Quick thought that I don't think I've seen mentioned before. Of course, it probably has

(Ignoring the expanded universe) the addition of Palpatine either already having the knowledge, or having the capability of learning that knowlage to maintain eternal life through the power of The Force adds to the scene of Vader sacraficing himself to save his son and in effect the galaxy. Why? Because father time looks like he's about to catch up to Palpatine anyway.

So maybe I'm giving the Prequels a bit too much credit, but it seems Mr. Lucas in addition to giving an explanation for Anakin's birth and a way for Palpatine to turn him to the Dark Side might also have added the whole eternal life angle to make the conclusion of the saga have Anakin as a bit more of a hero. Stopping a powerful tyrant who could rule for a thousand generations instead of an old man who looks like a strong wind could kill him in a year or two.

I was always happy with the ending of the saga, but this makes it a bit more interesting.
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-=Rive Caedo=-
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