Originally posted by: see you auntie
And this from the same movie just 30 minutes earlier:

That is the system and I'm sure Skywalker is with them.........

Heh. Forgot about that. Which leaves this...

B. Because he was playing coy and had never let Palpy in on the little secret that he had knocked up Padme.

...as the reason Vader asks "How is that possible?". And going along with Gomer on this, let's then presume that

"He didn't exactly want Palpatine to know he was already looking for him, because then Palpatine would question his loyalty."

Yet he announces on the Star Destroyer that he's sure Skywalker is there on Hoth? If you're trying to keep something from the Emperor, it's doubtful that you'd speak of it so casually in the presence of Imperial officers.

Originally posted by: Go-Mer-Tonic
He's just playing dumb to the Emperor that whole conversation. They both pretend that three of them could be a happy Sith family, but they both intend to replace the other with Luke.

Why would they pretend that if a rule of 2 exists? And if they are thinking about rescinding the Rule of Two, would this not be discussed (as CO pointed out)? Especially because this was a prevalent idea in the PT. After all this 6-episode saga is supposed to be a cohesive piece, is it not?

BTW, it seems to me to be pretty dumb (from the writer/creator's perspective) to limit the Sith to 2 lords. Why limit yourself (as a writer)? For no good reason that I can see. Was GL trying to rationalize why the Emperor wanted Luke to kill Vader in ROTJ? That's easily explained. He wanted Luke to kill Vader and take his place not because of any rule of 2 nonsense, but because such an act would propel him to the dark side. And what about Vader wanting Luke to join him and do away with the Emperor? Simple. Vader wanted to be top dog, and therefore the Emperor had to be eliminated. No "rule of 2" necessary.

Quite simply, the notion of the rule of two in the PT contradicts --or at least muddles-- a plot point in the OT. And even though GL made a change to ESB, he didn't correct the mistake. For the 2007 box the following dialog change should be made for ESB:

Emperor: We have a new enemy. The young rebel who destroyed the Death Star. I have no doubt, this boy is the offspring of Anakin Skywalker.

Darth Vader: How is that possible?

Emperor: Search your feelings Lord Vader, you will know it to be true. He could destroy us.

Darth Vader: He's just a boy, Obi-Wan can no longer help him.

Emperor: The Force is strong with him. The son of Skywalker must not become a Jedi.

Darth Vader: If he could be turned, he would become a powerful ally.

Emperor: Yes.... but what of the Rule of Two?

Darth Vader: Well, we can ignore it, right? I mean, who is there but us? Let's make our own Sith rules. The first one we'll call "The Rule of Three". Whatta you think?

Emperor: Yes. Young Skywalker would be a great asset. Can he be turned?

Darth Vader: Well, I'm not exactly aware of any of his anxieties or dreams or self doubts, but I can probably get into his head. He will join us or die Master.