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Were Anakin and Padme' really one?
date posted: Feb 22, 2007 11:23 AM  |  updated: Mar 05, 2008 8:55 AM
" Sometimes there are things no one can fix. "
" You're not all-powerful, Ani`. " Padme` Amidala

" I should be! Some day I will be! I will be the most powerful Jedi ever! I will even learn to stop people from dying. " Anakin, EP II

For the past month or so, I've been really feeling this conversation between Anakin and Padme`, there's so much meaning,emotion, and foreshadowing behind it. Not too mention, it can relate in so many ways to our own individual lives.

" Sometimes there are things no one can fix. " So true, yet there's a loop hole twisted within this statement as well. Especially in Anakin's case. When the dust had finally settled upon Anakin consciousness and he replayed his actions of avengence on the Tusken Raiders, the guilt came thru. Though he felt remorse during the after math, he also discovered something else; his first RUSH of Adrenaline, a HIGH.

This was his first drink, drug, an escape of his reality; sort of speak. Taking that first sip, puff, or injection was a relief and it felt good. During those events at the Tusken Camp, there was no control or grief for what he did.
" It's all Obi-Wan's fault! "
He also casted blame esle-where, before he admitted his confessions to Padme`. A common sign in addicts or one soon to be. Anakin's slow turn to the Dark Side and rise as a Sith Lord, was in a lot of ways similar to an addiction to alcohol or substance abuse.

Each time he slid down the path to Darkness, the more addicted he became.(slaying of the Raiders, Dooku's murder, aiding in Windu's death, the purge on the Temple, taking the lives of younglings, and eventually endangering and becoming abusive to whom he loved most; Padme`). Each taste of his addiction, extinguished the goodness inside of Anakin,
until eventually, it consumed him; Darth Vader.

For years he cast blame on others for his actions. It wasn't until
someone brave enough who had the will and the compassion to
intervene with the diseased, shattered shell of a man and proceed with a successful intervention. Luke, thank the Maker for, Luke:). He knew the only way his Father could ever over come the Disease of the Sith, was to make Anakin see that there was an illness, that his true self was still there, that he had only forgotten and allowed the addiction to consume him and wash away all the guilt, shame, remorse, responsibility.....the wrongdoings of Anakin Skywalker. He had to hit "rock bottom" in order to see the light once again. Anakin had to want it, to restore his true self, only then could he return to reality, to the " good man " Luke & Padme` believed was still there.

I truly believe that Anakin was diseased by the Sith. He lost himself in the "feeling" of guiltless pleasure of no consequence. In the process of his fall, he lost everything that was sacred and all that he had loved. As do most addicts of drug abuse or alcohol abuse, some can over come there sickness and begin a new life. Though, like Anakin, those who have subject themselves and their loved ones to the abuse of such addictions, must WANT TO STOP IT. It is up to the addict not their family, to achieve this, that person must help themself to restore the balance and harmony into those lives once more.

No matter how much Padme` pleaded with Anakin to leave with her and leave everything else behind; "Sometimes there are things no one can fix."
This was something that her love for Anakin could not mend, see, Anakin had to do it himself....he had to WANT IT.
To all of those who suffer and battle alcohol abuse & substance abuse, I feel your pain more than you know. Remember, there is plenty of help out there for the addict and their family, it is a disease. Please seek help as soon as you know there is a problem, don't wait. In most cases, it is not hopeless, normalcy can be restored and the abuse will cease. ONLY if that individual seeks and WANTS help to stop it.

~Angel~:x
***********************************************************
Fanfiction update and ready:)

DJ Maul: Got Feet?
DJ Maul's Dancin' Cantina Party
date Posted: Feb 22, 2007 11:31 AM
Wow. That one hit home. My father has been an alcoholic for...well as long as Ive known him anyway, and was just recently diagnosed with cirrosses of the liver as well as other complications from the constant abuse he put his body through.

While deep down inside I know he is a GOOD man, the sad truth is when he is in the grips of alcohol he becomes a totally different person, and it's an UGLY one.

The GOOD gets buried by the ADDICTION, its so true.

great blog angel baby.
JediPug1
Like My Father Before Me
date Posted: Feb 22, 2007 11:51 AM
Great to see you Angel!! ((((Angel))))

Wonderful insight into Anakin, as usual! B-)
JediPug1
Like My Father Before Me
date Posted: Feb 22, 2007 11:51 AM
Luke, thank the Maker for, Luke

Oh, I say that everyday!! :x :x :x :8}
Michelle1968
M68- Star Wars Kid at Heart
date Posted: Feb 22, 2007 11:57 AM
Sigh... wow. Excellent entry sweetie.

I was thinking...

Remember our talks about the Vader music playing in the background after Anakin gets his first taste of the dark side? How that was the first sign? The same can be true in life with an addict. Sometimes you can see the signs, but that is not always the case. Sometimes people don't see it until it's too late....as in Anakin's case.

The dark side clouds everything...

Lots of love Angel baby....
:x :x :x
jedilily1026
Years Matter Not (Gone Crazy...Be Back Soon)
date Posted: Feb 22, 2007 12:23 PM
To all of those who suffer and battle alcohol abuse & substance abuse, I feel your pain more than you know.

My first husband (he has passed on) suffered from both these problems and I never saw it coming until it was too late for him and me as I and my children suffered the abuse and the fear living with a person like this can cause.. Like Padme, love had me hoping he would change. But no change ever came about, it just got worse. Cont'.
jedilily1026
Years Matter Not (Gone Crazy...Be Back Soon)
date Posted: Feb 22, 2007 12:24 PM
For me it was a way of life until I left him. Thank God I did b/c I don't know where I and my kids would be now if I hadn't. True confession time. LOL I seem to have been thru practically every SITH scenario in my life. Oh Well, life is such. Great so see you around darling. Love ((hugs)):D
comanderbly
That's Impossible. Even for a Computer.
date Posted: Feb 22, 2007 12:29 PM
Wasn't there a line in AOTC where Anakin referred to Padme's presence as intoxicating? I think it was when Anakin was talking to Obi-wan after their reunion with Padme.

Very insightful ideas. So many of life's greatest lessons come from personal experience, perhaps some exposure to the pitfalls of addiction could have helped Anakin.
leia19886
Some One get this big walking carpet out of my way
date Posted: Feb 22, 2007 1:06 PM
Wow!! This hits home for me also.
From the age of 22 to 26 I worked at McDonalds.
The people I worked with drank on the weekends. I found myself drinking way toooo
much, way toooo often. I always knew when I would have the next morning to sleep it off.
I never went to work drunk, but hangover mabey.
That was 10yrs ago. Now I can live without a drink. I realize I don't need it to get thru the day.
You take care,
Leia
gold5
I lost Tiree, lost Dutch!..or How I learned to stop worrying and love the Death Star.
date Posted: Feb 22, 2007 1:20 PM
So you are saying Luke was staging an intervention and that all the problems in the SW galaxy could have been avoided with a 12 step program. Hmmm. You might be right. I have thought about the addiction aspect before. In his case it didn't just destroy himself and his family but billions upon billions of beings throughout the GFFA. Good stuff angel! I'll read the fic as I get a chance and comment or email later.
viagoangel2
Were Anakin and Padme' really one?
date Posted: Feb 22, 2007 1:55 PM
The GOOD gets buried by the ADDICTION, its so true. First of all, I am so sorry Deej. I really do hope all gets better for your Dad and your family (((HUGS))) and yes, it does get buried and becomes merely a memory.
Great to see you Angel!! ((((Angel)))) Thanks, you too!:x (((HUGS)))
Sometimes people don't see it until it's too late Sad but, true. To be honest, it is often too late in most cases.:( There are groups and therapies that can help the family see the earliest of signs.
Lots of love Angel baby.... :x :x Thanks, Bunny Boo!:( :x XOXO
viagoangel2
Were Anakin and Padme' really one?
date Posted: Feb 22, 2007 2:01 PM
For me it was a way of life until I left him. *sigh*:( I know your place, it's dark there, your always the peace maker...trying to appease, you become the shield. Thanks Jedilily,((HUGS))
Anakin referred to Padme's presence as intoxicating?Nice! Now that raised my eyebrows;) You may have something there, meditate I will.:|
I realize I don't need it to get thru the day. Awesome, Leia! Don't ever go back, ((HUGS)):x
Luke was staging an intervention YEPPERS!;) Thanks for the Kudos, keep me posted on the fan fic read.
gold5
I lost Tiree, lost Dutch!..or How I learned to stop worrying and love the Death Star.
date Posted: Feb 22, 2007 2:16 PM
Another great read, dear! Loved it as always.
JediMelindaWolf
Try not. Do. Or do not. There is no try.
date Posted: Feb 22, 2007 2:27 PM
You are absolutely right! When you think about it, Anakin did get a heady rush in those situations. As I conjure up the images in my mind, I think the scene where he beheads Dooku says it best. You can see - plain as day right there on his face - the various, fleeting emotions as they bombard Anakin, one right after the other. HC did a great job in the span of those few seconds. In the end, he opted to succomb to that rush (I've never been of the opinion he was doing it to save the galaxy.).

Great blog, and it's wonderful to see you back. (please forgive me if you have been here. I've been checking in so sporadically, I've missed everyone. Frankly, I don't know how I even managed to write my blog yesterday!)

MTFBWY :)
vadersgirl33
vadersgirl_reflections
date Posted: Feb 22, 2007 2:29 PM
Enjoyed your latest fan-fic entry. Look forward for more.
I know how you feel about this scene. It's heart-wrenching for me to even WATCH it unfold as he goes deeper and deeper into the Dark Side. He made that choice, but watching it or reading it really gets me. I think its because I know someone who is addicted to alcohol and can't feel he can give it up. The Dark Side was Anakin's addiction. A drug, something he felt would help make life better. Alcohol and drugs do that to people. I guess that's why I feel so strongly about what Anakin was going through and felt.

vadersgirl33
jediprincess77
I Know...
date Posted: Feb 22, 2007 2:57 PM
So good to see you, dearest Angel! :x

Each taste of his addiction, extinguished the goodness inside of Anakin,
until eventually, it consumed him

It's like the darkness became what defined him, isn't it? Like he thought he couldn't separate himself from the darkness. Obviously, something in Luke made him realize otherwise.

This was some wonderful, insightful reading. Another beautifully written entry from our Angel!!

Sending my love & hugs to you!!!:x
jediprincess77
I Know...
date Posted: Feb 22, 2007 3:12 PM
Oops! I completely forgot to tell you how much I LOOOOOOVED this latest chapter!!!
hansgirl3
Invoking the Squee
date Posted: Feb 22, 2007 3:18 PM
What an amazing comparison, dear Angel... Anakin's fall to the dark side truly was like an addiction, wasn't it? No one could truly bring him back from it but himself. Goodness knows, Padme tried as do many in our lives for those going through real addictions, but until the person wants to, it's not going to happen. They have to "fall" before they can finally "see the light" and crawl back up and allow themselves to become a whole good person again (like Anakin at the end...).

All my love! :x (((Hugs))
The Stooge
Star Wars Joke-A-Day
date Posted: Feb 22, 2007 3:19 PM
Fascinating idea that the Dark Side -- anger, fear, aggression, etc. -- could be considering Anakin's addiction. And it could totally happen in real life. There are rageaholics out there, and the body does produce adrenaline-fueled highs just like any substance. (Also, I love imagining Palpatine as his dealer...)

Obi-Wan should have taught him to hold his liquor. Never drink so much that you can't handle your lightsaber! ;)

Hope all is well with you, Angel.
  GalacticBabe
I Have a Bad Feeling About This!
date Posted: Feb 22, 2007 3:28 PM
I've missed you, Angel!

it can relate in so many ways to our own individual lives. How very true! It is incredibly difficult to see the one you love spiraling out of control with an addiction. It is a feeling of complete helplessness, because, as you said, "ONLY if that individual seeks and WANTS help to stop it." Only then will things turn around.

And when they decide they want to help themselves, it's a long road to recovery, and a lifetime of lifestyle changes. It takes a lot of love and hard work.

Wonderful entry! ((Hugs)):x
nob01
Oil Bath Bubbles
date Posted: Feb 22, 2007 3:41 PM
Great post, Angel :)

Interesting how everything that is so bad for us makes us feel so, so good, eh?

Poor Anakin - I guess there was no such thing as a Darkside Patch to relieve his cravings...
MomOf2YoungPadawan
Mamadala's Lair
date Posted: Feb 22, 2007 3:50 PM
What a powerful entry - in more ways than one.

Too many times this happens, and too many times it is allowed to go too far before it is remedied.

It's not Padme's fault; some may see her as being "blinded" by her love for Ani, others may see her as an enabler. If she had lived through the ordeal on Mustafar/childbirth, perhaps she could have helped him, but I tend to think that at that point, Anakin was so blinded by his addiction to power that the end result would eventually have been the same - except perhaps Luke and Leia would have been victimized as well. the galaxy certainly was better off (in the long run) with the actual outcome.

MomOf2YoungPadawan
Mamadala's Lair
date Posted: Feb 22, 2007 3:51 PM
Please seek help as soon as you know there is a problem, don't wait. Indeed. Unfortunately, too many times people don't KNOW what an unhealthy situation is, simply because they've never known anything else, and have never been exposed to the healthy alternative. Similarly, these things can happen because we slip into it gradually until it becomes "normal".

ONLY if that individual seeks and WANTS help to stop it. This reminds me of my favorite SW quote: "Your focus determines your reality." Indeed, Qui-Gon was right.

Love you!!!! :x ((((((((((ANGEL)))))))))) :x
Granny-Wan
I Am NOT an Old Fossil!
date Posted: Feb 22, 2007 3:58 PM
Great blog, Angel... I hope people will listen!
ewanandhaydenfan5
I Have You Now!
date Posted: Feb 22, 2007 5:55 PM
You could definitely say that Anakin had an addictive personality.
POWER can be a "high". Ever heard the expression, "drunk with power"? For someone like Ani, not entirely emotionally stable, impulsive, and arrogant, knowing that he was "The Chosen One" in addition to his amazing Jedi skills and power were a dangerous combo.

Wonderful comparisons, sweetie. Love you!
(((ANGEL)))
  Kenobi-fan
The Jundland Wastes Journal
date Posted: Feb 22, 2007 6:29 PM
Great article, angel!

I think the comparison to substance abuse is a good one. Anakin felt inadequate - unable to stop the pain of others (not to mention his own) - and became reliant upon something that made him feel strong and in control. He was further enabled by his pusher, Palps, who bated him with the idea that Anakin was limiting himself and that only by unleashing his base desires could he control the fates of others. It was a true but not in the way Anakin had considered, which in turn twisted his perspective on both love and sacrifice to the ruin of everyone around him.
amidalooine
The Emotional Galaxy
date Posted: Feb 22, 2007 6:55 PM
There is little in life that is as disturbing, as upsetting, as feeling out of control.. Padme had no control over Anakin's addiction (GREAT comparison). Anakin had no control over his addiction. It hurts to have no control, particularly when love is involved.

(((Angel)))
  SnoopDarthyDarth
Sith point of view related to real world...
date Posted: Feb 22, 2007 7:05 PM
Great blog... makes sense.... BUT.... i believe its innaccurate.

Maybe I misunderstood your overall point but, I dont believe Anakins turn to the dark was a dissease. His turn to the dark was natural! The same as Luke being light was natural. Not to say Anakin was naturaly a dark person just that every person naturaly has a light and dark side.
  SnoopDarthyDarth
Sith point of view related to real world...
date Posted: Feb 22, 2007 7:05 PM
Anakin made choice after choice to let his own natural dark side rise to the surface. Luke too has a dark side just as dark as his fathers... he just never let it out until that one brief moment when he attacked his father in the end, thus defeating him. He had a greater strength of goodness then his father in the way he reeled it in afterwards and calmed himself... in that moment Luke truely defeated the emperor the only way possible.
anakinside1
Echoes from the Asteroid Field
date Posted: Feb 22, 2007 7:50 PM
You've made some great connections here! It is soooooo good to see you on the blogs. :x My favorite part is about how even with Luke's presence it was still up to Anakin to decide to change for the better. Luke could only open the door, so to speak, Anakin had to choose to walk through it and into a different life. That is so true with anyone who needs to heal in some emotional way. I also think you're right that the adrenaline rush of the dark side would be very similar to the rush felt through any kind of addiction.

Lots of love to you, Angel.:x

The Force will be with you....always....

viagoangel2
Were Anakin and Padme' really one?
date Posted: Feb 22, 2007 7:52 PM
Loved it as always. Thanks, Gold5:)
Great blog, and it's wonderful to see you back.:x Thanks, JMW. I'll do my best to get myself over here,it's been difficult lately. Promise to get on over to yours too.:x
The Dark Side was Anakin's addiction " You let this Sith Lord twist your mind,until you became the very thing you swore to destroy. " Obi-Wan said it best, didn't he? Thanks, VG. I hope this person you know will stop soon. ((HUGS))
So good to see you, dearest Angel! You too, JP. Thank YOU!:x
They have to "fall" before they can finally "see the light"You are absolutely right, HG3. Thanks for the call today, needed that (((HUGS))):x
  SnoopDarthyDarth
Sith point of view related to real world...
date Posted: Feb 22, 2007 7:59 PM
And even after Luke beat him, Vader still stood up at his Emperors side while his son was being tortured at the mans hands (via lightning).

This is where I dont like the fact that GL changed the end "blue-glowie" scene, where Luke saw Yoda and ObiWan... then joined by.... young Anakin????

The original, I think, was more accurate. Hadnt Anakin truely turned back to the light (as so many suggest)? If so, shouldnt the blue-glowie be of old Anakin as he was when he died (in the light)?
  SnoopDarthyDarth
Sith point of view related to real world...
date Posted: Feb 22, 2007 8:04 PM
ObiWan once channeled (only once is a testament to what an awesome Jedi he was) the dark side oh-so-breifly while fighting Maul.... shouldnt his "glowie" have been back before he did that? As a glowie of a young man (as in Ep:1)?

If not, then GL is saying, it doesnt matter (afterlife-wise) if you go dark a little from time to time, as long as youre mostly good most of the time and your glowie only "kicks in" when you completely leave the light.

That sounds accurate to me :) Just wondering what others thoughts are on that little bit :)
  21212121212
"So be it.......21212121212"
date Posted: Feb 22, 2007 8:32 PM
I don't necessarily think that he was *high* during his raid on the tusken camp. He knew darn well what he was doing. He was getting revenge for his mother, and he knew what he had to do to achieve that.
  Son of a Bith
The Cantina Corner
date Posted: Feb 22, 2007 9:20 PM
Well, your analyzation is spot on because the Dark Side grants power, and is very seductive to those who want power (such as Anakin, who for his whole life felt powerless), or those who have power but want more, such as Palpatine. He even said it himself. Those who have power always want more, more, MORE. You can see it at work in the real world. So much of the problems we face as a species are due to those who have and crave power, and people like us who do desperate and foolish things in order to offset our feelings of inadequacy and powerlessness, often in response to the actions of the former.
gencrs
Technical Manuals from The GFFA
date Posted: Feb 22, 2007 10:47 PM
Excellent analogy, Angel. Great blog. I can't really put it any different than what's already been said. Good to see you again.
padmeskywalker77
Padme's Legacy
date Posted: Feb 22, 2007 11:03 PM
((((ANGEL)))) :x

You know, I have seen many of these same things with my uncle (father's brother) and his battle with addiction...he "cleans up" for a little while, but always falls back to his habits. He truly needs to *want* to change before a change can be made...it is not up to the rest of us to do that.

What a wonderful connection with addiction and Anakin...power can truly be like any drug, and he did have that *taste* that fueled his desire for more.

Love you!!!! :x :x
  JediAnikin4191981
date Posted: Feb 23, 2007 10:46 AM
So true angel! The SW storyling can be related to reality in so many ways. My mom pointed out, and I, myself, tend to think of the Sith as the devil and the Jedi as the good (God in the sense.) And Anakin as just a normal guy (well not so normal in many ways:)) being torn between the lies of the Sith and the truh of the Jedi.

This was a really good blog Angel! Nice work:)

MTFBWY

ROCK ON!!!

JediAnikin4191981
usetheforce19
MasterMonkey13
date Posted: Feb 23, 2007 2:41 PM
Very good blog, this shows once more how Star Wars relates to almost anything.

May the Force be with us all! God bless!
Hoppy Har Ghost
The Cormyrean Jedi's Holojournal
date Posted: Feb 23, 2007 2:43 PM
As MM13 said, great way of showing Star Wars relates to most things!
Maybe the people who have loved ones suffering can relate to Padme more than they know now.

MTFBWYA
Darth_Hiram
A Journey into The Force
date Posted: Feb 23, 2007 9:33 PM
Very good connections here. Anakin became drunk with power, and the realization that he might have the power to save his loved ones (through his drunken stupor). Palpatine became his dealer and the one who convinced him that this was good, and it was his destiny. Palpatine made him believe that it was ok to give into the "addiction" of the dark side. good post!
Sarlacc-Pitt
Slowly Digested Over A Thousand Blogs
date Posted: Feb 24, 2007 1:42 AM
Wonderful Entry!

Totally understand the whole theme of your entry... addiction to power, drugs, etc., it's all pretty much bound into the same area....trying to escape what you can't feel and replacing that space with things you can feel. It's a sad and dangerous place to go, inside or outside of universe. One can only hope, that in moments of rare clarity, the right and true decisions are made.
viagoangel2
Were Anakin and Padme' really one?
date Posted: Feb 24, 2007 6:13 AM
Thanks for all of your insightful comments, and Front Page too!:x Completely overwhelming and unintentional on my part, honest.:| Thank You all, for realizing the impotance within this entry.:x

GL is saying, it doesnt matter (afterlife-wise) if you go dark a little from time to time, as long as youre mostly good most of the time and your glowie only "kicks in" when you completely leave the light. I think what GL wants us to remember is that, " Truth, like "goodness or Light"..is a Point of View. Luke even touches on this in the EU, it's not about Light or Dark usage of the Force, it's the Users purpose of the force, so to speak.
viagoangel2
Were Anakin and Padme' really one?
date Posted: Feb 24, 2007 6:22 AM
He was getting revenge for his mother, and he knew what he had to do to achieve that. Anakin's rage set in, all rationalization had disappeared at this point in his consciousness. Anakin had become an Avenger, the rage fueled his power, giving him a sense of invincibility. He savored it and eventually craved it more as time passed, seeking it out on the battle front as well; especially with Asajj. Thanks for your insights, 21:)
Jedi Master Mina
Jedi blogging, go back to your drinks!
date Posted: Feb 24, 2007 8:33 AM
One moment at a time; one minute at a time; one day at a time. Something Vader could not accept or learn to handle in his life. He wanted to control events around him by abusing his special power upon those that he loved the most.

Luke, thank the Maker for, Luke. He knew the only way his Father could ever over come the Disease of the Sith

Learning to let go with love is the hardest thing to do for any loved one of an addict, don't you agree? ;) I call it tough love!!

Great blog, Angel.
  Saba8
date Posted: Feb 24, 2007 6:05 PM
I think Anakin wanted to leave the Dark Side of the Force after he learned about Luke but he hated himself for killing the woman he loved and he had been taught by the Jedi that once you headed down the Dark Path there was no return.
"It is too late for me son." Was his responds to Luke.
  Darth Med8
date Posted: Feb 24, 2007 8:46 PM
Very true. Great blog. I hope to see more.]:)
  Del-Arwa Elran
I can't carry it for you, but I CAN carry you! Come on!
date Posted: Feb 25, 2007 8:54 AM
Oh my goodness- this is an AWSOME blog. I felt I could really relate to it rightnow- in school were doing our tedious and repetitive alcohol tobacco and other drugs unit- but your blog has made me think differently about it now, im gonna see how if I focus on ani's addiction if that helps me learn or understand better!

TRULY TOUCHING!
luved it!

MTFBWY
  solo smelly
date Posted: Feb 25, 2007 2:07 PM
Wow, those are some truly touching words there Angel!!!

Though, like Anakin, those who have subject themselves and their loved ones to the abuse of such addictions, must WANT TO STOP IT.

That's the hardest part of all for anyone with such a problem :( :|


Take care Angel!! :) :x


MTFBWY
  JediCody87
date Posted: Feb 25, 2007 7:21 PM
WOW THIS BLOG IS SO POWERFUL,IM 19 YEARS OLD AND AM STILL AROUND ADDICTS,AND ALCOHOLISM-I UNDERSTAND WHAT YOU MEAN AND IM HAPPY YOU ADDRESSED THIS ISSUE.....IT MEANS ALOT TO ME,THANK YOU
viagoangel2
Were Anakin and Padme' really one?
date Posted: Feb 26, 2007 8:16 PM
I call it tough love!! Too true, it's work. Thanks Mina:x (((