If you watch the movie it spells it out why Vader blocks Luke. Vader tells Luke, "you don't know the power of the dark side, I MUST obey my master." He was compelled to obey Palpatine, even while hating him and plotting against him. Palpatine laughs because he knew Vader would protect him.
Yes great point. Even though he had been trying to recruit Luke to overthrow Palps since Episode 5, when Luke tried to kill him right there, Vader was like “yooooo dude not yet” and protected Palps 😂
@@peterphillips4340 the entire Palps gimmick is whatever happens when there are variables, he’s still in for one or another win, so it’s safe to assume that he prepared both for being struck by Luke in anger, by Vader in anger and ambition, being defended as in the movie, whatever possible option, he would win in the end. Always. Save for the minute opportunity that we got in the movie, where we could easily explain it as force itself guiding events towards it while shrouding this particular outcome from Palps and his force predicting
He stopped Luke from doing it because they needed to throw him down the reactor shaft and then show up 30 years later without any explanation as to how he could have survived.
@@civilizedagesabers Nope. They would never hire me. I am a middle-aged white guy, and I would not be able to pass the culture-fit “Is he woke” test when they ask me if they should cast a black woman to play the part of Snow White.
Well sorta… Vader knows that Palpatine is toying with Luke. He knows that he has a plan and that he can kill him (Luke) if he gets too close. Vader blocks Luke because he is afraid of what Palpatines plan might be, he doesn’t want Luke to die. Neither one of them can beat the Emperor, together…maybe… but now (or then is not the time)
I’m sorry, but seeing this scene as a kid was so iconic. Back then, all of this wasn’t canon. But Vader immediately igniting his saber and blocking with Palpatine hysterically laughing was everything
@@Jedi1990 I guess i didn’t explain myself well enough. That’s my bad. Hopefully this is better: Given the context of the scene, I did expect Vader to block Luke. When I saw the close up of the lightsabers seemed to have a green lightsaber closer to the Emperor and the red one closer to the camera, that made it seem like Luke block Vader. I did find it odd that Vader tried to kill the Emperor and Luke saved him. It did not match what I expected which I found confusing.
You saw this video at least 1000x too, huh? Even after all these decades I never get tired of watching that movie. There were so many hypotheses about why Vader stopped Luke from delivering that death blow to Palpatine. Even one saying had Luke been successful Palpatine had a backup plan to either stop Luke or use Essence Transference to possibly possess Luke’s body.
Palpatine was the only person in the whole galaxy that Vader actually feared had he disappointed him. He did so numerous times and never once could he stop Palpatine from torturing him. But perhaps more than fearing Palpatine he may have feared losing his son. He was already traumatized when he lost his mother, then many friends he lost through the war, then Padme. He couldn’t save them despite his best efforts. So saving Luke from being terminated by Palpatine was his only hope of redemption.
If we're being honest, Luke wouldn't have been able to kill Palpatine anyway and I'm not sure why Vader would think otherwise. Even if Vader didn't get involved, Palpatine would've just stopped him with the force.
Thank you for making a place like this. So far all of the contributors are intelligent articulate and educated. Very respectful of each other's opinions even when they're not the same as theirs. Keep posting and hosting thank you
I like the new canon reason why Vader blocked it. He knew how strong the Emperor was, Vader got his ass handed to him on Exegol. If Luke tried to kill Palpatine alone, he would have been swatted like a fly. Vader was protecting his son from a beating he wouldn’t survive. I think Vader realized the gig was up when he heard how fast the Emperor was going to dump him, even after 25 years of proving himself.
Yes, Palpatine really NOT NEED Anakin's help to defeat both , Windu and Luke. Anakin [Vader] well knows power of immortal Palpatine. Palpatine against Windu wasn't beaten and weak old man with last power reserves: Palpatine actually tested Anakin's loyalty ;
@@JohnDoe-wb6vl No he did not. Lucas said that Mace was overpowering Sidious, and than he was pretending to be weak. But the fight is set up by Palpatine to turn Anakin. He was the one who told Anakin that he is the Sith Lord, so the Jedi will come to arrest him, That he already said will happen. He knew it. Since Anakin did not turn when he offered his knowledge, it was plan B. He needed to turn Anakin so he had to put him in a situation where he had to choose between his wife and being a Jedi. He lied to him about some power he did not possess, to save Padmé, making himself unexpendable to Anakin. So Sidious was always going to lose the swordfight, because he had to. He had to pretend to be weak, so Anakin is forced to act. It was all Palpatine's plan. Otherwise he does not achieve his goal.
This isn't true, George Lucas is on record saying that Vader and Luke are on the same level here with power. Luke is not susceptible to Force lightning Vader suit is.
I personally always thought that the emperor was baiting him and knew that he had vader under so much of his control that he knew vader would protect him anyways
I would imagine Vader during the entire Throne Room event was facing internal warfare with himself. The Vader that craves power for himself and the father that wants his Son to succeed. Those sides twist to be the motivation to turn Luke to the Dark Side and rule with him. But as the fight goes on the plans Vader has goes up in smoke, especially after Luke refuses to kill Vader on behalf of the Emperor. The sides of Anakin unraveled and as he watches his own son being tortured to death he knew he needed to choose either power, or his son. And we know what he chose in the end.
Haven't watched yet, but having read tons of the novels I was under the impression that Sideous knew of Vader's deception, hatred of him, and his desires… and wanting nothing to do with The Rule of Two™ was looking to replace him. Old canon, Vader had a bunch of secret apprentices (who Sideous knew about).
Saving Luke from the dark side when protecting Palpatine from Luke’s blow is definitely an interesting theory for why Vader blocked it, but it should have been obvious what plans Vader had for Luke and Palpatine throughout the movie. It was revealed during Luke’s and Vader’s dialogue when Luke gave himself up and was being taken to the Death Star, and the dialogue during Vader and Luke’s lightsaber duel as well. Both scenes had Vader trying to persuade Luke to the dark side. The only point in the film where Vader finally redeemed himself was when Luke showed him mercy and Palpatine attempted to kill Luke because of it.
Also why vader didn't really try his best when he was fighting Luke I think he just wanted to wear him down to where he has no choice but to give up and join dark side with him. I always thought vader wanted him dead but turns out it's the opposite
You can’t deny the obvious which is that Luke was immediately trying to kill the Emperor because of the anger at seeing the rebel fleet in a trap. The reason you have to consider Vader, one of the most powerful force users of Star Wars is that he straddles the fence most of his life, even after he turns to the dark side. He has amazing power in the force despite this indecision and all one has to do is imagine how truly powerful he would be if he was 100% committed to one or the other. When Luke turns himself in on Endor, we see a contemplative Vader mulling over what his son has told him. I still feel that stopping the killing blow on the Emperor was more about this ultimate indecision that Vader still felt between his loyalty to the Emperor and the dark side and his true good side that his son still saw in him. It finally broke when he saw that the Emperor was going to murder his son.
I think its also likely the Emperor could sense everyone's intentions in the room and if Vader wasnt prepared to defend him then its likely Palpatine would just end Luke right then and there. Palpatine's power is in his forsight but also in able to see beyond sight in the immediate and read the room. I think he only loses in the end because hes so drunk off his own power and lust for vindictiveness that he does not sense that Vader is conflicted and doesnt want his son to die. In essense Palpatine was indeed defeated by his own overconfidence and anger that Luke had cheated his foresight and done something he did not predict that it then lead to a chain where Vader did something he did not expect or thought was impossible. Vader ultimately got what he wanted it was just he who turned back to the light in order to join with his son, it was the only way.
@krel3358 always in motion the future is hard to see lol even Palpatine couldn't see everything and Luke knew this is why Palpatine didn't deny it when Luke told him his overconfidence was his weakness. JS
When i watched it in theater when it came out, Luke intended to strike the Emperor. I did always think Anakin didn't want Luke to turn to the dark side of the force. It's why later, when he cuts when he cuts off vaders hand in anger , I believe that he looks at his hand and remembers what Ben and Yoda told him. When hè calmed down and gor back to piece within himself because therè is more to being a jedi than just using a lightsaber.
I'm surprised that Darth Vader would still be loyal to the Emporer after he promised him that he could keep Padme from dying and she ended up dying anyways.
Well it was too late by then. Vader got injured and being put in an old cybernetic suit susceptible to Dark Force Lightning made him loyal and fearful to Sidious.
This is a great explanation I always thought Vader took a dive and killed the emperor when he finally realized that palpatine wanted Luke to take vaders place he then seen just how evil he was like kenobi tried to tell him years before
My theory is that even if Vader hadnt blocked Lukes strike, he wouldnt have killed the emperor. Pretty sure a force user as advanced as Palpatine can put up a "force shield" that can absorb a lightsaber strike. BUT....if Vader hadnt blocked it, Palpy probably would have been like DUDE....WTF😐
The novelization by Alan Dean Foster came out about a month before ROTJ was released. I remember reading it (before the movie came out) in high school and discussing with my friends at the time. That’s why what you just said was why I accepted that motivation from first watch in 83. It is interesting how fan’s interpretations (mine included) of Vader’s motivations have morphed through the years. I’d forgotten all about that until you posted this. Good digging.
When you first started, it brought up the rule of two in my mind. I thought it would be in order to be the Master and Luke the Apprentice, that Vader knew he had to kill the Emperor. To maintain that hierarchy.
I think you're right on. Palpatine knew he had Vader wrapped around his finger. Vader was like any Sith, willing to turn on his master, but he didn't have to strength to do it. With Luke's help he would have been able to take the emporer down, and he could trust Luke not to turn on him because he was his son. (If Luke was a Sith he still would have turned on Vader eventually I think.) And Vader couldn't let Palpatine die, at this point, because he would then have to kill Luke. (something he didn't want to do, and would have most likely lost to Luke.) Best case for Vader, was for Luke to join the dark side, then eventually they team up to kill the Emporer. I think that is also why Palpatine told Luke to kill Vader in the end, he knew Vader always wanted to usurp him.
This lore is directly from the novelization from 1983, so this is the original reasoning. Vader was NOT trying to protect Luke from the dark side. He was protecting Palpatine because he didn't want Luke to kill him YET
@@johnnycasteel7 The novelization exists to give context and details that the movie can't. Its a companion. In the case of Star Wars, the books are part of the overall canon since Lucasfilm launched the new canon continuity in 2014, with the original six novelizations being included in the canon timeline of books
@ all your points are valid I agree but the fact remains that the movie alone portrays an unclear at best message. I love Shadows of The Empire very much. my favorite novel, by far. Though I can easily say that I cannot let that novel influence my Return of the Jedi viewing.
Palpatine wouldn't push Luke to attack him if there were any real chance that he's succeed. My guess is, he knew that Vader has his own plans for Luke and, as you said, that meant not letting Luke finish his job and go back to the rebels.
My headcanon now, after The Rise of Skywalker, is that had Luke struck him down in anger, Palpatine would transfer his spirit to his body. And Vader would still remain his apprentice. Vader had to be the one to strike Palpatine down, because his body was too weak to host his spirit. Then only then could he rule the galaxy with Luke, as Father and Son, Master and Apprentice.
I think that Darth Vader, was upset that they sent Luke in that direction. But he remained silent for the most part. The "jedi" lost but they are saying they are not resentful and want to go back to the way things were so they go at each one of their decendents individually looking for their way back into their version of reality to reign as they did before... or maybe that's just my answer back to your take on it. The bigger they are, the harder they fall. Why? Because it isn't their turn again for something. That's the only reason. The tallest nail gets hammered down. Incedently, that means darth vaders decendents as well as remaining jedi decendents get screwed over in "i don't get mad, i get even." or they get evasive. And once they are known. Intel is key and their reaction. Once they start snooping, it's a matter of time before the " winners" notice and react one way or the other. Then, they know more about their foe. You just have to know what your willing to sacrifice while you sit on your hands and wait. Maybe that's one of the only determining factors in my decisions to do what i decided to do with my life. My dad used to say, your not looking at the big picture, you have to set up the conditions to win which is why... I chose to leave. Because I chose to see it my way. My reasoning was good for why i became bull shit and the outcome of it for 20+ years was satisfactory all things considered, but looking at the big picture is not for me. I refuse to set up the conditions to win as a joke and generally because i can't win. I can only do what i can. I'm not hostile really unless we are busy remembering what I'm really like because of some current threat which sounds and looks like the original one which means the problem and threat is me... 🤣 because im not kind enough. Incidently, that means its mostly out of my hands the outcome and what i can do. It tends to cost me more than some others, but in a fodder for the feed sort of way, so within reason and while that's the case I can leave what's true and false, reality and not, up to the visionaries, which is better for all involved unless we're back to saying I'm right for some reason... in the wrong sort of way. 1.The only people who said that I was right were those who said without saying it that I trick or treated the wrong way for a fodder for the feed ticket which at the time didn't bother me at all. 😇2. So, Things should continue forward as they are. 3. Sorry for being unkind to your ears.
When I was a kid in 83 our school library had a copy of the novelization that I checked out several times, it was actually titled revenge of the Jedi. I always assume that was an early release, that somehow managed to find its way into a school library. I may be missed remembering, and it was actually in the Empire strikes back novelization that it said the next book would be revenge of the Jedi. I don’t remember now.
Wow I never knew there were copies of the book published with "Revenge" on it. That's awesome. I guess it makes sense if they published copies in 82 and the title wasnt changed until early 83
@ Again, I am not completely sure if the title was on the book or if it was in the back of the previous one. I have a photographic memory and I can picture the cover with that title, but the downside of my memory is that I can’t remember the specifics. I do know that I read them both from that library though and the picture in my mind is a full color cover, down to the blue lightsaber.
Palps was wanting to escense transfer to Luke in a similar way he betrayed Dooku and let Anakin/Vader kill him ….. obviously Palpatine back then couldn’t essence transfer ….. but in ROTJ Palpatine was getting closer and looked at Luke as being the replacement for vader so really Palpatine was just trying to keep Luke there even if he had to capture him…and I think that’s why Palpatine was easily killed because even he wasn’t expecting Vader to change his mind so quickly and to save his son from Palpatine.
Vader knew if he didnt block it Palpatine would have stopped Luke with the Force and then knew Vader was plotting against him since he didnt try to help.
I’m feeling a sense of vindication regarding my interpretation of the situation. I’ve come to believe that Emperor Sidious, with his manipulative nature, would undoubtedly find amusement in Luke’s attempt to strike him, especially considering how easily vader was able to block it. It was almost as if it was planned. Initially, I thought that Sidious had a deeper strategy in mind, one where he intentionally pitted father against son. By doing so, he could observe their confrontation while knowing that Vader, being his loyal servant, would comply with whatever plan was set forth. This intricate chess game of emotions and power dynamics was, in my view, part of Sidious’s larger scheme all along. I simply got caught up with the wrong sith lord.
Now that I think of it I don't think Vader could have ever become emperor because the people of the empire would completely reject him because of who/what he is. Palpatine at least went through the proper steps to get there
Yeah dude its something I didn't even really realize for a long time. As a kid, I always thought that he just started fighting Vader and the camera just showed Palpatine laughing, I didn't even realize Luke was trying to hit Palpatine. I guess its just an example how we perceive things as kids lol
Saw people on Instagram talking about how Vader did it to protect Luke or stop him from going to the darkside, I stared at the reel and was like "Yeah I don't think that's right but it would be nice."
I still want to ask Lucas because we've all heard how the novels and extended Universe don't count. I believe they count because we've all heard how Lucas has signs off on every idea.
He said what I posted. He knows Palpatine is toying with Luke, he knows that Sideous has a plan that if Luke gets too close Sideous will kill him. Vader also knows that neither he or Luke can beat the Emperor, together in the future maybe. Palpatine has also told Vader that he is to be ready for when Luke strikes that Vader has to kill him, it’s not till later during the fight that Vader realizes that he’s been played ….. kinda like Dooku.
@@DreadMaximus Palpatine isn't as powerful as folks say. He couldn't even kill Plagueis until he got him drunk and waited till he passed out. He lost to Yoda in a lightsaber duel and was forced to retreat and resort to throwing chairs at him to stay alive. Dooku was a significantly better swordsman than Palps, and Plagugis warned Sidious that Dooku was the greatest lightsaber duelist of his era and Palps would lose if he ever crossed blades with him. Sidious couldn't kill Dooku on his own and he knew it, so he manipulated a force amped Anakin to do his dirty work for him as Dooku was on the cusp of taking a lightsaber to Sidious and Sidious knew he was no match in lightsaber combat to Dooku who fought Yoda to a draw(Sidious was no fool and knew Yoda was the best lightsaber duelist in the galaxy) so for Dooku to be able to hold his own scared the s*** out of him and the realization set it that he would stand no chance against Dooku with a lightsaber. Dooku is also much more powerful with the force then then is shown, Not only is he a master of Tutaminus like Yoda, but he is also the only person ever know to have master Makasi Riposte which there is no counter to. Dooku was ridiciously powerful...he was only allowing Sidious to live so he could learn about the opposite side of the force..Dooku could have killed Sidious day one if he wanted to. Vader may not have been a match for Dooku in his cybernetic suit, But Luke, just may have had the natural ability to defeat him. Had Luke stayed with Yoda just a little bit longer to master Tutaminus, Sidious Force Lighting would have been rendered useless and i think Luke could defeat him in lightsaber combat as Luke blended Form 3, Form 4, and Form 5 into a unique fighting style that Sidious would have had a lot of trouble with, especially after Luke using Force Valor and his youth and speed it would have been much like how a younger Anakin finally overwhelmed an older Dooku.
Anything Disney is disregarded. The prophecy was true that Anakin would bring peace to the galaxy. He does but not in the ways the Jedi or Republic had wanted it to unfold.
He may have fallen to the dark side had he done it, but wouldnt be on Vaders side so to speak. Vader probably recognized the risk of a dark side infused Luke turning on him. So let the Emperor help him weaken Luke before killing the Emperor himself.
That's all the rule of two ever was, a lie, it was always about essence transfer. If you are a Sith lord and know about essence transfer, what better vessel to take over than one you trained and know is strong; it was always about building up the next body to take while the apprentice thinks they are going to be next in line to master. This theory is confirmed by Palpatine, he wanted to live forever, not pass power.
Good video, but it still feels more like he does it based on not wanting to turn to the dark side. Although, I hate bringing up the last few movies, but one thing to note. If Luke killed Palpatine he then takes on the near full power of the dark side. Vader would have known this. So, the motivations of Vader seems to be regardless of the book that he didn't want Luke taking that. Vader wanted to be the one to take it.
Vader was protecting the emperor. Vader didn't fully turn against the emperor until he tempted Luke and started torturing him when he refused. Vader saw that the emperor was doing to Luke what he had done before with Anakin with the killing of count dookoo. Only this time Vader was in Dookoos position. Vader realized all the emperor's promises were a lie and that like dookoo he was being replaced in favor of a stronger apprentice. Luke was stronger because he resisted the temptation that Anakin did not.
Vader didn't want to protect Palpatine or save Luke from the dark side. Vader wanted Luke to AGREE to be his apprentice. If Luke kills the Emperor alone, then Luke's will/wishes become dominant (rebellion wins). If Luke openly chooses to obey Vader, then Vader's will becomes dominant in the galaxy (Sith Empire Rules).
Not exactly related to Darth Vader's actions here - more to the attack, to Luke giving into his Dark urges for a time - but this is something I've been pointing out for some time, after learning about Dun Moch, the Sith Art of Temptation. Emperor Palpatine spent what had to have been a couple _hours_ needling at Luke to get him to break even _slightly._ Meanwhile, Vader really only needles him _once,_ and gets a _far_ stronger reaction - one he wasn't even ready for! And then, when Palpatine tries to push Luke over the edge...he _basically_ acts as the catalyst to _solidify the right choice._ In short, in that one aspect of the Dark Side, at bare minimum, the Student (Darth Vader) _way_ surpassed the Master (Darth Sidious/Palpatine). Of course, that interpretation makes the Prequels even _more_ disappointing, because it becomes clear that Palpy isn't half the intelligent schemer he's built up as, but for this reason, and for many others, I basically consider Belated Media's rewrite the "proper" canon for the Prequels.
I definitely didn’t expect positive. I just expected Vader to need to do it himself and feared that Luke would become the new Sith master over him if he did the deed. Which, given essence transfer as laid out in RoS, he would have.
Luke tested Vader. He took a chance to see if Vader would stop him in order to prevent him from going to the dark side. Vader stopped him cementing what Luke sensed: there was still good in him.
Luke was never going to turn to the dark side but he had to see if his father was going to prevent that possible eventuality. He took a chance and called it correctly. Remember earlier Vader said "it is too late for me" which means he knew the stranglehold the emperor had on him and he didn't want Luke to suffer the same fate. What he didn't know is how much faith Luke had in him so he had to make the hard decision to use that ploy of going for the emperor. If Vader didn't stop Luke then Luke knew Vader was lost to the dark side but he took that chance and it paid off. Just my theory but it gives Luke a more powerful use of the force than otherwise shown in the OG films themselves.
@ I believe it is brother cause anakin just said join me Luke so we can destroy sidious so he wouldn’t stop Luke for destroying him. Who’s your favorite character and are you a Jedi or Sith? My favorite is Anakin aka Lord Vader on mustafar fighting obi wan and I’m a Sith
Vader knew Palpatine was testing Vader, knowing he had a backup plan (like possessing Luke’s body), or he was tempting Luke’s potential to join the darkside, or all 3
Hmmm, I really expected another simple and stupid explanation. And when the novelization was mentioned I thought, yeah, here we go again. After all, the book states that Owen Lars was Obi-wan's brother. But this explanation actually makes more sense.than anything else. It is logical, and corresponds to our psychological knowledge. People do not turn from good to bad in an instant, as we could see in the PT as well. Still there is more in depth analyzis to it, but this is already more than many people can understand and can accept. So thanks for the video. Upvoted.
This is the problem with all the books. They retroactively dilute the movies. This explanation is silly. How many opportunities would Vader actually get to kill Palpatine? Not many. If he really wanted him dead, he would have let Luke kill him. The simplest explanation is still the best: he was still evil at that point and was protecting his master.
Sounds kinda lame. I always thought that Palpatine tested both Luke and Vader, and that his life was never in danger. I.e. he would have killed both Luke and Vader, had Vader not intervened in the last moment.
From Legends books, Anakin thought that he was the chosen one and thats why he was so arrogant. After he became Vader, he believed that Anakin died on Corsucant and the chosen one died on Mustafar, and that Jedi prophecy was dead. There's a GREAT passage in the book "Dark Lord: The Rise of Darth Vader" where Vader thinks about all of this! In canon, I'm not sure. There's not that many books about Vader yet. Only "Lords of the Sith," and I've only read it once
That's exactly the explanation I gave everyone whenever this topic came up. From his speech after their first duel it was clear that Vader wanted to replace Palpatine and have Luke join him in the dark side, so it would make no sense that he was protecting Luke.
Vader said earlier that they couldn't win. He knew that Luke was being tested and neither of them were in any position to kill Palpatine. This entire analysis is a misconception of yours. Vader wasn't brave enough to attack Palpatine until he watched his son being killed, that's what fully brought back Anakin.
This explanation is okay, but let's face facts. Luke wasn't strong enough or disciplined enough to defeat Vader or Palpatine in this moment. The only reason he beat his dad was because Vader threw the fight. There is no way in hell that some kid with three weeks of training on Dagobah was skilled enough to beat Vader with 20 years of being a Sith lord. In my mind, Vader blocked Luke's attack because he knew Palpatine would expect him to do so, and because he also knew that the Emperor would straight up butcher Luke an an actual fight.
"Why Darth Vader Stopped Luke From Killing The Emperor " - Because George Lucas planned it that way, probably so that the story could evolve the way Lucas wanted it to. Stop reading so deep into this stuff, its entertainment created by a director!!! These are actors working from a script given to them.... geezzzz.
Why do you use the word "universe"? The original trilogy took place in a galaxy and had nothing to do with other galaxies. If Palpatine was trying to be the ruler of the universe, then the writers of that novel were incredibly stupid.
But the original novels are no longer canon. That makes your title incorrect. It also invalidates your arguments. I'm the movie, Vader states that he MUST OBEY his master, that he's compelled to do so by the dark side. That why he stopped Luke. He was compelled to protect his master.
Actually the original novelizations are still present in the official canon timeline. readstarwars.com/timeline/ They are considered loosely canonical when there are any contradictions with canon, but they remain part of canon because they’re adaptations of the movies. 👍👍👍👍
Jedi can kill to protect others, and that’s what Luke was doing. Vader wanted Luke to kill Palpatine for selfish reasons, so he was keeping Palpatine alive long enough for Luke to kill him for the wrong reasons
Well killing the emperor wouldn't have saved his friends. So it was for the wrong reasons already. You think the generals would have just stopped just cause the emperor was gone? Plus he'd have to deal with his father.
@ no the war wouldn’t end but it would definitely confuse the entire command structure, some admirals would immediately fight over who was in command and some would retreat for personal gain. and certain orders could only be given by the emperor ( like order 66 or the cut ROTJ line where he arranges for the Death Star to destroy the forest moon). Luke may also have thought that killing the emperor would help his father come toward the light. Escape was definitely not Luke’s plan. He fully expected the rebels would destroy the Death Star with him on it. He only wanted to redeem Vader before they all died.
Look at the scene again… Luke’s saber is between Vader’s and the Emperor. Vader seeing Palpatine being distracted with Luke decided to attack the Emperor. Luke, knowing that if Vader killed Palpatine at that moment, he would become the new Sith Master, and thus not be able to be redeemed, he stops Vader’s blow. Later, when Vader threw the Emperor over the railing, it was to protect his son, not to maliciously kill the Emperor. Yes, he does kill Palpatine, but it isn’t motivated by ambition or greed, but to protect his son. That is what Padma would want him to do.
If you watch the movie it spells it out why Vader blocks Luke. Vader tells Luke, "you don't know the power of the dark side, I MUST obey my master." He was compelled to obey Palpatine, even while hating him and plotting against him. Palpatine laughs because he knew Vader would protect him.
Yes. All the other theories are rubbish.
Yes great point. Even though he had been trying to recruit Luke to overthrow Palps since Episode 5, when Luke tried to kill him right there, Vader was like “yooooo dude not yet” and protected Palps 😂
@@peterphillips4340 the entire Palps gimmick is whatever happens when there are variables, he’s still in for one or another win, so it’s safe to assume that he prepared both for being struck by Luke in anger, by Vader in anger and ambition, being defended as in the movie, whatever possible option, he would win in the end. Always. Save for the minute opportunity that we got in the movie, where we could easily explain it as force itself guiding events towards it while shrouding this particular outcome from Palps and his force predicting
Good video! I always thought that Luke was trying to kill Palpatine & Vader simply blocked it to protect the Emperor, plain & simple.
Same, I didn’t understand how anyone can see anything else
Me too ✌🏾
Thats pretty obviously what it originally was. Anything can be retconned and changed with books and narrative after the fact.
same
How about, Vader was protecting the emperor, but Luke at the end turned him.
He stopped Luke from doing it because they needed to throw him down the reactor shaft and then show up 30 years later without any explanation as to how he could have survived.
@@RedeemingLight some howcpalpatine returned
@@RedeemingLight Careful. Disney might hire you
@@civilizedagesabers Nope. They would never hire me. I am a middle-aged white guy, and I would not be able to pass the culture-fit “Is he woke” test when they ask me if they should cast a black woman to play the part of Snow White.
Top Kek my friend. Top Kek.
@@rpgcraftsman520 sg fan? If not where is kek from? To me it means death and is from stargate goauld language
Well sorta…
Vader knows that Palpatine is toying with Luke. He knows that he has a plan and that he can kill him (Luke) if he gets too close.
Vader blocks Luke because he is afraid of what Palpatines plan might be, he doesn’t want Luke to die.
Neither one of them can beat the Emperor, together…maybe… but now (or then is not the time)
I’m sorry, but seeing this scene as a kid was so iconic. Back then, all of this wasn’t canon. But Vader immediately igniting his saber and blocking with Palpatine hysterically laughing was everything
Canon is a construct. A world pulled over people's eyes to accept what DIsney wants them to accept.
Smart people reject being mentally controlled.
When i first saw rotj as a kid i actually thought it was vader who was trying to kill the emperor and luke saving him
😁
Are you trolling us?
Watching as a kid, the VHS tapes made it look like Vader’s was on the outside and Luke’s on the inside. It messed with my mind as well.
@ so when Palpatine was telling to strike him down and him reaching for the Light sabre with Vader blocking the hit wasn’t clear enough?
@@Jedi1990 I guess i didn’t explain myself well enough. That’s my bad.
Hopefully this is better:
Given the context of the scene, I did expect Vader to block Luke. When I saw the close up of the lightsabers seemed to have a green lightsaber closer to the Emperor and the red one closer to the camera, that made it seem like Luke block Vader. I did find it odd that Vader tried to kill the Emperor and Luke saved him. It did not match what I expected which I found confusing.
If he's conflicted then he's not 100% sure about his choices. He's tethering on the edges of the light and dark sides.
O:55 wow, I knew the first time watching Luke tried to kill Palpatine and Vader blocked it, you can clearly see it with your eyes
You saw this video at least 1000x too, huh? Even after all these decades I never get tired of watching that movie.
There were so many hypotheses about why Vader stopped Luke from delivering that death blow to Palpatine. Even one saying had Luke been successful Palpatine had a backup plan to either stop Luke or use Essence Transference to possibly possess Luke’s body.
well palps sid "if you stirke me down your journey toward the dark side will be comletre, so there is that
@@Johnadams20760 When Luke met Vader on the planet. He said, "I must obey my master, you don't know the power of the dark side".
@@silverpc4611 he did say that. , but you could see over the course of the 2 movies he was conflicted more and more. .
Palpatine was the only person in the whole galaxy that Vader actually feared had he disappointed him. He did so numerous times and never once could he stop Palpatine from torturing him. But perhaps more than fearing Palpatine he may have feared losing his son. He was already traumatized when he lost his mother, then many friends he lost through the war, then Padme. He couldn’t save them despite his best efforts. So saving Luke from being terminated by Palpatine was his only hope of redemption.
@@AmirSayedal-Isra well said.
If we're being honest, Luke wouldn't have been able to kill Palpatine anyway and I'm not sure why Vader would think otherwise.
Even if Vader didn't get involved, Palpatine would've just stopped him with the force.
@@glasses685 your right. It seemed like a similar theme to mace's death otherwise he probably wouldn't have acted that way? Well, who knows.
Thank you for making a place like this. So far all of the contributors are intelligent articulate and educated. Very respectful of each other's opinions even when they're not the same as theirs. Keep posting and hosting thank you
Thanks for saying that! I try to build a respectful community and remove anyone who is disrespectful
I like the new canon reason why Vader blocked it. He knew how strong the Emperor was, Vader got his ass handed to him on Exegol. If Luke tried to kill Palpatine alone, he would have been swatted like a fly. Vader was protecting his son from a beating he wouldn’t survive. I think Vader realized the gig was up when he heard how fast the Emperor was going to dump him, even after 25 years of proving himself.
Yes, Palpatine really NOT NEED Anakin's help to defeat both , Windu and Luke. Anakin [Vader] well knows power of immortal Palpatine. Palpatine against Windu wasn't beaten and weak old man with last power reserves: Palpatine actually tested Anakin's loyalty ;
Episode 9, TROS tell us that some form of Sidious existence works continually: he kidnapped Ben Solo again ....
@@mirkojorgoviclucas said Mace won fair and square
@@JohnDoe-wb6vl
No he did not.
Lucas said that Mace was overpowering Sidious, and than he was pretending to be weak.
But the fight is set up by Palpatine to turn Anakin.
He was the one who told Anakin that he is the Sith Lord, so the Jedi will come to arrest him, That he already said will happen. He knew it.
Since Anakin did not turn when he offered his knowledge, it was plan B.
He needed to turn Anakin so he had to put him in a situation where he had to choose between his wife and being a Jedi.
He lied to him about some power he did not possess, to save Padmé, making himself unexpendable to Anakin.
So Sidious was always going to lose the swordfight, because he had to. He had to pretend to be weak, so Anakin is forced to act.
It was all Palpatine's plan.
Otherwise he does not achieve his goal.
This isn't true, George Lucas is on record saying that Vader and Luke are on the same level here with power. Luke is not susceptible to Force lightning Vader suit is.
Vader died when Anakin emerged and threw palpatine down the hole
I personally always thought that the emperor was baiting him and knew that he had vader under so much of his control that he knew vader would protect him anyways
Damn Ret!
Youre on a roll!
Great vid!
Thanks for watching dude. Now I can buy food for my cat 🙏
@@RetneysHolocron lol!
That’s the most important thing, isn’t it?
😆😎👍❤
I would imagine Vader during the entire Throne Room event was facing internal warfare with himself. The Vader that craves power for himself and the father that wants his Son to succeed. Those sides twist to be the motivation to turn Luke to the Dark Side and rule with him.
But as the fight goes on the plans Vader has goes up in smoke, especially after Luke refuses to kill Vader on behalf of the Emperor. The sides of Anakin unraveled and as he watches his own son being tortured to death he knew he needed to choose either power, or his son. And we know what he chose in the end.
Woah! Learned something new. Thank you!
Haven't watched yet, but having read tons of the novels I was under the impression that Sideous knew of Vader's deception, hatred of him, and his desires… and wanting nothing to do with The Rule of Two™ was looking to replace him.
Old canon, Vader had a bunch of secret apprentices (who Sideous knew about).
Saving Luke from the dark side when protecting Palpatine from Luke’s blow is definitely an interesting theory for why Vader blocked it, but it should have been obvious what plans Vader had for Luke and Palpatine throughout the movie. It was revealed during Luke’s and Vader’s dialogue when Luke gave himself up and was being taken to the Death Star, and the dialogue during Vader and Luke’s lightsaber duel as well. Both scenes had Vader trying to persuade Luke to the dark side. The only point in the film where Vader finally redeemed himself was when Luke showed him mercy and Palpatine attempted to kill Luke because of it.
Also why vader didn't really try his best when he was fighting Luke I think he just wanted to wear him down to where he has no choice but to give up and join dark side with him. I always thought vader wanted him dead but turns out it's the opposite
@ I can see that. It makes sense that Vader would wear him down and provoke his anger.
Another great video! Thanks Retney!
I've had this question since I was about 7 or 8 years old. But I still think only Lucas can really answer this question
You can’t deny the obvious which is that Luke was immediately trying to kill the Emperor because of the anger at seeing the rebel fleet in a trap.
The reason you have to consider Vader, one of the most powerful force users of Star Wars is that he straddles the fence most of his life, even after he turns to the dark side. He has amazing power in the force despite this indecision and all one has to do is imagine how truly powerful he would be if he was 100% committed to one or the other.
When Luke turns himself in on Endor, we see a contemplative Vader mulling over what his son has told him.
I still feel that stopping the killing blow on the Emperor was more about this ultimate indecision that Vader still felt between his loyalty to the Emperor and the dark side and his true good side that his son still saw in him. It finally broke when he saw that the Emperor was going to murder his son.
I think its also likely the Emperor could sense everyone's intentions in the room and if Vader wasnt prepared to defend him then its likely Palpatine would just end Luke right then and there. Palpatine's power is in his forsight but also in able to see beyond sight in the immediate and read the room. I think he only loses in the end because hes so drunk off his own power and lust for vindictiveness that he does not sense that Vader is conflicted and doesnt want his son to die. In essense Palpatine was indeed defeated by his own overconfidence and anger that Luke had cheated his foresight and done something he did not predict that it then lead to a chain where Vader did something he did not expect or thought was impossible.
Vader ultimately got what he wanted it was just he who turned back to the light in order to join with his son, it was the only way.
@krel3358 always in motion the future is hard to see lol even Palpatine couldn't see everything and Luke knew this is why Palpatine didn't deny it when Luke told him his overconfidence was his weakness. JS
When i watched it in theater when it came out, Luke intended to strike the Emperor. I did always think Anakin didn't want Luke to turn to the dark side of the force. It's why later, when he cuts when he cuts off vaders hand in anger , I believe that he looks at his hand and remembers what Ben and Yoda told him. When hè calmed down and gor back to piece within himself because therè is more to being a jedi than just using a lightsaber.
Luke: I'm going to kill Palpy.
Vader: Not yet boy, you're not ready.
Literally this
I'm surprised that Darth Vader would still be loyal to the Emporer after he promised him that he could keep Padme from dying and she ended up dying anyways.
Well it was too late by then. Vader got injured and being put in an old cybernetic suit susceptible to Dark Force Lightning made him loyal and fearful to Sidious.
Yeah but vader killed her. I think he is loyal because the emperor saved him and is way more powerful
This is a great explanation I always thought Vader took a dive and killed the emperor when he finally realized that palpatine wanted Luke to take vaders place he then seen just how evil he was like kenobi tried to tell him years before
I personally believe the reason Palpatine wasn’t scared of Luke killing him was because he was planning on trying to essence transfer to Luke
That's what I was thinking.
Ew
@@DocLunger Wdym Ew?
That's actually an interesting point...
My theory is that even if Vader hadnt blocked Lukes strike, he wouldnt have killed the emperor. Pretty sure a force user as advanced as Palpatine can put up a "force shield" that can absorb a lightsaber strike. BUT....if Vader hadnt blocked it, Palpy probably would have been like DUDE....WTF😐
The novelization by Alan Dean Foster came out about a month before ROTJ was released. I remember reading it (before the movie came out) in high school and discussing with my friends at the time. That’s why what you just said was why I accepted that motivation from first watch in 83. It is interesting how fan’s interpretations (mine included) of Vader’s motivations have morphed through the years. I’d forgotten all about that until you posted this. Good digging.
Anakins journey to the dark side the first time he took a life with count dooku.anakin wanted to stop him from going down a similar path
When you first started, it brought up the rule of two in my mind. I thought it would be in order to be the Master and Luke the Apprentice, that Vader knew he had to kill the Emperor. To maintain that hierarchy.
I think you're right on. Palpatine knew he had Vader wrapped around his finger. Vader was like any Sith, willing to turn on his master, but he didn't have to strength to do it. With Luke's help he would have been able to take the emporer down, and he could trust Luke not to turn on him because he was his son. (If Luke was a Sith he still would have turned on Vader eventually I think.) And Vader couldn't let Palpatine die, at this point, because he would then have to kill Luke. (something he didn't want to do, and would have most likely lost to Luke.) Best case for Vader, was for Luke to join the dark side, then eventually they team up to kill the Emporer. I think that is also why Palpatine told Luke to kill Vader in the end, he knew Vader always wanted to usurp him.
Great video bro 😎
There's also the possibility that Vader needs the catalyst for Luke's turn to be focused on him and not Palpatine to forge that bond in total.
To keep Luke from falling to the dark side. It was very straightforward. The meta has gotten too complicated
This lore is directly from the novelization from 1983, so this is the original reasoning. Vader was NOT trying to protect Luke from the dark side. He was protecting Palpatine because he didn't want Luke to kill him YET
@ true I get it, but if you have to read a book to understand a movie, which one is the correct interpretation? The movie is trumped by the book?
@ plus it was like when he stopped Windu from killing him
@@johnnycasteel7 The novelization exists to give context and details that the movie can't. Its a companion. In the case of Star Wars, the books are part of the overall canon since Lucasfilm launched the new canon continuity in 2014, with the original six novelizations being included in the canon timeline of books
@ all your points are valid I agree but the fact remains that the movie alone portrays an unclear at best message.
I love Shadows of The Empire very much. my favorite novel, by far. Though I can easily say that I cannot let that novel influence my Return of the Jedi viewing.
Palpatine wouldn't push Luke to attack him if there were any real chance that he's succeed.
My guess is, he knew that Vader has his own plans for Luke and, as you said, that meant not letting Luke finish his job and go back to the rebels.
My headcanon now, after The Rise of Skywalker, is that had Luke struck him down in anger, Palpatine would transfer his spirit to his body. And Vader would still remain his apprentice.
Vader had to be the one to strike Palpatine down, because his body was too weak to host his spirit. Then only then could he rule the galaxy with Luke, as Father and Son, Master and Apprentice.
Lol that's just dumb😂😂😂 especially considering that GOD-AWFUL Disney movie has nothing to do with the George Lucas films
I think that Darth Vader, was upset that they sent Luke in that direction. But he remained silent for the most part. The "jedi" lost but they are saying they are not resentful and want to go back to the way things were so they go at each one of their decendents individually looking for their way back into their version of reality to reign as they did before... or maybe that's just my answer back to your take on it. The bigger they are, the harder they fall. Why? Because it isn't their turn again for something. That's the only reason. The tallest nail gets hammered down. Incedently, that means darth vaders decendents as well as remaining jedi decendents get screwed over in "i don't get mad, i get even." or they get evasive. And once they are known. Intel is key and their reaction. Once they start snooping, it's a matter of time before the " winners" notice and react one way or the other. Then, they know more about their foe. You just have to know what your willing to sacrifice while you sit on your hands and wait.
Maybe that's one of the only determining factors in my decisions to do what i decided to do with my life. My dad used to say, your not looking at the big picture, you have to set up the conditions to win which is why... I chose to leave. Because I chose to see it my way. My reasoning was good for why i became bull shit and the outcome of it for 20+ years was satisfactory all things considered, but looking at the big picture is not for me. I refuse to set up the conditions to win as a joke and generally because i can't win. I can only do what i can. I'm not hostile really unless we are busy remembering what I'm really like because of some current threat which sounds and looks like the original one which means the problem and threat is me... 🤣 because im not kind enough. Incidently, that means its mostly out of my hands the outcome and what i can do. It tends to cost me more than some others, but in a fodder for the feed sort of way, so within reason and while that's the case I can leave what's true and false, reality and not, up to the visionaries, which is better for all involved unless we're back to saying I'm right for some reason... in the wrong sort of way. 1.The only people who said that I was right were those who said without saying it that I trick or treated the wrong way for a fodder for the feed ticket which at the time didn't bother me at all. 😇2. So, Things should continue forward as they are. 3. Sorry for being unkind to your ears.
When I was a kid in 83 our school library had a copy of the novelization that I checked out several times, it was actually titled revenge of the Jedi. I always assume that was an early release, that somehow managed to find its way into a school library. I may be missed remembering, and it was actually in the Empire strikes back novelization that it said the next book would be revenge of the Jedi. I don’t remember now.
Wow I never knew there were copies of the book published with "Revenge" on it. That's awesome. I guess it makes sense if they published copies in 82 and the title wasnt changed until early 83
@
Again, I am not completely sure if the title was on the book or if it was in the back of the previous one. I have a photographic memory and I can picture the cover with that title, but the downside of my memory is that I can’t remember the specifics. I do know that I read them both from that library though and the picture in my mind is a full color cover, down to the blue lightsaber.
I don't take the novel as what Lucas was thinking. I've always assumed he stopped him because he didn't want Sidious to fight Luke
Great video thanks for sharing
Glad you enjoyed it!!
Let's talk about poppa Palpatine. Why the heck was he killed so easily!? Can you do a video on that?
Palps was wanting to escense transfer to Luke in a similar way he betrayed Dooku and let Anakin/Vader kill him ….. obviously Palpatine back then couldn’t essence transfer ….. but in ROTJ Palpatine was getting closer and looked at Luke as being the replacement for vader so really Palpatine was just trying to keep Luke there even if he had to capture him…and I think that’s why Palpatine was easily killed because even he wasn’t expecting Vader to change his mind so quickly and to save his son from Palpatine.
Vader knew if he didnt block it Palpatine would have stopped Luke with the Force and then knew Vader was plotting against him since he didnt try to help.
I’m feeling a sense of vindication regarding my interpretation of the situation. I’ve come to believe that Emperor Sidious, with his manipulative nature, would undoubtedly find amusement in Luke’s attempt to strike him, especially considering how easily vader was able to block it. It was almost as if it was planned. Initially, I thought that Sidious had a deeper strategy in mind, one where he intentionally pitted father against son. By doing so, he could observe their confrontation while knowing that Vader, being his loyal servant, would comply with whatever plan was set forth. This intricate chess game of emotions and power dynamics was, in my view, part of Sidious’s larger scheme all along. I simply got caught up with the wrong sith lord.
Well, now we could chalk it up to Anakin having a flashback of Mace Windu attempting to strike down the Palpatine.😅
Now that I think of it I don't think Vader could have ever become emperor because the people of the empire would completely reject him because of who/what he is. Palpatine at least went through the proper steps to get there
Neva knew Luke was actually trying to kill him
Yeah dude its something I didn't even really realize for a long time. As a kid, I always thought that he just started fighting Vader and the camera just showed Palpatine laughing, I didn't even realize Luke was trying to hit Palpatine. I guess its just an example how we perceive things as kids lol
@ im a dudette
Saw people on Instagram talking about how Vader did it to protect Luke or stop him from going to the darkside, I stared at the reel and was like "Yeah I don't think that's right but it would be nice."
I still want to ask Lucas because we've all heard how the novels and extended Universe don't count. I believe they count because we've all heard how Lucas has signs off on every idea.
He said what I posted. He knows Palpatine is toying with Luke, he knows that Sideous has a plan that if Luke gets too close Sideous will kill him. Vader also knows that neither he or Luke can beat the Emperor, together in the future maybe. Palpatine has also told Vader that he is to be ready for when Luke strikes that Vader has to kill him, it’s not till later during the fight that Vader realizes that he’s been played ….. kinda like Dooku.
@@DreadMaximus Palpatine isn't as powerful as folks say. He couldn't even kill Plagueis until he got him drunk and waited till he passed out. He lost to Yoda in a lightsaber duel and was forced to retreat and resort to throwing chairs at him to stay alive. Dooku was a significantly better swordsman than Palps, and Plagugis warned Sidious that Dooku was the greatest lightsaber duelist of his era and Palps would lose if he ever crossed blades with him. Sidious couldn't kill Dooku on his own and he knew it, so he manipulated a force amped Anakin to do his dirty work for him as Dooku was on the cusp of taking a lightsaber to Sidious and Sidious knew he was no match in lightsaber combat to Dooku who fought Yoda to a draw(Sidious was no fool and knew Yoda was the best lightsaber duelist in the galaxy) so for Dooku to be able to hold his own scared the s*** out of him and the realization set it that he would stand no chance against Dooku with a lightsaber. Dooku is also much more powerful with the force then then is shown, Not only is he a master of Tutaminus like Yoda, but he is also the only person ever know to have master Makasi Riposte which there is no counter to. Dooku was ridiciously powerful...he was only allowing Sidious to live so he could learn about the opposite side of the force..Dooku could have killed Sidious day one if he wanted to. Vader may not have been a match for Dooku in his cybernetic suit, But Luke, just may have had the natural ability to defeat him. Had Luke stayed with Yoda just a little bit longer to master Tutaminus, Sidious Force Lighting would have been rendered useless and i think Luke could defeat him in lightsaber combat as Luke blended Form 3, Form 4, and Form 5 into a unique fighting style that Sidious would have had a lot of trouble with, especially after Luke using Force Valor and his youth and speed it would have been much like how a younger Anakin finally overwhelmed an older Dooku.
Anything Disney is disregarded. The prophecy was true that Anakin would bring peace to the galaxy. He does but not in the ways the Jedi or Republic had wanted it to unfold.
By canon do you mean Legends or Disney?
Canon is the current continuity established by Lucasfilm in 2014! Disney doesn't produce Star Wars media
Ialways have considered it that Vader stopped killing Palpateen was to keep Luke from joining the dark side
Here I am thinking that perhaps Vader did that canonically to stop Palpatine from possessing Luke's body like he wanted to do Rey's.
He may have fallen to the dark side had he done it, but wouldnt be on Vaders side so to speak. Vader probably recognized the risk of a dark side infused Luke turning on him. So let the Emperor help him weaken Luke before killing the Emperor himself.
anakin has redeemed himself, but we do not grant you the rank of master
-blue jedi council ghosts.
That's all the rule of two ever was, a lie, it was always about essence transfer. If you are a Sith lord and know about essence transfer, what better vessel to take over than one you trained and know is strong; it was always about building up the next body to take while the apprentice thinks they are going to be next in line to master.
This theory is confirmed by Palpatine, he wanted to live forever, not pass power.
Might be, but I think Vader was protecting Luke from the dark side
The canonical reason is that he just wanted Luke to kill Palpatine at a later time! 👍
OK
Good video, but it still feels more like he does it based on not wanting to turn to the dark side. Although, I hate bringing up the last few movies, but one thing to note. If Luke killed Palpatine he then takes on the near full power of the dark side. Vader would have known this. So, the motivations of Vader seems to be regardless of the book that he didn't want Luke taking that. Vader wanted to be the one to take it.
Vader was protecting the emperor. Vader didn't fully turn against the emperor until he tempted Luke and started torturing him when he refused. Vader saw that the emperor was doing to Luke what he had done before with Anakin with the killing of count dookoo. Only this time Vader was in Dookoos position. Vader realized all the emperor's promises were a lie and that like dookoo he was being replaced in favor of a stronger apprentice. Luke was stronger because he resisted the temptation that Anakin did not.
Vader didn't want to protect Palpatine or save Luke from the dark side.
Vader wanted Luke to AGREE to be his apprentice. If Luke kills the Emperor alone, then Luke's will/wishes become dominant (rebellion wins). If Luke openly chooses to obey Vader, then Vader's will becomes dominant in the galaxy (Sith Empire Rules).
I don’t know if I agree. I think he was protecting Luke from Palpatine who wanted to be stricken down so he could essence transfer into him.
Not exactly related to Darth Vader's actions here - more to the attack, to Luke giving into his Dark urges for a time - but this is something I've been pointing out for some time, after learning about Dun Moch, the Sith Art of Temptation.
Emperor Palpatine spent what had to have been a couple _hours_ needling at Luke to get him to break even _slightly._ Meanwhile, Vader really only needles him _once,_ and gets a _far_ stronger reaction - one he wasn't even ready for! And then, when Palpatine tries to push Luke over the edge...he _basically_ acts as the catalyst to _solidify the right choice._
In short, in that one aspect of the Dark Side, at bare minimum, the Student (Darth Vader) _way_ surpassed the Master (Darth Sidious/Palpatine). Of course, that interpretation makes the Prequels even _more_ disappointing, because it becomes clear that Palpy isn't half the intelligent schemer he's built up as, but for this reason, and for many others, I basically consider Belated Media's rewrite the "proper" canon for the Prequels.
I definitely didn’t expect positive. I just expected Vader to need to do it himself and feared that Luke would become the new Sith master over him if he did the deed. Which, given essence transfer as laid out in RoS, he would have.
RoS AND dark empire
@ yes. But this video was marked as canon so I went with that.
The emperor have many cards on his sleeve and one of them is the body swapping technique 🤷🏻♂️
If Vader was a real sith he would have let that play out. If it was me it was the moment for Vader to strike.
Luke tested Vader. He took a chance to see if Vader would stop him in order to prevent him from going to the dark side. Vader stopped him cementing what Luke sensed: there was still good in him.
Luke was never going to turn to the dark side but he had to see if his father was going to prevent that possible eventuality. He took a chance and called it correctly. Remember earlier Vader said "it is too late for me" which means he knew the stranglehold the emperor had on him and he didn't want Luke to suffer the same fate. What he didn't know is how much faith Luke had in him so he had to make the hard decision to use that ploy of going for the emperor. If Vader didn't stop Luke then Luke knew Vader was lost to the dark side but he took that chance and it paid off. Just my theory but it gives Luke a more powerful use of the force than otherwise shown in the OG films themselves.
Without watching it I already know. He knew Luke would turn evil if he did it and didn’t want him to follow the same mistakes he did
That’s not the reason actually
@ I believe it is brother cause anakin just said join me Luke so we can destroy sidious so he wouldn’t stop Luke for destroying him. Who’s your favorite character and are you a Jedi or Sith?
My favorite is Anakin aka Lord Vader on mustafar fighting obi wan and I’m a Sith
Darth vader wanted luke to parachute into the dark side not face plant. Got it.
As if Luke could have killed the emperor. The emperor likes to play helpless for laughs.
I have no idea why this is still going around after 40 years. Because it was in the freaking script!!!
Because Star Wars is timeless and we like to talk about the lore, Charles
It's in black in white in the books.
Finally someone says it!!! From a reader of the novelization to another... congratulations!!!
Darth stopped the Emporer from killing Luke.
Vader knew Palpatine was testing Vader, knowing he had a backup plan (like possessing Luke’s body), or he was tempting Luke’s potential to join the darkside, or all 3
Hmmm, I really expected another simple and stupid explanation. And when the novelization was mentioned I thought, yeah, here we go again. After all, the book states that Owen Lars was Obi-wan's brother.
But this explanation actually makes more sense.than anything else. It is logical, and corresponds to our psychological knowledge. People do not turn from good to bad in an instant, as we could see in the PT as well. Still there is more in depth analyzis to it, but this is already more than many people can understand and can accept.
So thanks for the video. Upvoted.
Vader is the ultimate unreliable narrator.
It was probably a mix of reasons.
Luke's destiny was always the Dark Side. It's very unfortunate Lord Vader was a weak Sith apprentice. Anakin once again fails.😔
Cool 😎 info ℹ️ bro
What if Vader flicked his wrist and killed Palpatine?
I shall join the Dark side.
Palpatine could have easily stopped his lightsaber using the force.
This is the problem with all the books. They retroactively dilute the movies. This explanation is silly. How many opportunities would Vader actually get to kill Palpatine? Not many. If he really wanted him dead, he would have let Luke kill him. The simplest explanation is still the best: he was still evil at that point and was protecting his master.
You can speculate on the moment but ultimately the answer is whatever George wanted Vader's reasoning to be.
The real reason is that rey has to kill him in ep9
Sounds kinda lame. I always thought that Palpatine tested both Luke and Vader, and that his life was never in danger. I.e. he would have killed both Luke and Vader, had Vader not intervened in the last moment.
Anybody can be a father. But Vader was a POS of a " dad".
What did Anakin think of The Chosen One? What did Vader think of it?
From Legends books, Anakin thought that he was the chosen one and thats why he was so arrogant. After he became Vader, he believed that Anakin died on Corsucant and the chosen one died on Mustafar, and that Jedi prophecy was dead. There's a GREAT passage in the book "Dark Lord: The Rise of Darth Vader" where Vader thinks about all of this!
In canon, I'm not sure. There's not that many books about Vader yet. Only "Lords of the Sith," and I've only read it once
The real reason? Because plot
That's exactly the explanation I gave everyone whenever this topic came up. From his speech after their first duel it was clear that Vader wanted to replace Palpatine and have Luke join him in the dark side, so it would make no sense that he was protecting Luke.
No it’s because he would have been trapped by the dark side. Vader was protecting his son.
Vader was not protecting Luke. That is not the canonical reason in lore
Vader said earlier that they couldn't win. He knew that Luke was being tested and neither of them were in any position to kill Palpatine. This entire analysis is a misconception of yours. Vader wasn't brave enough to attack Palpatine until he watched his son being killed, that's what fully brought back Anakin.
This explanation is okay, but let's face facts. Luke wasn't strong enough or disciplined enough to defeat Vader or Palpatine in this moment. The only reason he beat his dad was because Vader threw the fight. There is no way in hell that some kid with three weeks of training on Dagobah was skilled enough to beat Vader with 20 years of being a Sith lord.
In my mind, Vader blocked Luke's attack because he knew Palpatine would expect him to do so, and because he also knew that the Emperor would straight up butcher Luke an an actual fight.
after you said you did not know luke tried to kill P. I cannot take you seriously anymore. good luck to you.
"Why Darth Vader Stopped Luke From Killing The Emperor " - Because George Lucas planned it that way, probably so that the story could evolve the way Lucas wanted it to. Stop reading so deep into this stuff, its entertainment created by a director!!! These are actors working from a script given to them.... geezzzz.
Why do you use the word "universe"? The original trilogy took place in a galaxy and had nothing to do with other galaxies. If Palpatine was trying to be the ruler of the universe, then the writers of that novel were incredibly stupid.
But the original novels are no longer canon. That makes your title incorrect. It also invalidates your arguments. I'm the movie, Vader states that he MUST OBEY his master, that he's compelled to do so by the dark side. That why he stopped Luke. He was compelled to protect his master.
Actually the original novelizations are still present in the official canon timeline. readstarwars.com/timeline/
They are considered loosely canonical when there are any contradictions with canon, but they remain part of canon because they’re adaptations of the movies. 👍👍👍👍
Jedi can kill to protect others, and that’s what Luke was doing. Vader wanted Luke to kill Palpatine for selfish reasons, so he was keeping Palpatine alive long enough for Luke to kill him for the wrong reasons
Well killing the emperor wouldn't have saved his friends. So it was for the wrong reasons already. You think the generals would have just stopped just cause the emperor was gone? Plus he'd have to deal with his father.
@ no the war wouldn’t end but it would definitely confuse the entire command structure, some admirals would immediately fight over who was in command and some would retreat for personal gain. and certain orders could only be given by the emperor ( like order 66 or the cut ROTJ line where he arranges for the Death Star to destroy the forest moon).
Luke may also have thought that killing the emperor would help his father come toward the light.
Escape was definitely not Luke’s plan. He fully expected the rebels would destroy the Death Star with him on it. He only wanted to redeem Vader before they all died.
Look at the scene again… Luke’s saber is between Vader’s and the Emperor. Vader seeing Palpatine being distracted with Luke decided to attack the Emperor. Luke, knowing that if Vader killed Palpatine at that moment, he would become the new Sith Master, and thus not be able to be redeemed, he stops Vader’s blow. Later, when Vader threw the Emperor over the railing, it was to protect his son, not to maliciously kill the Emperor. Yes, he does kill Palpatine, but it isn’t motivated by ambition or greed, but to protect his son. That is what Padma would want him to do.