I feel like Zuko’s not a great comparison to Darth Vader. Zuko’s arc relies on him joining the protagonists, his redemption isn’t the end of his story. This isn’t the case for Vader, and I don’t think it should’ve been either.
Yeah, that’s a different and much more enjoyable kind of story for me. Hell, my other example of Odo is a “good guy” who is wrestling with his past as a collaborator in a fascist regime/struggles with relating to his totalitarian species. IDW Megatron is kind of comparable to Vader, in that redemption was more of a spur of the moment decision/reflected a “nobility within,” but the series still made him face the gravity of what he had done. He even worked to dismantle some of the horrors he created - wiping out the Decepticon Justice Division, for instance.
“Redemption equals death”/redemption as the end point of a journey has never stood right with me. I find actively trying to face or even ameliorate one’s misdeeds is much more satisfying and legitimate. It’s why I still feel that ROTJ should have been two movies to properly allow Vader to embrace the light and earn forgiveness from people who aren’t Luke.