Anakin Must Choose
In the third episodes of the prequel and original trilogies, there is a three-way confrontation in the room from which Palpatine rules the galaxy. A Jedi and a Sith are locked in conflict, with one electrocuting the other, and Anakin Skywalker must choose which one to save.
In Revenge of the Sith, the third installment of the prequel trilogy, Palpatine and Mace Windu confront each other in Palpatine's office at the Senate. Windu deflects Palpatine's Force lightning back at him and Anakin watches, conflicted, as Palpatine is electrocuted. Palpatine pleads with Anakin to save him and Anakin finally chooses to do so, cutting off Windu's hand. Palpatine then hurls the Jedi Master out the window to his death.
In Return of the Jedi, the third installment of the original trilogy, Palpatine and Luke Skywalker confront each other in Palpatine's throne room on the second Death Star. Palpatine attacks Luke with Force lightning and Anakin watches, conflicted, as Luke is electrocuted. Luke pleads with Anakin to save him and Anakin finally chooses to do so, hurling Palpatine down a shaft to his death.
In both cases, Anakin's care for his loved ones ultimately trumps his loyalty to the masters whose teachings he has pledged to follow. In Revenge of the Sith, he kills Mace Windu and turns against the Jedi because Palpatine promises, "I have the power to save the one you love!" In Return of the Jedi, he kills Palpatine, turning against the Sith, because of his love for his son.
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Characters: Anakin Skywalker / Luke Skywalker / Mace Windu / Palpatine
Films: Episode III: Revenge of the Sith / Episode VI: Return of the Jedi
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Concepts: love / teachers and students
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