Let me start by saying how much I have always been a fan of the throne room scene in ROTJ. Its even better now that we have the whole story and all six episodes. There is one thing I am struggling with however and I will try to make this clear as I can.

It seems clear and Lucas has said himself that Vader's obsession in ESB with Luke is for one reason: For Luke to become Vader's Sith apprentice and overthrow the Emporer. It is not until ROTJ that Vader's heart is pulled that this Force capable being is a son that he should love and care about. What didn't make sense to me at first was the changed dialogue in ESB between Vader and the Emporer now makes sense. I love Vader's line "how is that possible" when Palps tells him that Luke is the son of Anakin. Its almost like "Hey dude, you told me I killed her, how did she pop out a kid chief?" The banter between the two Siths is obvious, they are both plotting for Luke to be their apprentice. If you don't agree with me so far, than I'm afraid the rest of the blog won't be much use to you, but please read on.

Now, we come to the throne room in ROTJ. Luke obviously needs to become enraged and act on his hatred which must be in the bloodline. Palps keeps pushing strings that only he can do so well. Finally, Luke gives into his hate and lights his lightsaber to kill the Emporer and WAIT! Vader blocks it. Why? This is exactly what the Emporer wants, a contest to see who the better, stonger Sith will be. Given that I think Vader still wants Luke to help him off the Emporer and make him his Sith apprentice, why block the saber blow on Palps? Lucas has said on the commentary for ROTJ, that Vader is fighting for his existence here. Okay, but why not let Luke off his boss? Luke will be enraged and killed in cold blood, and anger and all those other Sith attributes. My point is after he killed the Emporer, Vader would have Luke right where he wants him. He could have said "Your hate made you powerful and you offed a pretty bad dude, now son be my main man at my side and lets rule this spirally galaxy" (or something like that). And Luke MIGHT say, I commit myself to your teachings" and Vader might say "from now on your are Darth blah blah......." You get the picture. Instead, Vader blocks the blow. Now, I have an esteemed friend that I disagree with that says Luke was aiming at Vader. Huh? I don't see that, but it would make this blog pointless (is it already?)

So, why does Vader do that? I recently read a blog (forgive me for not remembering who the author was) that said Vader blocked it out of love for his son because he didn't want him going to the Dark Side. Interesting point, but why would Vader start pulling all the strings later (fighting him, trying to make him angry). I guess you could say it was obediance to the Emporer, but remember Vader is trying to get rid of that guy, so I don't buy that argument. Maybe, the Emporer wouldn't have died and both Vader and Palps knew this. I guess if that were true, Vader's cover would have been blown and Palps might off HIM. I'm not sure at all.

I really don't have an answer. It obviously makes for a better scene that he blocks Lukes blow, but I can't figure out why. Instinct maybe? I don't know. This may not be an issue that some of you even care about, but its my blog, so there. Seriously, I love everyone's knowledge on this site and different perspectives. Happy blogging and keep the peace my friends.