Star Wars: Blogs | Mamadala's Lair | R2-D2: Confidante, Companion, Combat Comrade....

Mamadala's Lair

by: MomOf2YoungPadawan

date posted: Jun 15, 2006 11:41 AM

R2-D2: Confidante, Companion, Combat Comrade....

With this blog, I take a step back from talking about Anakin for a while....
As much as I looooooove that subject (as my LILWA gals will attest to), A true Jedi must be willing to see all aspects of the space around her!!

We have been having a "Saga Marathon" at our house lately. With the new addition of Darth Blonde (see my last blog) to my Star Wars Family, she, the Padawans, myself have been living, breathing and sleeping SW lately....which, come to think of it...isn't really different than any other day!!

As I watch each movie, it becomes more and more clear to me the essential role R2-D2 has played throughout every aspect of the saga. From the time "he" helped stabilize Padme's starship in Ep. 1, he has been a hero, and has rolled his little way into our hearts.

I am currently reading what are called "Legacy Era" books, including Darksaber, Specter of the Past/Vision of the Future, etc., and Artoo continues to save the day time and time again.

That little astromech is like the MacGyver of driods. He has so many doo-dads and devices, and he puts them all to good use whenever needed.

Artoo is cunning, sly, mischevious, trustworthy, determined, smart and honest, has a sense of humor....and he's good at what he does! He never boasts or gloats, rarely complains, and is dependable to the last. For being a droid, Artoo encompasses the finest traits any human would be delighted to possess (I would think, anyway...unless you're a Sith!!!

). I think that's why his character has stood the test of time, and why so many people adore him so.

Heros have confided in him. He has been there to save lives. He has repaired things when needed most.

.....And he has been entrusted with countless pieces of vital information....why else would Threepio's memory have been erased at the end of ROTS, while Artoo's was to remain intact? Think about the incredible stories Artoo could tell!!! But of course he never would, because that was not like him.

As we all know, Artoo was given the immense job of delivering the Death Star plans to the Rebel Alliance via Obi-Wan Kenobi. Wow. What a droid. Did he ever receive medals of honor or parades in his tribute?

Nope...just a good shine, a tune-up and an oil bath, thankyouverymuch! Do they give Purple Hearts to droids? Anyhow....

Even Threepio, as much as he criticizes Artoo, has always held a fondness for him. Threepio has "stuck his neck out" for Artoo countless times, and although he may whine about it, would probably do it countless more.

So, In honor of Artoo-Detoo, I have compiled a list of what I can remember to be all of the times he has been a vital part of whatever situation is at hand, or just added a funny incident to the saga. Please feel free to add your favorite Artoo memories!!

Disclaimer....I think in order of Ep. 4,5,6,1,2,3...that's the way I saw them!

1. Refusing to give up on finding Ben (Obi-Wan), and only playing the message for HIM when he did

2. Saving Luke, Leia, Han and Chewie from the garbage masher on the first Death Star

3. Helping Luke destroy the Death Star in the Battle of Yavin

4. Melting Princess Leia's quarters on Hoth (he was only trying to help!)

5. Accompanying Luke to Dagobah to find Yoda.... By the way.....didn't Artoo recognize Yoda? I can understand why Yoda may not have recognized Artoo, what with all of the thousands of astromechs just like him, but c'mon...there's only ONE Yoda!

6. Re-assembling Threepio as they left Bespin

7. Being a diplomatic ambassador to Jabba's Palace, and secretly carrying Luke's lightsaber..popping it out at just the right time on the sail barge

8. Although he was shot, he tried to disable the Imperial shield generator on Endor. At least he got to watch the fireworks!

9. He repaired the damage to Padme's starship, allowing it to jump to hyperspace (the rest of the astromechs were blasted into space!)

10. Served as "secondary bodyguard" for Padme in Ep. II (although it was ANAKIN who saved her from the kouhuns)

11. Saved Padme from becoming molten butter by shutting down the droid factory's computer.

12. Saved Threepio from becoming half-Threepio, half-battle-droid on Geonosis

13. Served as Anakin's astromech..poking out a buzz droid's eye!

14. Spewed oil all over the super battle droids, allowing him to escape and...
15. Activated the elevators on the starship in Ep. III, enabling Anakin and Obi-Wan to rescue Palpy and themselves.

16. Distracted the droidekas long enough to allow Anakin and Obi-wan a chance to escape the ray shields

17. ....did I forget anything???

MTFBWY!!!!!

~MO2YP (hey...maybe I'M A DROID...??????)

http://blogs.starwars.com/MomOf2_SSW/10

Click here to hide comments for this entry

padmeskywalker77
Padme's Legacy

date Posted: Jun 15, 2006 11:48 AM

Artoo is one of the main heros of the saga, I do agree with that!!

Great summary of all that he did to save the galaxy. One more thing I thought of...he helped threepio to get Padme' on her ship in Mustafar after she was rendered unconsious by Anakin--at least I think

--threepio's statement to Obi-Wan upon his return from his duel was we have Miss Padme' on board.

	Sol Kassar Ramblings from the Detention Center (Startled)
date Posted: Jun 15, 2006 11:54 AM Nice blog dedicated to the real hero of the SW saga. 17. ....did I forget anything??? Umm... was witness to Anakin & Padme's wedding. *R2-D2: Confidante, Companion, Combat Comrade....* Oh, I thought you meant companion like Inara.....apologies.... too much Firefly these past few days...

	hansgirl3 Invoking the Squee
date Posted: Jun 15, 2006 12:38 PM Excellent choice of subject matter for your blog, MO2YP! I love R2!!!! In ANH, he alerted Luke that the Tuskens were coming. I know I'll think of more.

	Kenobi-fan The Jundland Wastes Journal
date Posted: Jun 15, 2006 1:05 PM He could have told Luke the entire story - about his father, his mother, his sister, the clone wars, the Jedi, Kenobi, Yoda, etc...but NO. He's decided 'who' is going to know 'what' and 'when'...Palps was nowhere near the manipulator R2 was. Who made him boss?

	Megawolf
date Posted: Jun 15, 2006 1:23 PM I don't understand how melting Leia's quarter's on hoth would have helped, but that's ok.

	gatorjedi1969 Shhhhh. You hear that?
date Posted: Jun 15, 2006 1:41 PM Im sure he had a role in getting the ship back to working order when it was overheated with lil ani on the trade federation ship allowing lil ani to blow it up. Oh, and circular sawed the catchnet on endor to release the crew from the trap that chewie's stomach got them into. I'll keep pondering.

	hansgirl3 Invoking the Squee
date Posted: Jun 15, 2006 1:45 PM I don't understand how melting Leia's quarter's on hoth would have helped, but that's ok. He was trying to make it warmer for her because it was cold in there.

	Lord_Noctifer Ponderings and Postulates from a Penitent Sith Lord.
date Posted: Jun 15, 2006 2:05 PM Don't forget, he also wigged out in front of Grevious to allow Anakin and Obi-Wan to get their sabers and kick Separatist tail! Excellent entry about the true MVP of Star Wars.

Princess_Sara4
Sara Skywalker "This is where the fun begins"

date Posted: Jun 15, 2006 2:12 PM

Hello my fellow LILWA sister!!!!

Great Blog. Artoo is definately a main hero in the star wars saga. It's nice that you brought him up because he doesn't usually get much recognition. I can't remember if you've ever told me if you've read ROTS or not, but there's a part in it that is in Anakin's perspective. There's a moment where he and Obi-Wan can't find Artoo and Obi thinks that he's been destroyed. Ani goes through this thought of how he got Artoo, which we find out is that Padme gave him to Anakin as a wedding present, which shows why Anakin is so sentimental about him. Awww, how romantic!!!

	jkelly There Is No Conflict
date Posted: Jun 15, 2006 4:56 PM Although he was shot, he tried to disable the Imperial shield generator on Endor. At least he got to watch the fireworks! He only got shot because Han used him as a human, er ... droid shield while fighting. Han should've been standing in front of R2 instead of kneeling behind him. How do we know it's a "him"?

	jedilily1026 Years Matter Not (Gone Crazy...Be Back Soon)
date Posted: Jun 15, 2006 5:35 PM I love R-2. R-2 "stay with the ship". Poor guy. The first SW action figure I bought was R2 and I just bought a R2 cell phone charm. He has given countless laughs to my grand padawans who hold him in high esteem. The unsung hero of SW. Nice blog. Thanks.

MomOf2YoungPadawan
Mamadala's Lair

date Posted: Jun 15, 2006 5:44 PM

Awesome job of adding stuff, everyone!! I KNEW there was sooooooo much more out there that I hadn't thought of....I'm sitting here reading these and saying "oh, yeah..." and "I remember that, now!!"
I don't understand how melting Leia's quarter's on hoth would have helped, but that's ok.

He was trying to make it warmer for her because it was cold in there. Thanks for the clarification, HG3...I was going for the "funny" side...!

How do we know it's a "him"? ummm...we don't, jkelly....that's why I put the "he" in quotes from the beginning. Hmmmm....perhaps Artoo IS a girl...after all, we all know how well girls can keep secrets and can multi-task under pressure!!!!

MomOf2YoungPadawan
Mamadala's Lair

date Posted: Jun 15, 2006 5:48 PM

just bought a R2 cell phone charm I have one, too Jedilily!!! I also have Artoo earrings!!!

if you've read ROTS or not nop, not yet, PS4...but I did know that Padme and Anakin "traded" droids as wedding presents...thanks for the reminder!!

He's decided 'who' is going to know 'what' and 'when'...Palps was nowhere near the manipulator R2 was. Hmmmm.....manipulator, or creative divulger of information?? Meditate on this, I will!! Great point though, Kenobi-fan!!

	Kenobi-fan The Jundland Wastes Journal
date Posted: Jun 15, 2006 6:08 PM Meditate on this, I will!! Great point though, Kenobi-fan!! I was going to say I was just kidding then I read jkelly's comment about Han using R2 as a shield...but now I'm not.

	viagoangel2 Were Anakin and Padme' really one?
date Posted: Jun 15, 2006 7:28 PM WHO MADE HIM BOSS? Hahahahaha WE LOVE YOU ARTOO!!! Very Nice Blog! He is the TRUE HERO of the SW saga. He makes all the kids and adults alike laugh and cheer, what more can you ask for? Never before have I seen so much LOYALTY in a droid, (Luke) FANTABULOUS! VA2

	Michelle1968 M68- Star Wars Kid at Heart
date Posted: Jun 15, 2006 9:16 PM Don't worry, we have R2 with us! Great subject... think on this I will! Have missed you... computers back up and I just returned from my Nashville trip. Back to normal! Whoo- hoo!

MomOf2YoungPadawan
Mamadala's Lair

date Posted: Jun 16, 2006 6:07 AM

Welcome back, Michelle! I've missed you, too!

!! Boy, have YOU missed a lot!! You'll have to go back and read the recent blogs of VA2, PS77, WampaJedi and....anyone else in the LILWA group. You're a member .....even though you don't know it yet...because you LOOOOOVE Anakin as much as the rest of us!!

Don't worry, we have R2 with us! Ahhhh, yes......although Ani said this jokingly in Ep. II, we all know it to be an effective mantra for any other character in the saga

MomOf2YoungPadawan
Mamadala's Lair

date Posted: Jun 16, 2006 6:14 AM

Sorry to be so spastic with my reply comments - It seems everytime I sit down to blog, I'm pulled away....my Padawans are certainly "always on the move

! Right now I'm flipping pancakes and serving breakfast before we go out and run a bunch of errands!
First off, let me say a big THANKS to everyone for the compliments.

Let me go back and pull a few more out...
The unsung hero of SW! Soooooo true, jedilily...maybe HG3 could write a song for him?!?

WHO MADE HIM BOSS? Well, he should've been boss

! Could you imagine Artoo's personality as a human? As much as I love Jar-Jar (I really do - that wasn't a joke)....Artoo would have made a MUCH better senator!!!

	hansgirl3 Invoking the Squee
date Posted: Jun 16, 2006 8:38 AM maybe HG3 could write a song for him?!? Great idea!!! Ode to R2! "I feel a song coming on! You got a friend in me..." LOL! (I'll work on it ~ it's on my list) Right now I'm working on a Firefly song.

Rogueish
W.I.E.R.D.

date Posted: Jun 16, 2006 12:39 PM

From the time "he" helped stabilize Padme's starship in Ep. 1

I'm glad you mentioned that. In case you didn't know, in the 1977 novelisation of A new Hope, Artoo is depicted climbing onto the damaged wing of Luke's fighter as it flies down the Death Star trench, fixing it as they are attacked by TIEs. As we know, it didn't occur in the movie, so George went back to his original plan and rewrote the scene into Episode 1.

Neato.

	Rogueish W.I.E.R.D.
date Posted: Jun 16, 2006 12:41 PM It's a shame that Industrial Automaton, the company that builds astromechs, put a shelf-life of 20 years on the booster rockets. Imagine what other heroics R2 could have done during Episodes IV to VI if he'd had those in working order.

MomOf2YoungPadawan
Mamadala's Lair

date Posted: Jun 16, 2006 2:02 PM

In case you didn't know, in the 1977 novelisation of A new Hope, Artoo is depicted climbing onto the damaged wing of Luke's fighter as it flies down the Death Star trench, fixing it as they are attacked by TIEs. It has been FOREVER since I've read the novelization of ANH (I was probably 12), so I'm glad you brought that up, Rogueish! Thanks!

Wow - you have a lot of droid knowledge there, Rogueish....very impressive!

I'm more of a "character gal' myself... Are you sure you weren't a droid repaiman in a former life? You know, like a long time ago in a galaxy far, far away?

	Rogueish W.I.E.R.D.
date Posted: Jun 16, 2006 3:28 PM I would never have had the expertise or know how at fixing things like Anakin, Han, Luke or Jacen. I would probably been some droid salesman or something, or an exec at the droid company.

	MomOf2YoungPadawan Mamadala's Lair
date Posted: Jun 17, 2006 1:19 PM LOL!!! Yes, in reading the Legacy Era novels, I have come to see just how good Jacen has gotten at "mechanical stuff"...he must have inherited that from his grandpa Papa Vader!!

	cbern Omega Squad's 5th member
date Posted: Jun 17, 2006 4:03 PM great work i think r2 is underrated (probably cuse he doesn't eat, sleep, drink, or party) he certainly is like anakin, he holds the saga together keep it up!

MomOf2YoungPadawan
Mamadala's Lair

date Posted: Jun 20, 2006 8:18 AM

Thanks for commenting, cbern...Artoo is probably underrated because he's a droid. Droids are typically treated as second-rate "citizens" anyway, even if they are treated as citizens at all. Here's a couple of examples:

ANH Cantina Scene: Bartender: "We don't serve their kind here"
ATOC passenger vessel to Naboo: Artoo was shunned from getting food for Padme and Anakin
(I know the list could go on...)

I suppose it's only natural, though.....if droids were given too much "freedom," things could end up like the movie I-Robot!!!

gold5
I lost Tiree, lost Dutch!..or How I learned to stop worrying and love the Death Star.

date Posted: Jun 30, 2006 1:44 PM

Since seeing the movie in 77 I had always considered him my favorite character and seeing him in the prequels was like visiting an old friend. The scene where he is zapped by the Jawas in ANH had a big affect on me as a kid. I got so sad. When he fixed the hyperdrive on the Falcon only to be thrown down in the pit on top of poor chewie was an cool one. I read somewhere R2 was always George Lucas' favorite character

	Qui-Tom Servo loves Padme You Must Unlearn What You Have Learned
date Posted: Jul 12, 2006 11:11 AM Why does Artoo even need to be human? Natalie Portman herself said that he was a sexy little droid. If he's got her saying that he's sexy, what more does the little droid need? And as to why didn't Artoo recognize Yoda? I suspect he did, but he had to keep things quiet. And for what it's worth, do have any record of Artoo ever encountering Yoda in the PT?

JediMelindaWolf
Try not. Do. Or do not. There is no try.

date Posted: Jun 21, 2007 6:29 PM

I had to come over after you left your comment on my "The Real Hero" blog, mo2yp! I loved this!

I always will have a soft spot in my heart for R2D2 (and C3PO).

He is always there when needed. He is true blue

and, quite frankly, I don't know what his human counterparts would do without him!

I am an avid EU enthusiast, and R2's daring and loyalty abound in those books as well (some more so than others). I'm not sure how far into the EU you are, so I don't want to give anything away. Keep reading and enjoy!

My favorite R2 scene? There are a few. The one I think I enjoy the most is when he's dragging C3PO's head across the sandy floor of the Geonosis arena.

MTFBWY

MomOf2YoungPadawan
Mamadala's Lair

date Posted: Jun 22, 2007 6:55 AM

Thanks so much for stopping by here, Melinda!

! It really means a lot to me!

I know what you mean about Geonosis - that one will always rank right up there for me, too.

I've actually gotten pretty far into the EU since I wrote this entry so long ago (wow - over a YEAR ago...time flies), and I must say that Artoo's character never ceases to amaze me! I loved the little "secrets" that were revealed to Luke in one book (in the Dark Nest Trilogy)

	BlueX-WingPilot The Starfighter Docking Bay
date Posted: Feb 18, 2008 7:03 PM I was poking around on the blogs and I saw this one. R2-D2 is my favorite star wars character. That little astromech is like the MacGyver of driods. He has so many doo-dads and devices, and he puts them all to good use whenever needed. So well put! I cant wait to see what he'll put into action in the new Clone Wars TV series. A great blog!

	MomOf2YoungPadawan Mamadala's Lair
date Posted: Feb 20, 2008 5:17 PM Thanks so much for taking the time to read this and post a comment! I absolutely love blogging, but unfortunately have not had much time (or inspiration... !) to do it lately. I really appreciate you stopping by!

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