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 | A Still Moment in a Galaxy Far, Far Away |
First, to understand what in the name of all that's holy I'm talking about, go here.
Go ahead... go. I'll wait. 
Finished? Okay. Now, down to business.
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The scene is a devastating one. One can only imagine the grief and horror and disbelief that flooded Jedi Masters Obi-Wan Kenobi and Yoda and they came upon this grisly scene. It's interesting to note that they did not yet have confirmation of who the perpetrator was... although Master Yoda most certainly had some ideas. Those suspicions would come crashing down in terrifying reality soon enough.
Jedi Knight Anakin Skywalker, hero of the Clone Wars, Chosen One, hope of the galaxy... expectant father... had slaughtered children. How could this happen? What madness had seeped into his mind... his soul? All too clear to you and me... clear to Obi-Wan and Yoda as well. The self proclaimed Emperor. Palpatine. Greed. Lust for power mistaken for love for his wife and unborn child(ren). Anakin's fears and desires made it all too easy for Palpatine to twist him into a mindless destroyer of innocent life.
But... what of Palpatine? Why is it that the first mission he sends the newly christened Darth Vader on is to the Jedi Temple? As leader of the Republic in a time of war, he surely knew that the vast majority of the adult Jedi Masters and Knights would be in the field leading their troops into battle. Only a skeleton crew would have been left behind to tend to the Temple business... and to it's most valued asset, the Younglings and Padawan Learners... Palpatine knew this and he sent Vader to kill those young Jedi. He sent Vader to destroy all hope for the future... to strike fear into the heart of the galaxy.
After all, that is what children are, right? Our best hope for the future? How best to undermine your enemy, to bring down those who would oppose you... kill their young. Kill the one thing in which they have placed their hopes and dreams and faith.
What does this still moment say to me...? That is a loaded question. There are many different things I could say. I think of all the abuses that children, born and unborn, suffer at the hands of those who should love them the most. I think of estranged spouses that abuse or even murder their children just so they can show the other party who's boss. "If I can't have the kids, no one will." I think of children who are killed in the name of inconvenience... kids who are used up and thrown away by the worst our society has to offer. Yes, my list would be very long.
What does this still moment mean for the GFFA? You know, I sit here and I wonder what everyone thought of this event. Surely news of it got out somehow to someone. Of course, Palpatine would have covered it up... naturally... but, there were those who knew, those who survived Order 66, a certain senator with an adopted daughter. I am certain that they would have told of the carnage that was wrought by Darth Vader. I'm sure that not all those who heard about this believed the Emperor's claims of a Jedi plot to take over the government. Why kill children? What would Younglings and Padawans have known about any such plot? Not a thing, I'm sure. So, why didn't those who knew speak up, make it known to the galaxy at large that their exalted new leader was a Sith and Vader was his bloodthirsty child butchering henchman?
Well, this is where Palpatine was very smart. He knew what people would murmur to each other, "If he can order the deaths of all those innocent children, what would he do to us?" He struck fear into their hearts and destroyed their hope... that is what happens to the world when our young are senselessly victimized. It takes real courage to stand up that kind of evil...
Thank the Force that Palpatine overlooked a few minor details... the New Hope within Padme's womb. 
For me, two scenes are pivotal in the Star wars Saga... one is from whence my blog name comes... the other truly is this moment. More so than any other, this one shows that Anakin is truly gone. Killing the Trade Federation leaders was just the icing. The massacre of these children was probably the one thing that ripped the soul out of that little slave boy from Tatooine. Seeing the aftermath that Obi-Wan and Yoda encounter should rip our souls out a bit, too...
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For more Still Moments in a Galaxy Far, Far Away please visit the Official PLB Fan Fiction Club.
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http://blogs.starwars.com/JediPug1/69 |
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The Stooge
Star Wars Joke-A-Day
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date Posted: Jan 21, 2008 9:09 AM
What an insight! More than anything else, Palpatine knew that his first move must be to make the Jedi despair. That way, even those who survive would give up... and, welp, look at Obi and Yoda. Palpy was right!
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amidalooine
The Emotional Galaxy
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date Posted: Jan 21, 2008 9:17 AM
Thank the Force that Palpatine overlooked a few minor details... the New Hope within Padme's womb
Excellent point, Pug!!
Well done.
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zach starwalker
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date Posted: Jan 21, 2008 9:18 AM
There are other ways of destroying an enemy besides killing their children. Turning the enemy against themselves for one.
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Granny-Wan
I Am NOT an Old Fossil!
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date Posted: Jan 21, 2008 9:20 AM
The massacre of these children was probably the one thing that ripped the soul out of that little slave boy from Tatooine
There would be no turning back from that, and Palpy knew it. Remember Padme's disbelief? Anakin should have known she would not condone what he had done...
Seeing the aftermath that Obi-Wan and Yoda encounter should rip our souls out a bit, too...
In the novel, Obi-Wan has tears running down his face.... should have been filmed that way....
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jediprincess77
I Don't Know Where You Get Your Delusions...
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date Posted: Jan 21, 2008 9:23 AM
What a sad, dark scene....
He sent Vader to destroy all hope for the future...
Gave me chills when I read this. Palpatine mean for Vader to destroy all hope when really, he helped create a new hope (or, hopes.) that would destroy Palpatine.
Great entry!!!
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nob01
Oil Bath Bubbles
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date Posted: Jan 21, 2008 10:28 AM
Wow - nicely written, pugster!
Interestingly, when I look at this still, I am reminded of the one Hansgirl wrote about - look at the lighting, the droop of the shoulders - heavy, heavy moments...
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ketal13
HanAnWan
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date Posted: Jan 21, 2008 10:34 AM
What an amazing entry!
I try not to think to much about this scene. It is an extremely powerful and disturbing scene that always makes me cry. 
He knew what people would murmur to each other, "If he can order the deaths of all those innocent children, what would he do to us?"
As Stooge already mentioned-- Very insightful JediPug
should have been filmed that way....
I agree Granny!
OKAY! Now I have to go find a happy blog to read!!! 
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MomOf2YoungPadawan
Mamadala's Lair
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date Posted: Jan 21, 2008 11:15 AM
It always bothered me that GL used this scene at all, but I understand why he did. Your insights do a great job of illustrating some very great points!!
I think of all the abuses that children, born and unborn, suffer at the hands of those who should love them the most. I think of estranged spouses that abuse or even murder their children just so they can show the other party who's boss. "If I can't have the kids, no one will." I think of children who are killed in the name of inconvenience... kids who are used up and thrown away by the worst our society has to offer..........Wow.............
Very powerful, Puglover!!
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JediPug1
Like My Father Before Me
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date Posted: Jan 21, 2008 11:58 AM
What an insight
Thanks Stooge! I have my moments... not may of 'em, but I do have 'em... 
Excellent point, Pug!!
High praise for you, my dear! Thank you!
There are other ways of destroying an enemy besides killing their children. Turning the enemy against themselves for one.
Very true, zach... that is effective also, but it doesn't have the same punch as killing someone's child... wouldn't you agree? Thanks for your input! Always appreciated. 
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JediPug1
Like My Father Before Me
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date Posted: Jan 21, 2008 12:06 PM
In the novel, Obi-Wan has tears running down his face.... should have been filmed that way....
True, Granny... there are several scenes from the novel that I wish were in the movie, actually... seeing Obi-Wan shed tears would have been an emotional one-two punch... Thanks my dear!
Palpatine mean for Vader to destroy all hope when really, he helped create a new hope (or, hopes.) that would destroy Palpatine.
Funny how that worked out, huh?
Thanks for your comments sweetie!
Wow - nicely written, pugster
Thanks nobby! I do remember HG's entry, too. Nice companion piece to mine. I was happy to get this still, actually... sad as it is, it speaks volumes.
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JediPug1
Like My Father Before Me
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date Posted: Jan 21, 2008 12:11 PM
Now I have to go find a happy blog to read!!!
Leave it to me to bring everyone down...  Thanks for your nice comments, ketal!
It always bothered me that GL used this scene at all, but I understand why he did. Your insights do a great job of illustrating some very great points!!
It is a hard scene to watch... especially if you're with children at the time. It was necessary, though to show what monsters the Sith could be... much like the scene where Vader ignites his saber in front of that sweet little boy. You can hardly bear to think of what came next....
Thanks MO2YP!
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megatrends
Confessions of a Psychotic Jawa
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date Posted: Jan 21, 2008 12:17 PM
Well that was a good read, there is no doubt that Palps knew which buttons to push having known Anakin for quite some time. In fact it is suggested he and his master influenced the midichlorians to create Anakin which would already have the dark side festering in his soul to begin with.
I don't think Anakin was converted, he was already living a lie as a Jedi and found his "true" self through Palps who more or less was his father or Godfather at the very least.
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GalacticBabe
I Have a Bad Feeling About This!
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date Posted: Jan 21, 2008 3:34 PM
He sent Vader to destroy all hope for the future... to strike fear into the heart of the galaxy.
Thank the Force that Palpatine overlooked a few minor details... the New Hope within Padme's womb.
Wow, Twink! I never thought of it that way.......
Surely news of it got out somehow to someone And what about the parents that gave up their children to the Jedi? Truly the darkest moment of the saga.
This is a fabulous entry! Very well done!
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JediMelindaWolf
Try not. Do. Or do not. There is no try.
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date Posted: Jan 21, 2008 3:51 PM
I feel pain right down to my soul every time I see this scene. And, believe it or not, that is a good thing. It reminds me how important it is to fight for those who cannot fight for themselves.
Excellent entry, dear jp.
MTFBWY
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Michelle1968
M68- Star Wars Kid at Heart
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date Posted: Jan 21, 2008 4:04 PM
Awesome puglover! Totally AWESOME. Wait, this isn't Fast Times week! 
Another reason I feel Palp ordered Anakin (well Vader at that point) to kill the padawans was to strengthen his hold on Anakin even more. Once you've crossed over to that dark of a place, there's little or no hope of coming back. It kinda was Palps way of "owning" Anakins soul.
Man, this whole part of SW drips of evil and I cant stand it! Blows my mind. 
Great entry deary.... xoxo
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DJ Maul: Got Feet?
DJ Maul's Dancin' Cantina Party
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date Posted: Jan 21, 2008 4:28 PM
Fear and desperation are STRONG emotions, both of which Palpatine played against Anakin very well, well enough to convince him that the only way to save his unborn children was to slaughter born ones...scary stuff really.
"If he can order the deaths of all those innocent children, what would he do to us?"
exactly; The Sith didnt rule by compassion or subtle logic, Palpatine ruled with ONE weapon: Fear. and to truly weild that weapon effectly one needs to do whatever it takes, in the most extreme measures. No worries, no regrets, no compassion.
dark? Yes, but ROTS needed to go that path to show us just how FAR the Galaxy had truly fallen before Luke came along to restore the Light.
great blog!
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JediPug1
Like My Father Before Me
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date Posted: Jan 21, 2008 5:03 PM
Start the future by destroying it.
And of course, Palps did it on accident, didn't he?
And what about the parents that gave up their children to the Jedi? Truly the darkest moment of the saga.
I did think of that this morning, Twink... very sad indeed... Thanks for your comments dear!
This entry...haunting!!!
Ooooh... I like haunting!
It reminds me how important it is to fight for those who cannot fight for themselves
Right on, JMW... thank you.
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JediPug1
Like My Father Before Me
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date Posted: Jan 21, 2008 5:07 PM
Once you've crossed over to that dark of a place, there's little or no hope of coming back. It kinda was Palps way of "owning" Anakins soul.
Well said, Shell!
Great entry deary.... xoxo
Thanks sweets!
Yes, but ROTS needed to go that path to show us just how FAR the Galaxy had truly fallen before Luke came along to restore the Light.
Absolutely, Deej! I'm so happy (if that can be applied to ROTS) that GL did go that dark. I know he received critcism for it, but it would have been silly otherwise.
great blog!
Thanks my frriend!
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leia19886
Some One get this big walking carpet out of my way
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date Posted: Jan 21, 2008 5:19 PM
Anakin must have had one cold, cold, cold, heart to kill kids and then
go home to check on his own. Who was he kidding.
I find it interesting in the book ROTS, Anakin justifies his actions by telling himself
the younglings will be better off dead because they don't have families who will
miss them anyway.
nice entry!!!
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JediPug1
Like My Father Before Me
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date Posted: Jan 21, 2008 5:25 PM
Anakin must have had one cold, cold, cold, heart to kill kids and then
go home to check on his own. Who was he kidding.
Man, oh man... isn't that the sad truth...
Thanks Leia!
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Senator Soph-ia
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date Posted: Jan 21, 2008 7:06 PM
Pug -- WOW.
This was beautifully written, heartfelt and deep. You didn' t miss a detail in your construction of this piece.
Jedi Knight Anakin Skywalker, hero of the Clone Wars, Chosen One, hope of the galaxy... expectant father. . .
I wouldn't have added "expectant father" here. I just wouldn't have thought of it. But it means everything -- doesn't it?
I think Palps was definitely testing his new Sith Lord. If he would do this deed -- then what wouldn't he do? You are right -- this is when we know that Anakin is truly gone.
I am SO impressed.
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Jedi Master Mina
Jedi blogging, go back to your drinks!
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date Posted: Jan 21, 2008 7:47 PM
Thank the Force that Palpatine overlooked a few minor details... the New Hope within Padme's womb.
I find it odd that Palpy didn't catch on that Padme was preggos with Anakin's child(ren). One would think that a Sith Lord with all that knowledge and wisdom couldn't detect the babies.
...but ROTS needed to go that path to show us just how FAR the Galaxy had truly fallen before Luke came along to restore the Light.
Did our favorite Sith Lord in these here parts say LUKE? Bravo, Deej. You finally understand what Star Wars is all about LUKE.
Touching blog pugsy.
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Jedi Arwen Skywalker
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date Posted: Jan 21, 2008 10:16 PM
Great blog, Pug. I remember the first time I watched ROTS, I cried my eyes out for the entire last half, I just couldn't stand it, watching him, and those kids! It really cements in place the totalness of his fall, and the seemingly irretrievable loss of his heart.
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Jedi Arwen Skywalker
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date Posted: Jan 21, 2008 10:17 PM
It's an interesting thought, what the rest of the galaxy thought when Palps announced that the Jedi were gone, everyone knew the Jedi had young ones, babies, in the Temple. During the war I imagine that few babies had joined the Jedi ranks, but there must have been some, as well as a whole passle of children under the age of thirteen, and just think of all the children in Agri-corps! Can you imagine, a parent who'd given their baby up 1-to whatever years ago, watching the news as Palps announced that their baby had been slaughtered? Can you? Do you wonder why the rebellion was so strong?
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JediPug1
Like My Father Before Me
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date Posted: Jan 21, 2008 11:57 PM
Do you wonder why the rebellion was so strong?
Seriously... can you imagine the grief and anger the Rebels felt... all the atrocities they witnessed... wow....
Thanks Arwen!
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ewanandhaydenfan5
I Have You Now!
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date Posted: Jan 22, 2008 11:43 AM
Wow - very powerful and insightful, Pug!
Kill the one thing in which they have placed their hopes and dreams and faith.
I never quite thought of the scene that way, but it's true. It brings added meaning to the words A New Hope.
I try not to think to much about this scene. It is an extremely powerful and disturbing scene that always makes me cry.
Same here. I had a hard time getting through this blog, just because of the subject matter (n offense Pug hon).
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Smuggler Jedi
Hokey Religions and A Good Blaster at My Side
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date Posted: Jan 22, 2008 12:15 PM
One of the most gripping moments from RotS for me was when Anakin entered the Jedi Council Chamber where some younglings were hiding. When a young Jedi boy started to plead for help and guidance, Anakin ignited his saber. The boy flinched, obviously startled and shaken. I remember a sinking feeling in the pit of my stomach as I watched.
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hansgirl3
Invoking the Squee
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date Posted: Jan 22, 2008 1:26 PM
Oh, you got a heck of a still to write about. I don't know if I could have done it without crying.
He knew what people would murmur to each other, "If he can order the deaths of all those innocent children, what would he do to us?" He struck fear into their hearts
What a perfect statement to sum up what the whole idea behind this plot was, Pug.
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JediPug1
Like My Father Before Me
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date Posted: Jan 22, 2008 2:24 PM
No, he had no hand in anything
Ooops... meant Sidious....
Same here. I had a hard time getting through this blog, just because of the subject matter (n offense Pug hon).
No offense taken... I waited until the last possible minute to write this one... and then I did it while chatting with a friend (he had no idea about it, so no input... it's all me)... just so I wouldn't have to dwell on it too much, ya know? It was a hard one...
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JediPug1
Like My Father Before Me
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date Posted: Jan 22, 2008 2:27 PM
The boy flinched, obviously startled and shaken. I remember a sinking feeling in the pit of my stomach as I watched.
Now that's a still I'm happy I didn't get... that scene is too much... I'm thankful it cuts away when it does.
Oh, you got a heck of a still to write about. I don't know if I could have done it without crying
My other choice was kinda, eh.... so I had to work with this one. I think it came out well... glad you think so, too, HG!
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Jade Sabre777
A luminous being, I am...
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date Posted: Jan 22, 2008 6:02 PM
He sent Vader to destroy all hope for the future... to strike fear into the heart of the galaxy.
Wow......
The sad thing is that many people probably chose to believe Palpatine's lies. It's so much easier than to come to the realization that such evil really exists in the world.
The boy flinched, obviously startled and shaken. I remember a sinking feeling in the pit of my stomach as I watched.
I cried and then got mad  !
Awesome blog, JP1!
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JediPug1
Like My Father Before Me
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date Posted: Jan 22, 2008 9:36 PM
The sad thing is that many people probably chose to believe Palpatine's lies. It's so much easier than to come to the realization that such evil really exists in the world.
Yep, that's the sad truth in many civilizations... not just in the GFFA...
Awesome blog, JP1!
Thanks Jade!
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padmeskywalker77
Padme's Legacy
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date Posted: Jan 23, 2008 9:39 PM
Very powerful, my friend!!
This scene always breaks my heart every time I see it. So much has happened in such a short amount of time...and devastating events at that.
He sent Vader to destroy all hope for the future...
Oooo...I had never thought of it this way before!! It really is a chilling thing to think, but it is true in so many ways.
Thank the Force that Palpatine overlooked a few minor details... the New Hope within Padme's womb
Ahhh...yes. Where there is despair, there is hope.
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viagoangel2
Were Anakin and Padme' really one?
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date Posted: Jan 24, 2008 7:54 AM
How best to undermine your enemy, to bring down those who would oppose you... kill their young. So ironic and yet, So foreboding... "To protect you both from the Emperor, you were hidden from your father when you were born. The Emperor knew,as I did, if Anakin were to have any offspring, they would be a threat to him. That is the reason why your sister remains safely anonymous." Obi-Wan in ROTJ
cont.
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viagoangel2
Were Anakin and Padme' really one?
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date Posted: Jan 24, 2008 7:55 AM
should have been filmed that way.... I so agree! There a more than a few scenes from the novel version that should have made it to the Silver Screen. Another one would have been the scene where Anakin tells Mace "the terrible truth". For in the novel, Anakin is pain stricken and completely tormented, to the point of vomitting and uncontrollable sobbing.
Enthralling Entry, my dear friend
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JediPug1
Like My Father Before Me
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date Posted: Jan 24, 2008 8:05 AM
Another one would have been the scene where Anakin tells Mace "the terrible truth". For in the novel, Anakin is pain stricken and completely tormented, to the point of vomitting and uncontrollable sobbing.
Yeah, I wish I knew why they had Anakin play it so cool in the movie? The book version is way more powerful for the sheer emotion of it all. Hmmm, one more thing to ask the flanneled one if I should ever be so lucky!
Thanks Angel!
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gencrs
Technical Manuals from The GFFA
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date Posted: Jan 24, 2008 7:30 PM
This scene is one of the more chilling in the entire movie, maybe even the entire saga. I've always wondered what Yoda and Obi-Wan were really thinking when they saw the bodies of the Younglings.
Great blog.
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Fish1941
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date Posted: Jan 30, 2008 11:21 AM
Lust for power mistaken for love for his wife and unborn child(ren).
What exactly are you saying here? That Anakin never had any love for his wife and unborn child?
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Fish1941
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date Posted: Jan 30, 2008 11:23 AM
Yeah, I wish I knew why they had Anakin play it so cool in the movie? The book version is way more powerful for the sheer emotion of it all. Hmmm, one more thing to ask the flanneled one if I should ever be so lucky!
Because Lucas didn't believe in over-the-top dramatics? One scene featuring Anakin's sudden desire to rule the galaxy was bad enough. I don't think that Lucas needed another over-the-top moment.
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