Star Wars: 10 Reasons Return Of The Jedi Isn't As Perfect As You Remember

1. Vader Sacrifices Himself For Nothing

Yes, we know this isn’t entirely fair as it isn’t actually the film’s fault, but in a post-Rise of Skywalker world, it would be daft not to bring this up.

Despite all the criticisms we’ve given Jedi, the scenes between Luke and Vader leading up to Vader’s redemption are amongst the best in the entire Saga. The combination of David Prowse’s physical acting and James Earl Jones’ voice work made Vader’s emotion and conflict almost visible behind his helmet; the fallen Jedi’s sacrifice to save his son stiff sends shivers up my spine every time.

Vader’s character was handled so masterfully in Return of the Jedi that we question whether we ever needed a Prequel trilogy to learn more about the man behind the mask at all. His fear of the Emperor is palpable, while his conversations with Luke showcased that he genuinely believed he could create a better galaxy, rather than simply being a one-dimensional manifestation of evil. In a final act solidifying his humanity, Vader manhandles the Emperor, absorbing all his force lightning as he hurls him into infinity.

Vader dies, but the Emperor goes with him, and balance to the Force is restored...

Or so we thought.

As beautiful as these scenes still are, how could anyone ever be able to see them in the same way now that we know the Emperor survived and the Force remained unbalanced, after all? Sorry, Ani.