Bingowings said:
I wish there was a way to show the Palpatine transformation in a more subtle way (he has almost two decades of evil to turn into the pale prune face we see in ROTJ).

It would be more acceptable to me if the lightning accident doesn't happen at all but he slowing becomes consumed by the dark forces he is using.

Totally agree. This is just another example of George's "explain EVERYTHING" attitude with the prequels. I personally like the idea of a first time viewer reaching Empire, and thinking "wow, the dark side really has done a number on him"