I’m sure this has been discussed at some point but let me reiterate. At the end of New Hope Han gets enough money to pay off Jabba the Hut, but in Empire he still has a price on his head. I don’t understand why he didn’t just pay off Jabba first, then meet up with the rebellion on Hoth. Is there a reason for this that I missed?
I’m pretty sure impscum can answer this.
Well unfortunately it is a plot hole in ESB. He could have paid immediately and return to rebellion or never attempt to do it again. As I said many times on this subject, if Han decided to pay Jabba after 3 years, there is no way Jabba would let him live even if he brought a huge pile of money. As crimelord, keeping ones reputation is the most important thing. A guy who fooled him twice in front of his men, has to be made an example of. There is just no other way.