Page 78 - Star Wars Insider #194

AND THE WINNERS ARE...

M O T H E R A N D
D A U G H T E R

Padmé

Amidala

As we learned in Revenge of the Sith, the
transition between the Old Republic and the
Galactic Empire was not forged on the battlefi eld
Luke Skywalker but in the rarified atmosphere of the Senate, to

the thunderous applause of representatives from
a thousand worlds. Senator Padmé Amidala was
“I’m a Jedi, like there to bear witness to Palpatine’s declaration,
to which she could only reflect with remorse, “So

my father before me.” this is how liberty dies.”
This moment, which secured 52% of

reader votes as Padmé’s defining scene, is a
Drawing a whopping 63% of ALMOST THERE painful watch, not least because everything
votes in this category, Luke It’s surely no the senator has fought for is being swept away

Skywalker’s defiance in the face of coincidence that 15% before her very eyes. Her realization that it is
the Emperor in Return of the Jedi is of readers considered now impossible for her to change things is
arguably the most powerful moment a similar moment in heartbreaking enough, but it’s easy to imagine
in the entre saga, as far from Star Wars: The Last that she holds herself partly responsible for the
Anakin’s abject surrender to the dark Jedi (2017) to be fate of the galaxy. After all, it was she who tabled

side as you can possibly imagine. worthy of their vote. the motion of no confidence in Chancellor
Luke casts aside his lightsaber, On the salt fl ats of Valorum that resulted in Palpatine’s ascension
standing alone and defenseless Crait, Luke Skywalker to the role, and ultimately his self-appointed
against the most evil being in the bests Kylo Ren, having elevation to Emperor. Unfortunately for Padmé,

galaxy, and affirms his belief in tricked the newly she would not have time to ruminate on such
the light. It is brave, selfl ess, and anointed Supreme matters for long.
wonderful—and so Luke Skywalker. Leader by dueling
Looking a little deeper, however, with him by way of ALMOST THERE
Luke’s daring move serves another Force projection from Things soon go from bad to worse for Padmé
purpose, attempting the same trick distant Ahch-To. Ren when the choices her husband has made turn the
that Vader employed during their is understandably one person she truly relies on into a monster. Her
encounter on Cloud City—but beside himself, if desperate plea to Anakin on Mustafar (“You’re a
whereas the Sith Lord had tempted not actually beside good person. Don’t do this.”) took third place in
Luke with the prospect of ultimate Luke, who resolutely our poll, but let’s leave Padmé’s story on a more
power, Luke’s actions are designed informs him, “I will positive note when, as Queen of the Naboo, she
to appeal to the Anakin of old, the not be the last Jedi,” was able to make a difference. Her rousing appeal
good within, buried beneath the before fading from to Boss Nass, asking the Gungans to join forces
armor and all-consuming hatred of view enigmatically. with her people in resisting the Trade Federation
Darth Vader, reminding him that It’s another trademark invasion, garnered 20% of your votes, and second
real power lies in hope and love. Skywalker zinger. place in this section of the survey.
Coming a close
third, with 10% of the
Most vote, is the moment
Momentous Luke takes heed of Ben
Moments
Kenobi’s advice (“Let
Michael Oszust,
Michigan, U.S.A. go, Luke!”) and turns
off his X-wing fi ghter’s
“My favorite scenes in the
Skywalker saga are at Jabba the targeting computer,
Hutt’s Palace and on his sail barge. placing his trust in
Even when I was a kid watching the Force during his
Return of the Jedi, I thought it
would be so cool to hang out at Death Star trench run
Jabba’s Palace.” in Star Wars: A New
Hope (1977).

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