see what the Empire was planning to do with the child, and what havoc they could wreak if their plans were fulfilled. Not only would the events of the first and second seasons of The Mandalorian not take place, but the galaxy could see the return of the dreaded Empire.

Выбор редакции

Топ-10 лучших фильмов сентября.

Топ-20 лучших боевиков 2022.

График выхода аниме июля 2022.

«Аниматрица» – задолго до Love, Death + Robots, «What If…» и Star Wars: Visions

Сегодня начинают набирать популярность различные антологии, созданные в формате мультипликации. Прямо сейчас идет трансляция «What If…» от Marvel, а Lucasfilm анонсировали Star Wars: Visions. Оба произведения антологии, только одно – 3D мультипликация, а второе аниме. Однако задолго до того как эта концепция стала популярной, ее использовала Animatrix. Не знаете, что это? Не удивительно, ведь это недооцененная многими антология из 9 короткометражных анимированных произведений в мире Matrix, созданная в 2003 году. В свое время сестры Вачовски работали с одними из лучших аниме режиссеров, чтобы создать уникальный проект, опередивший свое время. Увы, сегодня «Аниматрицу» вспоминают не так часто.

9 историй из фальшивой реальности

«Аниматрица» состоит из девяти короткометражных фильмов с рассказами самого разного калибра, начиная с того как появилась матрица, заканчивая историей о бегуне, который разгоняется так быстро, что ломает этим симуляцию.

Вачовски придумали амбициозную предпосылку для «Аниматрицы», когда они были в Японии, занимаясь продвижением своего первого фильма о Нео. Находясь там, они посетили некоторые из японских анимационных студий, которые вдохновили их на нечто подобное. Несмотря на то, что сами Вачовски написали 4 из 9 историй, в создании «Аниматрицы» принимали участие такие люди из аниме индустрии как автор Cowboy Bebop Синъитиро Ватанабэ, режиссер Ninja Scroll Ёсиаки Кавадзири, сооснователь студии Madhouse Такеши Койке, а также аниматор Akira и Kiki’s Delivery Service и основатель Studio 4°C Кодзи Моримото. Это не полный список, но уже и так ясно, что результатом сотрудничества стало создание множества различных ярких визуальных стилей, которые придают каждой серии Animatrix особый вид, несмотря на то, что действие происходит в одной и той же вымышленной вселенной.

Когда в 2003 году была выпущена «Аниматрица» телевидение было совсем другим. Хотя оно было более удобным форматом для выпуска подобной антологии, в то время в ТВ индустрии было очень мало примеров подобных экспериментальных сериалов, особенно пришедших из Японии и с японской озвучкой.

Тогдашние братья Вачовски решили выпустить свою антологию по частям в кино и интернете. Четыре эпизода «Аниматрицы» были доступны на сайте фильма «Матрица», а еще один эпизод показан в кино одновременно с фильмом «Ловец снов». Позже все эпизоды были выпущены в качестве DVD сборника, на котором также была документалка посвященная созданию аниме в Японии и индустрии в целом.

В 2004 «Аниматрица» добралась до ТВ и ее показали на канале Adult Swim в США. В Канаде она транслировалась на Teletoon в 2004 году; а в Великобритании Channel 5 показал несколько короткометражек до и после выпуска DVD. Также у нее был короткий релиз в кинотеатрах перед выходом «Матрица: Перезагрузка». Хотя это уже было сделано специально в рамках рекламной кампании к фильму.

Сегодня «Аниматрица» более доступна для просмотра на многих стриминговых сервисах. И хотя она не пользуется большой популярностью, когда-то была одним из проводников людей в мир аниме. Прелесть этого произведения в том, что вам не нужно сильно погружаться в идеи основной вселенной, чтобы понять их суть.

Каждая история независима и концентрируется на разных героях и их проблемах. В них нет недостатка драмы или экшена, а визуальное разнообразие позволит вам найти короткометражку себе по вкусу. В какой-то мере, причина популярности Love, Death + Robots как раз именно в этом. И как я уже и сказал, «Аниматрица» опередила в этом свое время. Увы, тогда еще поп-культура и культура отаку не была распространена настолько сильно, поэтому проект по большей части остался либо незамеченным массами, либо оставался в глазах смотрящих дополнением к фильмам.

Современное наследие

Сегодня сложно не вспомнить это произведение на фоне упомянутых «What If…» и Star Wars: Visions. И хотя они оба выпущены конгломератом современных кино-развлечений Disney, они твердо используют формулу работы Вачовски 18-летней давности.

Образ был вдохновлен «классическими американскими иллюстраторами, в основном Дж. К. Лейендекером, из 20-х и 30-х годов» и призван помочь лучше принять эти истории как отдельно существующие варианты вселенной.

Между тем, Star Wars: Visions идет другим путем, гораздо более похожим на стратегию «Аниматрицы». Пока их сосед от студии Marvel прочно укоренился в американской анимационной традиции, Visions явно смотрит в сторону востока. Больше, он и создан японскими студиями в соответствие с канонами аниме.

Независимо от того, как вы относитесь к последним дополнениям к вселенным MCU и «Звездных войн», эти два произведения подчеркивают, насколько действительно опередила свое время «Аниматрица». Почти двадцать лет назад Вачовски создали странную и красивую серию коротких историй в сотрудничестве с некоторыми из лучших аниматоров Японии. Больше, они сделали это в мире, который был гораздо менее глобально связан, а отрасли смотрели друг на друга как чужие. Чего уже говорить о зрителе, который был не готов к такому.

Если вам нравится Love, Death + Robots, вы смотрите «What If…», ждете Star Wars: Visions и не брезгуете аниме, тогда вам точно стоит выделить пару вечеров на пионера аниме антологий в лице Animatrix.

Thread: Star Wars: What if.

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Spoilers

Alright, so, here’s a fun concept that I came up with recently and decided to share:

And then, towards the end of the third film.

Straight-up. Legit. No ambiguities.

Consider the implications:

• Right off the bat: BVader is not Luke’s father. Or Leia’s father. Or probably anyone’s father.

• He is therefore so much a liar.

• He is therefore the bestest liar ever.

• Why? Because this Vader amplifies his lies with the Dark Side. Not only does he totally sell the lie, he also follows up with «Search your feelings, you know it to be true!» and Luke totally does. Luke believes it so completely and totally that he’s willing to attempt suicide. So totally that Obi-Wan and Yoda, sensing what Vader has done, are forced to substantiate Vader’s claim rather than cause Luke intense, Dark Side-fueled mental harm.

• This makes Vader eeeevil beyond all compare. He pushes the kid of the fellow student he betrayed and murdered to the brink physically, unhands him, and then decides «hey, know what’s more fun than killing? Driving him to suicide, that’s more fun!»

• Wait, though: does this square with the whole «he will join us or die» plan? Sure it does! In the original conference between the Emperor and Vader, Vader is 1) totally aware of Luke and 2) totally aware of the Vader Replacement Plan that ol’ Palpy is cooking up. He starts with «he’s just a boy» (he’s too weak to replace me), Palpy gambits with «Well, he can’t be allowed to become a Jedi» (anything’s better than you, you wheezy old cripple) and Vader is forced to give the «I’m still loyal» response of «Fine, let’s get his Dark Side on.»

• During the fight, Vader’s playing his cards smart: if Luke gets carbonite’d, he’s too weak to be a threat to Vader. If not. oops, too bad, he caught a lightsaber with his face. Sorry dude.

I can go on, but most of what proceeds is pretty easy to come up with. It completely changes the tone of the originals, though, and significantly increases Vader’s «totally evil» levels while also giving his Dark Side cred more. cred. Vader doesn’t need Force Lightning or fancy lightsaber technique or even Yoda’s super-telekinesis. His specialization is

which, while not always useful in the circumstances where a Jedi’s related abilities would be more practical, allows Vader to gain such an unbelievable edge that he becomes even more of a threat.

Anyway, there’s my diatribe. Thoughts?