Momaw Hammerhead

Thank you all for your thoughts. I hear you, Erich. Some compelling ideas!

ROTJ was my favorite Star Wars kid growing up. It’ll always have a place in my heart but it’s fallen down the totem pole a bit as I’ve gotten older and learned more about storytelling. I recently asked ChatGPT about Return of the Jedi…

I wrote:

I feel like Return of the Jedi was a letdown and that the story took a backseat to gimmicks. The first two movies were so good and then Return of the Jedi comes along and it’s disappointing.

ChatGPT said:

It’s understandable to feel that way about Return of the Jedi. The original Star Wars trilogy set a high bar with A New Hope and The Empire Strikes Back, which had strong storytelling, character development, and darker, more complex themes. Return of the Jedi shifts to a lighter tone, and some of the creative decisions, like the inclusion of the Ewoks, felt more like an attempt to appeal to a broader, younger audience.

The film also resolved many plot threads, which might have made it feel less fresh or innovative compared to its predecessors. Some fans also feel that the movie relied too much on spectacle and rehashed elements from earlier films, like the second Death Star, rather than breaking new ground.

On the other hand, Return of the Jedi does have its strong points, such as the redemption arc of Darth Vader and the final confrontation between Luke, Vader, and the Emperor. However, the shift in tone and focus on merchandising-friendly elements left some fans feeling that it didn’t quite live up to the promise of the first two films.

I wrote:

Well said, ChatGPT. What would Return of the Jedi look like had Story been the number one priority? What are some plot points?

ChatGPT said:

Imagining Return of the Jedi with story as the number one priority opens up some fascinating possibilities. If the focus was more on character development, thematic depth, and originality rather than spectacle and merchandising, the film could have taken a few different directions. Here are some potential plot points:

1. Luke’s Inner Conflict and Temptation by the Dark Side
   • Focus: Delve deeper into Luke’s internal struggle with the Dark Side. Instead of his near-immediate rejection of the Emperor’s temptation, there could be a more intense, drawn-out internal battle, with Luke truly tempted to embrace his darker impulses, perhaps even committing acts that blur the line between light and dark.
   • Outcome: This could create a more suspenseful and emotionally complex narrative, with Luke’s ultimate decision to remain on the light side feeling more earned and impactful.

2. The Fall of the Empire from Within
   • Focus: Explore the idea that the Empire is crumbling not just because of the rebellion but also due to internal decay. We could see more of the political and military tensions within the Empire, with figures like Grand Moff Jerjerrod or other high-ranking officers questioning the Emperor’s increasingly unstable leadership.
   • Outcome: This would add layers to the Empire as a villainous entity, showing that its downfall is partly self-inflicted, making the Rebellion’s victory more nuanced and less about brute force.

3. A More Complex Endgame for Darth Vader
   • Focus: Rather than a straightforward redemption arc, Darth Vader’s journey could be more ambiguous. Perhaps he initially aligns with Luke out of a shared desire to overthrow the Emperor, only to later realize that he cannot truly escape the darkness that has consumed him for so long.
   • Outcome: This would result in a more tragic and complex end for Vader, one that acknowledges the depth of his fall and the difficulty of true redemption.

4. Leia’s Role and the Force
   • Focus: Instead of Leia’s Force sensitivity being just a last-minute revelation, this aspect of her character could be developed more fully. Perhaps she begins to explore her own connection to the Force, with Luke guiding her, setting up her future role as a leader who also embodies the spiritual side of the Rebellion.
   • Outcome: This would give Leia a more active role in the final battle, not just as a leader and fighter but as someone who is beginning to embrace her own destiny as a potential Jedi.

5. A New Threat Instead of a Second Death Star
   • Focus: Replace the second Death Star with a different, more original threat. Perhaps the Empire is developing a new type of weapon or technology that isn’t just about destruction but control—something that could have had more philosophical implications about power and freedom.
   • Outcome: This would prevent the story from feeling repetitive and introduce new stakes that challenge the characters in different ways.

6. The Rebellion’s Ethical Dilemmas
   • Focus: The Rebellion could be portrayed as grappling with its own ethical choices. The need to win at any cost might lead to morally ambiguous decisions, such as sacrificing innocent lives or making alliances with questionable factions.
   • Outcome: This would add complexity to the idea of the “good guys,” making the victory feel less clean-cut and more reflective of the messy nature of real-world conflicts.

7. The Ewoks’ Role and the Battle of Endor
   • Focus: Rather than relying on the Ewoks’ primitive technology to take down the Empire, the Battle of Endor could be a more strategic and tactical engagement, perhaps involving more direct contributions from various Rebel factions.
   • Outcome: This would make the final battle feel more grounded and earned, emphasizing the skills and sacrifices of the Rebellion rather than relying on a deus ex machina of sorts.

8. An Ambiguous Ending
   • Focus: Instead of a straightforward happy ending, the film could end on a more ambiguous note. The Empire is defeated, but the galaxy is left in a state of uncertainty, with questions about what kind of government will replace it, whether the Dark Side has truly been vanquished, and how the characters will move forward.
   • Outcome: This would set the stage for future stories, acknowledging that the end of one war is the beginning of another challenge.
   These changes would likely have made Return of the Jedi a more complex and perhaps darker film, one that might resonate more with the themes of choice, power, and redemption that were so central to the first two movies.

[moved to other location]

I appreciate this post. I was born in '82 and Jedi was my favorite as a kid. I remember the magic and wonder that pre-1997 Star Wars inspired in my friends in me. Things are different now but I’ll never forget those magical times.

I appreciate everyone’s thoughts. Overall I’m a fan of the Plinkett Prequel reviews. I’m also impressed with how RLM has developed… smart guys with how they’ve branched out and such.

I found Red Letter Media’s Mr. Plinkett prequel reviews very interesting and eye opening. Curious to know what “Orthodox” Star Wars fans think of them.

Greetings and May the 4th be with you! I was a lurker for a while but decided today’s a fine day for my debut. Chances are I’ll remain a “lurking member” after this post, though. Hope you all have a blessed day.