Well, it has been twelve days since my last entry, I've been very busy and then sick as of late, I apologize. Here now is the second part of the in-depth ROTS analysis series.

After an exciting sequence of action within the elevators of Grievous' ship, the two Jedi finally arrive to a moment that has been antcipated for three years: a rematch with Count Dooku, the Sith Lord Tyranus.

Now, to read into the scene with more depth than what is presented on screen (as well as drawing upon the novel), it becomes clear that Dooku was under the impression that Palpatine/Sidious had arranged for the kidnapping ploy in order to corrupt Anakin Skywalker. Dooku was to kill Kenobi, eliminating his influence on the former Padawan, and then "lose" to Anakin and be captured.

Dooku envisioned that despite the evil of the Separatists in general, he was viewed as a man of principle, and that with him at Palpatine's side, the new empire would seem more legitimate and honorable. Dooku then believed he would be the head of a new glorious army of Sith, and the corruption of the Republic would die.

But as is stated in the novel, treachery is the way of the Sith. Palpatine knew that Dooku's purpose was fulfilled, and that when Anakin struck him down, his dark side journey would accelerate. So the trap was for Dooku, and not Anakin. The Count only realizes this when it is too late, as after a brilliant duel, Anakin cuts off Dooku's hands.

Palpatine goads Anakin on, poisoning him with his words, and convinces Anakin that the just thing to do is execute Dooku, which he does. Since Anakin looks up to the Chancellor, he views his judgment as wise and moral, and so his faith in Palpatine only grows, as does Palpatine's influence upon him.

But Obi-Wan is still an obstacle for Sidious, as Anakin also trusts his mentor fully, and so Palpatine tries to convince Anakin to leave his former master, but that doesn't work out for him. Yet Anakin's trust in Palpatine is so full that he dismisses his goading as momentary panic, rather than something sinister.

Obi-Wan returns to conciousness, yet the escape is thwarted when the trio as well as Artoo are captured and brought before General Grievous on the bridge. The character of Grievous is heavily debated, with some accusing him of being useless, but I feel he serves well as a different kind of villain. It is also important to note that he is a catalyst for much of the action in the film, causing the Jedi to be spread out to engage him, causing Obi-Wan to be separated from Anakin, and after his death, setting into motion the Jedi plan to make the Chancellor capitulate his powers.

The ensuing battle with Grievous' bodyguards was brief but fun, and Grievous' escape enabled us to witness an epic crash landing. I like the fact that George Lucas tries to come up with different action sequences than what he's done before. The Podrace was refreshing in TPM, as was the Droid Factory/Arena in AOTC, and so it is with the crash landing and shipboard fighting in ROTS. I also liked th notion of the fire ships, which gives a bit of realism as obviously the Coruscant authorities had to do something to curb the damage from falling ships/debris.

And so, Anakin saves the day and lands the ship, and so stands a hero...........for now..............

NEXT TIME: PADME, POLITICS, AND PALPATINE'S INFLUENCE