On to ESB...
ESB is a magnificent achievement, one of the greatest films ever made. I love it nearly as much as ANH.
ESB does, IMHO, present three great flaws:
First, the derailment of the triangle grand story arc. Second, Luke is presented as weak and needing assistance from the outset, relieved only by the speeder sequence. Third, the space worm gullet that is nearly perfect for human habitation.
I wish that 'Das Boot' had been released in '78. I suspect that we would have seen larger and more frightening Minoks, with larger sucker teeth, crawling on the outer hull. "Veeeere ZINNKIIING....!" inside. Han could "Charge the hull" to drive them off but that reveals their location and upsets the cave.
Dramatically, it might work better if Luke is presented as heroic, admired, succeeding in all, and then he goes to his great fall. To strengthen Luke, Luke could succeed in his self-assigned mission to find the probe. The Taun-Taun sticks it's head up instead of Chewie. Luke shoots, then reports danger over com. Then-WAMPA!. Could have other rebels go out with Han and barely crawl back into cave. Luke gives fighter pilots the briefing and pep talk before going to lead the speeders. Luke makes it clear that he's drawing fire away from the others (B of Midway). BOTB. Luke gives a pep talk to speeder pilots as they get into X-wings. Luke leads the last fighters in defense of the last transports and peels off as the others jump into hyperspace. Then Luke is reduced to a learner who advances quickly but fails important tests.
ANH was the first act. It established the characters perfectly. The opening sequences of ESB are there to re-present what has been established- to pick up where we left off. At the end of ANH, Han is a hero, informally attatched. Luke is the greatest hero, the greatest pilot and the greatest leader of the last remnants of the fighters. Leia is 'Princess of the Heavens', a civilian dignitary, and a covert operative who has obviously had small arms and operations training. The trouble with presenting Luke as weaker is that he is not as much a potential rival to Han. The trouble with 'Air Marshall Organa' (aside from being 21 and already having three more-than-full-time jobs and being as though Princess Elizabeth had appeared at Patton's HQ and told him how to deploy his forces;) is that she becomes the ultimate "One of the boys" while stealing thunder from Luke.
There were three tremendous problems in maintaining the triangle arc. First, I'm sure they didn't want people (especially the kids) to hate Han for stealing Leia. Second, bro-sis. Third, Luke was the center of ANH, they needed to elevate Han and Leia as much as possible.
ESB needed to end with us believing that there was about an equal possibility that Leia would wind up with either Han or Luke. This must have been GL's original intent (two kisses, she risks her life to save him, together in the end{as the celestial twins}.) I, for one, was about certain that Leia would go with Han (I love you/I know was part of the problem- though I wouldn't trade it for anything.) Leia is the leading lady and center of the triangle. She must be presented as an unobtainable demi-goddess. The center of the universe. The true McGuffin. She is not there to fight the empire. Her only function, throughout the entire OT, is to make Han and Luke as miserable as possible with worry for her and for each other.
To get the triangle grand arc back on track:
In the beginning, after probe fall and mounted scout, we could see 3PO and R2 moving through white corridors. Rebels in white uniform and white helmets could be running past them with determination. Are they on their way to battle? We round a corner and see they are rushing to form an honor guard in front of a transport ship. Then Leia steps out wearing a half length, exotic, elegant but spacey coat with high winter riding boots and scarf. Every bit a princess and high dignitary. Suddenly, a huge ,hairy, roaring and whining monster pushes it's way through the guard to reach the princess. It looks like she's going to be ripped apart. She turns and smiles and strokes him until he's quiet (the nordic demi-goddess who can tame the most ferocious wolves.) The CO and XO step forward and PL asks about Luke and Han. She reviews the guard as Han enters. The purpose is to show us PL is definitely not one of the boys, that she is away from them for long periods and she is of much higher status when she is with them (in this conception it is only one year ABY.)
We next see PL in the CC worried for Luke and telling him to hurry back. While they are both out, She is seen having special concern for Luke. We see them talking in the med center. We see Leia and Luke hugging and speaking together before the battle. We see PL worried as Luke takes off. We see her frightened for Luke during battle.
PL is like a minister of defense. She is consulted by the CO as a formality, but with all the regal dignity in the galaxy she tells him "Evacuation must be at your discretion, General." She only takes command of the CC because all of the command officers are killed or unavailable. She waits until the sector is cleared and then orders the spiking of the cannon- an enormous explosion that destroys two walkers. "Imperial troops at the north gate!! Imperial troops at thsssss" Leia orders "Sound the general retreat!" It sounds and we see a general collapse of rebel resistance. She is dragged out of the CC while the staff tells her to go and she tells the guard to take them to their transports. If she needs more action, she could blast a trooper on the way out. Otherwise, Cloud City should be enough.
The only time Leia is reduced is when she's repairing The Falcon. She must be stripped of her princess attire. She is wearing one of Han's work shirts. By Cloud City, She's back to Princess. They are met by Han's friend, Landa Calrijianne (I keed:). We see PL on a balcony outside of the lounge. She is looking over dark storm clouds and lightnings and deep chasms between the clouds. At the same time, there is thunder and lightning on dagobah with Luke (Luke intercut is PT). She is wearing a beautiful dress that presents her as The Goddess of the Skies. She goes in and discusses their worry for Luke with Han. Luke succeeds in rescuing Leia with his new powers.
I have other possible slight improvements. Later :)