Star Wars: 10 Greatest Emperor Palpatine Moments

Towards the end of Return Of The Jedi Luke finds himself aboard the Death Star in Palpatine’s throne room. He watches from the window the space battle between enemy and ally fighters. The Emperor attempts his usual manipulative techniques on Luke, trying to destabilise his emotional disposition. He tells Luke about how the alliance will fall, and his friends too.

Palpatine wants Luke angry, and to use that anger to attempt murder. This will open Luke’s heart to the dark side. ‘I can feel your anger. I am defenceless. Take your weapon. Strike me down with all of your hatred, and your journey towards the dark side will be complete,’ the Emperor says.

For reasons kept ambiguous, Luke does take his lightsaber, and swings at the Emperor. Perhaps he gives in to his anger in the moment, or perhaps it is a more calculated assassination attempt. But his blade is stopped by Vader’s, and the two enter their second duel, the Emperor watching with glee.